Firearm Camera Mount

Abstract

A firearm camera mount for securing a camera to a distal end of a firearm is disclosed. A fastening member is configured to be fastened to the distal end of the firearm. A support member is fixed to the fastening member. The support member defines a bracket. A camera support is releasably securable to the bracket and securable to a camera. Thus, when the camera support is secured to the bracket and a camera, the camera support cooperates with the support member and the fastening member to maintain at least one shooting direction of the camera along a shooting direction of the firearm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/810,959, filed Apr. 11, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] This invention pertains to mounting apparatus. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus for mounting a camera on a shotgun or other firearm.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Game hunting has been a popular pastime throughout human history. Before the widespread domestication of animals, hunting was a crucial component of human society. Even as animal domestication became relatively widespread and agriculture became common, hunting was a significant contributor to the human food supply. Today, modern hunting is commonly regarded as a sport, as well as a conservationist activity and a means for supplementing the human food supply. Hunting gives resource managers a valuable tool to control populations of some species that might otherwise exceed the carrying capacity of their habitat and threaten the well-being of other wildlife species, and in some instances, that of human health and safety. Additionally, modern sport hunters often seek wild game for trophy purposes, displaying the inedible portions of their kill as a sign of accomplishment. Evidence of a successful hunt provides modern hunters with a means of sharing their experience with others, both to entertain and to educate others on proper hunting technique.

[0007] In pursuit of a better method to document and evince modern hunting activities, many modern hunters attempt to operate still-image or video cameras while they hunt. The use of a camera during hunting allows a hunter to capture the image of a hunt as it happens, thus preserving a record of the technique and chronology of the event. Likewise, in other applications of firearm use, such as for military and law enforcement purposes, self-defense, etc., it is often desirable to operate a camera during use of the firearm in order to preserve a record of the event. However, operation of a camera while simultaneously using a firearm is often cumbersome. Many types of firearms, such as for example shotguns, rifles, submachine guns, and the like, typically require both hands to properly operate. As such, holding and operating a camera while holding and operating a firearm of this type is often quite difficult.

[0008] In light of the difficulty of simultaneous camera and firearm operation, it is desirable to construct a mounting device capable of mounting a conventional hand-held camera to a firearm.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present general inventive concept provides a firearm camera mount for securing a camera to a distal end of a firearm. Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept can be achieved by providing a fastening member configured to be fastened to the distal end of a firearm, a support member fixed to the fastening member, the support member defining a bracket, and a camera support releasably securable to the bracket and securable to a camera. When the camera support is secured to the bracket and a camera, the camera support may cooperate with the support member and the fastening member to maintain at least one shooting direction of the camera along a shooting direction of the firearm. In certain embodiments, the fastening member may be sized and shaped to be received on a distal end of a shotgun. For example, the fastening member may define a substantially flat plate having a through bore defined therein, the through bore being sized and shaped to allow a threaded end of a shotgun magazine tube to be received therethrough, but to disallow a shotgun magazine tube cap to be received therethrough. The support member may comprise a substantially flat surface and a bracket adhered to the surface. The plate of the fastening member may, in some embodiments, extend substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface of the support member. The support member may further comprise a layer of resilient material disposed between the surface and the bracket, and in some embodiments may further comprise a screw fastener receivable through an opening defined in the surface. In some embodiments, the bracket may comprise first and second elongated engaging members extending in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to one another, the engaging members cooperating to define a channel sized to receive a portion of the camera support therein and to hold the received portion of the camera support in fixed relation to the support member. In some embodiments, the engaging members may cooperate to define a first portion of a side release buckle matable with a second portion of a side release buckle defined by the camera support.

[0010] According to certain embodiments of the present general inventive concept, the camera support may further comprise a first portion of a rotatable connection fixed in relation to the side release buckle second portion, the rotatable connection first portion being configured to engage a second portion of the rotatable connection securable to the camera. The rotatable connection may further include at least one stop engagable with at least one of the first and second rotatable connection portions to limit rotation of the rotatable connection. The stop may comprise a stop lug plate defining a stop lug extending therefrom, the stop lug being interposable between the first and second rotatable connection portions to limit rotation of the rotatable connection.

[0011] Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept can also be achieved by providing a fastening member configured to be fastened to a swivel mount of a firearm, a support member fixed to the fastening member, the support member defining a bracket, and a camera support releasably securable to the bracket and securable to a camera, whereby when the camera support is secured to the bracket and a camera, the camera support cooperates with the support member and the fastening member to maintain at least one shooting direction of the camera along a shooting direction of the firearm. In certain embodiments, the fastening member may comprise a first cylindrical member having a first end defining an internal annular flange and an opening along an axial dimension thereof, the first cylindrical member first end being fixed to the support member, the first cylindrical member having an open second end. A second cylindrical member may be receivable within the first cylindrical member second end and sized to receive at least a portion of the swivel mount within the second cylindrical member. The second cylindrical member may define a through opening extending substantially perpendicular to an axial dimension of the second cylindrical member, the through opening being alignable with a corresponding through opening of the swivel mount when the portion of the swivel mount is received within the second cylindrical member. A pin may be receivable through the through opening of the second cylindrical member and the through opening of the swivel mount to engage the swivel mount of the firearm to secure the fastening member to the swivel mount. In this embodiment, when the pin is received through the second cylindrical member and the through opening of the swivel mount and when the second cylindrical member is received within the first cylindrical member, the first cylindrical member limits withdrawal of the pin from within the through opening of the swivel mount.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the second cylindrical member may further include an elongated member extending along an axial dimension of the second cylindrical member, the elongated member being receivable through the opening in the first cylindrical member first end. The fastening member may further comprise a fastener configured to secure the elongated member in receipt through the opening in the first cylindrical member first end. The fastener may comprise an internally threaded nut configured to engage external threads defined along the elongated member. In certain embodiments, the second cylindrical member may be fully receivable within the first cylindrical member, whereby threading the nut onto the external threads of the elongated member serves to draw the first cylindrical member over the swivel mount and against an area of the firearm proximate the swivel mount to limit rotation of the swivel mount in relation to the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a firearm camera mount constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an underside of the firearm camera mount of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the firearm camera mount of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view showing assembly of the firearm camera mount of FIG. 1 onto a firearm;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing assembly of the firearm camera mount of FIG. 1 onto a firearm;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a camera having a camera mount second portion secured thereto;

[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the camera and camera mount second portion of FIG. 6;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a firearm camera mount constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view showing assembly of the firearm camera mount of FIG. 8 onto a firearm;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a firearm camera mount constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view showing assembly of the firearm camera mount of FIG. 10 onto a firearm;

[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing another embodiment of a firearm camera mount constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept; and

[0026] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view showing assembly of the firearm camera mount of FIG. 12 onto a firearm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] A firearm camera mount providing an apparatus useful in mounting a conventional hand-held camera to a firearm is disclosed. The firearm camera mount, illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1, includes generally a support member 12 which is configured to allow attachment of a bracket 14 thereto, and a fastening member 16 which is configured to secure the support member 12 to a distal end of a firearm 18.

[0028] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate one embodiment of the firearm camera mount 10, constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the firearm camera mount 10 includes a support member 12 which is defined by a substantially planar platform defining a mounting surface 20. The mounting surface 20 is configured to allow attachment of a bracket 14 adjacent to the support member 12. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting surface 20 may define a smooth, planar surface which is capable of adhering to at least a portion of a bracket 14 through interposition of a suitable adhesive between the bracket 14 and the mounting surface 20. In some embodiments, the support member 12 and associated mounting surface 20 may define one or more through openings 22 configured to receive one or more fasteners 24 for securing the bracket 14 to the mounting surface 20. Those of skill in the art will recognize other suitable devices capable of achieving attachment of the bracket 14 against the mounting surface 20, and such devices may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept.

[0029] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the mounting surface 20 defines a smooth, planar surface having a through opening 22 defined at a central location thereof. In this embodiment, a bracket 14 is provided having a first surface 23 which defines suitable fasteners 26 for securing the bracket 14 to a camera support 56 (see FIG. 6), and an opposite second surface 28 which is configured to mate with and engage the mounting surface 20 of the support member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 14 defines a through opening 30 at a central location thereof, and the respective perimeters 32, 34 of the mounting surface 20 and the second surface 28 of the bracket 14 are substantially similar, such that the mounting surface 20 and the second surface 28 of the bracket 14 may be brought into substantially parallel-planar registration with the respective through openings 22, 30 in substantially axial registration. In this relationship, a suitable fastener 24 may be received through the respective through openings 22, 30 to secure the mounting surface 20 to the bracket 14.

[0030] In several embodiments, a layer of resilient material 36, such as for example rubber, polymer, foam, etc., is provided between the mounting surface 20 and the bracket 14. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a layer of resilient material 36 having adhesive material disposed along each of the opposite surfaces of the layer of resilient material 36 is interposed between the mounting surface 20 and the second surface 28 of the bracket 14. Thus, the second surface 28 is adhered to the layer of resilient material 36, which is in turn adhered to the mounting surface 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the layer of resilient material 36 is of a similar shape as the mounting surface 20 and the second surface 28 of the bracket 14, and similarly to these surfaces, the layer of resilient material 36 defines a through opening at a central location thereof. Thus, when the second surface 28 of the bracket 14 and the mounting surface 20 are brought into parallel-planar registration with the layer of resilient material 36 interposed therebetween, the through opening of the resilient material 36 aligns in axial registration with the respective through openings 22, 30 of the mounting surface 20 and the bracket 14. It will be understood that the layer of resilient material 36 may, in certain embodiments, serve to dampen vibrations and other mechanical energy transferred from the support plate 12 to the bracket 14. In other embodiments, the layer of resilient material 36 may provide a measure of resilience between the mounting surface 20 and the bracket 14, thereby allowing a more secure connection of the bracket 14 to the mounting surface 20 by the fastener 24.

[0031] As discussed above, the first surface 23 of the bracket 14 defines suitable fasteners 26 for securing the bracket 14 to the camera support 56. With reference to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 23 of the bracket 14 defines a pair of inwardly-facing, angled engaging members 42, 44 extending along opposite side edges 46, 48, of the first surface 23 of the bracket 14 in a configuration overhanging the first surface 23 of the bracket 14. The engaging members 42, 44 cooperate with the first surface 23 of the bracket 14 to define a channel 50 which is sized to receive a portion of the camera support 56 therein and to hold the received portion of the camera support 56 substantially flush with the first surface 23 of the bracket 14. In the illustrated embodiment, a ridge 52 is provided extending through the center of the channel 50, substantially parallel to the engaging members 42, 44, along the camera mount first surface 23. In this embodiment, the ridge 52 cooperates with the engaging members 42, 44 to define a female portion of a side-release buckle. The camera support 56, in turn, defines a male portion of a side-release buckle 62 which is adapted to be received within and engaged by the engaging members 42, 44 and the ridge 52, thereby releasably securing the camera support 56 to the bracket 14. Those skilled in the art will recognize other suitable devices which may be used for securing the bracket 14 to the camera support 56, and such other devices may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. Furthermore, it will be recognized that other devices and configurations are suitable to secure the support member 12 to a camera, and such other devices and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, in several embodiments, the bracket 14 comprises an integral unit capable of being mounted to the support member 12 and capable of having a camera mounted thereon.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the camera support 56 defines additional fasteners 58 which allow a camera 60 to be mounted to the camera support 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the camera support 56 defines a first half of a hinge connector 58a which is configured to mate with and engage a second half of the hinge connector 58b defined by a camera. In the illustrated embodiment, a screw fastener 88 and corresponding nut 90 are provided along an axis of the hinge connector 58 and are configured to be selectively adjustable in order to loosen and tighten the hinge connector 58, thereby allowing the camera to be selectively rotated about an axis of the hinge connector 58 and then be releasably secured in relation to the camera support 56. In accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept, in certain embodiments, a stop lug plate 93 is provided along the hinge connector 58. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, in one embodiment, the stop lug plate 93 includes an opening 92 which is adapted to receive and conform to the screw fastener 88, thereby allowing the stop lug plate 93 to be positioned along an axial dimension of the hinge connector 58. The stop lug plate 93 further defines a stop lug 94 which protrudes outwardly from the opening 92 and is sized and oriented to be interposed between the camera 60 and the camera support 56, thereby limiting rotation of the camera about the hinge connector 58 to a desired angle or range of angles. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop lug 94 is sized and oriented such that the stop lug plate 93 limits rotation of the camera to an angle aligning a shooting direction of the camera parallel to a forward direction of the channel 50. However, those of skill in the art will recognize other configurations suitable for use in the stop lug plate 93, and such other configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, as discussed above, the firearm camera mount 10 includes a fastening member 16 which is configured to allow the support member 12 to be secured to a distal end of a firearm 18. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the fastening member 16 is adapted to be secured to a distal end of a shotgun magazine tube, of the type defining a threaded end having an internally-threaded magazine cap secured thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening member 16 consists of a substantially flat plate having a through bore 40 defined therethrough. The through bore 40 is sized and shaped to allow a threaded portion of a shotgun magazine tube 17 to be received therethrough, but to disallow a shotgun magazine tube cap 19 to be received therethrough. Thus, the fastening member 16 may be fixed to a distal end of the shotgun by placing the fastening member 16 onto the threaded portion of the shotgun magazine tube 17 and then threading the shotgun magazine tube cap 19 onto the threaded portion of the magazine tube, thereby securing the fastening member 16 between the shotgun magazine tube cap and the remainder of the shotgun magazine.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the fastening member 16 is fixedly secured to an outer surface 64 of the support member 12 opposite the mounting surface 20. The fastening member 16 extends perpendicularly from the outer surface 64 and perpendicularly to the length of the channel 50. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this embodiment, when the fastening member 16 is received between the shotgun magazine tube cap 19 and the remainder of the shotgun magazine 17, the support member 12 may extend in a plane substantially parallel to a shooting direction 15 of the shotgun 18, beneath the shotgun barrel and magazine, such that a shooting direction of a camera 60 mounted flush against the support member first surface 23 may be substantially parallel to the shooting direction 15 of the shotgun 18.

[0035] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a firearm camera mount 10a constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the fastening member 16a is fixedly secured to a side edge 46a of the support member 12a and extends perpendicularly to the mounting surface 20 and perpendicularly to the length of the channel 50. In this embodiment, when the fastening member 16a is received between the shotgun magazine tube cap 19 and the remainder of the shotgun magazine 17, the support member 12 may extend in a plane substantially parallel to a shooting direction 15 of the shotgun 18 and outwardly to one side of the shotgun barrel and magazine, such that a shooting direction of a camera 60 mounted against the support member first surface 23 is substantially parallel to the shooting direction 15 of the shotgun 18.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening member 16a is secured to a first side edge 46a of the support member 12a in a right-handed configuration, such that the support member 12a extends from a right side of the shotgun and a camera may be mounted below the support member 12a. However, it will be understood that the firearm camera mount 10a may embody a left-handed configuration without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, in one embodiment, the fastening member 16a is secured to a second side edge 48a of the support member 12a, such that the support member 12a extends from a left side of the shotgun and a camera may be mounted below the support member 12a. Furthermore, it will be understood that the above-discussed firearm camera mount 10a embodying the right-handed configuration may be rotated about the magazine tube 17, such that the support member 12a extends from a left side of the shotgun 18 and a camera may be mounted above the support member 12a. Likewise, the firearm camera mount 10a embodying the left-handed configuration may be rotated about the magazine tube 17, such that the support member 12a extends from a right side of the shotgun 18 and a camera may be mounted above the support member 12a.

[0037] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of a firearm camera mount 10b constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the fastening member 16b is fixedly secured to the outer surface 64b of the support member 12b as by integral connection or other suitable securement means. However, the fastening member 16b extends outwardly from the support member outer surface 64b at an angle θ to the outer surface 64b such that the firearm camera mount 10b may conform to a distal portion of a forestock 17b of a firearm 18b. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, the angle θ is such that the fastening member 16b and the support member outer surface 64b conform to a distal portion of the type of forestock incorporated into a shotgun sold by Browning® Corporation under the trademark "Maxus®." In this embodiment, the fastening member 16b defines a through opening 40b which is adapted to receive and engage a portion of a sling mount 41 mounted at a distal end of the forestock 17b in order to secure the fastening member 16b to the forestock 17b and allow the support member 12b to extend beneath the forestock 17b substantially parallel to a line of fire of the shotgun 18b.

[0038] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a firearm camera mount 10c constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the fastening member 16c is configured to engage a swivel mount 89 of a firearm 18c in order to secure the fastening member 16c to the swivel mount 89. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the fastening member 16c includes a first cylindrical member 66 having a first end 68 defining an inwardly facing annular flange 74 and an open second end 70. The first end 68 of the first cylindrical member 66 is fixed to the support member outer surface 64c with an axial dimension of the cylindrical member 66 substantially parallel to the forward direction 51 of the channel 50c. The second end 70 of the first cylindrical member 66 extends rearward of the support member 12c. A second cylindrical member 72 is provided having a closed first end 76, an open second end 78, and an externally threaded member 80 extending outwardly from the closed first end 76 along an axial dimension of the second cylindrical member 72.

[0039] The first and second cylindrical members 66, 72 are sized such that the second cylindrical member 72 is receivable within the first cylindrical member 66. The inwardly facing annular flange 74 of the first cylindrical member first end 68 is sized such that the flange 74 permits the externally threaded member 80 to be received therethrough, but disallows the remainder of the second cylindrical member 72 from being received therethrough. Thus, when the second cylindrical member 72 is received within the first cylindrical member 66, the externally threaded member 80 protrudes outwardly from the first cylindrical member first end 68 through the flange 74. An internally threaded fastener 82 is provided which is capable of being threaded onto the externally threaded member 80, thereby securing the second cylindrical member 72 within the first cylindrical member 66.

[0040] The second end 78 of the second cylindrical member 72 defines a pair of through openings 84 extending through opposite sides of the second cylindrical member 72 perpendicularly to an axial dimension of the second cylindrical member 72. A pin 86 is received through each of the through openings 84 and extends outwardly from the second cylindrical member 72 such that, when the second cylindrical member 72 is received within the first cylindrical member 66, the pin 86 may not be removed from the second cylindrical member. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the second cylindrical member 72 may be at least partially removed from within the first cylindrical member 66 to expose the pin 86 from within the first cylindrical member 66. Thereafter, the pin 86 may be at least partially removed from the second cylindrical member 72, and a swivel mount 89 of a firearm may be placed within the second cylindrical member 72. Thereafter, the pin 86 may be replaced through the through openings 84 in the second cylindrical member 72 and through a corresponding opening in the swivel mount 89 to engage the swivel mount 89 and secure the swivel mount within the second cylindrical member 72. The second cylindrical member 72 may then be replaced within the first cylindrical member 66 and secured thereto through replacement of the threaded fastener 82 onto the externally threaded member 80.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the second cylindrical member 72 is fully receivable within the first cylindrical member 66. Thus, once the pin 86 is received within the through openings 84 in the second cylindrical member 72 and the corresponding through opening in the swivel mount 89, thereby securing the swivel mount 89 to the second cylindrical member 72, the threaded fastener 82 may be advanced onto the externally threaded member 80 to draw the second cylindrical member 72 within the first cylindrical member 66. This, in turn, draws the first cylindrical member 66 over the second cylindrical member 72 to allow the first cylindrical member 66 to surround the swivel mount 89 and contact a portion of the firearm 18c proximate the swivel mount 89. Upon tightening the threaded fastener 82 onto the externally threaded member 80, pressure between the threaded fastener 82, first cylindrical member 66, and firearm 18c acts to fix the first cylindrical member 66 against the firearm 18c and limit rotational movement of the firearm camera mount 10c in relation to the firearm 18c.

[0042] From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by one of skill in the art that a firearm camera mount has been provided which is capable of being used to mount a conventional hand-held camera to a firearm. While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A firearm camera mount for securing a camera to a distal end of a firearm, said firearm camera mount comprising: a fastening member configured to be fastened to the distal end of the firearm; a support member fixed to said fastening member, said support member defining a bracket; and a camera support releasably securable to said bracket and securable to a camera; whereby when said camera support is secured to said bracket and a camera, said camera support cooperates with said support member and said fastening member to maintain at least one shooting direction of the camera along a shooting direction of the firearm.

2. The firearm camera mount of claim 1, said fastening member being sized and shaped to be received on a distal end of a shotgun.

3. The firearm camera mount of claim 2, said fastening member defining a substantially flat plate having a through bore defined therein, said through bore being sized and shaped to allow a threaded end of a shotgun magazine tube to be received therethrough, but to disallow a shotgun magazine tube cap to be received therethrough.

4. The firearm camera mount of claim 3, said support member comprising a substantially flat surface and a bracket adhered to said surface.

5. The firearm camera mount of claim 4, said plate of said fastening member extending substantially perpendicular to said substantially flat surface of said support member.

6. The firearm camera mount of claim 4, said support member further comprising a layer of resilient material disposed between said surface and said bracket.

7. The firearm camera mount of claim 6, said support member further comprising a screw fastener receivable through an opening defined in said surface.

8. The firearm camera mount of claim 1, said bracket comprising first and second elongated engaging members extending in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to one another, said engaging members cooperating to define a channel sized to receive a portion of said camera support therein and to hold said received portion of said camera support in fixed relation to said support member.

9. The firearm camera mount of claim 8, said engaging members cooperating to define a first portion of a side release buckle matable with a second portion of a side release buckle defined by said camera support.

10. The firearm camera mount of claim 9, said camera support further comprising a first portion of a rotatable connection fixed in relation to said side release buckle second portion, said rotatable connection first portion being configured to engage a second portion of said rotatable connection securable to the camera.

11. The firearm camera mount of claim 10, said rotatable connection further including at least one stop engagable with at least one of said first and second rotatable connection portions to limit rotation of said rotatable connection.

12. The firearm camera mount of claim 11, said at least one stop comprising a stop lug plate defining a stop lug extending therefrom, said stop lug being interposable between said first and second rotatable connection portions to limit rotation of said rotatable connection.

13. A firearm camera mount for securing a camera to a swivel mount of a firearm, said firearm camera mount comprising: a fastening member configured to be fastened to the swivel mount; a support member fixed to said fastening member, said support member defining a bracket; and a camera support releasably securable to said bracket and securable to a camera; whereby when said camera support is secured to said bracket and a camera, said camera support cooperates with said support member and said fastening member to maintain at least one shooting direction of the camera along a shooting direction of the firearm.

14. The firearm camera mount of claim 13, said fastening member comprising: a first cylindrical member having a first end defining an internal annular flange and an opening along an axial dimension thereof, said first cylindrical member first end being fixed to said support member, said first cylindrical member having an open second end; a second cylindrical member receivable within said first cylindrical member second end and sized to receive at least a portion of the swivel mount within the second cylindrical member; said second cylindrical member defining a through opening extending substantially perpendicular to an axial dimension of said second cylindrical member, said through opening being alignable with a corresponding through opening of the swivel mount when the portion of the swivel mount is received within the second cylindrical member; and a pin receivable through said through opening of said second cylindrical member and the through opening of the swivel mount to engage the swivel mount of the firearm to secure said fastening member to the swivel mount; whereby when said pin is received through said second cylindrical member and the through opening of the swivel mount and when said second cylindrical member is received within said first cylindrical member, said first cylindrical member limits withdrawal of said pin from within the through opening of the swivel mount.

15. The firearm camera mount of claim 14, said second cylindrical member further including an elongated member extending along an axial dimension of said second cylindrical member, said elongated member being receivable through said opening in said first cylindrical member first end.

16. The firearm camera mount of claim 15, said fastening member further comprising a fastener configured to secure said elongated member in receipt through said opening in said first cylindrical member first end.

17. The firearm camera mount of claim 16, said fastener comprising an internally threaded nut configured to engage external threads defined along said elongated member.

18. The firearm camera mount of claim 17, said second cylindrical member being fully receivable within said first cylindrical member, whereby threading said nut onto said external threads of said elongated member serves to draw said first cylindrical member over the swivel mount and against an area of the firearm proximate the swivel mount to limit rotation of the first cylindrical member in relation to the firearm.

19. The firearm camera mount of claim 18, said support member comprising a substantially flat surface defining a bracket.

20. The firearm camera mount of claim 19, said first cylindrical member extending along an axial dimension thereof parallel to said support member flat surface.