TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates generally to a system and apparatus that provides enhanced security and stability of a two-point long firearm sling and in particular a two-point rifle or shotgun sling having a underarm strap with connection points to a middle section of the sling and the barrel end of the rifle or shotgun. The underarm strap provides increased safety and stability while the weapon is not in use by more securely placing the weapon against the body of the user.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Gun enthusiasts, hunters, shooting enthusiasts, military personnel and other users of long guns such as rifles and shotguns have long used a sling to effectively and somewhat safely carry the weapon while walking, running, crawling, climbing, standing, etc. Most existing long gun slings are fixed in removable fashion to two points on the weapon. One end is fixed on or near the stock and the other end of the sling is fixed at a distal end of the barrel. This type of sling is typically placed over one shoulder of the user, often on the side from which a user shoots in those situations where the user may need to draw the weapon quickly. One way to provide more stability to the two-point sling is placing the sling under one arm, over the head and over the other shoulder. In this manner, the sling diagonally crosses the chest of the user. This method, however, is not ideal as the ability to draw the weapon quickly to fire, as would a hunter or soldier, is impeded. Users, therefore, typically only place the strap or sling over one shoulder, making the long gun susceptible to sliding down the shoulder or rotating backwards, as shown in FIG. 7.
One-point of attachment slings are also available in which the sling or strap is affixed to the gun at one location and the gun essentially hangs in front or back of the user while the sling is engaged under one arm of the user and over the opposite shoulder. The problem with known one- or two-point of contact slings is that while the user is in transit, the sling tends to be loose causing the weapon to swing freely.
With two-point straps worn over one shoulder, while the user is in transit the strap tends to slide off of the shoulder, causing the user to have to repeatedly readjust the sling and again place it high upon the shoulder. Worse yet, the weapon falls to the ground, where it may be damaged or discharge. Thus, there is a need for an enhanced sling apparatus that permits the user to quickly and smoothly draw the weapon while keeping it secure against the user's body and preventing slippage and sliding of the sling and eventually dropping of the weapon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of a user of an embodiment of the present security sling.
FIG. 1B depicts a rear perspective view of a user of an embodiment of the present security sling.
FIG. 2 depicts multiple perspective view of a user of an embodiment of the present security sling.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the present security sling.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a tie of an embodiment the present security sling.
FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of strap connector of an embodiment of the present security sling.
FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of an operation of an embodiment the present security sling.
FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of an operation of an embodiment of the present security sling.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of changes in position of a firearm equipped with a two-point sling.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.
The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
Referring now to the figures, which are provided for purposes of illustrating an embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, a user of the presently disclosed two-point enhanced security firearm sling is shown. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the front and rear view of a user of the present security sling is shown carrying a rifle 120 having a barrel end 130 and a stock end 140. The barrel end includes a sling clip ring 115 secured to or near the end of the forestock 132. Two point sling 150 is secured to rifle 120 at one end of stock 116 and at a second end at sling clip ring 115. Two point sling 150 may be constructed of various materials such as nylon, leather, cotton, polyester, or a blended material and may be equipped with appropriate padding for added user comfort. The connection at the stock 116 may be via a ring affixed to stock 116, or through a slot formed within stock 116. Alternatively, the stock end of two point sling 150 may be formed as an adjustable loop that may be secured around stock 116 so as the loop is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rifle 120. Overall, the stock end of two-point sling 150 may be affixed to stock 116 in any appropriate manner.
The present security sling 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is affixed to two-point sling 150 having a first connection end 102 and a second connection end 104 shown in detail in FIG. 3. Securing sling 100 operates to secure and stabilize rifle 120 firmly against the user's body and two-point sling 150 in a manner that prevents slippage of two-point sling 150 in a downward direction along the shoulder and down the arm of the user. In one embodiment, the first connection end 102 of securing sling 100 is affixed to a point along a central section of two-point sling 150. The second connection end 104 of securing sling 100 is affixed at sling clip ring 115, which is behind the user. Additional views of a user wearing security 100 are provided in FIG. 2.
A detailed view of securing sling 100 is depicted in FIG. 3. Securing sling 100 includes a main strap 111 and first connection end 102 and second connection end 104 for fastening securing sling 100 to the two-point sling 150 and sling clip ring 115, respectively. At first connection end 102 is, in one embodiment, squeeze clip insertion end 114 for insertion into a corresponding receiver end of a squeeze clip to be described. Squeeze clip insertion end 114 is affixed to main strap 111 by inserting main strap 111 through a slot area formed within the insertion end of the squeeze clip. The ability of main strap 111 to slide though the slot are of the squeeze clip enables adjustment of the effective length of securing sling 100 to accommodate users of different sizes. A single push button connector may be used in lieu of a squeeze clip that may be disengaged by the user through pressing an upward facing button with the palm of the hand. The strapping for security sling 100 may be made in one embodiment of one inch width nylon webbing having a load rate of 3000 pounds.
Second connection end 104 of securing sling 100 has secured at its end a clip 112 to fasten securing sling 100 to the rifle via sling clip ring 115. In one embodiment, clip 112 is a commercially available H&K metal carabiner style clip having a 184 lb. load bearing rating. Other clips that are generally detachable and of sufficient strength to bear the long rifle load can serve a clip 112. Such a clip 112 is attached to main strap 111 of securing sling 100 through a slot formed in the body are of clip 112. Clip 112 has main strap 111 secured therein by stitching the end of main strap 111 that is folded over itself after passage through the slot of clip 112 as shown in FIG. 3. Main strap 111 may be secured at point 113 after passage through the slot of clip 112 by sewing, stapling, gluing, melting or other suitable means of securing main strap 111 to clip 112 may be employed. The arrangement of main strap 111 inserted into the slot of clip 112 allows clip 112 to rotate or swivel freely, enabling ease of attachment and removal of clip 112 to and from clip ring 115. Tail end 302 of main strap 111 may be used to tighten security sling 100 against the body of the user. The span of main strap 111 may be adjusted in length between first connection 102 at squeeze clip insertion end 114 and second connection end 104 and clip 112.
FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of strap connector 500 that connects main strap 111 of the securing sling 100 at one end to two-point strap 150. Strap connector 500 includes a squeeze clip receiving end 510 that engages with insertion end 114 of squeeze clip for connection of first connection end 102 of main strap 111 to the two-point strap 150. Strap connector 500 includes a strap body 502 that is fastened to squeeze clip receiving end 510 by insertion of the end of main strap body 502 through an opening formed within squeeze clip receiving end 510, folding the strap end over itself after insertion through the opening and then fastening the strap end to the main strap body 502 by sewing, gluing, melting, stapling or other suitable fastening means at fastening point 508.
Strap connector 500 is connected to main strap 111 of securing sling 100 through a hook and loop material 507 such commercially available Velcro situated at distal end 506 of strap body 502 of strap connector 500. Distal end 506 of strap body 502 of strap connector 500 may be wrapped or folded around two-point sling 150 at a point P (FIG. 1) above the midway point of two-point sling 150 and secured with contact between the hook and loop material 507. This connection secures two-point sling 150 within the loop formed of distal end 506 of strap body 502 by folding distal end 506 over itself and around two-point sling 150. Strap body 502 of strap connector 500 may be affixed to two-point sling 150 through other acceptable means, such as stitching, gluing, melting, stapling and the like.
FIG. 6A depicts security sling 100 attached at the second connection end 104 with clip 112 engaged with sling clip ring 115 and the first connection end 102 unattached, leaving main strap 111 of security sling 100 hanging freely from rifle 120. To avoid this, while the security sling is not in use, main strap 111 may be engaged to two-point sling 150 by securing the free end of main strap 111 to the end of two-point sling 150 approximate to rifle stock 140, in one embodiment, with double tie 116, the components of which are shown in FIG. 4. Double tie 116 includes four strap sections 401, 402, 408, 409 made of nylon, cloth or other suitable material. Each strap section has a hole or slot punched for formed through one end. The four strap sections 401, 402, 408, 409 are aligned according to the holes or slots and secured together to an upper fastener piece 403 and lower fastener piece 405, that are secured when engaged. Strap sections 401, 402, 408, 409 may be joined or fastened by other acceptable means, such as stitching, gluing, melting, stapling and the like.
Each strap section 401, 402, 408, 409 includes hook and loop material 406, 407 and opposite sides of corresponding strap section pairs. That is, “hook” material 406 is situated on the upper side of strap section 401 and “loop” material 407 is situated on the to side of paired strap section 402. This arrangement allows sections 401 and 402 to form a tie when the ends of strap sections 401 and 402 are folded upward and form a closed loop when the paired hook and loop material engages. Similarly, hook material 406 is situated on the upper side of strap section 408 and loop material 407 is situated on the lower side of corresponding strap section 409. In this manner, when strap sections 408 and 409 are folded downward and form a closed loop when the paired hook and loop material engages.
Double tie 116 formed from the paired strap sections 401, 402, 408 and 409 may be opened and closed with ease by the user. The upper tie of double tie 116 may be affixed to two-point sling 150 near stock 140 of rifle 120 and the lower tie of double tie 116 may be opened to receive main strap 111 of security sling 100, as shown in FIG. 6B. Similarly, the double tie 116 may be affixed to main strap 111 of security sling 100 at a point along near free end 306 of main strap 111. Once the lower tie of double tie 116 receives main strap 111, the lower tie may be closed by mating the hook and loop material disposed on strap sections 408 and 409 as described above with respect to FIG. 4. In this manner, as seen in FIG. 6B security sling 100 is conveniently and effectively stored in parallel with two-point sling 150 so as to not interfere with the use of the rifle. At the same time, main strap 111 of security sling 100 may be easily released to enable engagement of main strap 111 of security sling 150 with two-point sling 150 via engagement of the insertion end and receiving end of squeeze clip. The main strap 111 may then be easily disengaged again and stored away by coupling main strap 111 to two-point sling 150 with double tie 116. Security sling 100 may also be completely disengaged from the weapon by decoupling the squeeze clip or other fastening means employed and removing clip 112 from sling clip ring 115. The user may then store security sling 100 away while in the field or otherwise compactly in a pocket, backpack or the like.
In operation, security sling is worn by the user to prevent slippage of a long gun, such as a rifle, with a typical two-point sling 150 placed over the shoulder of a user. FIG. 7 depicts the movement and slippage to which the rifle having only a two-point sling 150 is susceptible. In FIG. 7, rifle 120 having only a two-point sling 150 that is situated on the user's shoulder is initially placed in an initial desired position 702. Almost immediately, however, if the user is walking, running or even stationary, the two-point sling 150 will move in a downward direction 704 or rotate counterclockwise away from initial position 702 to position 708. This is particularly common when the user is wearing outdoor gear of a water resistant type that is slick, making the two-point sling more likely to slide or shift. Also, if the user is wearing bulky clothing the sling is likely to shift or rotate.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the security sling of the present invention is placed across the chest or torso, under the arm and around the back of the user to provide a secure means for keeping a rifle in place during transit or non-use by effectively tightening the two-point sling and preventing slippage of the two-point sling down the user's shoulder. The user connects the security sling of the present invention to a traditional two-point long gun sling. The two-point sling is connected to a long gun at or near the stock end and at the other end on a sling clip located on or near the barrel or on the forestock. The security sling in engaged with the two-point sling by connecting a strap connector to the two-way sling at a connection point that is typically near or above the mid-section of the two-way sling by adhering a free end of the strap connector by folding the free end of the strap connector about the two-way sling and engaging hook and loop material situated on the strap connector. The security sling's strap connector includes a receiving end of a squeeze clip or other appropriate fastener. When the security sling is in use, the main strap of the security sling includes an insertion end of a squeeze clip that it engaged with the receiving end of the squeeze clip. A swiveling clip is situated on the opposite end of the main strap that enable attachment of the main strap via the swiveling clip to the strap clip on or near the barrel or on the forestock.
The user of the present security sling removes the main strap from the double causing the main strap to be free at one end. The security sling is then engaged by wrapping the main strap around the torso of the user. The user then inserts the insertion piece of the squeeze clip located on the end of the main strap into the receiving end of the squeeze clip of the strap connector that is situated at or above the midway point of the two-point sling. In this manner, the user is provided with a two-point sling having enhanced security that prevent unwanted slippage of the two-point strap and rifle down the user's shoulder. At the same time, the user may quickly and efficiently disengage the main strap in order to draw the rifle to a shooting position. In a properly engaged position of the security sling, the main strap is engaged at the sling ring located on the rifle barrel or forestock. The other end of the main strap of the security sling is attached to the two-point sling by engaging the two halves of the associated fastener, such as a squeeze clip or single button connector that may be disengaged with a press by the palm of the hand. When engaged, the main strap will traverse the chest of the user, providing enhanced stability and security of the two-point sling and rifle.
Additional modifications or enhancements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components described and photographs herein are intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to serve as limitations of apparatus, systems and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.
While the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to one or more particular implementations, these implementations are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications and alterations to the disclosed embodiments are available. Therefore, each of the foregoing embodiments and obvious variants thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosed inventions.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION
The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention:
Clause 1. A firearm security sling apparatus, comprising:
- A first strap comprising
- a releasable clip disposed at a first end of the first strap; and
- a detachable clip disposed at a second end of the first strap,
- a second strap comprising a releasable clip receiver disposed at a first end of the second strap; and
- a self-adhering fastening end having hook and loop material disposed thereon,
- wherein the detachable clip is connectable to a firearm.
Clause 2. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the self-adhering fastening end of the second strap is connectable to a firearm sling
Clause 3. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding or preceding clause, further comprising a looped tie for securing the first strap to a firearm sling.
Clause 4. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the first strap and the second strap are manufactured from nylon.
Clause 5. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the detachable clip comprises a carabiner clip.
Clause 6. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the releasable clip comprises a squeeze clip.
Clause 7. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the releasable clip comprises a button enabling releasing the releasable clip when depressed.
Clause 8. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the first strap further comprises a padded section.
Clause 9. A method for securing a firearm sling, comprising:
- connecting a detachable clip disposed at a second end of a first strap to a receiving ring disposed on an end of a firearm barrel;
- connecting a second end of a second strap to a firearm sling;
- inserting a releasable clip disposed at a first end of the first strap into a releasable clip receiver disposed at a first end of the second strap; and
- adjusting a length of the first strap between the releasable clip and the detachable clip by sliding the releasable clip along the first strap.
Clause 10. The method of any proceeding or preceding clause, further comprising securing the first strap to the firearm sling by looping a first tie disposed on the first strap into a second tie disposed on the firearm sling.
Clause 11. The method of any proceeding or preceding clause, further comprising positioning the firearm sling over a shoulder of a user.
Clause 12. The method of any proceeding or preceding clause, further comprising positioning the first strap across an upper torso portion of a user.
Clause 13. A firearm security system, comprising:
- a two-point rifle sling having a first end associated with a proximate end of a rifle stock and a second end associated with a distal end of the rifle stock;
- a ring associated with a distal end of the rifle stock;
- a first strap comprising:
- a releasable clip disposed at a first end of the first strap; and
- a detachable clip disposed at a second end of the first strap,
- a second strap comprising
- a releasable clip receiver disposed at a first end of the second strap; and
- a self-adhering fastening end having hook and loop material disposed thereon, wherein the detachable clip is connectable to the ring.
Clause 14. The firearm security system of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the self-adhering fastening end of the second strap is connectable to the two-point rifle sling.
Clause 15. The firearm security system of any proceeding or preceding clause, further comprising a looped tie for securing the first strap to the two-point rifle sling.
Clause 16. The firearm security system of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the first strap and the second strap are manufactured from nylon.
Clause 17. The firearm security system of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the detachable clip comprises a carabiner clip.
Clause 18. The firearm security system of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the releasable clip comprises a squeeze clip.
Clause 19. The firearm security system of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the releasable clip comprises a button enabling releasing the releasable clip when depressed.
Clause 20. The firearm security system of any proceeding or preceding clause, wherein the first strap further comprises a padded section.
Patent Application
20170254616
