Firearm sling and method of making

Abstract

A sling mount system having a mount with associated receiver for releasable connection with a swivel connector having a longitudinal axis that lies in the same plane as a longitudinal axis of a weapon and that angles downward away from the butt stock. The receptacle for the swivel connector is integrally formed in the mount to facilitate silent connection and disconnection of the swivel mount thereto.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/197,103, filed Jan. 9, 2004, now pending, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to slings for carrying an object and, more particularly, to a sling system adapted for use with a single attachment point on firearms to provide greater strength and quieter operation in a variety of tactical environments.

2. Description of the Related Art

Slings are of ancient origin, devised generally of a loop of rope, strap, or a chain for supporting a load. While its history remains unknown, the sling is in widespread use in modern times in connection with a variety of manual and mechanical uses, including baby slings, arm slings, camera slings, musical instrument slings, and weapon slings.

When used manually, a properly designed sling will distribute the load for balance and comfort, and it will facilitate use of the load. For example, a baby sling holds the baby close to the caregiver in a manner that keeps the caregiver's hands free and avoids back strain while keeping the baby in a position to see the caregiver and be fed and comforted. Slings used for musical instruments are designed for load support and comfort while positioning the instrument so it can be played and, in some cases, so that music can be supported thereon for reading by the carrier.

Slings for weapons, and in particular rifles, shotguns, and other long-barreled weapons, have been designed to provide not only hands-free support, but to facilitate bringing the weapon quickly into a ready-to-use position. Such designs include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,211,351; 4,823,491; 5,810,219; 5,971,239; 6,260,748; 6,325,251; 6,536,153; 6,598,330; and D495,870.

One area of concern is material failure in the sling fabric such that the sling separates or fabric loops formed by the sling material come undone, causing the weapon to fall away or become lost. Another concern is the ease and silence of operation of the sling. For example, the need frequently arises to quickly and sometimes silently engage and disengage the weapon from the sling while retaining the sling on the user's body. A further concern is the loss of mounting hardware and buckles when releasable loops on the sling are opened.

While various slings in the past have been developed for carrying firearms, they have one or more of the disadvantages discussed above. For example, U.S. Pat. No. D462,513 shows a mounting ring and buckle attached to a single temporary loop that is held in place by a 3-bar slide. The draw-back with this design is the substantial stress placed on the temporary loop by both the mounting ring and buckle, as well as the potential for losing the ring when undoing the sling. Hence, there is a need for an improved sling and method of making that overcomes the disadvantages of prior slings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are directed to a sling formed of a strap and a corresponding weapon system having a single attachment point in which the strap has a permanent, durable double loop at one end to reinforce the sling and to provide more quiet operation and prevent loss of connecting members.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a strap is provided that includes a flexible filament having a first end with a pair of adjacent loops thereon and a second end with a single loop formed thereon. Ideally, the pair of loops includes a first loop formed by a first fold of the first end and a second formed by a second fold of the first end that is adjacent the first fold.

In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, a tip of the first end is sewn to the flexible filament between the first and second loops to permanently form the first and second loops. In one embodiment, the first end is folded under the first loop to form the second loop, and in another embodiment the first end of the strap is folded on top of the first loop to form the second loop.

Ideally, the loops are formed by permanently attaching the flexible filament to itself, such as with adhesive, rivets, or, more preferably, stitching.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a sling is provided that includes a strap formed of flexible filament having a first end with a pair of adjacent loops formed thereon and a second end with a single loop formed thereon, the pair of loops including a first loop formed by a first fold of the first end and a second loop formed by a second fold of the first end adjacent the first fold with a terminal end or tip of the first end permanently attached to the flexible filament between the first and second folds to permanently form the first and second loops; a length adjusting buckle attached to the single loop on the second end of the strap and slidably mounted on the strap to form an adjustable loop and to provide adjustment in the size of the adjustable loop and in the operational length of the sling; a first buckle member slidably received on the adjustable loop of the strap; a second buckle member mounted on the first loop and configured for releasable coupling to the first buckle member; and a connection device, such as a swivel connector, attached to the second loop of the pair of loops.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a weapon system is provided that includes a weapon having at least one attachment point, and a sling releasably coupled to the weapon or firearm at a single attachment point of the at least one attachment point. The sling preferably includes a strap formed of flexible filament having a first end with a pair of adjacent loops formed thereon and a second end with a single loop formed thereon, the pair of loops comprising a first loop formed by a first fold of the first end and a second loop formed by a second fold of the first end adjacent the first fold with a tip of the first end permanently attached to the flexible filament between the first and second folds to permanently form the first and second loops; a length adjusting buckle attached to the single loop on the second end of the strap and slidably mounted on the strap to form an adjustable loop and to provide adjustment in the size of the adjustable loop and in the operational length of the sling; a first buckle member slidably received on the adjustable loop of the strap; a second buckle member mounted on the first loop and configured for releasable coupling to the first buckle member; and a connection device attached to the second loop of the pair of loops.

Ideally, the sling incorporates the aspects of the foregoing embodiment of the invention set forth above with respect to the strap.

As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the sling of the present invention provides a one-point tactical sling system utilizing quick-release buckles and a permanently-secured swivel connector that provides unmatched freedom of movement, reliable weapon indexing, smooth weapon transitions, superior weaponry tension, and security. Loss of buckles and swivel mounts is reduced by permanent attachment to the loops, and quiet operation is promoted by separation of mechanical elements attached to the first and second loops. In addition, enhanced strength is provided at the second loop by the extension of the strap past the second loop and through the swivel connector from which the weapon is suspended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a firearm sling formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of the sling of FIG. 1 in use with a weapon;

FIG. 9 is a back isometric view of an alternative use of the sling in connection with a weapon in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the sling of FIG. 1 in use with a weapon at the ready position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with weapon systems, slings, and straps, and other devices such as buckles, fasteners, connection members, and the like have not been shown or described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the illustration and description of the embodiments of the present invention.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “flexible filament,” “strap,” or “sling” is not intended in a limiting sense, but is rather intended to refer to any elongate structure that exhibits flexible or bendable properties without being stretchable, although stretchable may be used, it is not preferred.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-7, shown therein is a sling 20 formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It is to be understood that while the sling 20 is described in the context of attaching a sling to a rifle, one or more features of the present invention can be applied to other weapons known to those in the art. Moreover, the present invention can be adapted for use with other objects having a similar configuration. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the representative embodiments illustrated and described herein.

The sling 20 is preferably formed of a flexible filament, such as a strap 22. Ideally, the strap 22 is formed of nylon webbing material, including material marketed under brand names such as Cordura®. Preferably the strap 20 has a width in the range of 0.75 inch to 3 inches in order to provide sufficient support and to be comfortable to a user. Its length will depend on the particular application, and for use as a weapon sling it has a length preferably in the range of 36 inches to 96 inches. The thickness may vary, depending on the type of material, from 0.05 inch to 0.10 inch. It is to be understood that the dimensions referenced above are with respect to the unfinished length, width, and thickness of the flexible filament prior to formation into the strap and sling described below. Although not necessary, having material that is of a waterproof nature or that has been treated to be waterproof or water resistant would be desirable in certain applications.

Continuing with the description of the sling 20, the strap 22 as shown in FIGS. 1-7 has a first end 24 and a second end 26 that are each formed in two loops as follows: There are on the first end 24 a pair of adjacent loops comprising a first loop 28 and a second loop 30, while on the second end 26 is formed a single loop 32. Ideally all three loops 28, 30, 32 are of a fixed dimension because their construction is permanent.

More particularly, the first and second loops 28, 30 are formed by folding the first end 24 back onto itself to make a first fold. The first end 24 is then folded back to partially overlay the first fold to form a second fold. In a preferred embodiment, the first end 24 is folded partially under the first fold to form the second fold. However, it is to be understood that the first end 24 may be folded back on top of the first fold to form the second fold, leaving a terminal end 34 of the first end 24 exposed. As such, the exposed terminal end 34 is subject to catching on items, fraying, and possibly tearing loose, and hence is not a preferred construction. The foregoing-applies equally to the terminal end 36 of the second end 26, which will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

With the terminal end 34 at least partially tucked under the first fold, it is sandwiched between two layers of the flexible filament. In the preferred embodiment, the three layers are permanently attached by stitching 38. This construction protects the terminal end 34, preserves its integrity, and the integrity of the attachment, and this also forms the first and second loops 28, 30. More particularly, the stitching 38, as shown in FIG. 1, forms a permanent separation between the first and second loops 28, 30 of a distance as shown in FIG. 1. The stitching goes through all three layers to provide a permanent attachment.

It is to be understood that means other than the stitching 38 can be used for attaching the three layers of the flexible filament together. These means include adhesive, thermal bonding, rivets, and other fastening means known to those skilled in the art. Stitching is preferred because of its compatibility with the existing material of the flexible filament, its ease of implementation and durability, and its strength. In addition, it leaves no exposed metal or plastic to contact other objects and to generate noise.

The loop 32 formed at the first end 26 of the strap 22 is similarly constructed, i.e., the first end 26 is folded over onto the strap 22 to form the first loop 32. The terminal end 36 is stitched to the strap 22 with stitching 40 as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the terminal end 36 is not sandwiched between three layers but instead is exposed. However, in use it will be positioned between layers of the strap 22 as described below.

When constructed in accordance with the foregoing method, the strap 22 will have a permanent pair of loops 28, 30 formed at its first end 24 in which the first loop 28 becomes the end of the strap and the second loop 30 has the flexible filament extending past it so that the second loop 30 is adjacent to the flexible filament or strap 22. The other end of the strap 22, the second end 26, has the single loop 32 formed thereon, which forms the other end of the strap 22 in its finished state.

The sling 20 is formed by utilizing hardware as shown in FIGS. 1-7. A first adjustable loop 42 is formed by having a length adjusting buckle 44 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 1-7) permanently attached to the single loop 32. Ideally, the length adjusting buckle 44 is a tri-glide slider that is well known and commercially available and will not be described in detail herein. Briefly, the tri-glide slider 44 has a center post permanently attached to the strap 22. The center post forms two openings on either side thereof through which the strap 22 is threaded in a well-known manner to create the adjustable loop 42. The adjustable loop 42 has a first buckle member 46 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 1-7) slidably mounted on the strap 22, and a mating second buckle member 48 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 1-7) that is slidably attached to the first loop 28 of the pair of loops on the first end 24 of the strap 22. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second buckle members are a side release type of buckle. As shown in FIG. 1, the first buckle member 46 comprises a female receptacle and the second buckle member 48 comprises the mating male lug. The construction and use of these buckle members 46, 48 are well known and will not be described in further detail herein.

A connection member is slidably received within the second loop 30 at the first end 24 of the strap 22. In a preferred embodiment, the connection member comprises a swivel connector 50, shown in phantom in FIGS. 1-7. The swivel connector 50 is used to connect the sling 20 to a weapon, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

The operational length of the sling 20 is adjusted by changing the size of the loop 42 through sliding the tri-glide buckle 44 along the strap 22 in a conventional manner. The side release buckle 52 permits the sling 20 to be quickly and easily detached or attached, as the case may be.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the swivel connector 50 is supported by not only the second loop 30 but also the strap 22 that is adjacent the second loop 30, thus providing additional support for the weight of a weapon that is attached to the sling 20. In addition, the particular construction shown herein has the terminal end 36 of the second end 26 of the strap 22 protected by having it positioned between two layers of the flexible filament 22.

Referring next to FIGS. 8-10, shown therein is the sling 20 of the embodiment described above in use with a weapon 60.

As illustrated herein, the user 62 is wearing the strap 20 so that the weapon 60 is held in front of the user's torso area 64 with the muzzle 66 of the weapon 60 pointed down and the butt stock 68 pointed up. The strap 22 extends over the user's right shoulder 70, around the back and under the left arm 72. In FIG. 9, the weapon 60 is similarly held behind the user's torso area 64 with the muzzle 66 again pointing down.

The weapon 60 has at least one attachment point 74 to which the swivel connector 50 is releasably coupled. Other attachment points can include the gun sight, although this is not preferred for a number of reasons, including possible damage to the gun sight, having the weapon suspended with the muzzle pointing upward, and distribution of the weight. Consequently, it is preferred that the attachment point 74 near the butt stock 68 be used as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10.

FIG. 10 shows the weapon 60 brought up to the user's right shoulder 70 in a position where the weapon 60 is ready to be used. As can be seen more clearly in this view, the strap 22 extends from the stitching 38 adjacent the second loop 30 and through a ring 54 on the swivel connector 50. In this way, not only does the second loop 30 provide support for the weapon 60 on the swivel connector 50, but the additional layer of the strap 22 reinforces the support and provides a backup means of holding the weapon to the user. The sling 20 can be adjusted via the length adjusting buckle 44 such that the operational length of the strap 22 can be lengthened or shortened to thereby increase or decrease the diameter of the sling when it is worn by the user.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been-described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A strap, comprising:

a flexible filament having a first end with a pair of adjacent loops thereon and a second end with a single loop formed thereon.

2. The strap of claim 1 wherein the pair of loops comprise a first loop formed by a first fold of the first end of the flexible filament and a second loop formed by a second fold of the first end of the flexible filament that is permanently attached to the flexible filament adjacent to the first fold.

3. The strap of claim 2 wherein a tip of the first end of the flexible filament is sewn to the flexible filament between the first and the second folds to permanently form the first and the second loops.

4. The strap of claim 3 wherein the first end of the flexible filament is folded under the first fold to form the second loop.

5. The strap of claim 3 wherein the first end of the flexible filament is folded on top of the first loop to form the second loop.

6. The strap of claim 3 wherein the flexible filament extends beyond the second loop to provide a second layer of material adjacent the second loop.

7. A sling, comprising a strap formed of flexible filament having a first end with a pair of adjacent loops formed thereon and a second end with a single loop formed thereon, the pair of loops comprising a first loop formed by a first fold of the first end and a second loop formed by a second fold of the first end adjacent the first fold with a tip of the first end permanently attached to the flexible filament between the first and second folds to permanently form the first and second loops;

a length adjusting buckle attached to the single loop on the second end of the strap and slidably mounted on the strap to form an adjustable loop and to provide adjustment in the size of the adjustable loop and in the operational length of the sling;

a first buckle member slidably received on the adjustable loop of the strap;

a second buckle member mounted on the first loop and configured for releasable coupling to the first buckle member; and

a connection device attached to the second loop of the pair of loops.

8. The sling of claim 7 wherein the strap extends beyond the second loop and is attached to the connection member along with the second loop.

9. The sling of claim 8 wherein the second loop is reinforced by the strap of flexible filament extending beyond the second loop and attached to the connection member.

10. The sling of claim 7 wherein the first end of the strap is folded under the first fold to form the second loop.

11. The sling of claim 7 wherein the first end of the strap is folded on top of the first loop to form the second loop.

12. The sling of claim 7 wherein the first and second loops are separated by an area of attachment such that the connector member in the second loop does not contact the second buckle member in the first loop.

13. The sling of claim 12 wherein the attachment to form the first and second loops comprises stitching through the flexible filament.

14. The sling of claim 13 wherein the first and second buckle members together comprise a side release buckle.

15. The sling of claim 13 wherein the length adjusting buckle comprises a tri-glide buckle having a center bar and two end bars, and wherein the first loop is permanently attached to the center bar of the tri-glide buckle.

16. A weapon system, comprising:

a firearm having at least one attachment point; and

a sling releasably coupled to the firearm at a single attachment point of the at least one attachment point, the sling comprising: a strap formed of flexible filament having a first end with a pair of adjacent loops formed thereon and a second end with a single loop formed thereon, the pair of loops comprising a first loop formed by a first fold of the first end and a second loop formed by a second fold of the first end adjacent the first fold with a tip of the first end permanently attached to the flexible filament between the first and second folds to permanently form the first and second loops; a length adjusting buckle attached to the single loop on the second end of the strap and slidably mounted on the strap to form an adjustable loop and to provide adjustment in the size of the adjustable loop and in the operational length of the sling; a first buckle member slidably received on the adjustable loop of the strap; a second buckle member mounted on the first loop and configured for releasable coupling to the first buckle member; and a connection device attached to the second loop of the pair of loops.

17. The sling of claim 16 wherein the strap extends beyond the second loop and is attached to the connection member along with the second loop.

18. The sling of claim 17 wherein the second loop is reinforced by the strap of flexible filament extending beyond the second loop and attached to the connection member.

19. The sling of claim 16 wherein the first end of the strap is folded under the first fold to form the second loop.

20. The sling of claim 16 wherein the first end of the strap is folded on top of the first loop to form the second loop.

21. The sling of claim 16 wherein the first and second loops are separated by an area of attachment such that the connector member in the second loop does not contact the second buckle member in the first loop.

22. The sling of claim 21 wherein the attachment to form the first and second loops comprises stitching through the flexible filament.

23. The sling of claim 22 wherein the first and second buckle members together comprise a side release buckle.

24. The sling of claim 22 wherein the length adjusting buckle comprises a tri-glide buckle having a center bar and two end bars, and wherein the first loop is permanently attached to the center bar of the tri-glide buckle.