LONG GUN TOTING APPARATUS

Abstract

A rifle toting apparatus is disclosed including a pair of straps that are attached at a crossing location along a user's back, wherein the straps are attached adjacent a user belt. Each of the straps are further removably attached adjacent a rifle, thereby providing hands-free carrying of such rifle as well as multiple safe toting positions. The rifle toting apparatus can also include a game dragging apparatus for dragging fallen game, hands free, from a first location to a desired location.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of long guns. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a toting apparatus for toting a long gun.

BACKGROUND

Toting devices for carrying long guns is an important aspect of long guns that are manufactured to be carried on the person of a user. Long guns are not particularly well-suited for holsters and must be carried using other means such as a gun sling or the like. However, traditional gun slings often do not provide the support needed to minimize fatigue on a user.

What is needed, therefore, is a long gun toting apparatus that minimizes fatigue on a user and provides additional advantages not previously available from conventional gun slings.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by a rifle toting apparatus having a user belt including a first end and a second end. A first belt fastener is attached adjacent the user belt and a second belt fastener is attached adjacent the user belt, the first belt fastener being configured to removably engage with the second belt fastener. A first strap is attached adjacent the user belt at a first belt location, the first strap including a first connection member fixedly adjustable along the first strap. A second strap is attached adjacent the user belt at a second belt location, and the second strap includes a second connection member fixedly adjustable along the second strap. The first strap is attached adjacent the second strap at a first distance from the first belt location whereby the first strap crosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when the rifle toting apparatus is in use. A first adapter is removably attached adjacent the first connection member, and the first adapter includes a first adapter interface member configured to removably attach to a rifle. A second adapter is removably attached adjacent the second connection member, and the second adapter includes a second adapter interface member configured to removably attach to a rifle.

In a preferred embodiment, the rifle toting apparatus further includes a first attachment interface member attached adjacent the user belt and a second attachment interface member attached adjacent the user belt a second distance from the first attachment interface member, and the first attachment interface member includes a first engagement member and a third engagement member and the second attachment interface member includes a second engagement member and a fourth engagement member. The first attachment interface member and the second attachment interface member may be independently fixedly adjustable along the user belt. The rifle toting may include a game dragging apparatus having a third strap including a first fastener attached adjacent the third strap and a second fastener attached adjacent the third strap, wherein the first fastener is removably attached to the third engagement member and wherein the second fastener is removably attached to the fourth engagement member. The first belt fastener may also be fixedly adjustable along the user belt.

According to some embodiments, the location of the third engagement member of the first attachment interface member includes the first belt location and the location of the fourth engagement member of the second attachment interface member comprises the second belt location. A snare belt including a first end may be removably attached adjacent the third strap at a first end of the snare belt. The snare belt further includes a first loop at the first end of the snare belt and the third strap extends through the loop whereby the snare belt is indirectly attached to the user belt. The snare belt may further include a second loop at the second end of the snare belt wherein the second end of the snare belt is inserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifle toting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.

According to some embodiments, the first strap further includes a first strap fastener for to removably attaching the first strap to the second attachment interface member and the second strap further includes a second strap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to the first attachment interface member. The rifle toting apparatus further includes a snare strap having a first end and a second end, a snare strap fastener attached adjacent the first end of the snare strap, the snare strap fastener being configured for removable attachment to the third engagement member or the fourth engagement member, and a loop at the second end of the snare strap. The second end of the snare strap may be inserted through the first loop of the snare belt for creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifle toting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location;

In another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure provide a rifle toting apparatus having a first strap attached adjacent a user's torso at a first torso location, the first strap including a first connection member fixedly adjustable along the first strap, and a second strap attached adjacent such user's torso at a second torso location, the second strap including a second connection member fixedly adjustable along the second strap. The first strap is attached adjacent the second strap a first distance from the first belt location, and the first strap crosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when the rifle toting apparatus is in use. The rifle toting apparatus further has a first adapter removably attached adjacent the first connection member, the first adapter including a first adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle, and a second adapter removably attached adjacent the second connection member, the second adapter including a second adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle.

In a preferred embodiment, the rifle toting apparatus further includes a first attachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torso and a second attachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torso a second distance from the first attachment interface member. The first attachment interface member includes a first engagement member and a third engagement member and the second attachment interface member includes a second engagement member and a fourth engagement member. A game dragging apparatus may be provided including a third strap having a first fastener attached adjacent the third strap and a second fastener attached adjacent the third strap. The first fastener is removably attached to the third engagement member and the second fastener is removably attached to the fourth engagement member.

According to some embodiments, the first strap further includes a first strap fastener for removably attaching the first strap to the second attachment interface member and the second strap further comprises a second strap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to the first attachment interface member. The game dragging apparatus may also include a snare belt having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the snare belt is removably attached adjacent the third strap. The snare belt may further include a first loop proximate the first end of the snare belt wherein the third strap extends through the loop whereby the snare belt is indirectly attached to the user belt and a second loop proximate the second end of the snare belt wherein the second end of the snare belt is inserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifle toting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.

In yet another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure provide a kit of parts for assembling a rifle toting apparatus. The kit includes a first strap removably attachable adjacent a user's torso at a first torso location, the first strap including a first connection member fixedly adjustable along the first strap, and a second strap removably attachable adjacent such user's torso at a second torso location, the second strap including a second connection member fixedly adjustable along the second strap. The first strap is removably attachable adjacent the second strap a first distance from the first torso location and the first strap crosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when the rifle toting apparatus is in use. The kit further includes a first adapter removably attachable adjacent the first connection member, the first adapter including a first adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle, and a second adapter removably attachable adjacent the second connection member, the second adapter including a second adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle.

In preferred embodiments, the kit of parts of claim further includes a user belt and a snare belt. The user belt includes a first end, a second end, a first belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, and a second belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, wherein the first belt fastener is configured to removably engage with the second belt fastener. The snare belt includes a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the snare belt is removably attachable adjacent the user belt and wherein the second end of the snare belt includes a first loop wherein the first end of the snare belt can be inserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.

In another embodiment, the kit of parts of further includes a user belt, a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a third strap, and a snare belt. The user belt includes a first end, a second end, a first belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt and a second belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, wherein the first belt fastener is configured to removably engage with the second belt fastener. The first attachment interface member is attached adjacent such user's torso and the second attachment interface member is attached adjacent such user's torso a second distance from the first attachment interface member, wherein the first attachment interface member includes a first engagement member and a third engagement member and wherein the second attachment interface member includes a second engagement member and a fourth engagement member, wherein the first strap further includes a first strap fastener for removably attaching the first strap to the second attachment interface member and wherein the second strap further comprises a second strap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to the first attachment interface member. The third strap includes a first fastener removably attachable adjacent the third strap and a second fastener removably attachable adjacent the third strap, wherein the first fastener is removably attachable to the third engagement member and wherein the second fastener is removably attachable to the fourth engagement member. The snare belt includes a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the snare belt is removably attachable adjacent the third strap and wherein the second end of the snare belt includes a loop wherein the first end of the snare belt can be inserted through the loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a somewhat schematic illustration of an example of a rifle toting apparatus;

FIG. 2A shows an illustration of a front view of an example of a rifle toting apparatus as worn by a user;

FIG. 2B shows an illustration of a rear view of an example of a rifle toting apparatus as worn by a user;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of a perspective view of an example of an adapter as described and defined herein;

FIG. 4A shows an illustration of a side view of an example of an attachment interface member as described and defined herein;

FIG. 4B shows an illustration of a side view of an example of another attachment interface member as described and defined herein

FIG. 5 shows a somewhat schematic illustration of an example of a rifle toting apparatus including a game dragging apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of an example of a game dragging apparatus;

FIG. 7 shows an illustration of an example of a snare strap;

FIG. 8 shows a somewhat schematic illustration of an example of a rifle toting apparatus not including a user belt;

FIG. 9A shows a somewhat schematic narrow side illustration of an example of a universal adapter member;

FIG. 9B shows a somewhat schematic wide side illustration of an example of a universal adapter member;

FIG. 10 shows an illustration of a first of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 11 shows an illustration of a second of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 12 shows an illustration of a third of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 13A shows an illustration including a front view of a fourth of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 13B shows an illustration including a rear view of the fourth of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 14A shows an illustration including a front view of a fifth of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 14B shows an illustration including a rear view of the fifth of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 15 shows an illustration of a sixth of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 16 shows an illustration of a seventh of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 17 shows an illustration of an eighth of numerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 18 shows an illustration of a front view of a user holding a rifle in a firing position wherein the rifle is attached adjacent an example of a rifle toting apparatus;

FIG. 19 shows an illustration of an example of a rifle toting apparatus being worn by a user wherein the rifle toting apparatus is attached adjacent a first rifle and a second rifle;

FIG. 20 shows an illustration of an example of a rifle toting apparatus including a game dragging apparatus in use by a user;

FIG. 21 shows an illustration of an example of a snare strap being used to drag fallen game indirectly by hand over a user's shoulder; and

FIG. 22 shows an illustration of an example of a snare strap being used to drag fallen game directly by hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. The definitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words being defined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below diverges from the commonly understood and/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions below control.

Fixedly adjustable: a characteristic of an object wherein a first sub-object can be made substantially fixed in a first position relative to a second sub-object and wherein the first sub-object can also be adjusted so as to be substantially fixed in at least a second position relative to the second sub-object.

Removably attachable: a characteristic of a first object wherein the first object is easily attached to and later easily detached from a second object wherein such attachment and detachment can be cycled multiple times (n>50) without significant wear and tear on either the first object or the second object.

Rifle: any human-totable weapon considered a “long gun” including, without limitation, shotguns or other long guns that do not necessarily include rifling features.

FIGS. 1-4 show a rifle toting apparatus 100 including a user belt 102, a first strap 104, and a second strap 106. The user belt 102 includes a first end 108 and a second end 110, and further includes first belt fastener 112 and a second belt fastener 114 which are configured to be removably attached to one another. The first strap 104 preferably includes a first strap fastener 116 and a first connection member 118, both of which are preferably fixedly adjustable along the first strap 104, respectively. The second strap 106 includes a second strap fastener 120 and a second connection member 122, both of which are preferably fixedly adjustable along the second strap 106, respectively. The second strap 106 is attached adjacent the user belt 102 at a first belt location 124 and the first strap 104 is attached adjacent the user belt 102 at a second belt location 126, wherein the first belt location 124 is at least a distance D1 from the second belt location 126. The first strap 104 is attached adjacent the second strap 106 a distance D2 from the first strap fastener 116, and a distance D3 from the second strap fastener 120, wherein the distance D2 preferably equals the distance D3. In one embodiment, the first strap 104 is permanently attached (e.g., by sewing) adjacent the second strap 106. In another embodiment, the first strap 104 and the second strap 106 are attached adjacent one another via a fixedly adjustable strap coupler 127.

The rifle toting apparatus 100 also includes a first adapter 128 including a first adapter interface member 130 and a first adapter fastener 132; a second adapter 134 including a second adapter interface member 136 and a second adapter fastener 138 is also provided. The first adapter 128 is removably attached to the first connection member 118 and the second adapter 134 is removably attached to the second connection member 122. The first adapter interface to member 130 is configured to removably attach to a rifle 140 at a first rifle location 142 along the rifle 140; similarly, the second adapter interface member 136 is configured to removably attach to the rifle 140 at a second rifle location 144 along the rifle 140. The shape and size of the first adapter interface member 130 and the second adapter interface member 136 can vary to accommodate different attachment features of different rifles. Thus, in one embodiment, a set of adapter interface members can be included so as to make the overall apparatus 100 removably attachable to rifles of different manufacture or origin.

Preferably, the rifle toting apparatus 100 includes a first attachment interface member 146 including a first engagement member 148, and a second attachment interface member 150 including a second engagement member 152. The attachment interface members (146 and 150) preferably are each independently fixedly adjustable along the user belt 102. In certain embodiments, the second strap 106 is attached adjacent the user belt 102 by attaching the second strap fastener 120 adjacent the first engagement member 148. Thus, in these embodiments, the first belt location 124 includes the location where the first attachment interface member 146 is located at any given time. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the first strap 104 is attached adjacent the user belt 102 by attaching the first strap fastener 116 adjacent the second engagement member 152 wherein the second belt location 126 includes the location where the second attachment interface member 150 is located at any given time.

Preferably, the user belt 102 has a length ranging from about 40 inches to about 100 inches, and, more preferably, from about 60 inches to about 80 inches. The user belt 102 preferably has a width ranging from about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, and, more preferably, from about 2 inches to about 3 inches. The first strap 104 and the second strap 106 each preferably have a length ranging from about 100 inches to about 150 inches, and, more preferably, from about 110 inches to about 120 inches, and a width ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, and, more preferably, about 1 inch.

The first belt fastener 112, the second belt fastener 114, the first strap fastener 116, the first connection member 118, the second strap fastener 120, the second connection member 122, the first engagement member 148, and the second engagement member 152 (collectively, linkage members) are preferably made of plastic (e.g., a polymer or copolymer material) but can also be made of rubber, metal, wood, and/or combinations thereof. Linkage members can come in various sizes depending on, for example, the width of the object to which such linkage members are attached to. Preferably, linkage members that are configured to removably attach with one another are made of the same material. Specific examples of linkage members include clasp buckles, slide buckles, traditional frame-style buckles, side buckles, hook and eye fasteners, snap fasteners, buttons, string and loop fasteners, and/or other similar fasteners known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The example shown in FIGS. 1-4 shows linkage members 154 in the form of side buckles.

The first adapter 128 and the second adapter 134 each preferably include a portion of strap material as described above, such portion preferably having a length ranging from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, and, most preferably about 5 inches.

The first attachment interface member 146, shown in FIG. 4A, preferably includes a first combination strap 156 (e.g., a single strap folded against itself and sewn at its ends, or two straps sewn together at their respective ends) including a first passage 158 defined therein through which a belt (e.g., the user belt 102) can be located. The second attachment interface member 150, shown in FIG. 4B is preferably formed in the same manner including a second combination strap 160 and a second passage 162 therethrough. The attachment interface members (146 and 150) preferably have a length ranging from about 5 inches to about 20 inches, and, more preferably, from about 10 inches to about 15 inches.

FIGS. 5-6 show an additional aspect of the disclosure including a game dragging apparatus 164. The game dragging apparatus 164 includes a third strap 166 including a first fastener 168 and a second fastener 170, wherein the first fastener 168 and the second fastener 170 are each preferably fixedly adjustable along the third strap 166. The game dragging apparatus 164 further includes a snare belt 172 including a first end 174 and a second end 176 and preferably including a first loop 178 adjacent the first end 174 of the snare belt 172 and a second loop 180 adjacent the second end 176 of the snare belt 172. Each loop is preferably formed by folding the snare belt 172 against itself and, for example, sewing a first portion of the snare belt 172 adjacent, for example, the first end 174 to a second portion of the snare belt 172, thereby forming a loop therebetween.

The first fastener 168 is preferably configured for removable attachment with a third engagement member 182, and the second fastener 170 is configured for removable attachment with a fourth engagement member 184. The third engagement member 182 preferably forms part of the first attachment interface member 146, and the fourth engagement member 184 preferably forms part of the second attachment interface member 150. The snare belt 172 can be attached to the third strap 166 by inserting the third strap 166 through the first loop 178 or the second loop 180 before the fasteners (168, 170) of the third strap 166 are attached to the third engagement member 182 and the fourth engagement member 184, respectively. Objects such as, for example, fallen game can be attached to the snare belt 172 by, for example, inserting the first end 174 of the snare belt 172 through the second loop 180 to form a constrictable device 185 (e.g., a noose-like structure) to tighten around the object to be moved (e.g., around the neck of a fallen deer). Before or after an object is tightened within the snare belt 172, the third strap 166 can be inserted through the first loop 178 and attached to the third engagement member 182 and the fourth engagement member 184, respectively, thereby indirectly attaching the snare belt 172 to the user belt 102. The rifle toting apparatus can then be used also to drag the object from an initial location to a desired location.

The third strap 166 preferably has a length ranging from about 40 inches to about 80 inches, and, more preferably, about 60 inches, and a width ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, and, more preferably, about 1 inch. The snare belt 172 preferably has a length ranging from about 40 inches to about 80 inches, and, more preferably, about 60 inches. The snare belt 172 preferably has a width ranging from about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, and, more preferably, from about 2 inches to about 3 inches. The inside diameters of each of the first loop 178 and the second loop 180 preferably range from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, and, more preferably, from about 6 inches to about 8 inches.

Although the game dragging apparatus 164 shown in FIGS. 5-6 is described with respect to the third strap 166 and the snare belt 172, other examples of a game dragging apparatus are contemplated which include, for example, a snare strap 186 including a snare strap fastener 188 fixedly adjustable along the snare strap 186, and a snare strap loop 190 at a first end 192 of the snare strap 186. In this example, shown in FIG. 7, a second end 194 of the snare strap 186 can be inserted through the snare strap loop 190 to form the constrictable device 185 which can be placed around, for example, fallen game (e.g., the neck of a deer). The snare strap fastener 188 is configured for removable attachment to the user belt 102, and, more preferably, configured for removable attachment to the third engagement member 182 and/or the fourth engagement member 184. Other types of straps are also contemplated including, for example, limiter straps, ratchet tie down straps, cam buckle straps, cam straps, spring buckle straps, strap adjuster straps, double ring straps, loop straps, and other robust straps known to person having ordinary skill in the art, wherein such straps are further configured to be removably attached to the user belt 102.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate version of the rifle toting apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-2, such alternate version including a gun toting apparatus 164 including the first strap 104, the second strap 106, the first strap fastener 116, the first connection member 118, the second strap fastener 120, the second connection member 122, the first adapter 128, the second adapter 134, the first attachment interface member 146, and the second attachment interface member 150. The example shown in FIG. 8 does not, however, include the user belt 102. Rather, the example described with respect to FIG. 8 can be used with a common belt, rope, or other belt-like structure that can be worn by a user to offer support for attaching the rifle toting apparatus 164 to a user.

In various embodiments described herein, the first adapter 128 and the second adapter 134 can include universal adapter members for attachment to variously shaped gun swivels. An example of a universal adapter member 198 is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B wherein the universal adapter member 198 further includes an adapter strap 200 attached adjacent a fastener 202 (e.g., a linkage member) configured for removable attachment to the connection members (118, 122) of the rifle toting apparatus. The adapter strap 200 preferably is attached adjacent itself by a fastening means such as, for example, one or more sex bolts 204 as shown in FIG. 9A. The adapter strap 200 can be attached adjacent itself by other types of fastening means such as, for example, sewing material (i.e., sewing the adapter strap 200 adjacent itself), one or more adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, buckles of various forms as described herein, or other fastening means known to persons having ordinary skill in the art. The universal adapter member 198 is “universal” in the sense that the adapter strap 200 can be inserted through or on any existing rifle swivels or hooks of various rifle manufacturers. Thus, for example, a user can fit universal adapter members to a plurality of rifles wherein the rifles have different gun sling attachment features. Because the universal adapter members are configured to attach to gun sling features of various rifles, to attach to the connection members (118, 122) of the rifle toting apparatus, and, in this example, are already attached to a plurality of different rifles, a user can very rapidly detach a first rifle from the connection members and attach a second rifle to the connection members with ease.

The adapter strap 200 preferably has a length ranging from about 7 inches to about 15 inches and, more preferably, about 9 inches. The width of the adapter strap 200 preferably ranges from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches and, more preferably, about 1 inch. Preferably, the adapter strap 200, when attached adjacent a rifle, overlaps itself by from about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches and, more preferably, from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In alternative embodiments, a first end 206 of the adapter strap 200 and a second end 208 of the adapter strap 200 include fastening means (e.g., linkage members) configured such that the first end 206 is directly attachable to the second end 208 with little or no overlap of the adapter strap 200.

Various straps and belts described herein can be made of one or more networks of fibers (natural, synthetic, or a combination thereof) (woven, nonwoven, or a combination thereof) such as, for example, cotton, flax, jute, wool, silk, nylon, polyester, fiberglass, petroleum-based material, and/or acrylic; leather; nonwoven polymer or copolymer material; and/or other materials known to persons having ordinary skill in the art used for making belts, suspenders, or straps; and combinations thereof.

The examples of rifle toting equipment described above can be used advantageously in many ways including, for example, providing no less than eight different secure rifle toting positions as shown in FIGS. 10-17, many of which are hands-free toting positions. Such hands-free positions reduce fatigue on a user when carrying a rifle for an extended period of time. The various positions shown in FIGS. 10-17 can be changed from one position to the next without the need to remove or otherwise detach any aspect of the apparatus. As another advantage, various embodiments of the disclosure provide for a rifle to be anchored to both shoulders of a to user, thereby increasing accuracy when using a rifle; this particular advantage forces users to rotate their entire upper body—a proper technique—when visually tracking an animal with a rifle because of the way the apparatus is anchored across both shoulders as opposed to just one shoulder, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Additionally, various embodiments of rifle toting equipment described above are configured so that rifles attached to such rifle toting apparatus can be very quickly detached if needed. Another advantage of various embodiments of rifle toting equipment described above is that such equipment can be quickly adjusted to facilitate use by left handed users or right-handed users. Also, one size fits all because various parts of the equipment can be quickly and easily adjusted based on various human body sizes. FIG. 19 shows an example in which two rifles are attached to a rifle toting apparatus as described above wherein a first strap is attached adjacent a first rifle and a second strap is attached adjacent a second rifle.

Additionally, various embodiments of rifle toting equipment described above can also be used to drag fallen game, hands free, from a hunting location to a desired location (e.g., the back of a truck), as shown, for example, in FIG. 20. Certain embodiments of rifle toting equipment described above, when more than one apparatus are used, are configured so that more than one person can work together to drag fallen game. If desired, the snare strap 186 can be detached and used by hand as shown in FIG. 21 or by carrying over a user's shoulder as shown in FIG. 22 for dragging fallen game. Other advantages not specifically illustrated herein are contemplated by this disclosure.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6.

Claims

1. A rifle toting apparatus comprising:

a user belt including a first end and a second end;

a first belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt and a second belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, wherein the first belt fastener is configured to removably engage with the second belt fastener;

a first strap attached adjacent the user belt at a first belt location, the first strap including a first connection member fixedly adjustable along the first strap;

a second strap attached adjacent the user belt at a second belt location, the second strap including a second connection member fixedly adjustable along the second strap, wherein the first strap is attached adjacent the second strap a first distance from the first belt location whereby the first strap crosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when the rifle toting apparatus is in use;

a first adapter removably attached adjacent the first connection member, the first adapter including a first adapter interface member configured to removably attach to a rifle; and

a second adapter removably attached adjacent the second connection member, the second adapter including a second adapter interface member configured to removably attach to a rifle.

2. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first attachment interface member attached adjacent the user belt and a second attachment interface member attached adjacent the user belt a second distance from the first attachment interface member, wherein the first attachment interface member includes a first engagement member and a third engagement member and wherein the second attachment interface member includes a second engagement member and a fourth engagement member.

3. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first belt fastener is fixedly adjustable along the user belt.

4. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first attachment interface member and the second attachment interface member are independently fixedly adjustable along the user belt.

5. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the location of the third engagement member of the first attachment interface member comprises the first belt location and wherein the location of the fourth engagement member of the second attachment interface member comprises the second belt location.

6. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a game dragging apparatus including a third strap including a first fastener attached adjacent the third strap and a second fastener attached adjacent the third strap, wherein the first fastener is removably attached to the third engagement member and wherein the second fastener is removably attached to the fourth engagement member.

7. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first strap further comprises a first strap fastener for removably attaching the first strap to the second attachment interface member and wherein the second strap further comprises a second strap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to the first attachment interface member.

8. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 6 wherein the game dragging apparatus further comprises a snare belt including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the snare belt is removably attached adjacent the third strap.

9. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 8 wherein the snare belt further comprises a first loop at the first end of the snare belt wherein the third strap extends through the loop whereby the snare belt is indirectly attached to the user belt.

10. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 9 wherein the snare belt further comprises a second loop at the second end of the snare belt wherein the second end of the snare belt is inserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifle toting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.

11. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a snare strap including a first end and a second end, the snare strap further comprising a snare strap fastener attached adjacent the first end of the snare strap, the snare strap fastener configured for removable attachment to the third engagement member or the fourth engagement member; and a loop at the second end of the snare strap, wherein the second end of the snare strap is inserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifle toting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location;

12. A rifle toting apparatus comprising:

a first strap attached adjacent a user's torso at a first torso location, the first strap including a first connection member fixedly adjustable along the first strap;

a second strap attached adjacent such user's torso at a second torso location, the second strap including a second connection member fixedly adjustable along the second strap, wherein the first strap is attached adjacent the second strap a first distance from the first belt location, and wherein the first strap crosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when the rifle toting apparatus is in use;

a first adapter removably attached adjacent the first connection member, the first adapter including a first adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle; and

a second adapter removably attached adjacent the second connection member, the second adapter including a second adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle.

13. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a first attachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torso and a second attachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torso a second distance from the first attachment interface member, wherein the first attachment interface member includes a first engagement member and a third engagement member and wherein the second attachment interface member includes a second engagement member and a fourth engagement member.

14. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a game dragging apparatus including a third strap including a first fastener attached adjacent the third strap and a second fastener attached adjacent the third strap, wherein the first fastener is removably attached to the third engagement member and wherein the second fastener is removably attached to the fourth engagement member.

15. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 14 wherein the first strap further comprises a first strap fastener for removably attaching the first strap to the second attachment interface member and wherein the second strap further comprises a second strap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to the first attachment interface member.

16. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 14 wherein the game dragging apparatus further comprises a snare belt including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the snare belt is removably attached adjacent the third strap.

17. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 15 wherein the snare belt further comprises:

a first loop proximate the first end of the snare belt wherein the third strap extends through the loop whereby the snare belt is indirectly attached to the user belt; and

a second loop proximate the second end of the snare belt wherein the second end of the snare belt is inserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifle toting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.

18. A kit of parts for assembling a rifle toting apparatus, the kit comprising:

a first strap removably attachable adjacent a user's torso at a first torso location, the first strap including a first connection member fixedly adjustable along the first strap;

a second strap removably attachable adjacent such user's torso at a second torso location, the second strap including a second connection member fixedly adjustable along the second strap, wherein the first strap is removably attachable adjacent the second strap a first distance from the first torso location, and wherein the first strap crosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when the rifle toting apparatus is in use;

a first adapter removably attachable adjacent the first connection member, the first adapter including a first adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle; and

a second adapter removably attachable adjacent the second connection member, the second adapter including a second adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle.

19. The kit of parts of claim 18 further comprising:

a user belt including a first end, a second end, a first belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, and a second belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, wherein the first belt fastener is configured to removably engage with the second belt fastener;

a snare belt including a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the snare belt is removably attachable adjacent the user belt and wherein the second end of the snare belt includes a first loop wherein the first end of the snare belt can be inserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.

20. The kit of parts of claim 18 further comprising:

a user belt including a first end, a second end, a first belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt and a second belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, wherein the first belt fastener is configured to removably engage with the second belt fastener;

a first attachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torso and a second attachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torso a second distance from the first attachment interface member, wherein the first attachment interface member includes a first engagement member and a third engagement member and wherein the second attachment interface member includes a second engagement member and a fourth engagement member, wherein the first strap further comprises a first strap fastener for removably attaching the first strap to the second attachment interface member and wherein the second strap further comprises a second strap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to the first attachment interface member;

a third strap including a first fastener removably attachable adjacent the third strap and a second fastener removably attachable adjacent the third strap, wherein the first fastener is removably attachable to the third engagement member and wherein the second fastener is removably attachable to the fourth engagement member; and

a snare belt including a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the snare belt is removably attachable adjacent the third strap and wherein the second end of the snare belt includes a loop wherein the first end of the snare belt can be inserted through the loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.