Patents by Inventor Stephen T. Thompson

Stephen T. Thompson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11243047
    Abstract: A sling clip is disclosed that has a clamping mechanism capable of releasably securing the strap when the strap is slidably received through an opening in the sling clip. The sling clip also has an attachment mechanism configured to secure the sling clip proximate to a weapon bearer's body. The clamping mechanism is operatively configured to secure the strap within the sling clip when the weapon is in a firing position such that the strap minimizes movement of a muzzle end of the weapon caused by recoil of the weapon upon firing. A sling including the sling clip also is disclosed. The sling also includes a flexible strap having a first end and a second end is disclosed. The first end of the strap is configured to be secured to a weapon near a near a butt end of the weapon. The weapon may be a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Stephen T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10634451
    Abstract: A sling clip has a clamping mechanism capable of releasably securing a weapon strap when the strap is slidably received through an opening in the sling clip. The sling clip also has a let strap assembly configured to secure the sling clip proximate to a weapon bearer's body. The leg strap assembly incorporates Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) compatible loops, a secondary belt fastener, and a pair of cantilevered arms that retain the sling clip. The clamping mechanism is operatively configured to secure the strap within the sling clip and thereby to the weapon bearer's body when the weapon is in a firing position and during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Stephen T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8857680
    Abstract: A sling includes a flexible strap or equivalent coupler having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be secured to a weapon near a near a butt end of the weapon. The weapon may be a rifle, shotgun, or handgun as well as hand-held equipment such as a binocular or a camera. A sling clip or equivalent anchor is disclosed that has a clamping mechanism capable of releasably securing the strap when the strap is slidably received through an opening in the sling clip. The sling clip also has an attachment mechanism configured to secure the sling clip proximate to and anchored upon a weapon bearer's body. The clamping mechanism is operatively configured to secure the strap within the sling clip when the weapon is in a firing position such that the strap minimizes movement of a muzzle end of the weapon caused by recoil of the weapon upon firing. A sling including the sling clip also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7950551
    Abstract: A sling clip is disclosed that has a clamping mechanism capable of releasably securing the strap when the strap is slidably received through an opening in the sling clip. The sling clip also has an attachment mechanism configured to secure the sling clip proximate to a weapon bearer's body. The clamping mechanism is operatively configured to secure the strap within the sling clip when the weapon is in a firing position such that the strap minimizes movement of a muzzle end of the weapon caused by recoil of the weapon upon firing. A sling including the sling clip also is disclosed. The sling also includes a flexible strap having a first end and a second end is disclosed. The first end of the strap is configured to be secured to a weapon near a near a butt end of the weapon. The weapon may be a rifle, shotgun, or handgun as well as hand-held equipment such as a binocular or a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6672492
    Abstract: A rifle sling for transporting a rifle and steadying the rifle during firing is herein disclosed. The sling comprises a strap that is attached at one end near the muzzle of the rifle and at a second end near the butt of the rifle. An intermediate portion of the strap passes freely through a sling clip that is coupled to the truncal region of the bearer of the rifle. When the rifle is placed in its firing position, muzzle flip caused by recoil in the rifle will be resisted by the strap of the sling. The sling clip may clamp the strap of the sling to more securely couple the muzzle end of the rifle to the truncal region of the bearer. In addition, the sling is constructed and arranged to permit the movement of the rifle between its slung and firing positions without uncoupling the strap of the sling from the sling clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen T. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030234266
    Abstract: A rifle sling for transporting a rifle and steadying the rifle during firing is herein disclosed. The sling comprises a strap that is attached at one end near the muzzle of the rifle and at a second end near the butt of the rifle. An intermediate portion of the strap passes freely through a sling clip that is coupled to the truncal region of the bearer of the rifle. When the rifle is placed in its firing position, muzzle flip caused by recoil in the rifle will be resisted by the strap of the sling. The sling clip may clamp the strap of the sling to more securely couple the muzzle end of the rifle to the truncal region of the bearer. In addition, the sling is constructed and arranged to permit the movement of the rifle between its slung and firing positions without uncoupling the strap of the sling from the sling clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen T. Thompson