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  
       [0001]     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  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     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.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     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.  
         [0006]     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&#39;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.  
         [0007]     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.  
         [0008]     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&#39;s body. A further concern is the loss of mounting hardware and buckles when releasable loops on the sling are opened.  
         [0009]     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  
       [0010]     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.  
         [0011]     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.  
         [0012]     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.  
         [0013]     Ideally, the loops are formed by permanently attaching the flexible filament to itself, such as with adhesive, rivets, or, more preferably, stitching.  
         [0014]     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.  
         [0015]     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.  
         [0016]     Ideally, the sling incorporates the aspects of the foregoing embodiment of the invention set forth above with respect to the strap.  
         [0017]     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  
       [0018]     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:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a firearm sling formed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the firearm sling of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the firearm sling of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a left side view of the firearm sling of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a right side view of the firearm sling of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the firearm sling of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the firearm sling of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a front isometric view of the sling of  FIG. 1  in use with a weapon;  
         [0027]      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  
         [0028]      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  
       [0029]     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.  
         [0030]     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.” 
         [0031]     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.  
         [0032]     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.  
         [0033]     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.  
         [0034]     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.  
         [0035]     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.  
         [0036]     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.  
         [0037]     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.  
         [0038]     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.  
         [0039]     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.  
         [0040]     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.  
         [0041]     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.  
         [0042]     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.  
         [0043]     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.  
         [0044]     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 .  
         [0045]     Referring next to  FIGS. 8-10 , shown therein is the sling  20  of the embodiment described above in use with a weapon  60 .  
         [0046]     As illustrated herein, the user  62  is wearing the strap  20  so that the weapon  60  is held in front of the user&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s torso area  64  with the muzzle  66  again pointing down.  
         [0047]     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 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  shows the weapon  60  brought up to the user&#39;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.  
         [0049]     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.  
         [0050]     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.