Abstract:
A sock and sling system is presented for storing a gun within the sock in a storage state and for using as a sling connected to the gun when in a sling state. The system includes a sock extending a length from a first end to a second end and having an open interior. A pair of removable sling swivels connect the sock member to the gun. When used as a sling, the length of the sock member can be adjusted in a plurality of ways including twisting the sock member, selecting one of a number of loops to attach to or by adjusting the length of a length adjusting drawstring. In this way, a system is presented that serves the dual purpose of storing a gun in a storage state and as a sling in a sling state.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a cases for guns. More specifically and without limitation, this invention is directed towards a particular type of gun case known as a gun sock. 
     Gun cases are old and well known in the art. Since the advent of guns, countless forms of gun cases have been developed which are used to house and protect guns during transportation and storage. In fact, many states require guns to be cased while being transported in vehicles. 
     One common type of gun case is known as a hard case. These cases are generally formed of a pair of hard or rigid halves that connect together at a hinge and open and close along a seam line between the two halves. These hard cases are generally filled with some form of a compressible material such as foam that protects and holds a gun when placed inside the hard gun case. 
     Hard gun cases provide superior protection for guns. Because of their rigid nature, these cases can be locked by adding a conventional lock to the case that holds the two halves together until the lock is removed. This feature allows gun owners to prevent unwanted persons, such as small children, from having access to the guns held within the case. For this reason, hard gun cases are required when guns are transported on airlines. 
     While hard gun cases provide many advantages, they have their deficiencies. Namely, hard gun cases, by their very nature, are not collapsible and therefore the space they take up is not diminished when the gun is removed from inside the case. This makes hard gun cases undesirable when space is a consideration. 
     Another common form of gun case is known as a gun sock. These cases are generally formed of an elongated piece of cloth material having an open end and a closed end with a cavity extending through its middle that houses the gun. To be compatible with the laws in many states, many gun socks have a drawstring that extends around the open end of the gun sock that is used to tie the open end closed or to tie the open end of the gun sock around a portion of the gun when positioned therein. 
     Unlike hard gun cases, gun socks are generally soft in nature. Gun socks provide the advantage of being extremely small and lightweight and therefore once removed from the gun they can be easily placed in a hunter&#39;s pocket or back pack once they reach the field. In addition, gun socks comply with the casing requirements of many states. Due to their lightweight, compressible and small nature, gun socks are very popular with many hunters. 
     One disadvantage of gun socks is that due to their soft and compressible nature, gun socks provide minimal protection to the gun when housed therein. Another disadvantage is to gun socks is that when the gun is removed from the gun sock, the gun sock has no utilitarian purpose once removed the gun sock is just an added piece of equipment that a hunter must carry with them in the field. 
     Many hunters and shooters also add slings to their guns. Conventionally, a sling is simply an elongated strap or piece of material that connects to the gun and forms a loop. When a gun is not in use, the loop of the sling is slung over the user&#39;s shoulder to help bear the weight of the gun during long treks. One disadvantage to conventional slings are that they are yet another piece of equipment that adds cost and weight. This is especially true a hunter or shooter is already carrying a gun sock, which is a similarly shaped elongated piece of material. 
     Therefore, a need exists in the art that combines the functionality of a gun sock with a gun sling. 
     Thus it is a primary objective of the invention to provide a sock and sling system that improves upon the state of the art. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that eliminates the redundancies of carrying both a sling and a gun sock. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that improves a user&#39;s hunting or shooting experience. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that eliminates unnecessary extra pieces of equipment. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that complies with casing laws. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that is easy to use. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that is convenient to use. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that is safe to use. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that is adjustable. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that has a simple design. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that saves money. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that is inexpensive. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that is comfortable to use. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that has an intuitive design. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that has a minimal number of parts. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that is durable. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that provides a long and useful life. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sock and sling system that provides dual functionality of casing and carrying a gun. 
     These and other objects, features, or advantages of the inventions will become apparent from the specification, drawings and claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A sock and sling system is presented for storing a gun within the sock in a storage state and for using as a sling connected to the gun when in a sling state. The system includes a sock extending a length from a first end to a second end and having an open interior. A pair of removable sling swivels connect the sock member to the gun. When used as a sling, the length of the sock member can be adjusted in a plurality of ways including twisting the sock member, selecting one of a number of loops to attach to or by adjusting the length of a length adjusting drawstring. In this way, a system is presented that serves the dual purpose of storing a gun in a storage state and as a sling in a sling state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION FO THE DRAWINGS: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded elevation view of a sock and sling system, the view shows a gun having a pair of mounting posts, a pair of sling swivels and a sock member having a drawstring that opens and closes an open end of the sock member thereby providing access to the open interior of the sock member, the view also showing a strap connected to the sock member and a shoulder pad connected to the sock member, the view also showing a length adjusting drawstring extending the entire length of the sock member and extending out of the sock member at its open end; 
         FIG. 2  is a is an elevation view of the sock member shown in  FIG. 1  with the gun partially inserted in the open interior of the sock member, the view showing the sling swivels, strap and shoulder pad connected to the exterior surface of the sock member; 
         FIG. 3  is a is a close up side elevation view of the sock member, the view showing a plurality of loops formed by a strap, the strap sewn to the sock member on each side of the loops by stitching; the view also showing a sling swivel connected to one of the loops; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevation view of a dual release sling swivel having a main body and a pair of activation buttons connected to locking members that lock mounting rods; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a sock member having a zipper that extends a length between the forward and rearward ends of the sock member, the zipper providing access to the open interior of the sock member. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end, sides, and the like, are referenced according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     With reference to the figures, a sock and sling system  10  is presented. The sock and sling system  10  is shown and described herein for use with a gun. However, the invention is not so limited. Reference to use with a gun is merely for purposes of an example and for convenience. It is hereby contemplated that the sock and sling system  10  may be used with any piece of equipment or mechanical device, especially equipment or mechanical devices that are carried by hand. As such, the sock and sling system  10  has applicability outside of guns and instead applies to any object, system or device. 
     In the arrangement shown, the sock and sling system is used in association with a gun  12 . Again, the sock and sling system  10  is not limited to use with a gun  12 , and reference to gun  12  is merely for convenience purposes. With that said, as used herein, the term gun is not to be limiting and refers to any form of a firearm such as shotguns, rifles, hand guns, muzzleloaders, and the like. 
     Gun  12  extends a lateral length from a rearward end  14  to a forward end  16 . Gun  12  has a butt stock  18  adjacent its rearward end  14  that connects to an action  20  at the forward end of the butt stock  18 . Action  20  connects at its rearward end to butt stock  18  and connects to a barrel  22  at its forward end. Barrel  22  connects at its rearward end to action  20  and extends forward before terminating at forward end  14 . In the particular arrangement shown, gun  12  also includes a magazine tube  24  that is positioned below barrel  22  and connects at its rearward end to action  20 . This magazine tube  24  also includes a pump mechanism  26  that fits over the magazine tube  24  and operatively connects with action  20  at its rearward end. 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, gun  12  includes a rear mounting post  28  that connects at or near the bottom rearward end  14  of butt stock  18 . Similarly, in one arrangement, as is shown, gun  12  includes a forward mounting post  30  that connects to the forward end of magazine tube  24 . In an alternative arrangement, rearward mounting post  28  and forward mounting post  30  can connect to gun  12  at any other place or in any other manner. 
     Rearward mounting post  28  and forward mounting post  30  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, rearward mounting post  28  and forward mounting post  30  have a threaded shaft  32  that connects to a bulbous head  34 . The threaded shaft  32  is connected to gun  12  with the bulbous head  34  extending outwardly therefrom. Bulbous head  34  includes a through hole  36  that is used for mounting purposed as is described herein. However, again, any other form of a mounting member may be used. 
     Sling swivels  38  removably connect to rearward mounting post  28  and forward mounting post  30 . Sling swivels  38  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, sling swivels  38  include a main body  40 . A loop  42  connects to one end of the main body  40  and has an opening  44  therein that receives a strap, cord, or other sling member therein as is further describe herein. 
     Main body  40  also includes an activation button  46 . Activation button  46  extends outwardly from one side of the main body  40  and includes a rotatable collar  48  that rotates between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in an unlocked position, activation button  46  is slidable towards main body  46  which causes locking member  50  to be decoupled from mounting rod  52  and the locking member  50  is rotatable away from mounting rod  52 . In this decoupled state, mounting rod  55  is insertable into through hole  36  of either rearward mounting post  28  or forward mounting post  30 . Once inserted, the activation button  46  is again depressed and the locking member  50  is rotated back over the end of mounting rod  52  and recoupled with the end of mounting rod  50  in a locked state. Once in this position, the rotatable collar is  48  is again rotated to a locked position thereby locking the mounting rod  52  over rearward mounting post  28  or forward mounting post  30 . 
     System  10  also includes a sock member  54 . Sock member  54  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, as one example, sock member  54  is formed of an elongated tubular piece of stretchable material that extends from an open end  56  to a closed end  58 . A drawstring  60  extends around the open end  56  and is used to pull the open end  56  closed once gun  12  is inserted into the interior of sock member  54 . Drawstring  60  is also used to tie the open end  56  of sock member  54  closed, and/or drawstring  60  is used to tie the open end  56  around a portion of gun  12  when gun  12  is inserted within sock member  54 . 
     Sock Member Converts To Sling: In one arrangement, sling swivels  38  are mounted to the material of sock member  54 . That is, one sling swivel  38  is mounted adjacent the closed end  58  of sock member  54  and one sling swivel  38  is mounted adjacent the open end  56  of sock member  54 . In this arrangement, the rearward sling swivel is mounted to the rearward mounting post  28  and the forward sling swivel is mounted to the forward mounting post  30 . This causes sock member  54  to form an opening or loop with gun  12  which allows sock member  54  to be used as a sling. 
     In use, the gun  12  is stored in the open interior of sock member  54 . When the user or hunter arrives at their desired location the drawstring  60  adjacent the open end  56  of sock member  54  is untied and the gun  12  is removed from the open interior of sock member  54 . 
     Next, the rotatable collar  48  of the one of the sling swivels  38  is rotated to an unlocked position and the activation button  46  is depressed. This causes the locking member  50  to decouple from the end of mounting rod  52 . Once decoupled, locking member  50  is rotated out of the way of the end of mounting rod  52  and the mounting rod  52  is inserted into the through hole  36  of one of the mounting posts  28 ,  30  connected to gun  12 . 
     Once mounting rod  52  is inserted into the through hole  36  of one of the mounting posts  28 ,  30 , the activation button  46  is again depressed and the locking member  50  is rotated into place over the end of mounting rod  52 . Once the locking member  50  is in place over the end of mounting rod  52  the activation button  46  is released and the locking member  50  again couples with the end of mounting rod  52  thereby holding the mounting post  28 ,  30  in place over mounting rod  52 . 
     Once in this position, rotatable collar  48  is rotated into a locked position. This ensures that the locking member  50  does not become unintentionally decoupled from the mounting rod  52  during use. 
     This process is repeated for the other sling swivel  38  and mounting post  28 ,  30 . 
     Once sock member  54  is connected to both mounting posts  28 ,  30 , sock member  54  is used as a sling. That is, the sock member  54  can be hung over the user&#39;s shoulder which allows for easier and safer carrying of gun  12 . Also, sock member  54  can be wrapped around the user&#39;s forward arm when aiming thereby improving the user&#39;s stability and aim. 
     In this way the sock member  54  is quickly and easily converted to use as a sling. This eliminates the need for a separate sling. This also reduces the amount of gear the user must carry with them. 
     To remove the sock member  54  and convert its use from a sling back to a sock, the user performs the opposite process and the sock member  54  is again used as a sock. 
     Sling Swivels Mounted To Sock Member: Sling swivels  38  are mounted to sock member  54  by any means or in any manner known in the art. In one arrangement, the sling swivels  38  are mounted directly to the material of sock member  54 . In this arrangement, loops of material are formed directly into the material of the sock member  54  and a portion of the material of sock member  54  extends through opening  44  of loop  42  of sling swivels  38 . 
     In another arrangement, one or more straps  62  are connected to the material of sock member  54 . In this arrangement, straps  62  extends through opening  44  of loop  42  of sling swivels  38  and the strap  62  is attached to the exterior surface, or any other part, of sock member  54 . In this arrangement, the strap  62  may be sewn, glued, adhered, affixed, welded or connected by any other manner or means. When strap  62  is affixed to sock member  54  on each side of sling swivel  38 , a loop  64  is formed between the strap  62  and sock member  54 . Sling swivel  38  then connects to this loop  64 . In one arrangement, as is shown, stitching  66  is used to sew strap  62  to sock member  54  on either side of loop  64 . 
     In one arrangement, a single strap  62  is affixed to sock member  54  and extends a length of the sock member  54  between pen end  56  and closed end  58 . In this arrangement, the single strap  62  includes one or more loops  64  adjacent its forward end that connects to a first sling swivel  38 , and one or more loops  64  adjacent its rearward end that connects to a second sling swivel  38 . 
     In an alternative arrangement, two shorter portions of strap  62  are connected to the sock member  54 , one adjacent its forward end that connects to a first sling swivel  38 , and one adjacent its rearward end that connects to a second sling swivel  38 . By adding these smaller strap portions  62  at or near the sight of the sling swivels  38  this provides reinforcement to the sock material  54  and tends to provide a more robust and durable connection site for the sling swivels  38  as compared to merely connecting the sling swivels  38  directly to the sock material  54  itself. 
     Because the material of sock member  54  itself tends to be stretchable, by affixing a single strap  62  that extends a length of the sock member  54  this tends to provide additional rigidity to the sock member  54  when it is used as a sling. This prevents the sock member  54  from over-stretching when used as a sling. 
     Adjustment: The length of the sock member  54  is important to ensure that it is long enough to hold the gun  12  and that it is the proper length for use as a sling. 
     In one arrangement, to adjust the length of the sock member  54  when used as a sling, one end of the sock member  54  is connected to the gun  12  and the sock member  54  is twisted one or more times before connecting the opposite end of the sock member  54  to the gun  12 . This twisting shortens the length of the sock member  54  and quickly and easily allows the user to adjust the length of the sock member when used as a sling. The more the sock member is twisted the shorter the sling is. This twisting also thickens the material of the sock member  54  which can provide added comfort to a user when thicker material is slung over their shoulder. 
     In another arrangement, to allow for adjustment of the length of the sock member  54  when it is used as a sling, strap  62  is sewn to the material of sock member  54  in a plurality of places by stitching  66  to form a plurality of loops  64 . This allows the user to select the appropriate loop  64  to provide the appropriate length of the sock member  54  when used as a sling. 
     In this arrangement, it may be desirable to have a dual release sling swivel  68 . A dual release sling swivel  68  is much like the previously described sling swivel  38  with loop  42  being replaced by a second activation button  46 , locking member  50  and mounting rod  52 . That is, dual release sling swivel  68  includes a main body  40  positioned at its middle. Main body  40  also includes a pair of activation buttons  46 . Activation buttons  46  extends outwardly from the main body  40  and include a rotatable collar  48  that rotates between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in an unlocked position, activation buttons  46  are slidable towards main body  46  which causes a locking member  50  on the opposite side of the main body to be decoupled from a mounting rod  52 . Once the locking member  50  is decoupled from the mounting rod  52 , the locking member  50  is rotatable away from mounting rod  52 . In this decoupled state, mounting rod  52  is insertable into either a through hole  36  of either rearward mounting post  28  or forward mounting post  30  or through a loop  64  connected to the sock member  54 . Once inserted, the activation button  46  is again depressed and the locking member  50  is rotated back over the end of mounting rod  52  and recoupled with the end of mounting rod  50  in a locked state. Once in this position, the rotatable collar is  48  is again rotated to a locked position thereby locking the mounting rod  52  over rearward mounting post  28  or forward mounting post  30 . 
     In this way, the use of a dual release sling swivel  68  allows a user to select the loop  64  they desire to connect the dual release sling swivel  68 . In addition, the use of a dual release sling swivel  68  allows the user to connect and disconnect to and from either or both of the gun  12  and the sock member. In this way, a user can decide if they want the dual release sling swivels  68  to stay attached to the gun  12  or to the sock member  54 . 
     In another arrangement, to adjust the length of the sock member  54  when used as a sling, one or more draw strings  70  extends a portion of the length or the entire lateral length of the sock member  54 . In one arrangement, an end of draw string  70  extends out of an end of the sock member  54  and includes a length adjusting device  72  connected thereto. Length adjusting device  72  is any devices that assists with adjustment of the length of draw string  70 , or helps to hold the length of draw string  70  once adjusted. In one arrangement, length adjusting device  70  is a spring loaded push button cord adjustment device. 
     In this arrangement, as more draw string  70  is pulled, the length of the sock member  54  is shortened. Once the desired length of the draw string  70  is established, the length adjustment device  72  is engaged and the length of the sock member  54  is set. Use of a draw string  70  helps to provide added rigidity to the sock member  54  when used as a sling as the draw string  70  tends to take up much of the stretch of the sock member  54 . 
     Shoulder Pad: In one arrangement, to provide additional comfort for the user, a shoulder pad  74  is added to the exterior surface of the sock member  54 . Shoulder pad  74  is any form of a compressible device, such as for example a piece of compressible material, a piece of foam, a piece of rubber, or any other compressible material, added to the sock member  54 . In one arrangement, shoulder pad  74  is formed of or includes non-slip features or material such as plastic or rubber pads. The use of non-slip material or non-slip features helps to prevent the sling from accidently sliding off of the user&#39;s shoulder when in use. 
     Zipper Arrangement: In another arrangement, sock member  54  includes a zipper  76  that extends a length of the sock member  54  between rearward end  78  to forward end  80 . In this arrangement, the zipper  76  is opened and the gun  12  is inserted through the opening formed by the zipper  76 . Once the gun  12  is inside the sock member  54  the zipper  76  is again closed thereby holding the gun  12  within the sock member  54 . 
     Note the term sling swivel as used herein is not meant to be limited to any one form of a device. Instead, the term sling swivel is merely intended to mean any mechanical device that is used to couple two devices together. In this way, the term sling swivel is broad and non-limiting. 
     From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the sock and sling system presented improves upon the state of the art. That is, the sock and sling system presented: eliminates the redundancies of carrying both a sling and a gun sock; improves a user&#39;s hunting or shooting experience; eliminates unnecessary extra pieces of equipment; complies with casing laws; is easy to use; is convenient to use; is safe to use; is adjustable; has a simple design; saves money; is inexpensive; is comfortable to use; has an intuitive design; has a minimal number of parts; is durable; provides a long and useful life; provides dual functionality of casing and carrying a gun, among countless other advantages and improvements. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.