Abstract:
A sling strap retention device is provided. The sling strap retention device includes a structure with a first flexible member and a second flexible member, the first flexible member and the second flexible member further comprising a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side, a front surface, and a back surface, wherein the first and second flexible members may be oriented one over the other with the back sides of the first and second flexible members in opposition and coupled along a length of the members. The first and second flexible members may be configured to flex and couple to one another to form opposing closed loops. These closed loops may be configured to couple to and retain therein a sling strap of a weapon.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application to Horwitz entitled “SLING STRAP RETENTION DEVICE,” Ser. No. 61/814,894, filed Apr. 23, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The following relates generally to sling straps on weapons, and, in particular to a device which can be used together with the sling for safe and efficient weapon storage. 
         [0004]    2. State of the Art 
         [0005]    Slings may be present on any weapon but are primarily used on long-barrel firearms such as rifles and shotguns. Slings are used, among other things, to carry the weapon while walking or running, and to steady the weapon while aiming and firing. 
         [0006]    When a weapon  10  is stored, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , slings may easily become entangled with other weapons, gear, the storage rack itself, and other nearby objects, creating inconvenience and significant safety hazards. For example, in military and law enforcement situations, tangled slings on stored weapons create difficulty in rapid, safe deployment of these weapons. When pulling the weapon free from its storage configuration, the user may need to stop and physically separate a loose or extra length of sling from the weapon storage rack and/or from various other gear. This may significantly delay deployment of the weapon. Consequently, an entangled weapon sling will place the troop, law enforcement officer or third-party victim(s) in increased danger due to the delay. 
         [0007]    With civilian (including but not limited to recreational target shooting and hunting), military, and law enforcement use, entangled slings on stored weapons are a safety hazard. Deployment may dislodge adjacent stored weapons, creating the chance accidental discharge resulting in death or serious injury. At the very least, any loose length of sling  20 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 , may get caught on gear, gun storage racks, etc. and are a nuisance to untangle. 
         [0008]    Thus, there is a need in the art for a device that permits the safe and rapid deployment of weapons  10  from side-by-side storage racks, from police vehicles, or from any other storage method for use by military, police, and/or citizens without the sling strap from these weapons  10  becoming entangled with objects or other weapons. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The following relates to sling straps on weapons, and, in particular to a device which can be used to gather redundant lengths of the sling for safe and efficient weapon storage. The disclosure further relates to a gather for weapon slings that allows for simple, rapid, and reliable deployment of the weapon from various storage configurations, particularly for long-barreled weapons, such as rifles, that are in ubiquitous use throughout the military, various federal and state law enforcement agencies, the civilian population, and amongst recreational users. 
         [0010]    An aspect of the present disclosure includes a strap retention device comprising a first portion having a length between opposing ends, a second portion having a length between opposing ends, the first and second portions being functionally coupled to one another between the opposing ends of the first portion and the opposing ends of the second portion, the first portion being configured to releasably couple to itself to form a first bounded region, the first bounded region being configured to releasably engage a portion of the strap therein, the second portion being configured to releasably couple to itself to form a second bounded region, the second bounded region being configured to releasably engage a redundant portion of the strap that has been gathered together. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the first portion and second portions are comprised of flexible material. 
         [0012]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the first portion is comprised of flexible material and the second portion is comprised of elastic material. 
         [0013]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the respective lengths of the first and second portions are aligned substantially in parallel. 
         [0014]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the respective lengths of the first and second portions are aligned transversely to one another. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the first and second portions further comprise respective fastening mechanisms for facilitating each of the first and second portions coupling to itself 
         [0016]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the first bounded region defines a first axis and the second bounded region defines a second axis, the first and second axes being aligned substantially in parallel. 
         [0017]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a strap retention system for engaging a sling strap, the system comprising a sling strap defining a length between a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to an object at a first position along the object and the second end coupled to the object at a second position along the object, the length of the sling strap being longer than a length between the first and second positions, the sling strap being configured to be gathered together on itself in a redundant portion, and a plurality of retention devices, each of the retention devices comprising a first portion being configured to releasably couple to itself to form a first bounded region, the first bounded region being configured to functionally engage a portion of the sling strap therein, a second portion being configured to releasably couple to itself to form a second bounded region, the second bounded region being configured to functionally engage the redundant portion of the sling strap, wherein the first and second portions are coupled to one another. 
         [0018]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the second portion of a first retention device of the plurality of retention devices releasably engages a first end of the redundant portion and the second portion of a second retention device of the plurality of retention devices releasably engages a second end of the redundant portion. 
         [0019]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein force exerted on the sling strap to move the sling strap away from the object causes the respective second portions of the plurality of retention devices to release therefrom the redundant portion. 
         [0020]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the second portion of a third retention device of the plurality of retention devices releasably engages the redundant portion between the first and second ends of the redundant portion. 
         [0021]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the plurality of retention devices retain the sling strap substantially taut against the object when the first portions of the respective retention devices functionally engage the sling strap and corresponding second portions of the respective retention devices releasably engage the redundant portion. 
         [0022]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the first bounded region of each of the plurality of devices is configured to functionally engage the sling strap to substantially prevent the sling strap from axially advancing within the respective first bounded regions. 
         [0023]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of operating a weapon having a sling coupled thereto, the method comprising providing a sling defining a length between a first end and a second end, coupling the first end of the sling to the weapon at a first position along the weapon and the second end of the sling to the weapon at a second position along the weapon, the length of the sling being longer than a length between the first and second positions, gathering redundant portions of the sling together, and binding the redundant portions of the sling to the sling using a retention device, the retention device comprising a first portion releasably coupled to itself to form a first bounded region, the first bounded region functionally engaging a portion of the sling therein, a second portion releasably coupled to itself to form a second bounded region, the second bounded region functionally engaging the redundant portions of the sling, wherein the first and second portions are coupled to one another. 
         [0024]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes storing the weapon after the binding the redundant portions of the sling to the sling. 
         [0025]    Another aspect of the present disclosure includes moving the redundant portions of the sling away from the weapon to release the redundant portions from the second bounded region after the binding the redundant portions of the sling to the sling. 
         [0026]    To overcome issues caused by loose, excess length of slings of weapons, the sling strap retention device accomplishes five goals: 1) keep the sling flat and neatly organized; 2) allow deployment of the sling instantly; 3) allow the weapon to dock in the lock housing; 4) prevent the sling from hanging up on the lock housing; and 5) allow a plurality of weapons to be stored next to each other without becoming entangled. Accordingly, the sling strap retention device provides a simple, workable solution to these and other problems created by redundant lengths of sling material on weapons. 
         [0027]    The sling strap retention device, as disclosed hereafter in this application, may be a structure comprising two overlying flexible members of appropriate length and width, fixedly coupled, whereby the free ends of each member may be detachably coupled to form two adjoining closed loops, one for each flexible member. Moreover, the sling strap retention device, as disclosed hereafter in this application, may be a structure comprising a flexible member of appropriate length and width, fixedly coupled to the sling, whereby the free ends of the member may be detachably coupled to form a closed loop. 
         [0028]    The sling strap retention device may be used by attaching the device to the weapon sling, either by encircling a segment of sling material by one of the detachably closed loops or using an alternate method of attachment, such as fixing a single loop to the sling strap. The sling&#39;s redundant length is gathered by neatly folding the sling back and forth on itself to take up the slack and secured by the second loop of the sling retention device. This loop keeps the folded sling in place, with the redundant length of sling neatly gathered and secured by the sling strap retention device. One unit may be adequate to secure the sling; alternatively, two or more units of the invention can be used in tandem, as preferred by the user. Because use of the sling strap retention device eliminates the redundant length, the invention greatly reduces the chance of sling entanglement. When the weapon is deployed, a simple tug on the sling releases the gathered material, instantly deploying the sling to its full operational length. 
         [0029]    The foregoing and other features, advantages, and construction of the present disclosure will be more readily apparent and fully appreciated from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members. 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of a conventional weapon rack having examples of conventional long-barreled weapons, such as assault rifles, hunting rifles, and shotguns, stored therein. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a perspective side view of an exemplary conventional long-barreled weapon, such as an assault rifle, a hunting rifle, and a shotgun, having a sling strap attached thereto on opposing ends. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a sling strap retention device in an open position in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of a sling strap retention device in an open position in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a sling strap retention device in a closed position in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of a sling strap retention device in a closed position and engaged with a sling strap in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of a sling strap retention device in a closed position and engaged with a sling strap on a weapon in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures listed above. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0039]    As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0040]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 3-5  depict an embodiment of a sling strap retention device  30 . Embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may be utilized to bind redundant portions of a sling strap on a weapon to itself when folded up or gathered up into a reduced length. In addition thereto, embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may be utilized to bind redundant portions of a length of material, such as a cord, rope, cable, sling, strap, or other elongate-type object to itself when folded up or gathered up into a reduced length. 
         [0041]    Embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may comprise portions thereof that may be configured to functionally engage the sling strap in various lengths and configurations as will be described herein. Embodiments of the sling strap retention device may comprise, for example, a first portion  31  and a second portion  32 . The first and second portions  31  and  32  may be functionally coupled together so as to oppose one another. In addition, the first and second portions  31  and  32  may each be configured to individually and separately transition between an open position, as depicted in  FIG. 3  and a closed position, as depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0042]    Embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  being a length of flexible material, the flexible material being configured such that the first portion  31  may bend, turn, twist, or otherwise flex, to transition between the open and closed positions. The first portion  31  may be flexible enough to bend, turn, twist, or otherwise flex along its length or width. The first portion  31  may have opposing ends  33  and  35  at opposite ends of the length of the first portion  31 . The first portion  31  may have a front surface  37  and a rear surface  37   a  that are defined between opposing ends  33  and  35 . The first portion  31  may be comprised of any material that allows the first portion  31  to flex and perform its intended purpose, as described herein. For example, the first portion  31  may be comprised of a textile or other flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibers. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may comprise the first portion  31  being comprised of, for example, and not in any way limiting, a textile material, a rubber material, a plastic material, and/or a metal material. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  being comprised of a textile material that in addition to exhibiting flexible properties and characteristics may also exhibit elastic properties that permit the first portion  31  to stretch when force is applied to the first portion  31  to cause the first portion  31  to displace or stretch. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may comprise the first portion  31  being comprised of, for example, and not in any way limiting, a textile material, a rubber material, a plastic material, a metal material, having properties that allow the first portion  31  to bend, flex, twist, and otherwise move, but not necessarily expand in size, as would an elastic material. 
         [0043]    Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  having a fastening mechanism  42  coupled thereto. The fastening mechanism  42  may further comprise a coupling component  44  and/or a receiving component  46 . The coupling component  44  may be configured proximate the opposing end  35 , whereas the receiving component  46  may be configured proximate the opposing end  33 . Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the coupling component  44  being configured proximate the opposing end  33 , whereas the receiving component  46  may be configured proximate the opposing end  35 . At any rate, the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46  should be configured on the first portion  31  at opposing ends thereof to permit the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46  to communicate with one another to permit the first portion  31  to releasably and repeatedly couple to itself by way of the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46 . In other words, by utilizing the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46 , the opposing ends  33  and  35  of the first portion  31  may be functionally coupled together and thereafter released, such that the first portion  31  may transition between the open position, as depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and the closed position, as depicted in  FIG. 5 . As depicted, embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may comprise the opposing ends  33  and  35  overlapping one another in the closed position, such that portions of the length of the first portion  31  overlap one another to permit the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46  of the fastening mechanism  42  to communicate with and engage one another to releasably secure the first portion  31  in the closed position. 
         [0044]    Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the second portion  32  being a length of flexible material, the flexible material being configured such that the second portion  32  may bend, turn, twist, or otherwise flex, to transition between the open and closed positions. The second portion  32  may be flexible enough to bend, turn, twist, or otherwise flex along its length or width. The second portion  32  may have opposing ends  34  and  36  at opposite ends of the length of the second portion  32 . The second portion  32  may have a front surface  38  and a rear surface  38   a  that are defined between opposing ends  34  and  36 . The second portion  32  may be comprised of any material that allows the second portion  32  to flex and perform its intended purpose, as described herein. For example, the second portion  32  may be comprised of a textile or other flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibers. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may comprise the second portion  32  being comprised of, for example, and not in any way limiting, a textile material, a rubber material, a plastic material, a metal material. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the second portion  32  being comprised of a textile material that in addition to exhibiting flexible properties and characteristics may also exhibit elastic properties that permit the second portion  32  to stretch when force is applied to the second portion  32  to cause the second portion  32  to displace or stretch along its length and/or width. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may comprise the second portion  32  being comprised of elastic material, with such non-limiting examples thereof being spandex, stretch vinyl, nylon, braided elastic, knitted elastic, and/or woven elastic that allows the second portion  32  to have force applied thereto that results in the second portion  32  being easily stretched or expanded and thereafter resuming its original shape after the applied force is removed. 
         [0045]    Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the second portion  32  having a fastening mechanism  42  coupled thereto. The fastening mechanism  42  may further comprise a coupling component  44  and/or a receiving component  46 . The coupling component  44  may be configured proximate the opposing end  36 , whereas the receiving component  46  may be configured proximate the opposing end  34 . Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the coupling component  44  being configured proximate the opposing end  34 , whereas the receiving component  46  may be configured proximate the opposing end  36 . At any rate, the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46  should be configured on the second portion  32  at opposing ends thereof to permit the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46  to communicate with one another to permit the second portion  32  to releasably and repeatedly couple to itself by way of the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46 . In other words, by utilizing the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46 , the opposing ends  34  and  36  of the second portion  32  may be functionally coupled together and thereafter released, such that the second portion  32  may transition between the open position, as depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and the closed position, as depicted in  FIG. 5 . As depicted, embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may comprise the opposing ends  34  and  36  overlapping one another in the closed position, such that portions of the length of the second portion  32  overlap one another to permit the coupling component  44  and the receiving component  46  of the fastening mechanism  42  to communicate with and engage one another to releasably secure the second portion  32  in the closed position. 
         [0046]    Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the fastening mechanism  42  being, for example, but not limited to, a hook-and-loop-type fastener, a button-type fastener, an adhesive-type fastener, a zipper-type fastener, a snap-type fastener, a buckle-type fastener, a tie-type fastener, a clip-type fastener, and any other mechanical fastener that allows two or more parts, such as a coupling component  44  and a receiving component  46  to releasably and repeatedly functionally couple to one another. 
         [0047]    Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  being a length of flexible material and the second portion  32  being a length of flexible and elastic material. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  exhibiting less elastic properties and characteristics than the second portion  32 , such that the second portion  32  is more elastic and behaves more elastically than the first portion  31 . Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  and the second portion  32  having the same length. 
         [0048]    Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first and second portions  31  and  32  being coupled to one another at a section  40  along the respective rear surfaces  37   a  and  38   a . Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  and the second portion  32  being releasably coupled together. Alternatively, embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  and the second portion  32  being fixedly coupled together. As a non-limiting example, the rear surface  37   a  of the first portion  31  may be configured to oppose the rear surface  38   a  of the second portion  32  such that the rear surfaces  37   a  and  38   a  oppose one another. The section  40  may be a point or a larger section of the length of the first and second portions  31  and  32  (but less than the entire length). Thus, at the section  40 , the first and second portions  31  and  32  may be coupled to one another. Further, in some embodiments the respective rear surfaces  37   a  and  38   a  may be coupled to one another to secure the first and second portions  31  and  32  to one another. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first and second portions  31  and  32  being fixedly coupled to one another at the section  40 . However, whether releasably coupled together or fixedly coupled together, the first and second portions  31  and  32  are coupled at the section  40 , such that once the first and second portions  31  and  32  are coupled, the first and second portions  31  and  32  are prohibited from completely separating from one another. Further, by being coupled together at the section  40 , the remaining uncoupled portions of the first and second portions  31  and  32  are permitted to flex, bend, twist, or otherwise move, such that the fastening mechanism  42  on each of the opposing ends of the first and second portions  31  and  32  may perform its intended purpose and couple the respective opposing ends to one another, as depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0049]    Alternatively, embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first portion  31  and the second portion  32  being comprised of and configured as a unitary piece of material. In other words, the sling retention device  30  may be manufactured as a single piece of material, but yet functions as described herein, with the fastening mechanism  42  on each of the opposing ends of the first and second portions  31  and  32  being able to perform its intended purpose and couple the respective opposing ends of the first and second portions  31  and  32  to one another, as depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0050]    Referring further to  FIG. 5 , the fastening mechanism  42  on the first portion  31  may be actuated, such that the first portion  31  couples to itself in the closed position to form a first closed loop or a first bounded region that defines therein a space  51 , such as a pocket, opening, gap, bore, through hole, or the like. The fastening mechanism  42  may be configured to allow the diameter of the space  51  to adjust to a smaller diameter or a larger diameter, as needed. The space  51  may be configured to receive therein, or otherwise house and temporarily retain, a portion of a sling strap  20  of a weapon  10 . Further, the space  51  may be configured to receive therein overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20 . Under the condition the space  51  retains the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20 , the space  51  may be configured to release the overlapped portions  22  upon tension or force being exerted on the overlapped portions  22  or on the sling strap  20 , as will be described herein. Further still, the space  51  may be configured to receive and retain therein bundles of overlapped materials, such as for example, and not in any way limiting, cords, hoses, cables, strings, lines, chains, ropes, and any other material that can be overlapped on itself. 
         [0051]    Referring still to  FIG. 5 , the fastening mechanism  42  on the second portion  32  may be actuated, such that the second portion  32  couples to itself in the closed position to form a second closed loop or a second bounded region that defines therein a space  52 , such as a pocket, opening, gap, bore, through hole, or the like. The fastening mechanism  42  may be configured to allow the diameter of the space  52  to adjust to a smaller diameter or a larger diameter, as needed. The space  52  may be configured to receive therein, or otherwise house and temporarily retain, a sling strap  20  of a weapon  10 . Further, the space  52  may be configured to receive therein overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20 . Under the condition the space  52  retains the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20 , the space  52  may be configured to release the overlapped portions  22  upon tension or force being exerted on the overlapped portions  22  or on the sling strap  20 , as will be described herein. Further still, the space  52  may be configured to receive and retain therein bundles of overlapped materials, such as for example, and not in any way limiting, cords, hoses, cables, strings, lines, chains, ropes, and any other material that can be overlapped on itself 
         [0052]    Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first bounded region defining a first axis and the second bounded region defining a second axis. Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise the first and second axes being aligned substantially in parallel under the condition the first and second portions  31  and  32  are in the closed position. 
         [0053]    Embodiments of the sling retention device  30  may further comprise only one of the first and second portions  31  and  32  being present on the device  30 , one of the first and second portions  31  or  32  being fixedly coupled directly to the sling strap  20  without the need of the other. In this way, because, for example, the second portion  32  may be fixedly coupled to the sling strap  20 , the second portion  32  does not need to be held thereon by the first portion  31 . Because of this fixed relationship between the second portion  32  and the sling strap  20 , the presence of the first portion  31  may not be needed and the second portion  32  may be actuated to wrap around and enclose portions of the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20  when the second portion  32  is placed in the closed position, as described herein. Alternatively, the first portion  31  may be fixedly coupled to the sling strap  20 , such that the first portion  31  does not need to be held thereon by the second portion  32 . Indeed, because of this fixed relationship between the first portion  31  and the sling strap  20 , the presence of the second portion  32  may not be needed and the first portion  31  may be actuated to wrap around and enclose portions of the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20  when the first portion  31  is placed in the closed position, as described herein. 
         [0054]    Referring now to FIGS.  2  and  6 - 7 , embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may be utilized to safely and efficiently secure the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20  to the sling strap  20 , or against the sling strap  20 , which thereby may safely and securely store, or otherwise retain, the sling strap  20  against the weapon  10  without hindering the normal operation of the weapon  10 . Generally, the sling strap  20  is attached to the weapon  10 , typically by swivel connectors, at the forward stock or from the underside of a forward part of the gun barrel, and at a second point rearward on the butt stock, as depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0055]    As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the sling strap  20  may be examined to determine a position on the sling strap  20  that may be selected for placement of the device  30 . For example, the first portion  31  may be looped around the sling strap  20  at a desirable location along the sling strap  20 . Thereafter, the fastening mechanism  42  on the first portion  31  may be actuated to allow the first portion  31  to couple to itself about the sling strap  20  at the designated and desired position. In this way, the first portion  31  may be configured on the sling strap  20 , with the space  51  functionally engaging the sling strap  20 . In embodiments of the device  30  where hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®-type fasteners, are utilized, the degree of detachability of the first portion  31  from the sling strap  20  can be adjusted by modifying the area of the cooperating Velcro® parts that contact one another, or that overlap one another. In this way, the Velcro® brand hook and loop fastener, or any other fastener of the type described herein that may be adjustable for length, may be similarly used on the first portion  31  to achieve a secure and adjustable, yet easily detachable connection to the sling strap  20 . 
         [0056]    Once the first portion  31  is functionally engaged with the sling strap  20 , the loose portion, redundant portion, and/or slack portion of the sling strap  20  may be gathered up together on itself, such as in folds, rolls, bunches, groups, clusters, or other like gatherings to form the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20 . In other words, the loose, redundant, and slack length of the sling strap  20  may be folded back on itself, gathering the redundant material of the sling strap  20  in one or more gathered or stacked loops so that the sling strap  20  is taut between the swivel connectors and lies flat against the weapon  10  or under the weapon  10 . The taut sling strap  20  may rest against the side of the weapon  10  opposite the ejection port, so as to not interfere with the normal operation of the weapon  10 . 
         [0057]    With the sling strap  20  taut, one end of the overlapped portions  22  may be gathered and placed in proximity with the second portion  32 . Thereafter, the second portion  32  may be actuated, such that the second portion  32  may be looped around the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20 . Thereafter, the fastening mechanism  42  on the second portion  32  may be actuated to allow the second portion  32  to couple to itself about the overlapped portions  22 . In this way, the second portion  32  may be configured on the overlapped portions  22 , with the space  52  functionally engaging the overlapped portions  22 . In embodiments of the device  30  where hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®-type fasteners, are utilized, the degree of detachability can be adjusted by modifying the area of the cooperating Velcro® parts that contact one another, or that overlap one another. In this way, the Velcro® brand hook and loop fastener, or any other fastener of the type described herein that may be adjustable for length, may be similarly used on the second portion  32  to achieve a secure and adjustable, yet easily detachable connection. 
         [0058]    As depicted in  FIG. 6 , embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may further comprise a plurality of sling strap retention devices  30  being utilized in a system to secure the opposing ends of the overlapped portions  22  to respective locations along the length of the sling strap  20 . Consider that when loose sections of a sling strap  20  are gathered up on themselves in stacked loops, these stacked loops will usually have opposing ends. As a result, embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may comprise using a plurality of sling strap retention devices  30  and  30   a  in a fastening system to secure each opposing end of the overlapped portions  22  individually to the sling strap  20 . For example, the sling strap retention device  30  may be utilized to couple one end of the opposing ends of the overlapping portions  22  to the sling strap  20 . Likewise, a second sling strap retention device  30   a  may be utilized to couple the second end of the opposing ends of the overlapping portions  22  to the sling strap  20 . In particular, but not in any way limiting, the first portion  31  of the first device  30  may be operated to functionally engage the sling strap  20 , as described above, such that the first portion  31  of the first device  30  is functionally secured to the sling strap  20 . Thereafter, the second portion  32  of the first device  30  may be operated to functionally engage a portion of the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20 , as described above. Likewise, the first portion  31  of the second device  30   a  may be operated to functionally engage the sling strap  20 , as described above, such that the first portion  31  of the second device  30   a  is functionally secured to the sling strap  20 . In addition, the second portion  32  of the second device  30   a  may be operated to functionally engage another portion of the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20 , as described above. In this way, at least each end of the overlapped portions  22  may be functionally secured to the sling strap  20  by one or more devices  30  and  30   a , such that the sling strap  20  is taut against the weapon  10 , as depicted in  FIG. 7 . Embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may further comprise more than two devices  30  and  30   a  being utilized to secure the overlapped portions  22  to the sling strap  20  for added security. 
         [0059]    Embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may further comprise a user adjusting and determining the diameter of the closed loop or bounded region, or spaces  51  and  52 , of each of the first and second portions  31  and  32 , the respective diameters being determined according to a width of the sling strap  20  of the weapon  10  and the total thickness of the overlapped portions  22  to be secured, respectively. For example, the user-adjusted diameter of the closed loop or bounded region, or spaces  51  and  52 , formed by the first and second portions  31  and  32 , respectively, are an important feature of the device  30 . For example, the space  51  defined by the first portion  31  should be configured to engage the sling strap  20  such that the sling strap  20  does not freely transition back and forth within the space  51 . Indeed, the space  51  should be configured to have a diameter that engages and retains therein the sling strap  20  such that it does not freely move but remains in place. On the other hand, the space  52  defined by the second portion  32  should be snug enough to adequately secure the overlapped portions  22  during storage, so the sling strap  20  does not inadvertently come loose, but yet should be loose enough to allow for quick and easy release of the overlapped portions  22  from the space  52  during deployment of the weapon  10  and as desired by the user. 
         [0060]    For example, with the sling strap  20  and the overlapped portions  22  secured by one or more devices  30 , as disclosed above and depicted in  FIG. 7 , the weapon  10  may operate normally. In other words, if undesired, the sling strap  20  need never be deployed from engagement by the retention devices  30  and/or  30   a . When, however, under the condition the user wishes to deploy the sling strap  20 , the user may access the full use of the sling strap  20  by a few simple motions. First, the user need only place the user&#39;s non-trigger hand, or “off hand,” between the weapon  10  and the sling  20 . Second, with the “off hand” the user may push, or otherwise move, the sling strap  20  away from the weapon  10 . This force applied by the user to move the sling strap  20  away from the weapon  10  results in the overlapped portions  22  of the sling strap  20  easily and quickly pulling through the spaces  52  defined by the respective second portions  32  to allow the sling strap  20  to deploy to its full length. In these circumstances, the first and second portions  31  and  32  do not decouple from one another, nor does the first portion  31  decouple from the sling strap  20 . Instead, the overlapped portions  22  simply pull out of the spaces  52  defined by the second portions  32 , such that the sling strap  20  deploys to its full length. Once deployed to the full length, the user may keep the sling strap  20  outstretched against the back of the “off hand” and simply flip the sling strap  20  over the user&#39;s head and shoulder in one fluid motion. In this way, the sling strap retention device  30  facilitates a simple, natural, and efficient immediate transition of the sling strap  20  from a stored configuration to a fully deployed configuration whereby the user of the weapon  10  may aim and fire the weapon  10  in short order and without having to untangle the weapon  10  from other weapons or objects because of a tangled sling strap. 
         [0061]    As mentioned above, the second portion  32  may be comprised of a flexible and elastic material. With the second portion  32  exhibiting flexible and elastic properties, the overlapped portions  22  more readily release from the space  52 , thus facilitating the deployment of the sling strap  20  discussed above. Further, the first portion may be comprised of a flexible, but non-elastic material. With the first portion  31  exhibiting flexible, but inelastic properties, the space  51  more effectively engages the sling strap  20  such that the first portion  31 , and thus the entire device  30 , does not improperly shift up and down the sling strap  20  once configured thereon. 
         [0062]    Moreover, once the user has finished with the weapon  10 , the sling strap  20  may be gathered, as described above, to create the overlapped portions  22 . The device  30  or devices  30  and  30   a  may then be reutilized to safely and efficiently secure the sling strap  20  to the weapon  10 , until the weapon  10  is again needed. With the sling strap  20  taut against the weapon  10 , the sling strap  20  is prohibited from becoming entangled on adjacent weapons  10 , on other sling straps  20 , or on any other undesired object. 
         [0063]    Embodiments of the sling strap retention device  30  may further comprise a method of operating a weapon, such as for example, a rifle, shotgun, or other weapon that may utilize a sling strap for portability or storage. The method may comprise providing a sling strap on a weapon. The sling strap may have an original length defined between two opposing ends, with each end being attached to the weapon at different positions on the weapon, the original length of the strap being longer than the length between the positions at which the strap is connected to the weapon. The method may further comprise coupling a retention device to the sling strap. The retention device may be a retention device  30 , as described above, and the retention device  30  may be coupled to the sling strap  20  as described above. The method may further comprise folding the sling strap on itself to reduce the length of the sling strap and bring the sling strap up against the weapon, such that the folded length of the sling strap is substantially the same as the length between the positions at which the strap is connected to the weapon. Folding the sling strap on itself may comprise one or more folds in a stacked fold configuration. The method may further comprise utilizing the retention device to releasably secure the stacked fold to the sling strap. The method may further comprise moving the stacked fold away from the weapon. Moving the stacked fold away from the weapon can release the stacked fold from the retention device to permit the sling strap to return to its original length. The method may further comprise storing the weapon with the retention device engaging the stacked fold to maintain the sling strap taut against the weapon. The method may further comprise deploying the weapon from storage by gripping the weapon with one hand and moving the stacked fold away from the weapon with the other hand to release the stacked fold from the retention device to permit the sling strap to return to its original length. 
         [0064]    While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the present disclosure and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.