Abstract:
A strap tensioning apparatus consisting of a strap tensioner attached to a firearm, a spring loaded spool contained within the strap tensioner, the strap having one end releasable attached to the spool, the strap exiting the spool, the other end of the strap attached to the firearm. The spool adapted to be adjustable between three different modes: a lock mode, a release mode, and a free spool mode. The strap tensioner allows a user to easily and safely adjust the tension of the strap to increase comfort, mobility, and safety.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/378,546 filed Feb. 17, 2009, now abandoned which is a continuation U.S. application Ser. No. 11/702,438, filed Feb. 5, 2007, now abandoned which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/174,053 filed Jul. 1, 2005 now abandoned. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     RESERVATION OF RIGHTS 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to intellectual property rights such as but not limited to copyright, trademark, and/or trade dress protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a strap tensioner for a firearm adapted to adjust a strap attached to the firearm to different lengths. The strap tensioner provides a housing attached to the firearm that contains a strap that is also attached to the firearm. The strap tensioner contains a spool upon which the strap is wound. With the press of the lever, a user is able to vary the amount of strap outside of the housing. Known art may be found in U.S. Class 224, Subclasses 150, 162 and 270 and U.S. Class 24, Subclass 68R and other relevant areas. 
     2. Description of the Known Art 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, firearm transportation on the body of a user in the field can be dangerous as well as burdensome and tiresome. For literally centuries, firearm users have employed straps in an attempt to address these issues. 
     Throughout history, users of firearm straps have faced many difficulties with the known firearm straps, also known as gun slings. For example, the straps are not readily adjustable. A user is required to adjust the strap to fit any number of various types of firearms of all dimensions, shapes, and sizes. The known firearm straps use buckles to vary the tension of the strap on a user. The straps, if not fitted correctly, tend to slide on a user and allow the firearm to move from a secured position. If a strap needs to be tightened or loosened, a user is required to stop all activities simply to adjust the amount of strap through the buckle. The amount of strap needed varies depending on the type of weather. If it is hot outside, a user wears less clothing and needs to tighten the strap in order to compensate for wearing less clothing. If it is cold outside, a user wears more clothing and needs to loosen the strap. A user also wants to adjust the tension of the strap according to a user&#39;s activity, whether it be running, climbing, or walking. Furthermore, the known art does not allow a user to secure a firearm so that a user can quickly and easily raise the firearm to a firing position in order to take a quick shot. 
     The known firearm straps also place users into many dangerous situations. By not properly securing the firearm to the user, a user could accidentally point the firearm in the direction of himself or others. The firearm could also bounce around while the user is transporting the firearm. If the firearm is not properly secured, a user could drop the firearm causing the firearm to accidentally fire. The known strap systems also allow excess strap to hang loosely from the firearm. This excess strap interferes with a user&#39;s movements. The excess strap could snag on a user, brush, and/or other objects. 
     The known strap systems do not provide a user with a means to lift the firearm to elevated heights such as a tree stand. The known method of lifting a firearm to a tree stand involves pointing a firearm in the direction of the user or others as a user raises the firearm. 
     The known art has addressed some issues with firearm transportation by straps. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,069,623 issued to Lutkens on Aug. 5, 1913 discloses a device whereby a firearm strap may be withdrawn into the firearm when not in use, and has for its objects to provide a device for withdrawing the said strap into the firearm stock, entirely out of the way and for adjusting the tension of the strap when it is in use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,115,737 issued to Prochnow on Nov. 3, 1914 provides means for locking the winding spool with the strap extended to any desired length. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,216 issued to Killian on Jun. 15, 1999 discloses an archer&#39;s bow which includes a riser between upper and lower limbs, and secured to limbs with bolt fasteners. A housing contains a spool with flexible webbing wound thereon. A leg extends at an acute angle to the housing and includes an aperture for securement to one of the bolt fasteners. Webbing extends through an opening in the housing and is wound to one side of the riser so as to be maintained clear of the sight window. The webbing automatically retracts when worn by a user to adjust tension in the webbing as a bow is carried while climbing or running. Further, the webbing automatically retracts immediately upon dismount and clears the sight window before even a quick shot can be taken. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,022 issued to McCoy on Apr. 23, 1991 discloses a gun safety assembly including a hand gun, a reel bearing an elongated cord connected thereto and a spring connected to the reel for biasing the cord toward and around the reel. The device also includes a ring on the gun butt and a snap ring on the free end of the cord releasably connecting the gun and cord, and a loop on the reel releasably connecting it to a gun belt. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,756 issued to Hightower on Sep. 8, 1998, discloses a firearm sling constructed with an elongated pad having at one end a thumb loop. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,319,852 issued to Perkins on May 16, 1967 discloses a conventional firearm sling featuring thistle-cloth fasteners sold under the trademark “Velcro” located at the face of the strap. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,564 issued to Carter on Apr. 4, 1972 discloses a lower end cup for supporting a muzzle with a sling passing around the body of a shoe. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,311,263 issued to Bianchi on Jan. 19, 1982 discloses a firearm sling with a thumb support. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,258 issued to Clark on Nov. 30, 1982 discloses a locking ring for adjustment on a general carrying strap applicable to various objects. 
     While some devices have attempted to allow a user to more easily adjust a strap, none of these devices allow the user to adjust the strap with a touch of a toggle. Furthermore, these devices do not wind the excess strap that is not used by the strap tensioner. These devices do not store the excess strap internally thus preventing the strap from snagging on obstacles. These devices are not retrofittable so that the device can be placed on any type of firearm after the firearm has been purchased. 
     The straps disclosed in the known art are not readily adjustable to enable the user to easily adjust the strap for a variety of different weathers or motions. Thus, the present invention directs itself to an improved firearm holding apparatus that is safer to use and that functions more efficiently by allowing a user to easily adjust the tension of the strap. Thus, a perceived need exists in the art for an improved strap tensioner for firearms. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to eliminate the problems inherent with existing known strap tensioners for holding firearms. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention involves a strap tensioner that is adapted to be readily adjusted to properly secure a firearm. The strap tensioner includes a strap having two ends. One end of the strap attaches to a firearm. The other end of the strap attaches to a spool. The spool is rotatably attached to a housing or a frame. The housing or frame is coupled to the firearm. 
     The spool is operatively engaged with a retraction device. The retraction device is a spring attached to the spool that biases the spool. A toothed gear with a pivotable control lever locks the spool in place so that the strap cannot be biased. When the release toggle is pressed, a control lever disengages from a toothed gear to bias the spool so that the strap can be selectively tensioned. If a user pulls on the strap while the control lever is disengaged from the toothed gear, the strap will unwind from the spool thus increasing the amount of strap outside of the housing. If a user does not pull on the strap, the strap will retract into the housing and onto the spool. 
     The spool stores the excess strap that is not needed by a user. By winding the excess strap onto the spool, the strap tensioner stores the excess strap in the housing. If extra strap is needed by the user, the user can remove the extra strap from the housing to increase the amount of strap used to support the firearm. 
     A spring enables the spool to selectively tension the strap. A user can disengage the spring from the spool. By disengaging the spring from the spool, the user adjusts the spool into a free spool mode. The free spool mode allows a user to both install the strap onto the spool and remove the strap from the spool. A user can then reengage the spring in order to adjust the spool out of the free spool mode. 
     Thus, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a strap tensioner that is easily adjustable in length in order to accommodate various types of firearms of all dimensions, shapes, and sizes. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to create a strap tensioner that will not slide once positioned on the shoulder or around the neck making for a safer use. 
     Another object of the present inventions is to internally stow the excess strap in a housing. 
     Another object of the present invention is to create a safer strap tensioner, in particular, during the resting position leaving the hands free for other important purposes. 
     Another object of the present invention is to create a strap tensioner which when in the resting position, the firearm is pointed away from the body, and at the same time, enables the firearm to be easily and quickly raised to the shooting position. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a strap tensioner for a firearm that is self-storing and automatic in its operation so as to avoid distraction to a user&#39;s concentration. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a carry system of the above-described type which automatically accommodates a wide range of user&#39;s movements, such as climbing and running, without requiring attention or direct intervention from the user. 
     Another object of this invention is provide a user with a simpler means of adjusting a firearm strap during different climates so that a user can adjust the strap according to the amount of clothing a user is wearing. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a user with a safer method of attaching a pull-rope to the firearm so that the barrel of the firearm will be pointed at the ground while the user is raising the firearm to greater heights such as up to a tree stand. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a user with means to easily tighten the strap so that the firearm will be flush against the user in order to avoid noise made by movement of the firearm and to prevent the firearm from bumping into obstacles. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a retrofittable device that can be installed on a firearm after purchase. The device can also be removed from one firearm and installed on a different firearm. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view showing an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a front plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 7  a bottom plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 4  thereof, with portions omitted for clarity; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a front plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11  thereof, with portions omitted for clarity; and 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11  with the locking arm adjusted to a different position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, the strap tensioner is generally indicated by reference numeral  100 . As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the strap tensioner  100  attaches to the firearm  30 . The strap tensioner  100  secures one end of the gun sling or strap  20  to the firearm  30  at stud  32 . The opposite end of strap  20  is secured conventionally to firearm  30  at stud  34 . The strap tensioner  100  may be located proximate the butt or the forearm or there between. 
     The strap tensioner  100  mounts on the exterior of the firearm  30 . The strap tensioner  100  is retrofittable so that it can be switched to any number or type of firearms. The strap tensioner  100  has a coupling  102  that attaches to the butt stud  32  of firearm  30 . One strap end  22  attaches to the spool  124 . The other strap end  24  attaches to the stock stud  34  of the firearm  30 . A cushion  26  is placed on the strap  20  for added comfort. The spool  124  is attached to frame  101 . In one particular embodiment, the frame  101  is a housing  104  in which spool  124  is stored. As is known in the art, the frame can be any structure including a housing. The spool has a retraction device that allows the spool to automatically wind the strap. In one embodiment, the retraction device is a spring releasable attached to the spool. As is known in the art, the retraction device can take other forms. 
       FIG. 1  shows an environmental view of an exemplary embodiment of strap tensioner  100  shown attached to a firearm  30 , including a housing  104  comprised of a front surface  106 , a rear surface  108 , a front side surface  110 , a rear side surface  112 , a top surface  114 , and a bottom surface  116 ; a spool  124  upon which the excess strap  20 , is wound; a coupling  102  adapted to attach the strap tensioner to a firearm; a release toggle  118 ; and a strap  20 . One end of the strap  24  is attached to the stock stud  34  of the firearm  30 . A coupling  102  attaches the housing  104  to the butt of the firearm  30 . A cushion  302  is attached to the strap  20  to provide added comfort to a user. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the housing  104  is a parallelepiped structure. The housing  104  is enclosed in a rubber casing. Because of the rubber casing, a user can sneak along and not have to worry about the strap tensioner  100  making unnecessary noises or reflections off of the strap tensioner  100  that would scare game. In order to avoid being seen by game, the strap tensioner  100  can be made to blend into the environment. More specifically, the housing  104  can be camouflage or black so that game will be less likely to see the strap tensioner. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the strap tensioner  100  has a coupling  102  adapted to attach the strap tensioner  100  to the butt stud  32  of the firearm  30 . The coupling  102  has a stud pin aperture  103  in which a stud pin  33  can be inserted. By placing the stud pin  33  into the stud pin aperture  103 , a user attaches the strap tensioner  100  to the firearm  30 . As is known in the art, the coupling  102  could attach the strap tensioner  100  to other parts of the firearm  30  and the strap tensioner  100  could be attached to the firearm  30  by other means. 
     The strap tensioner  100  has a release toggle  118  recessed within the housing  104 . The release toggle  118  adjusts the spool  124  into different modes. Pressing the release toggle affects the placement of the control lever seen in  FIG. 8 . The position of the control lever determines the mode of the spool. The modes include a lock mode, a release mode, and a free spool mode. The three modes will be discussed in greater detail below. The release toggle  118  is recessed within the housing  104  as a safety measure in order to prevent accidental pressing of the release toggle  118  causing the amount of strap  20  outside of the housing  104  to vary. In other embodiments, the release toggle  118  is not required to be recessed within the housing  104 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the housing  100  has a front side surface  110  that comprises a spool adjustment aperture  126 . The spool adjustment aperture  126  provides access to the catch  122  found inside the housing  104 . The catch  122  is adapted to accept an Allen wrench. A user inserts an Allen wrench into the spool adjustment aperture  126  in order to adjust the spool  124 . A user can adjust the catch  122  in either direction. The user rotates the catch  122  in one direction in order to adjust the spool  124  into a free spool mode. A user can rotate the catch  122  in the opposite direction in order to reengage the spring and adjust the spool  124  out of the free spool mode. The primary function of the catch  122  is to allow a user to adjust the spool  124  into and out of the free spool mode. In order to install and remove the strap  20 , the spool  124  must be adjusted to the free spool mode. As is known in the art, other adjustment means besides an Allen wrench can be used to engage or disengage the catch. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 2 , the housing  104  also has a housing top  128 . The housing top  128  is hinged to the housing  104 . In a preferred embodiment, the housing top  128  is a flip top that flips toward the hinges  130  and  132 . The housing top  128  covers the strap installation aperture  134 . The housing top  128  prevents debris and other objects from entering the strap installation aperture  134 . A user installs and removes the strap  20  from the spool  124  through the strap installation aperture  170 . 
     To install the strap  20  onto the spool  124 , a user adjusts the spool  124  into the free spool mode by pressing the release toggle  118  and adjusting the catch  122 . To adjust the catch  122 , the user inserts an Allen wrench into the spool adjustment aperture  126  and rotates the Allen wrench. Next, a user opens the housing top  128  to reveal the strap installation aperture  134 . A user then inserts an end of the strap  22  into the spool slit  125  found on the spool  124 . By inserting the strap  20  into the spool slit  125 , a user attaches the strap  20  so that the strap  20  cannot be completely unwound from the spool  124 . A user will then need to manipulate the other end of the strap  24  through the strap tension aperture  136  and attach the strap  24  to a stock stud  34 . The user then rotates the Allen wrench in the opposite direction in order to lock the strap  20  into the spool slit  125 . By rotating the Allen wrench in the opposite direction, the user reengages the catch  122 . Now, the strap  20  has been connected to the spool  124  and will not be released until the user places the spool  124  back into free spool mode and removes the end of the strap  20  from the spool slit  125 . In another embodiment, the strap end  22  attached to the spool  124  can have a slit so that a pin or some other obstruction can be placed into the strap end  22  after the strap end  22  has been inserted through the spool slit. While engaged, the pin or some other obstruction would prevent the strap  20  from being completely removed from the spool  124 . 
     Furthermore,  FIG. 2  shows the strap tension aperture  136 . The strap  20  enters and leaves the housing  104  through the strap tension aperture  136 . After entering the strap tension aperture  136 , the strap  20  winds onto the spool  124 . The excess strap  20  that leaves the strap tension aperture  136  unwinds from the spool  124  and exits the strap tension aperture  136 . 
     The strap tensioner  100  also has a lifting arm  138  as can be seen in  FIG. 2 . The lifting arm  138  is attached to the housing  104 . The lifting arm  138  can be attached to a rope so that a user can lift the firearm  30  to higher elevations. A rope or other form of webbing is attached to the lifting arm  138  through the arm aperture  140 . The lifting arm  138  is adapted to support the entire weight of the firearm  30 . By attaching a webbing to the lifting arm  138 , a user can lift the firearm  30  to higher elevations while pointing the firearm  30  in an oriented direction. In particular, the firearm is pointed toward the ground away from the user. This added safety feature prevents the firearm  30  from firing at the user while the user is lifting the firearm  30  to a higher elevation such as a tree stand. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the rear side surface  112  is different from the front side surface  106  shown in  FIG. 2 . The spool housing top  128  is attached to the housing  104  so that the housing top  128  can be opened. When the housing top  128  is opened, the spool installation aperture  170  is accessible.  FIG. 3  better shows hinges  130  and  132  that attach the housing top  128  to the housing  104 . An axle connector  127  is attached to the rear side surface  112  of the housing  104 . The axle connector  127  attaches the axle to the housing so that the axle will not allow the spool to contact the housing  104 . The axle connector  127  will allow both the axle  123  and the spool  124  to rotate inside of the housing  104 . The housing  104  does not impede with the rotation of the spool  124 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the strap tensioner  100  has a front surface  106  that includes the strap tension aperture  136 . The strap tension aperture  136  provides a means for the strap to enter and exit the housing  104 . Furthermore, the strap tension aperture  136  provides a passageway from outside of the housing  104  to the spool  124 . The spool  124  is spring loaded so that as the strap  20  enters the housing  104 , the strap  20  is wound onto the spool  124 . Any strap  20  that exits the housing  104  during the release mode is first unwound from the spool  124 . 
     The strap tensioner  100  has a rear surface  108  as can be seen in  FIG. 5 . The lifting arm  138  is attached to the rear surface  108  of the housing  104 . The coupling  102  is positioned on the strap tensioner  100  so that the strap tensioner  100  can be securely attached to the firearm  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the strap tensioner  100  has a top surface  114  that includes the strap installation aperture  134 . In order to access the strap installation aperture  134 , the housing top  128  must first be opened. The strap installation aperture  134  also provides the strap a passageway from outside of the housing  104  to the spool  124 . 
     In order to install the strap, a user will adjust the spool into a free spool mode. The user can then manipulate the strap  20  through the strap installation aperture  134 . A user can attach strap  20  to the spool  124  by attaching an end of the strap  20  through a spool slit  125 . Other attachment means known in the art can also be used to releasably attach strap  20  to the spool  124 . 
     A user can also remove the strap  20  from the spool  124  through the strap installation aperture  134 . Again, the user must adjust the spool  124  into a free spool mode. A user can then detach the strap  20  from the spool slit  125  and remove the strap  20  from the spool  124  through the strap installation aperture  134 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , the strap tensioner has a bottom surface  116 . The lifting arm  138  is an extension of the housing  102 . By extending the lifting arm  138  from the housing  104 , the lifting arm  138  will not interfere with the strap  20  or the spool  124 . 
       FIG. 8  shows the inner workings of the strap tensioner  100 . The strap  20  enters the housing  104  through the strap installation aperture  180 . The housing interior  105  provides a pathway for the strap  20  to access the spool  124 . The strap  20  is wound onto a spool  124  contained within the housing  104 . The spool  124  is mounted upon an axle  123 . The axle  123  is mounted to the housing as can be seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  8 . The axle  123  is adapted to allow the spool  124  to rotate without contacting the inside of the housing  104 . The axle  123  is adapted to be operatively engaged by the spring. The catch  122  allows the spring to operatively engage the axle  123 . By disengaging from the spring, the catch  122  allows the spool  124  to freely rotate. By engaging with the spring, the catch  122  causes the spool  124  to be spring loaded. 
     Because the spool  124  is spring loaded, the strap  20  will retract into the housing  104  and wind onto the spool  124  when the control lever  120  is not in place. The control lever  120  is adjusted to different positions as the spool is changed to different modes. In the lock mode, the control lever  120  is engaged with the toothed gear  121  of the spool  124 . While engaged, the control lever  120  prevents the strap  20  from being both wound onto the spool  124  and from being unwound from the spool  124 . The toothed gear and control lever can be substituted with any variation of a ratcheting or tensioning system. 
     When the release toggle  118  is pressed, the spool  124  is adjusted into the release mode. The control lever  120  is no longer engaged with the toothed gear  121  of the spool  124 . Because the control lever  120  is no longer engaged with the toothed gear  121 , the amount of strap  20  outside of the housing  104  can vary. By pulling on the strap  20  while the spool  124  is in release mode, a user can increase the amount of strap  20  outside of the housing  104 . The user unwinds the needed amount of strap  20  from the spool  124 . When the user has selectively tensioned the strap  20 , the user can press the release toggle  118  again to lock the strap  20  in place. By pressing the release toggle  118  again, the user adjusts the spool into lock mode. The control lever  120  reengages the toothed gear  121 . The control lever  120  prevents the spool  124  from spinning thus it prevents the strap  20  from being wound onto the spool or unwound from the spool  124 . The strap tensioner  100  is designed so that the strap  20  will not be released from the spool  124  while the spool  124  is in release mode. 
     If a user does not pull the strap  20  while the spool  124  is in release mode, the spring loaded spool  124  will retract the strap  20  into the housing  104 . As the strap  20  retracts into the housing  104 , the strap  20  is wound onto the spool  124 . By winding the strap  20  onto the spool  124  when the release toggle  118  is pressed, the strap tensioner  100  keeps the firearm  30  taut against a user. A user can press the release toggle  118  again in order to place the spool  124  into lock mode. In lock mode, the control lever  120  engages the toothed gear  121  preventing the strap  20  from retracting onto the spool  124 . 
     Lastly, the spool  124  can be adjusted to a free spool mode. A user adjusts the spool  124  into free spool mode by placing an Allen wrench into the spool adjustment aperture  126 . A user turns the Allen wrench a number of times to disengage the catch  122  from the spring. The user can then press the release toggle  118  so that the control lever  120  will be disengaged from the toothed gear  121 . In the free spool mode, a user can remove the strap  20  from the spool slit  125  in the spool  130 . By removing the strap  20  from the spool slit, a user can completely unwind the strap  20  from the spool  124 . 
     In order to install the strap  20  onto the spool  124 , the user places the spool  124  into the free spool mode. A user then inserts one end of the strap  22  into the spool slit  125 . A user must then manipulate the other end of the strap  24  through the strap tension aperture  136 . The user then turns an Allen wrench head inside of the spool adjustment aperture to reengage the catch to adjust the spool out of the free spool mode. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 9 . The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9  has coupling  142  that functions similar to coupling  102  of  FIG. 2 . Coupling  142  attaches to the butt stud  32  of firearm  30 . Strap tension aperture  154  found in housing  144  allows strap  156  to enter the housing  144 . Again, similar to the earlier described embodiment of the present invention, lifting arm  150  allows the user to insert a rope or webbing into arm aperture  152  to lift the firearm with the barrel pointed to the ground to allow for safe lifting. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , this embodiment of the present invention features locking arm  146  to adjust the tension of strap  156 . In  FIG. 9 , locking arm  146  is in a locked position. In the locked position, locking arm  146  prevents the strap tension from adjusting. This embodiment of the present invention utilizes locking arm  146  and locking arm aperture  148  to adjust the tension of the strap  156 . The process of adjusting strap tension with locking arm  146  will be discussed below. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, locking arm  146  contains grooves that assist a user in adjusting locking arm  146  between a locked and an unlocked position. Locking arm  146  can also be manufactured from different materials, such as plastic, rubber, or some other rigid material that allows a user to manipulate the positioning of locking arm  146 . One design of locking arm  146  is shown in  FIG. 9 . The design of locking arm  146  can vary according to a user&#39;s needs. 
       FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of the present invention in which locking arm  146  is adjusted to the unlocked position. Locking aperture  148  allows the user to adjust the locking arm  146  between the two different positions, the locked position and the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, a user can adjust the tension of the strap by adjusting the amount of strap  156  found within housing  144 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a front plan view of one embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 11 , locking arm aperture  148  allows movement of locking arm  146  in relation to the housing  144 . By manipulating locking arm  146 , a user can adjust strap tension by adjusting the amount of strap  156  within housing  144 . As seen in  FIG. 11 , strap tension aperture  154  allows strap  156  to enter and exit housing  144  to adjust the strap tension. 
     The process of adjusting the strap tension is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIG. 12  shows an internal view of one embodiment of the present invention with the locking arm  146  in the locked position. Control lever  162  is attached inside housing  144  at control pivot  165  that allows control lever  162  to pivot within housing  144 . As seen in  FIG. 12 , locking arm uses control fingers  158  and  160  to manipulate the position of control lever  162 . Control fingers  158  and  160  contact control manipulation arm  164  to adjust the positioning of control lever  162  from a locked position to an unlocked position. As seen in  FIG. 12 , control finger  160  pushes control manipulation arm  164  such that control locking finger  166  pivots to the locked position. In the locked position, control locking finger  166  secures strap  156  within locking recess  167 . Control locking finger  166  frictionally engages strap  156  within locking recess  167  such that strap  156  does not enter or exit housing  144 . Therefore, additional strap  156  cannot be removed or added to spool  168  to adjust the strap tension. 
     As seen in  FIG. 13 , locking arm  146  has been adjusted to an unlocked position. Control finger  158  pushes control manipulation arm  164  such that control locking finger  166  pivots from locking recess  167  into the unlocked position. Strap  156  is no longer frictionally engaged by control lever  162  between control locking finger  166  and control recess  167 . Strap  156  is now free to enter or exit housing  144  through strap tension aperture  154 . As described above, spool  168  may be attached to a retraction device which may be spring loaded to assist winding of strap  156  around spool  168  to increase strap tension. To decrease strap tension, a user unwinds additional strap  156  from spool  168 . As described above, a user must adjust the locking arm  146  to the unlocked position to adjust the strap tension. Once a user has obtained an ideal strap tension, the user adjusts the locking arm  146  to the locked position to prevent strap tension adjustment. 
     The spring loaded spool in the embodiments described above can be implemented, for example, with mechanisms known in the art. Examples of retractable systems are described in the following patents, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,088,021; 6,065,080; 6,019,304; and 5,094,396. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
     As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.