Abstract:
The present invention discloses an apparatus for holding a firearm onto the leg of a user comprising a pair of adjustable shafts being adjustable in length, which run longitudinally along the lower leg of the user having upper and lower straps which attach to the leg of the user. The lower portion of one shaft has a plastic holder for receiving the butt of the firearm and an upper arm for receiving a barrel of the firearm so that the firearm is angled away from the body of the user.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of a prior U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/515654 filed on Oct. 31, 2003 and is a continuation-in-part application thereof, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to firearms and, more specifically, is concerned with an apparatus for holding a firearm onto the leg of the user. The disclosed invention is particularly well-suited for persons used to walking or hunting while carrying firearms.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Devices for holding firearms have been described in the prior art; however, none of the prior art devices disclose the unique features of the present invention.  
         [0006]     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,788, dated Oct. 22, 1991, Newmark disclosed a first wrap adapted to wrap around the lower leg generally over the medial malleolus and above the lateral malleolus which is connected by a strap to a second wrap adapted to wrap around the lower leg generally on the upper portion of the gastroenemius or below the popliteal fossa. The first wrap has a holster for carrying a firearm and which holster is secured approximately over the medial malleolus. The holster may be selectively detachable to allow a selection of holsters to be secured to the first wrap. The second wrap carries the substantial portion of the weight of the load of the assembly, and of any holster and firearm secured thereto.  
         [0007]     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,320, dated Oct. 13, 1998, Jolla disclosed a detachable trouser garment which allows police officers the ability to use restroom facilities without removing their firearm. The garment has a waist portion, a detachable portion and a horizontal fastening mechanism for selectively attaching both portions. The waist portion contains a plurality of belt loops to accept a standard belt and a firearm belt attachment to accept a firearm belt. A user opens the fastening mechanism prior to using restroom facilities. The detachable portion of the garment can then be lowered while the waist portion remains undisturbed. This allows the firearm to remain in proper position around the waist at all times.  
         [0008]     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,738, dated Jun. 16, 1998, Hoffner disclosed a harness for supporting a handgun holster adjacent the thigh of a wearer in a position relative to the wearer&#39;s torso which is maintained even though the wearer may be engaged in vigorous activity and precludes shifting of the holster as would disadvantage the wearer in an emergency situation. The harness includes a waist belt and at least one or a pair of substantially rigid shankpieces mounted to the waist belt to extend downwardly alongside the respective thighs of the harness wearer. On the lower end of each shankpiece is fastened a leg strap for tightening about the wearer&#39;s leg adjacent thereto and precluding shifting of the waist belt and shankpieces relative to the torso. The handgun holster is mounted on the outside of one of the shankpieces to extend downwardly alongside the thigh in offset relation thereto.  
         [0009]     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,363, Feb. 17, 1998, Graves disclosed a firearm carrier for safely transporting firearms. The carrier transversely secures the firearm to a user&#39;s body while preventing accidental discharges of the firearm. The firearm carrier is particularly well suited for use on an ATV. The firearm carrier safely, temporarily attaches the firearm to the user&#39;s waist in a safe, stable transport configuration. The firearm carrier may also be used as a temporary shoulder sling. The firearm carrier comprises an elongated, adjustable belt that fits around the waist of the user. A quick release buckle system facilitates belt removal. A pair of spaced apart straps project downwardly from the belt. Preferably, the straps project downwardly along the front of the user&#39;s legs. Each strap extends to a terminal end. An intermediary leg projects from each strap. Preferably, the straps are appropriately covered by a hook and pile fasteners. The straps encircle the gun during deployment, forming a pair of retention loops t hat secure the gun to the user&#39;s waist. To attach the gun to the carrier, the gun is placed against the strap interior and the intermediary leg is looped over the gun. Then the terminal end is placed on top of the intermediary leg and tightly fastened to form a retention loop. A trigger guard system prevents an accidental discharge of the firearm. The trigger guard system optionally attaches t either of the straps about the respective retention loop. The trigger guard system prevents accident discharge.  
         [0010]     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,979, dated Feb. 10, 1998, Crandall disclosed a sling which is used to support rifles during aiming and firing which respond to the blood pressure pulse in the shooter&#39;s upper arm resulting in rhythmic stress in the straps which extend to connect with the rifle. This is caused by the position and singular nature of the prior attachment between that portion of the sling surrounding the shooter&#39;s upper arm and that portion of the sling which extends to the rifle. This interaction between the prior art slings and the shooter&#39;s pulse results in movement of the rifle and a reduction in practical accuracy. Slings of the present invention incorporate two attachments to that portion of the sling system which surrounds the shooter&#39;s arm and two non parallel straps extending to the rifle. By virtue of the location of these two attachments, the shooter&#39;s pulse can no longer create rhythmic stress in the straps extending to the rifle. Motion of the rifle during aiming and firing is reduced and practical accuracy is increased.  
         [0011]     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,052 B2, dated Apr. 23, 2002, Keton disclosed a pair of Nylon straps adapted for holding and readily releasing a firearm or bow across a hunter&#39;s lap while sitting on the ground or in a tree. Each nylon strap is formed from a leg strap and a weapon retainer strap of nylon webbing material attached together in cruciform fashion. The ends of each nylon strap have hook and loop material attached thereto. The leg strap is wrapped around the hunter&#39;s leg, the weapon retainer strap is wrapped around the firearm or bow. One strap is placed around the right leg and the other strap is placed around the left leg, the straps securing opposite ends of the firearm or bow, leaving the hunter&#39;s hands free while keeping the weapon readily accessible.  
         [0012]     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,226 B1 dated Jan. 8, 2002, Garcia disclosed a convertible garment and method for providing pants that may be converted into a satchel, backpack, gun case or pillow. The convertible garment and method includes a pair of pants having a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a lower torso portion. Each of the first and second leg portions is integrally coupled to and extends away from the lower torso portion. Each of the plurality of drawstrings is used for cinching various portions of the pants. A first of the drawstrings is attached to a free end of the first leg portion. A second of the drawstrings is attached to a free end of the second leg portion. A third of the drawstrings is attached to the first leg portion and positioned generally adjacent to the lower torso portion, and a fourth of the drawstrings is attached to the second leg portion and positioned generally adjacent to the lower torso portion.  
         [0013]     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,209 B1, dated Jul. 171, 2001, St. Ange disclosed a pants assembly including an upper portion dimensioned and configured to be secured in substantially surrounding relation about the wearer&#39;s waist and a lower portion depending downwardly from the upper portion in covering relation to a lower torso and at least an upper leg portion of the wearer depending upon the length of each pant leg. The pants assembly is particularly designed for use b law enforcement or other uniformed personnel as part of a standard uniform which requires the additional wearing of utility or gun belt structured to be secured about the exterior surface of the upper portion and designed to hold a handgun, radio, hand-cuffs, and/or a number of other devices used in the performance of the person&#39;s duties. An attachment assembly is provided for interconnection and at least partial, selective separation of the inner leg seam lines from one leg to the next in order to facilitate the access of the wearer to toilet facilities without requiring the removal of the upper portion of the pants assembly and accordingly, the gun belt or other utility belt attached therein.  
         [0014]     In U.S. Pat. No. U.S. 2002/0020723 A1, dated Feb. 21, 2002, Lindsey disclosed an upper sling attachment adapter for M-16 rifles and M-4 carbines and other utilizing a front sight having at least one leg extending at one end from near the end of the weapon barrel to, at its other end, the front sight of the weapon and having right and left sides with respect to the weapon, the improvement comprising a sling attachment means encircling and clamping said leg and extending along at least one of the right or left sides of the said leg, said sling attachment means having upper sling mount means to which the upper end of a weapon sling is attached, said upper sling mount means being suspended by said attachment means and extending away from said leg so that the upper end of the weapons sling is held away form the slight line of the front sight.  
         [0015]     In U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US 2001/10030211 A 1, dated Oct. 18, 2001, Keton disclosed weapon holding straps which are a pair of nylon straps adapted for holding and readily releasing a firearm or bow across a hunter&#39;s lap while sitting on the ground or in a tree. Each nylon strap is formed from a leg strap and a weapon retainer strap of nylon webbing material attached together in cruciform fashion. The ends of each nylon strap have hook and loop material attached thereon. The leg strap is wrapped around the hunter&#39;s leg, the weapon retainer strap is wrapped around the firearm or bow. One strap is placed around the right leg and the other scrap is placed around the left leg, the straps securing opposite ends of the firearm or bow, leaving the hunter&#39;s hands free while keeping the weapon readily accessible.  
         [0016]     While these devices for holding firearms may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.  
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
       [0017]     The present invention discloses an apparatus for holding a firearm onto the leg of a user comprising a pair of adjustable shafts being adjustable in length, which run longitudinally along the lower leg of the user having upper and lower straps which attach to the leg of the user. The lower portion of one shaft has a plastic holder for receiving the butt of the firearm and an upper arm for receiving a barrel of the firearm so that the firearm is angled away from the body of the user.  
         [0018]     An object of the present invention is to provide a weapon holder for attachment to the leg of a user so as to free the hands of a user. A further object of the present invention is to allow a standing hunter to have ready access to a weapon without having to hold the weapon in his hands. A further object of the present invention is to allow the user of the present invention to be mobile while having the present invention strapped to his leg. A further object of the present invention is to allow a hunter from holding a cold weapon as normally occurs in a prior art situation on cold days.  
         [0019]     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be 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 structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the present invention.  
     
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS  
       [0023]     With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings. 
     10  present invention      12  leg      14  first shaft      15  second shaft      16  upper leg strap (thigh strap)      18  lower leg strap (calf/calves strap)      20  foot strap      22  holder      24  butt      26  rifle      28  barrel      30  barrel holder      32  foot plate      36  length adjuster    
 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0038]     The firearm holding apparatus of the present application is designed for a user such as hunter and military or police personnel to strap on the firearm in the firearm holding apparatus to his or her leg allowing the user to maintain a hands-free posture while having easy access to the weapon. It is also allows the user to be mobile while carrying the firearm in the firearm holding apparatus. For example, it is useful for the user such as hunter or a police guard to carry the firearm while walking during a hunt or a guard duty without having to carry the firearm but having the firearm within easy access and reach.  
         [0039]     Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shown therein is the present invention being an apparatus for attachment to the leg  12  of a user. The present invention  10  has first and second generally upright standing shafts or poles  14 ,  15  having means for adjustment or pole adjusters  36  so that the length of the shafts  14 ,  15  can be varied to suit the requirements of the user. The shaft  14  is mounted generally longitudinally along the leg  12  of the user having an upper strap (thigh strap)  16  and a pair of lower straps (calf or calves strap)  18  and a foot strap  20  which encircles or wraps around the leg  12  and foot  20  of the user. The length of the straps  16 ,  18 , and  20  may be easily adjusted around the leg and foot  12 ,  21  of the user using means for adjustment not limited to hook and loop material, hook and pile fasteners such as VELCRO or a buckle. Attached to the bottom end of shaft  14  is a holder  22  for receiving the butt  24  of the weapon  26  therein. Holder  22  has a foot plate  32  thereon which is disposed under the foot  21  of the user to help secure it to foot  21 . A second shaft  15  is attached to the front end of the gun butt holder  22  in a generally upright manner and is angled away from the leg  12  so as to allow the user to easily access the weapon  26  therein. The angle ranges from zero to 25 degrees preferably 5-20 degrees away from the user within the easy reach of the user. The barrel  28  of the rifle  26  is inserted into a hook-like holder  30  which is attached to the upper end of the shaft  15 . The holder  30  is shaped in a manner that secures the barrel to the holder not limited to a hook-like shape. The inside diameter of the hook  30  may have sponge or the like material which secures the barrel  28  therein so as to prevent abrasions or any damage to the barrel. The straps  16 ,  18  and  20  may be made of durable weather-resistant material including but not limited to nylon. The present invention  10  may be comprised of plastic or the like weather-resistant and durable material.  
       DEFINITIONS  
       [0040]     It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.  
         [0041]     “Angled away” is defined as 0-25 degrees alignment away from the longitudinal axis of body of the user.  
         [0042]     “Durable” is defined as designed to exist for a long time without significant deterioration.  
         [0043]     “Weather-resistant” is defined as designed to exist for a long time without significant deterioration went exposed to inclement weather such as rain water, temperatures higher than 30 degrees Celsius and below 10 degrees Celsius, humidity higher than 85% and corrosive atmosphere.  
         [0044]     “Protective material” is defined as a material designed to protect from damage not limited to cuts, scratches/abrasions, breakage and dents.  
       EXAMPLE  
       [0045]     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the present invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments since practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.  
         [0046]     Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shown therein is the present invention being an apparatus for attachment to the leg  12  of a user. The present invention  10  has first and second generally upright standing shafts or poles  14 ,  15  having means for adjustment or pole adjusters  36  so that the length of the shafts  14 ,  15  can be varied to suit the requirements of the user. The shaft  14  is mounted generally longitudinally along the leg  12  of the user having an upper strap (thigh strap)  16  and a pair of lower straps (calf or calves strap)  18  and a foot strap  20  which encircles or wraps around the leg  12  and foot  20  of the user. The length of the straps  16 ,  18 , and  20  may be easily adjusted around the leg and foot  12 ,  21  of the user using hook and loop materials. Attached to the bottom end of shaft  14  is a holder  22  for receiving the butt  24  of the weapon  26  therein. Holder  22  has a foot plate  32  thereon which is disposed under the foot  21  of the user to help secure it to foot  21 . A second shaft  15  is attached to the front end of the gun butt holder  22  in a generally upright manner and is angled 10 degrees away from the leg  12  so as to allow the user to easily access the weapon  26  therein. The barrel  28  of the rifle  26  is inserted into a hook-like holder  30  which is attached to the upper end of the shaft  15 . The inside diameter of the hook  30  is lined with sponge which secures the barrel  28  therein so as to prevent abrasions to the barrel. The straps  16 ,  18  and  20  is made of nylon. The present invention  10  is comprised of plastic.