Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This applications claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 60/862,023, filed Oct. 18, 2006, entitled UNIVERSAL FIREARM SLING (Atty. Dkt. No. BEST-27,246); and U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 60/953,681, filed Aug. 2, 2007, and entitled UNIVERSAL FIREARM SLING (Atty. Dkt. No. BEST-28,406), the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure is related to firearms slings, and more particularly, to universal firearms slings fitting a variety of firearms in different configurations. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is known that having a sling attached to a firearm can increase the utility and usability of the firearm as well as reduce fatigue to the user. Firearm slings perform multiple functions including allowing the user to securely carry a firearm while leaving the hands free to take on other tasks. Traditional shoulder slings, although effective in this regard, require a non-trivial amount of time for de-shouldering, or de-slinging, the weapon (i.e., moving it from the carry position on the shoulder into a firing or ready position). Furthermore, the act of de-shouldering gives the opportunity for mishandling of the firearm, which could lead to accidents, or a failure on the part of the user to have the weapon ready in a sufficient amount of time. In the event that a user were to lengthen a shoulder sling sufficiently to allow the weapon to be comfortably carried in a frontal position in order to decrease the time taken to place the firearm in a ready or firing position, the user would face the problem that the firearm would tend to fall to an “upside down” position when the grip was relaxed since most shoulder slings attach to a sling swivel located on the rear, underside of the firearm&#39;s buttstock. The advantages of a shoulder sling include that they are relatively simple to manufacture and a single sling can fit a variety of firearms. 
         [0004]    A variety of combat or tactical slings are currently marketed that allow slinging or carrying of the firearm in an upright, frontal position such that the user can easily shoulder or discharge the weapon with little movement. However, the wide variety of firearms and weapon systems in use today means that a special sling may have to be designed for each firearm. Additionally, a different sling may be required depending upon whether the user wishes to carry the firearm right or left handed. Regarding military applications, this can create logistical problems where a variety of firearms may be employed in the same operating theater. In the commercial or home defense context, a retailer may be required to stock a variety of slings, some of which may not be brisk sellers, in order to satisfy an acceptable customer base. 
         [0005]    Ongoing military and law enforcement operations have demonstrated the advantages of carrying firearms in heretofore unconventional carry orientations, e.g., muzzle down, and in heretofore unconventional sling configurations, e.g., one point on stock, two point on stock, etc. Conventional firearm slings do not provide the flexibility to utilize a single sling assembly to provide multiple carry orientations and multiple sling configurations for a wide variety of firearms. A need therefore exists for a more versatile firearm sling. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In one aspect thereof, a sling assembly for attachment to any one of a plurality of firearms for suspending the firearm in an upright, generally horizontal orientation from a shoulder of the user, each of the plurality of firearms having a muzzle at one end, a buttstock at the opposite end, a longitudinal axis extending between the muzzle and the buttstock, and a first sling attachment fixture disposed proximate the muzzle, wherein some of the plurality of firearms, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, include a second sling attachment fixture disposed along the lower surface of the buttstock, whereas others of the plurality of firearms, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, include a second sling attachment fixture disposed above the lower surface of the buttstock proximate to the longitudinal axis is disclosed. The sling assembly includes a side webbing member having a front side webbing end and a back side webbing end, and a top webbing assembly including a first top webbing member and a second top webbing member. The first top webbing member includes a connector ring disposed at a front end and a first portion of a side release buckle disposed at a back end, the connector ring being removably slidably fitted over the side webbing member between the front side webbing end and the back side webbing end. The second top webbing member includes a front end and a back end, a second portion of a side release buckle being disposed at the front end, the second portion of the side release buckle being selectively connectable to the first portion of the side release buckle. The assembly also includes a buttstock strap assembly including a circumferential webbing member having first and second mating ends and a side webbing attachment fixture, an anchor strap extending laterally from the circumferential webbing member, and a buttstock connector ring connected at a fixed position on the circumferential webbing member. When attached to one of the plurality of firearms that, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, includes a second sling attachment fixture disposed along the lower surface of the buttstock, the front side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm&#39;s first sling attachment member, the side webbing member is disposed generally parallel to the firearm&#39;s longitudinal axis, and the back side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the side webbing attachment fixture of the buttstock strap assembly, the circumferential webbing member of the buttstock strap encircles the firearm&#39;s buttstock such that the buttstock connector ring is disposed proximate to the top of the buttstock and the first and second mating ends are removably engaged with one another to hold the buttstock strap on the firearm&#39;s buttstock, the anchor strap of the buttstock strap assembly is removably connected to firearm&#39;s second sling attachment fixture, and the back end of the second top webbing member is removably connected to the buttstock connector ring. When attached to another of the plurality of firearms that, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, includes a second sling attachment fixture disposed above the lower surface of the buttstock proximate to the longitudinal axis, the front side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm&#39;s first sling attachment member, the side webbing member is disposed generally parallel to the firearm&#39;s longitudinal axis, the back side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm&#39;s second sling attachment fixture, and the back end of the second top webbing member is removably connected to the back side webbing end of the side webbing member. 
         [0007]    In another aspect thereof, an ambidextrous firearm sling having a transverse webbing piece having a first end adapted to removably engage a first sling swivel near a forward end of a firearm and a second end adapted to removably engage a buttloop webbing piece, and a top webbing piece attached at a first end to the transverse piece and adapted to attach at a second end to the buttloop webbing piece is disclosed. The buttloop webbing piece provides first and second mating ends and is adapted to encircle the buttstock of a firearm and engage the buttstock circumferentially by engagement of the first and second mating ends. The buttloop webbing piece is also secured against transverse movement along the length of the buttstock by an attached anchor strap with a hook and loop fastener adapted to removably engage a second sling swivel on the buttstock. 
         [0008]    In another aspect thereof, a universal firearm sling kit for providing a universal firearm sling for attachment to any of a plurality of firearms having a front sling swivel mounted near the front of the firearm including firearms having fixed-length buttstocks and firearms with adjustable-length buttstocks, the firearms having fixed length buttstocks having a rear sling swivel on the buttstock, the firearms with adjustable-length buttstocks having a slot formed through the buttstock is disclosed. The kit includes a buttstock webbing assembly for use with firearms having fixed length buttstocks, the buttstock webbing assembly having an orbital member removably attachable about the circumference of the buttstock and having an attached lateral stabilizer strap removably securable to the buttstock sling swivel, a lower webbing assembly having a transverse webbing piece having an upper webbing piece attachment point and being adapted to attach to the first sling swivel and in the case of a firearm having a fixed length buttstock, to a buttstock strap assembly, and in the case of an firearm having an adjustable-length buttstock, to the slot of the buttstock, and an upper webbing assembly adapted to attach at a first end to the upper webbing piece attachment point and in the case of a firearm with a fixed length buttstock, to the buttstock webbing assembly, and in the case of a firearm with an adjustable length buttstock to the transverse webbing piece proximate the slot formed in the buttstock. 
         [0009]    In another aspect thereof, a sling assembly for attachment to a firearm for suspending the firearm in an upright, generally horizontal orientation from a shoulder of the user, the firearm having a muzzle at one end, a buttstock at the opposite end, a longitudinal axis extending between the muzzle and the buttstock, and a first sling attachment fixture disposed proximate the muzzle is disclosed. The sling assembly has a side webbing member having a front side webbing end and a back side webbing end, and a top webbing assembly including a first top webbing member and a second top webbing member. The first top webbing member includes a connector ring disposed at a front end and a first portion of a side release buckle disposed at a back end, the connector ring being removably slidably fitted over the side webbing member between the front side webbing end and the back side webbing end. The second top webbing member including a front end and a back end, a second portion of a side release buckle being disposed at the front end, the second portion of the side release buckle being selectively connectable to the first portion of the side release buckle. The sling includes a buttstock strap assembly with a self-tightening girthing strap adapted to circumscribe the buttstock horizontally and is anchored a predetermined distance from an end of the buttstock by a buttstock strap forming first and second loops about the girthing strap on opposite sides of the buttstock. The first and second loops also retain first and second D-rings for selective attachment to the side webbing member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  shows one embodiment of a universal firearm sling in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  shows a portion of an alternative top webbing assembly for the universal firearm sling of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  shows the universal firearm sling of  FIG. 1A  attached to a fixed-length buttstock firearm in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  shows an opposite-side view of a portion of the firearm of  FIG. 2A  with the universal sling attached; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of a universal firearm sling attached to a firearm with an adjustable-length buttstock in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of a universal firearms sling attached to a firearm with a fixed-length buttstock in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional end view of the attached universal firearm sling of  FIG. 4  taken through line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional top view of the attached universal firearm sling of  FIG. 4  taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate another embodiment of a universal firearm sling in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 8A-8G  illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  on a firearm in a two-point attachment configuration; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9A-9J  illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  on a firearm in a three-point attachment configuration; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 10A-10E  illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  on a firearm in a one-point attachment configuration; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 11A-11E  show the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  mounted on a fixed-buttstock shotgun in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 12A-12E  show the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  mounted on a fixed-buttstock ranch rifle in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 13A-13C  show the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  mounted on a fixed-buttstock military-type assault firearm in various two-point and three-point attachment configurations; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 14A-14E  show the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  mounted on a fixed-buttstock bolt-action rifle in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 15A-15D  show the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  mounted on a skeletonized, collapsable-buttstock shotgun in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 16A-16E  show the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  mounted on a fixed-buttstock military-type rifle in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 17A-17E  show the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  mounted on a collapsable-buttstock military-type carbine in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 18A-18E  illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  in a one-point configuration applied to an M-4 military firearm; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 19A-19E  illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  in a two-point configuration applied to an M-4 military firearm; and 
           [0032]      FIGS. 20A-20H  illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of  FIGS. 7A-7C  in a three-point configuration applied to an M-4 military firearm. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout the various views, embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments of the present disclosure are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present disclosure based on the following examples of possible embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A , a universal firearm sling  100  in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The universal firearm sling  100  includes two major components, the primary strap assembly  110  and a buttstock strap assembly  180 . As is described in greater detail below, the primary strap assembly includes a side webbing member  120  which extends lengthwise along an axis of a firearm and attaches to a front anchoring point on the firearm. A top webbing assembly  140  of the primary strap assembly  110  is utilized by a user to bear the weight of the firearm. The buttstock strap assembly  180  serves as a second anchor point for the universal firearm sling  100  to anchor to a fixed length buttstock firearm. As used herein, the term “buttstock” refers to the furthermost (reward) portion of the gun supported by the user during firing, including collapsible stocks, folding stocks and pistol grip stocks. 
         [0035]    As stated, the universal firearm sling  100  has two major components, a primary strap assembly  110 , and a buttstock strap assembly  180 . The primary strap assembly  110  includes the side webbing member  120  with front side webbing end  122  and back side webbing end  124 . The side webbing member  120  (as well as the other webbing members described herein) may be standard nylon or ballistic nylon webbing that is commercially available. In a preferred embodiment, the webbing members of the present disclosure will be made from tubular webbing that may be woven as a continuous, seamless tube. The woven webbing may be obtained as flat stock, or in another form. The woven, tubular webbing may comprise high-tenacity fiber nylon or other suitable materials. The strength and thickness of the webbing material may be chosen based on the needs of the user. In other embodiments, the webbing members may be made from leather or another suitable material. In one embodiment, the side webbing member  120  has a number of strap adjusters  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  selectively slidably attached thereto. The strap adjusters  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  (as well as the other strap adjusters described herein) may be standard plastic or polymer strap adjusters sized to fit the associated webbing. In other embodiment, the strap adjusters may be made from steel or another suitable material. Preferably, one or more of the strap adjusters  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  are of a double-framed design (also known as “tri-slides,” “tri-glides,” or “ladder locks”). Such tri-slide adjusters feature three generally parallel bars arrayed perpendicular to the webbing. The webbing typically threads under the two outer bars and over the center bar (or vice versa) to allow positional adjustment without the use of a separate movable tongue. Such tri-slides adjusters may be equipped with fixed “teeth” or other gripping features that selectively grip the webbing to maintain the adjuster&#39;s position when the webbing is placed under tension, but reposition easily when the webbing is not under tension. 
         [0036]    The primary strap assembly  110  also includes a top webbing assembly  140  having a first top webbing member  142  and a second top webbing member  160 . The first top webbing member  142  is slidably attached on a front end  144  to the side webbing member  120  by a D-ring  146  or other sliding connector. The D-ring  146  may be plastic, polymer, steel or another suitable material. In this embodiment, the front end  144  is attached to the D-ring  146  by stitching or bar tacks  148 . In other embodiments, buckles, tri-slides, snaps, brads, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or other means may substitute for the bar tack connection (as well as the other bar tack connections disclosed herein). The first top webbing member  142  may have a first side release buckle portion  152  attached on a back end  150 . The first side release buckle portion  152  is selectively engageable with a second side release buckle portion  164 . The side release buckle portions  152 ,  164  may be plastic or polymer buckles or another suitable fastener. The second top webbing member  160  attaches to the second side release buckle portion  164  on a front end  162 . The front end  162  may attach to the second side release buckle portion  164  by looping through the second slide release buckle portion  164  and attaching to strap adjuster  166  which may then be used for adjusting the length of the top webbing assembly  140 . The front end  162  of the second top webbing member  160  may secure to the strap adjuster  166  by stitching or bar tacks  167 . 
         [0037]    The second top webbing member  160  may also provide a dynamic expansion zone  172  for reducing shock load stress transferred to a wearer during physical motion. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the dynamic expansion zone  172 , shown in partial cutaway, comprises one or more elastic elements  161  positioned within the tubular second top webbing member  160 . In the embodiment illustrated, the elastic elements comprise parallel lengths of elastic elements  161 , however rubber bands, springs or other known elastic elements could be substituted therefor. Further, by separately varying the length and/or stiffness of the elastic members, it is possible to “tune” the response or “feel” of the dynamic expansion zone  172 . In a preferred embodiment, two elastic elements  161  will be used in the dynamic expansion zone  172 . The elastic elements  161  of this preferred embodiment comprise cotton-cased natural rubber bungee. The cotton casing of the elastic elements  161  protects the natural rubber therein from exposure and from abrasion by the inside of the second top webbing member  160  as the dynamic expansion zone  172  flexes. The tubular second top webbing member  160  may be compressed or crimped and stitched across the ends of the elastic elements  161  with stitching  173  to allow sufficient loaded elongation in the second top webbing member  160 . Furthermore, this configuration allows the second top webbing member  160  to retain substantially all of its load bearing capacity while providing expansion through the dynamic expansion zone  172 . As described in greater detail below, a back end  168  of the second top webbing member  160  may be a free end of webbing material adapted to receivably attach to either a firearm or to the buttstock assembly  180 . A strap adjuster  170  may be provided as an additional adjustment means or as means of securing the free end  168  of the second webbing member  160  to the second webbing member  160  to form an attachment loop. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 1B , an alternative top webbing assembly in accordance with another embodiment is illustrated. In this embodiment, the dynamic expansion zone portion  172  of the second top webbing member  160  is selectively removable by means of quick-connect fittings  165  to allow optional dynamic expansion zone portions  163  having different elastic characteristics to be substituted for the original dynamic expansion zone portions (e.g., elastic elements  161 ) as desired by the user to accommodate his or her individual shooting style or preference. 
         [0039]    Referring now back to  FIG. 1A , the buttstock strap assembly  180  has a circumferential webbing member  182  with first and second mating ends  184 ,  186 , respectively. First mating end  184  has an attached strap adjuster  185  that may be anchored to the first end  184 , e.g., by stitches or bar tacks  188 . A connector ring  190  may be provided either fixed or movably on the circumferential webbing member  182 . The connector ring  190  may be a D-ring or other suitable attachment point for receiving the free end  168  of the second top webbing member  160  as described further below. A passage  192  may be defined through the body of the circumferential webbing member  182 . The passage  192  may be formed directly in the circumferential webbing member  182  or formed from an additional webbing piece sewn or attached to the circumferential webbing member  182 . An anchor strap  195  extends laterally from the circumferential webbing member  182 . The anchor strap  195  is adapted to be affixed to a stationary mounting point such as a rear sling swivel of a firearm as will be described in greater detail below. To provide a secure connection, the anchor strap  195  may be equipped with hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or other affixment means. The anchor strap  195  may be attached to the circumferential webbing member  182 , e.g., by stitching or bar tacks  197 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 2A , the universal firearm sling  100  is illustrated attached to a firearm  202  in accordance with the present disclosure. In the present figure, the sling  100  is attached to a firearm  202  having a fixed-length buttstock  204 . The front end  122  of the side webbing member  120  has been looped through a front sling swivel  206  of the firearm  202  and threaded securely through strap adjuster  130 . The sling swivel  206  serves as a mounting point to the firearm  202  and may be a standard sling swivel or other suitable anchor point on the firearm  202 . 
         [0041]    Referring now also to  FIG. 2B , the buttstock strap assembly  180  is affixed to the buttstock  204  of the firearm  202 . The circumferential webbing member  182  is first positioned such that the connector ring  190  is positioned at the top of the buttstock and the passage  192  is positioned at the side of the buttstock in line with the side webbing member  120 . Next, the webbing member  182  is fastened about the circumference of the buttstock  204  and fastened securely by insertion of the free end  186  into the strap adjuster  185 . The anchor strap  195  extends toward the rear of the firearm  202  and attaches to a rear sling swivel  208  by a hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, the front sling swivel  206  and the rear sling swivel  208  will be substantially similar. Adjustments to the strap adjuster  185  and free end  186  of the buttstock assembly  180  and to the side loop  195  of the buttstock assembly  180  allows wide variety of firearms with differing buttstock sizes to be accommodated with the same buttstock strap assembly  180 . 
         [0042]    With the buttstock strap assembly  180  in place, the free end  168  of the second top webbing member  160  is looped through the D-ring  190  and securely fastened through the strap adjuster  170 . The back side webbing end  124  of the side webbing member  120  is looped through the passage  192  and securely fastened in the strap adjuster  136 . In this configuration, the firearm  202  has its center of gravity located below a line connecting the two attachment points, thus it remains upright even when the user is not holding it (other than with the top webbing assembly  140 ). This allows the firearm to be worn over the shoulder of a user “hands free” with the firearm  202  in front of the body in a generally upright position. By loosening the tension of the side webbing  120 , the position of the strap adjusters  132 ,  134  may be moved along the length of the side webbing member  120  to allow the D-ring  146  the appropriate degree of freedom to slide along the side webbing member  120 . By retensioning the side webbing  120 , the strap adjustors are then locked in place. The total length of the top webbing assembly  140  can be adjusted by movement of the strap adjusters  166  and  170 . The top webbing assembly  140  may be quickly disconnected by disengagement of the side release buckle portions  152 ,  164 . The dynamic expansion zone  172  is provided to reduce felt shocks and vibrations when a user is carrying or running with the firearm  202 . The firearm sling  100  is also ambidextrous in that it may be attached such that the firearm  202  may be worn left handed by simply attaching the side webbing member  120  on the opposite side of the firearm  202  and reversing the installation direction of the buttstock strap assembly  180 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a universal firearm sling  100  attached to a firearm having an adjustable-length buttstock is illustrated. The firearm sling  100  is now shown attached to a firearm  202  commonly referred to as an “M4” style, having an adjustable-length buttstock  310  and a built-in high-mount attachment point  312 . The side webbing member  120  attaches to the front sling swivel  206  or other suitable attachment point as before. However, in this embodiment, the buttstock strap assembly  180  is not required, instead the side webbing member  120  back side webbing end  124  attaches directly to the high-mount attachment point  312  of the firearm  202 . The back side webbing end  124  of the side webbing member  120  may be looped through the slot  312  and inserted securely into the strap adjuster  136 . The free end  168  of the second top webbing member may then be looped through the loop formed by the back side webbing end  124  of the side webbing member  120  and securely fastened into strap adjuster  170 . The user may optionally adjust the tension of the side webbing member  120  and the length of the top webbing assembly  140  by adjusting strap adjusters  136  and  170 , respectively. As before, the sling  100  is ambidextrous in that it may be configured to the firearm  202  to be worn left handed by simply attaching the side webbing member  120  on the opposite side of the firearm  202 . 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , another embodiment of a universal firearm sling  400  attached to a firearm  202  with a fixed-length buttstock  204  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The firearm sling  400  is substantially similar, in some respects, to the universal firearm sling  100  of  FIGS. 1-3 . However, the universal firearm sling  400  features a different embodiment of a buttstock strap assembly  405 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the buttstock strap assembly  405  provides a girthing strap  410  that circumscribes the buttstock  204  in a vertical direction. A D-ring  430  provides partial closure of the girthing strap  410  as will be better appreciated in subsequent drawings. A D-ring  435  provides attachment means for the girthing strap  410  to attach to the top webbing assembly  140 . The D-ring may connect to the girthing strap  410  by bar tacks  436 , or other means. A buttstrap  415  provides anchorage for the buttstock strap assembly  405  to the buttstock  204  to prevent movement in a horizontal direction away from the end of the buttstock  405 . A D-ring  420  provides an anchor point for attachment to the side webbing member  120 . The D-ring  420  may be secured to the buttstrap  415  by bar tacks  425 , or other means. As can be better appreciated from the drawings that follow, the buttstrap  415  is ambidextrous in that it provides the option of mounting the side webbing member  120  on either side of the firearm  202 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a cross-sectional view of the fixed-length buttstock  204  having the universal firearm sling  400  of  FIG. 4  attached thereto is shown as taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 4 . As can be seen from this drawing, the girthing strap  410  comprises a plurality of continuous sections that interact with the other components of the buttstock strap assembly  400  to provide an adjustable, yet secure, attachment to the buttstock  204 . A D-ring  510  is anchored to the girthing strap  410  by loops  520  and  530  formed from sections of the girthing strap  410 . The loop  520  may not be adjustable and may thus be formed by bar tacks  515  or other non-adjustable means. The loop  520  also provides an anchor for D-ring  430  which, in turn, provides passage and guidance for the girthing strap  410  passing up to the end  168  of the top webbing member  160  via D-ring  435 . D-ring  435  may attach to girthing strap  410  at loop  532  formed by bar tacks  436 , or other fastening means. As the girthing strap  410  forms the loop  520  and circumscribes a portion of the buttstock  204  a first time, an interior strip  525  of the girthing strap is in substantially continuous contact with the buttstock  204 . The interior strip  525  approaches the D-ring  510  and loops therethrough at loop  530  where it passes back around the buttstock  204  a second time forming a second exterior strip  535 . This exterior strip  535  will be substantially in continuous contact with the inner strip  525 . The exterior strip  535  passes through D-ring  430  and on to attach to the top webbing member as described. From this description and from  FIG. 5 , it may be appreciated that the girthing strap  410  is self-tightening about the buttstock  204  when the strap  410  is loaded by the weight of the firearm  202 . The loop  530  is free to tighten against the D-ring  510  which attaches to the non-adjustable loop  520 . It will be appreciated that this configuration allows a multitude of firearms with a wide range of sizes of buttstocks to be accommodated by the girthing strap  410 . 
         [0046]    As stated, the webbing used to construct the girthing strap  410  may be high tenacity fiber nylon and may be tubular webbing provided as flat stock. Once the girthing strap is properly fitted and tightened, there will be relatively little abrasion between the buttstock  204  and the girthing strap  410 . In order to facilitate the initial fit of the girthing strap  410 , part or all of the girthing strap  410  may be fitted with a hook-and-loop fastener shown as hook-and-loop fasteners halves  540 ,  541 . In one embodiment, the half  540  will be the loop portion of the fastener while the half  541  will be the hook portion although this is not required. As can be seen in the drawings, each of the inner and outer strips  525 ,  535  may be fitted with a hook-and-loop fastener half  540 ,  541 , respectively. In this manner, the girthing strap  410  may be fitted to the buttstock  204  and the initial fit may tighten with use, as described. Furthermore, the hook-and-loop fastener halves  540 ,  541  may serve to prevent any loosening of the girthing strap  410  when the load is removed therefrom. This promotes stability of the girthing strap  410  about the buttstock  204  and also reduces abrasion and movement of the girthing strap  410 . As can be seen from  FIG. 4 , the buttstrap  415  passes orthogonally through the plane of the girthing strap  410 . It can be seen that the buttstrap  415  may be split on each side to provide passage or of the girthing strap  410  therethough. In some embodiments (not shown), the girthing strap  410  and the buttstrap  415  may be attached or fastened together at the points where they meet. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 6  another cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of  FIG. 4  of the fixed-length buttstock  204  having the universal firearm sling  400  of  FIG. 4  attached thereto is shown. As may be seen from this view, the buttstrap  415  forms loops  605  on either side of the buttstock  204 . These loops  605  may be secured by bar tacks  615  or other fastening means. The loops  605  provide an anchor points for the D-ring  420  and an opposite D-ring  610 . As can be seen, the D-ring  420  connects the buttstrap  415  to the end  124  of the side webbing member  120 . The D-ring  610  could also be utilized if the side webbing member were attached to the opposite side of the buttstock  204 . Thus both right and left handed mounting options are provided for the firearm sling  400 . It can also be seen from  FIG. 6  that the loops  605  provide passage for the girthing strap  410  as well as the associated hook-and-loop fastener halves  540 ,  541 . As stated, in some embodiments, the girthing strap  410  and the buttstrap  415  may be fastened together where they pass. In other embodiments, this is not necessary as the various straps and webbing described herein will generally stay in place when tightened without the need for fastening. In either event, the loops  605  will operate to maintain the girthing strap  410  in a fixed relationship relative to the buttstock  204  and prevent the girthing strap  410  from sliding toward the barrel end of the firearm  202 . Repeated adjustments are therefore not needed and the length of the buttstrap  415  may be chosen according to the desired location along the buttstock  204  for the girthing strap  410  to maintain proper balance of the firearm  202  when carried while ensuring that the girthing strap  410  does not interfere during shooting. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7C , there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a universal firearm sling in accordance with the present disclosure. The universal firearm sling  700  includes a shoulder strap  702 , a fixed buttstock strap (also known as a UNI-LINK™)  704  and a traversing strap  706 . Except as noted herein, the shoulder strap  702  is substantially similar to the top webbing member  140  described in connection with slings  100  and  400 , the buttstock strap  704  is substantially similar to the fixed buttstock strap assembly  405  of sling  400 , and the traversing strap  706  is substantially similar to the side webbing member  120  of slings  100  and  400 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 7A , the shoulder strap  702  includes structural differences compared to top webbing member  140  of the previous embodiments. First, the front end  144  of the shoulder strap  702  does not have a fixed anchor point comprising a permanently mounted D-ring  146  and bar tacks  148 . Instead, the front end  144  of shoulder strap  702  has a reconfigurable anchor point including a free end  708  and an additional strap adjuster  710  (also called a “sliplock”). This reconfigurable anchor point can be used to form loops of various sizes for connecting the shoulder strap  702  to itself or other components of the sling  700 , directly to the firearm, or both, yielding many new carry and configuration options. 
         [0050]    Another structural difference is the new side-release buckle  712  that connects the first top webbing member  142  of shoulder strap  702  to the second top webbing member  160 . The buckle  712  includes front and back portions  714  and  716 . The front portion  714  has a de-tensioning lanyard  718  attached so as to allow the user to more easily adjust the length of the first top webbing member  142 . This is accomplished by pulling the de-tensioning lanyard  718  back with one hand, then adjusting the webbing length by pulling on free end  150  with the other hand. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 7B , the traversing strap  706  includes an oval ring  720  (also known as a “D-ring”) disposed on the strap between strap adjustors  132  and  134  (i.e., sliplocks  5  and  6 ) that is not present in the previously described slings  100  or  400 . The oval ring  720  provides a “floating” anchor point for attachment of the shoulder strap  702  to the traversing strap  706 , e.g., for a three-point connection. The position of the oval ring  720  can be fixed or restricted by re-positioning strap adjustors  132  and  134  along the traversing strap  706 . 
         [0052]    The firearm sling  700  may be used for all of the three-point carry configurations previously described for slings  100  and  400 . In addition, the sling  700  is capable of supporting the firearm in other orientations, e.g., muzzle down carry, and other mounting configurations, including various one-point and two-point mounts, as further described herein. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8G , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a firearm in a two-point attachment configuration using shoulder strap  702  and fixed buttstock strap  704 . Fixed buttstock strap  704  is mounted to the buttstock  802  of rifle  800 . The straps of the fixed buttstock strap are separated by the hook and loop. The buttstock strap can then be adjusted to fit the buttstock  802  by pulling the oval ring  2 . End A ( FIGS. 8C-8D ) of the shoulder strap  702  is looped through oval ring  2  and then fed through sliplock buckle  3  of the shoulder strap thereby securing end A. End B ( FIGS. 8E-8G ) of the shoulder strap looped through the front sling mount of the firearm  800 , and then threaded through the sliplock buckle  1 . Sliplock buckle  2  of the shoulder strap may then be used to adjust the size of the universal firearm sling. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9J , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a firearm in a three-point attachment configuration using shoulder strap  702 , fixed buttstock strap  704  and traversing strap  706 . As described previously, the fixed buttstock strap is fitted and secured to the buttstock  902  of the firearm  900 . Once the fixed buttstock strap is secured to the buttstock, end D ( FIGS. 9C-9D ) of the traversing strap is looped through oval ring  4  of the buttstock strap, and then fed through sliplock buckle  7  of the traversing strap. End A ( FIG. 9E ) of the shoulder strap is looped through oval ring  2  of the buttstock strap, and then fed through sliplock buckle  3  of the shoulder strap. End C ( FIG. 9H ) of the traversing strap is lopped through the front sling mount of the firearm  900 , and then fed through sliplock buckle  4  of the traversing strap. End B ( FIG. 9J ) of the shoulder strap is looped through oval ring  1  of the traversing strap, and then fed through sliplock buckle  1  of the shoulder strap. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-10E , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a firearm  1000  in a one-point attachment configuration using only shoulder strap  702 . End B ( FIGS. 10A-10B ) of the shoulder strap is threaded around butt-end  1004  of firearm  1000  and then threaded through sliplock buckle  1 . End A ( FIGS. 10C-10D ) of the shoulder strap is fed through passage  1006 , traveling from the buttstock to the front of the firearm. End A is fed through sliplock buckle  3 . 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11A-11E , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a fixed-buttstock shotgun  1100  in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations.  FIG. 11A  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a shotgun, using only shoulder strap  702 . As described in  FIGS. 10A-10E , end B of the shoulder strap is secured to the butt-end of the firearm. End A is secured to the rear swivel mount of the firearm.  FIG. 11B  shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a shotgun, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in  FIGS. 10A-10E .  FIG. 11C  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a shotgun using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in  FIGS. 8A-8G .  FIG. 11D  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a shotgun using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  3 , and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  1 .  FIG. 11E  shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point configuration applied to a shotgun using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in  FIGS. 9A-9J . 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12A-12E , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a fixed-buttstock ranch rifle  1200  in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations.  FIG. 12A  shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a ranch rifle, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in  FIGS. 10A-10E .  FIG. 12B  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a ranch rifle, using only shoulder strap  702 . As described in  FIGS. 10A-10E , end B of the shoulder strap is secured to the butt-end of the firearm. In  FIG. 12B , End A is secured to the rear swivel mount of the firearm.  FIG. 12C  show the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a ranch rifle using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in  FIGS. 8A-8G .  FIG. 12D  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a ranch rifle using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  3 , and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  1 .  FIG. 12E  shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point confirmation applied to a ranch rifle using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in  FIGS. 9A-9J . 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13A-13C , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a fixed-buttstock military-type assault firearm  1300  in various two-point and three-point attachment configurations.  FIG. 13A  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type assault firearm using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  3 , and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  1 .  FIG. 13B  show the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a military-type assault firearm using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in  FIGS. 8A-8G .  FIG. 13C  shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point confirmation applied to a military-type assault firearm using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in  FIGS. 9A-9J . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIGS. 14A-14E , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a fixed-buttstock bolt-action rifle  1400  in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations.  FIG. 14A  shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a bolt-action rifle, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in  FIGS. 10A-10E . FIG.  14 B shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a bolt-action rifle, using only shoulder strap  702 . As described in  FIGS. 10A-10E , end B of the shoulder strap is secured to the butt-end of the firearm. In  FIG. 14B , End A is secured to the rear swivel mount of the firearm.  FIG. 14C  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a bolt-action rifle using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in  FIGS. 8A-8G .  FIG. 14D  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a bolt-action rifle using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  3 , and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  1 .  FIG. 14E  shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point confirmation applied to a bolt-action rifle using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in  FIGS. 9A-9J . 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15A-15D , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm  1500  in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations.  FIG. 15A  shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in  FIGS. 10A-10E .  FIG. 15B  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  3 , and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  1 .  FIG. 15C  shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point configuration applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm, using shoulder strap  702  and traversing strap  706 . End D of the traversing strap is fed through the rear mount and fed through sliplock  7 . End A of the shoulder strap is fed through the rear mount and fed back through sliplock  2 . End B of the shoulder strap is then fed through oval ring  1  and fed back through sliplock  1 .  FIG. 15D  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm using the shoulder strap as described in  FIGS. 10A-10E . In  FIG. 15D , end A is fed through the rear swivel mount and fed back through sliplock buckle  3 . 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16A-16E , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to another fixed-buttstock military-type assault weapon  1600  in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations.  FIG. 16A  shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a military-type assault weapon, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in  FIGS. 10A-10E .  FIG. 16B  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type assault weapon, using only shoulder strap  702 . As described in  FIGS. 10A-10E , end B of the shoulder strap is secured to the butt-end of the firearm. In  FIG. 16B , End A is secured to the rear swivel mount of the firearm.  FIG. 16C  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a military-type assault weapon using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in  FIGS. 8A-8G .  FIG. 16D  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type assault weapon using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  3 , and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  1 .  FIG. 16E  shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point confirmation applied to a military-type assault weapon using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in  FIGS. 9A-9J . 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 17A-17E , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated applied to a collapsable-buttstock military-type carbine weapon  1700  in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations.  FIG. 17A  shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a military-type carbine weapon, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in  FIGS. 10A-10E .  FIG. 17B  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a military-type carbine weapon using the shoulder strap as described in  FIGS. 10A-10E . In  FIG. 17B , end A is fed through the rear swivel mount and fed back through sliplock buckle  3 .  FIG. 17C  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type carbine weapon rifle using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  3 , and wherein end B is looped through the buttstock slot of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  1 .  FIG. 17D  shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type carbine weapon using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  3 , and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle  1 .  FIG. 17E  shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point configuration applied to a military-type carbine weapon, using shoulder strap  702  and traversing strap  706 . End D of the traversing strap is fed through the rear mount and fed through sliplock  7 . End A of the shoulder strap is fed through the rear mount and fed back through sliplock  2 . End B of the shoulder strap is then fed through oval ring  1  and fed back through sliplock  1 . 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18A-18E , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated in a one-point configuration applied to an M-4 military weapon  1800  using only shoulder strap  702 . End A of the shoulder strap is passed through the sling mount and threaded back through sliplock  3 . End B of the shoulder strap is passed through the loop created by end A passing through the sling amount and threading back through sliplock  3 . End B is threaded back through sliplock buckle  1 . 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIGS. 19A-19E , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated in a two-point configuration applied to an M-4 military weapon  1900  using only shoulder strap  702 . In  FIGS. 19A-19B , end A is passed through a buttstock slot, wrapped around the buttstock, and threaded through sliplock buckle  3 . In  FIGS. 19C-19E , end B is passed through the front sling mount and threaded back through sliplock buckle  2 . 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIGS. 20A-20H , the universal firearm sling  700  is illustrated in a three-point configuration applied to an M-4 military weapon  2000  using the shoulder strap and traversing strap. In  FIGS. 20A-20B , end A is passed through a buttstock slot, wrapped around the buttstock, and threaded through sliplock buckle  3 . In  FIGS. 20C-20D , end D of the traversing strap is passed through the loop created by end A passing through the buttstock slot, and threaded through sliplock buckle  7 . In  FIGS. 20E-20H , end C of the traversing strap is passed through the front sling mount and threaded back through sliplock buckle  4 . End B of the shoulder strap is passed through oval ring  1  and threaded back through sliplock buckle  1 . 
         [0066]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that a universal, ambidextrous firearm sling is provided. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, the disclosure includes any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

Technology Category: 2