US20120305616A1

US20120305616A1 - Sling retaining assembly and method of use

Info

Publication number: US20120305616A1
Application number: US13/149,420
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Scott Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-31
Filing date: 2011-05-31
Publication date: 2012-12-06

Abstract

A sling retaining assembly for assisting the carrying of a plurality of devices on a single shoulder is provided. The sling retaining assembly includes a flexible body having an outer side, an under side, an aperture provided through the flexible body, and a self attachment assembly connected to the flexible body, wherein a first portion of the self attachment assembly is connected to the outer side of the flexible body and a second portion of the self attachment assembly is connected to the under side of the flexible body. A hook member is received by the aperture of the flexible body, the hook member having a first segment connected to a second segment, the first and second segments forming a retaining gap, wherein a portion of the flexible body is received by the retaining gap. In addition, a method of using the sling retaining assembly is also provided.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to an assembly for attaching, carrying and/or retaining a shoulder mounted carrying device. The present invention more specifically relates to an assembly adapted to couple to a shoulder mounted strap and retain a portion of a shoulder mounted sling.

BACKGROUND

Individuals often desire to carry more than one device over a single shoulder. For example, hunters, hikers, campers, soldiers, or outdoor enthusiasts may carry equipment or necessities while participating in their respective activity. Often the equipment will be carried by a person in multiple, separate devices. Further, often the multiple devices are carried about one or both shoulders of a person. For example, a hunter may carry a backpack having shoulder straps as a first device and a firearm having a shoulder sling as a second device. As such, the person may carry multiple devices on a single shoulder. Unfortunately, carrying multiple devices on a single shoulder can lead to difficulties, including difficulty maintaining both devices on a single shoulder, potential damage to one or more of the devices due to the inadvertent or unwanted dropping of one or more of the devices, or potential injury to the person (e.g. due to the inadvertent or unwanted dropping of one or more of the devices).

SUMMARY

In view of the difficulties of carrying multiple devices on a single shoulder, it would be desirable to provide an assembly which would allow or assist a person to carry multiple devices on a single shoulder. Further, it would be desirable to have an assembly adapted to couple to a first device, such as the shoulder mounted strap of the first device. Further, it would be desirable to have an assembly with a retention apparatus adapted to retain a second device, such as a sling or strap.
Accordingly, a sling retaining assembly or sling keeper and associated method of use is provided.
The sling keeper includes a flexible body having an outer side, an under side, a self attachment assembly connected to the flexible body, and defining an aperture provided through the flexible body, wherein a first portion of the self attachment assembly is connected to the outer side of the flexible body and a second portion of the self attachment assembly is connected to the under side of the flexible body. A hook member is at least partially received by the aperture defined by the flexible body, the hook member having a first segment connected to a second segment, the first and second segments forming a retaining gap, wherein a portion of the flexible body is received by the retaining gap.
In addition, a sling retaining assembly adapted for helping carry a plurality of devices on a single shoulder of a person is provided. The sling retaining assembly includes a flexible strip having a first side and a second side. The flexible strip includes a body portion connected to a first arm and a second arm, an aperture provided through and defined by the body portion connecting the first side and second side, and a self attachment assembly having a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion, the first attachment portion connected to the first side of the first arm and the second attachment portion connected to the second side of the second arm. A hook member is received by the aperture of the flexible strip, the hook member having a first segment connected to a second segment to form a first pocket, wherein the first pocket receives a portion of the body of the flexible strip.
A method of carrying a plurality of devices on a single shoulder of a person is also provided. In the method, a sling retaining assembly is attached about a shoulder mounted strap of a first device by wrapping a first arm of the sling retaining assembly about the shoulder mounted strap of the first device, wrapping a second arm of the sling retaining assembly about the shoulder mounted strap of the first device, and engaging the self attachment assembly connecting the first arm and second arm. The shoulder mounted strap of the first device is then placed about a first shoulder of a person. The shoulder mounted carrying sling of a second device is then placed about the first shoulder of the person. The shoulder mounted carrying sling of the second device engages with the sling retaining assembly by placing the shoulder mounted carrying sling of the second device into a first retaining gap of the sling retaining assembly formed by a first segment connected to a second segment of a hook member, such that the shoulder mounted carrying sling of the second device is retained between the first segment and a flexible body of the sling retaining assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a sling retaining assembly.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the sling retaining assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the sling retaining assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating engagement of the sling retaining assembly with a shoulder mounted strap.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a hook portion of a sling retaining assembly.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the sling retaining assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the sling retaining assembly coupled to a shoulder mounted strap, shown as a backpack strap, and retaining a shoulder mounted carrying device, shown as a firearm sling.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the sling retaining assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the sling retaining assembly coupled to a shoulder mounted strap, shown as a backpack strap, and retaining a shoulder mounted carrying device, shown as a firearm sling.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the sling retaining assembly ofFIG. 1, illustrating the sling retaining assembly coupled to a shoulder mounted strap, shown as a backpack strap, and retaining a shoulder mounted carrying device, shown as a firearm sling.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the sling retaining assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the sling retaining assembly coupled to a shoulder mounted strap, shown as a backpack strap, and retaining a shoulder mounted carrying device, shown as an archery bow.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a hook portion of a sling retaining assembly.

DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the invention generally relates to a sling retaining assembly 100 for coupling to a first device, such as a shoulder mounted strap, while engaging and/or retaining a second device, such as a shoulder mounted carrying device, The Figures illustrate one or more examples of embodiments of sling retaining assembly 100. Although sling retaining assembly 100 is described herein for use with one or more specific shoulder mounted carrying devices, including a sling for a firearm, it should be appreciated that sling retaining assembly 100 may be used with any device which may be carried on or about shoulder of a person. The term “sling” is used herein to include a carrying strap for a firearm, such as a long gun, a long barrel rifle, a shotgun, or an assault rifle, and also may include any other device which may include a shoulder mounted sling or carrying device or strap which may be carried over a shoulder of a person. For example, in one or more examples of embodiments illustrated herein, sling retaining assembly 100 is illustrated as carrying and retaining an archery bow. In addition, while sling retaining assembly 100 is described herein for attachment, coupling, and/or use with one or more specific shoulder mounted straps, including a shoulder mounted strap for a backpack, it should be appreciated that sling retaining assembly 100 may be attached, coupled and/or used with any device which may be carried on or about one or more shoulders of a person. To this end, shoulder mounted straps may include, without limitation, straps for a backpack, hydration pack, hunting blind bag, hunting decoy bag, or any other strap adapted to be carried over one or more shoulders of a person.
FIG.1 illustrates one or more examples of embodiments of sling retaining assembly or sling keeper 100. Referring to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, sling retaining assembly 100 may include a flexible portion 120 and a hook portion or hook member 140. Flexible portion 120 may include a body or strip 121. Body 121 may one or more extensions. For example, as shown, body 121 may include a first extension or arm 122 and a second extension or arm 123. First and second extensions 122, 123 may be connected or integral to body 121, for example as a unitary member. In one or more examples of embodiments, connected or integral first and second extensions 122, 123 may be connected or attached to body 121 by any suitable process in accordance with sling retaining assembly 100 as disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, sewing, stitching, or adhesive.
In FIG. 1, flexible portion 120 is illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape. In one or more examples of embodiments, the body and associated extensions or arms of the flexible portion may be any shape or size suitable for operation in accordance with the sling retaining assembly as disclosed herein. The flexible portion may be generally formed of a textile or other similar material of sufficient strength to engage a shoulder mounted strap, while carrying and retaining a shoulder mounted sling or carrying device. For example, the flexible portion may be formed in whole or in part of canvas, polyester, wool, nylon, polypropylene, or any other animal, plant, mineral, synthetic textile, or some combination thereof. The flexible portion may also be formed of stretchable or elastic materials, such as, for example, LYCRA®, spandex or elastane, or any other elastic textile.
As shown in FIG. 1, flexible portion 120 includes a first side or top side or outer side 124 and a second side or bottom side or under side 125. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, first side 124 of flexible portion 120 may be provided opposite second side 125 of flexible portion 120. Stated otherwise, first side 124 may be provided on a side of flexible portion 120 opposing or facing away from second side 125.
Referring to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, flexible portion 120 defines an aperture or opening or slit 126. As illustrated in FIG. 1, opening 126 may be provided through flexible portion 120, interconnecting first side 124 and second side 125. In various embodiments, opening 126 includes a length 127 which is equal to or larger than a width 141 of hook portion 140. To this end, opening 126 may receive a portion of hook portion 140. In one or more examples of embodiments, opening 126 may be provided through flexible portion 120 at one or more interior locations of flexible portion 120. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, opening 126 may be provided through flexible portion 120 between a first edge or border 128 and a second edge or border 129, and between a third edge or border 130 and a fourth edge or border 131.
Referring to FIG. 3, flexible portion 120 may include a self attachment assembly 134. Self attachment assembly 134 may provide for a portion of the flexible portion 120 to connect, attach or couple to another portion of flexible portion 120. As illustrated in FIG. 3, self attachment assembly 134 provides for first extension 122 to attach, couple, or connect to second extension 123. For example, self attachment assembly 134 may include a first or male attachment portion 135 and a second or female attachment portion 136. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, self attachment assembly 134 is illustrated as a hook and loop fastener. First attachment portion 135 is illustrated as the hook portion and second attachment portion 136 is illustrated as the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. In one or more examples of embodiments, the first attachment portion may be the loop portion and the second attachment portion may be the hook portion of the hook and loop fastener. Further, it should be appreciated that in one or more examples of embodiments of the sling retaining assembly, the self attachment assembly may be a button and button hole, a snap fastener, a zipper fastener, VELCRO®, or any other suitable releasable or temporary fastener for connecting or coupling together first and second extension 122, 123 in accordance with operation of the sling retaining assembly 101 as disclosed herein.
Referring again to FIG. 2, in various embodiments, first attachment portion 135 is connected or attached to second side 125 of second arm 123, and second attachment portion 136 is connected or attached to first side 124 of first arm 122. This allows for first attachment portion 135 and second attachment portion 136 to overlap, such that first and second attachment portions 135, 136 face one another during engagement of self attachment assembly 134 (see FIG. 3). In one or more examples of embodiments, the first attachment portion may be connected to the first side of the second arm and the second attachment portion may be connected to the second side of the first arm. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments, the first and second attachment portions may be provided on the same side, i.e. the first or second side, of the flexible portion depending upon the type of self attachment assembly attached thereto. First and second attachment portions 135, 136 may be connected or attached to respective first and second arms 122, 123 by sewing or stitching 138 (see FIG. 1). In one or more examples of embodiments, first and second attachment portions 135, 136 may be connected or attached to respective first and second arms 122, 123 by an adhesive or any other known or future developed attachment methodology suitable for operation of sling retaining assembly 100 as disclosed herein.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, flexible portion 120 may include a stability strip or ribbon 139. Stability strip 139 may be attached or connected to second side 125 of flexible portion 120, for example, by stitching, sewing or adhesive. Stability strip 139 may include or define an opening (not shown) for receiving a segment of hook portion 140. Stability strip 139 may be formed of an elastic material, or may be formed of the same or similar material as flexible portion 120. Stability strip 139 may assist in connecting hook portion 140 to flexible portion 120. In addition, stability strip 139 may assist in providing stability to hook portion 140 during operation of sling retaining assembly 100 as disclosed herein. In one or more examples of embodiments, stability strip 139 may include a pocket or ribbon of material which extends along the majority of a segment of hook portion 140.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a cross-sectional view of hook portion 140. In various embodiments, hook portion 140 includes a first segment 142 connected to a second segment 143 (e.g. by an arcuate or curved segment 146). First and second segments 142, 143 may be provided approximately parallel to one another, forming a first pocket or compartment or retaining gap 148. First pocket 148 may include a first opening 151. In addition, second segment 143 may be connected to a third segment 144 (e.g. by an arcuate or curved segment 147). Second and third segments 143, 144 may be provided approximately parallel to one another, forming a second pocket or compartment or retaining gap 149. To this end, first, second and third segments 142, 143, 144 may be connected such that the cross-section of hook portion 140 has a serpentine or approximate “S-shape” appearance. It should be appreciated, however, that the cross-section of hook portion may have other shapes (e.g. “N-shape” or a combination of S- and N-shapes). A fourth segment or guide segment 145 may be attached to first segment 142 at the end of first segment 142 opposite curved segment 146. Fourth segment 145 may be provided at an angle α (theta) greater than ninety degrees (90°) or at an obtuse angle to first segment 142. In addition, fourth segment 145 may be provided to extend in a direction away from second segment 143. First, second, third and fourth segments 142, 143, 144, 145 may be formed as a unitary member of material including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, other metals, or composite materials (e.g. plastic) with sufficient strength and/or resilience to engage and retain a shoulder mounted carrying device.
As discussed above, first pocket 148 may include first opening 151. In addition, second pocket 149 may include a second opening 152. First opening 151 may be provided closer to second extension 123 than the first extension 122, while second opening 152 may be provided closer to first extension 122 than second extension 123. As such, first opening 151 may be provided on an opposing side of hook portion 140 than second opening 152. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, however, that the first opening may be provided closer to the first arm than the second arm and the second opening may be provided closer to the second arm than the first arm.
Hook portion 140 may connect to, be retained by, and/or be received by flexible portion 120. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, hook portion 140 may be received through opening 126 in flexible portion 120. Hook portion 140 may be provided through opening 126 such that first segment 142 is provided on outer side 124 of flexible portion 120 and second and third segments 143, 144 are provided on bottom side 125 of flexible portion 120. As such, flexible portion 120 may be received by first pocket 148 of hook portion 140. In addition, hook portion 140 may be received by stability strip 139. Hook portion 140 may be provided through the opening (not shown) of stability strip 139 such that second segment 143 is received and retained by stability strip 139.
An alternative embodiment of a hook portion 160 of sling keeper 100 is shown in FIG. 4. Hook portion 160 includes features which are, in many respects, substantially as described herein in association with hook portion 140. Referring to FIG. 4, in this embodiment, hook portion 160 includes a first segment 162 connected to a second segment 163 (e.g. by an arcuate or curved segment 166). First and second segments 162, 163 may be provided approximately parallel to one another, forming a first pocket or compartment or retaining gap 168. To this end, first and second segments 162, 163 may be connected such that the cross-section of hook portion 160 has a parabolic or approximate “U-shape” or an approximate “C-shape” appearance. A third segment or guide segment 165 may be attached or coupled to first segment 162 at an end of first segment 162 opposite curved segment 166. Third segment 165 may be provided at an angle α (theta) greater than ninety degrees (90°) or at an obtuse angle to first segment 162. In addition, third segment 165 may be provided to extend in a direction away from second segment 163. First, second and third segments 162, 163, 165 may be formed as a unitary member of material including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, other metals, or composite materials (e.g. plastic) with sufficient strength and/or resilience to engage and retain a shoulder mounted carrying device.
Second segment 163 may include or be connected to a retention segment 170. As illustrated in FIG. 4, retention segment 170 may be provided at an end of second segment 163 opposite curved segment 166. Retention segment 170 may include a first fin or wing 172 and/or an opposing second fin or wing (not shown). Retention segment 170 may have a width 171 which is greater than a width 161 of second segment 163 and/or first segment 162. In addition, width 171 of retention segment 170 may be greater than the size or diameter (not shown) of the stability strip (e.g. to assist in retaining hook portion 160 in the stability strip). Further, retention portion 170 may assist in maintaining the coupling of hook portion 160 to the flexible portion (not shown in FIG. 4).
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a hook portion 180. Hook portion 180 includes features which are, in various respects, substantially as described herein in association with hook portion 140. Referring to FIG. 9, in this embodiment, hook portion 180 includes a first segment 182 connected to a second segment 183 (e.g. by an arcuate or curved segment 186). First and second segments 182, 183 may be provided approximately parallel to one another, helping define and/or form a first pocket or compartment or retaining gap 188. First pocket 188 may include a first opening 191. In addition, second segment 183 may be connected to a third segment 184 (e.g. by an arcuate or curved segment 187). Second and third segments 183, 184 may be provided approximately parallel to one another, helping define and/or form a second pocket or compartment or retaining gap 189. To this end, first, second and third segments 182, 183, 184 may be connected such that the cross-section of hook portion 180 has a serpentine or approximate “S-shape” appearance. It should be appreciated, however, that the cross-section of hook portion may have other shapes (e.g. “N-shape” or a combination of S- and N-shapes). A fourth segment or guide segment 185 may be attached or connected to first segment 182 at the end of first segment 182 opposite the end of first segment 182 coupled to curved segment 186. Fourth segment 185 may be provided at an angle α (theta) greater than ninety degrees (90°) or at an obtuse angle to first segment 182. In addition, fourth segment 185 may be provided to extend in a direction away from second segment 183. First, second, third and fourth segments 182, 183, 184, 185 may be formed as a unitary member of material including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, other metals, or composite materials (e.g. plastic) with sufficient strength and/or resilience to engage and retain a shoulder mounted carrying device.
As discussed above, first pocket 188 may include first opening 191. In addition, second pocket 189 may include a second opening 192. First opening 191 may be provided on an opposing side of hook portion 180 than second opening 192.
Hook portion 180 may include a strap engagement assembly 199. As illustrated in FIG. 9, strap engagement assembly 199 may include a post 193, at least one aperture 195 and a retaining lanyard, band, cable or elastic member 196. In various embodiments, post 193 is provided on a portion of first segment 182. Post 193 may include a head 194. Head 194 preferably has a diameter which is greater than or exceeds a diameter of post 193. At least one aperture 195 may be provided on or defined by a portion of third segment 184. As shown in FIG. 9, a first aperture 195 a and a second aperture 195 b is provided through and defined by a portion of third segment 184. Retaining lanyard 196 may be provided in removable communication with post 193 and at least one aperture 195. Referring again to FIG. 9, a portion of lanyard 196 is received by first and second apertures 195 a, b. A retaining member 197 is provided at a first end of lanyard 196. Retaining member 197 may have an outer diameter which is larger than the diameter of one or more of apertures 195 a, b. To this end, retaining member 197 is adapted to assist in retaining a portion of lanyard 196 in one or more of apertures 195 a, b. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, retaining member 197 is a knot having a diameter or cross-section greater than the diameter of aperture 195 a. In various embodiments, a loop 198 is provided at a second end of lanyard 196. Loop 198 is adapted to removably couple to post 193. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, loop 198 removably receives post 193. In addition, head 194 may assist in maintaining the coupling of loop 198 to post 193. In various embodiments, head 194 may have an outer diameter which exceeds the inner diameter of loop 198 when loop 198 is provided in a resting or neutral position.
The strap engagement assembly may include or utilize other known or hereafter developed ways of releasably coupling lanyard 196 to hook portion 180. For example, it should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the post may be provided on a portion of the third segment. Further, it should be appreciated that in one or more examples of embodiments, one or more apertures may be provided on or defined by a portion of the first segment. In addition, in one or more examples of embodiments, the lanyard may have a bias or elasticity to allow the lanyard to stretch or elongate about different sized shoulder mounted straps which may be received in the second opening. In one or more examples of embodiments, the retaining member may be spherical, triangular, polygonal or any other known shape. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments the retaining member may be a cap, clip or other device coupled to the retaining member formed of stainless steel, plastic, die cast aluminum, composite material or any other known and suitable material. In various embodiments, the loop may be a band, a member having an eyelet or aperture, or any other device adapted to removably receive the post. In addition, in various embodiments, the loop may have a bias or elasticity to allow the loop to stretch or elongate about the post, yet subsequently relax or retract such that the inner diameter of the loop is less than the outer diameter of the head of the post. In one or more examples of embodiments, the lanyard, loop and/or retaining member may be a unitary member formed of polyester, nylon, satin, silk, polyethylene terephthalate, or any other natural fiber, synthetic fiber or other suitable material. It should be appreciated that while the embodiment of hook portion 180 is illustrated for use exclusive of flexible portion 120, in various embodiments, flexible portion 120 may be adapted to engage with and/or operate with hook portion 180 in accordance with the disclosure provided herein.
FIG. 5 illustrates sling retaining assembly 100 in one or more examples of operation and use. As shown in FIG. 5, in various embodiments, sling retaining assembly 100 is coupled or connected to a shoulder mounted strap 200, illustrated in FIG. 5 as a shoulder strap for a backpack. In addition, sling retaining assembly 100 is adapted to receive and releasably retain a shoulder mounted carrying device 210. As shown in FIG. 5, the hook portion 140 receives and retains a portion of shoulder mounted carrying device 210, illustrated in FIG. 5 as a sling for a rifle. While hook portion 140 is specifically illustrated, it should be appreciated that hook portion 160 may be substituted for the discussion herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates the sling retaining assembly 100 as coupled or connected to a shoulder mounted strap 200, shown as the left shoulder strap of a user's backpack. The shoulder mounted strap 200 is provided between a user's head 220 and a user's shoulder 230 (e.g. the user's left shoulder). It should be appreciated that in one or more examples of embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, sling retaining assembly 100 may be coupled or connected to a shoulder mounted strap 200 intended or adapted for a user's right shoulder, for example the right shoulder strap of a backpack. As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, in various embodiments, sling retaining assembly 100 is coupled or attached to a shoulder mounted strap 200 provided between the user's head 220 and the user's right shoulder 240. In addition, FIGS. 6-8 illustrate examples of additional or alternative shoulder mounted carrying devices 210. FIG. 6 illustrates a shoulder mounted carrying device 210 which is a sling for a firearm, specifically a hunting rifle. FIG. 7 illustrates a shoulder mounted carrying device 210 which is a sling for a firearm, specifically a shotgun. FIG. 8 illustrates a shoulder mounted carrying device 210 which is an archery bow. The shoulder mounted carrying device 210 for the archery bow may be a sling for the bow, a bow string, or other known methodologies or apparatuses known or later developed for carrying an archery bow.
Referring again to FIG. 2, in operation and use, a user may initially place the sling retaining assembly 100 in communication with a first device, such as shoulder mounted strap 200. The user may place the shoulder mounted strap 200, illustrated as a backpack shoulder strap 200, into second retaining gap 149. The user may then couple or connect the sling retaining assembly 100 to shoulder mounted strap 200 by engaging self attachment assembly 134. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the user may wrap flexible portion 120 (e.g, first arm 122) around a portion of shoulder mounted strap 200. Subsequently, the user may wrap flexible portion 120 (e.g. second arm 123) around a portion of shoulder mounted strap 200, such that first and second attachment portions 135, 136 are aligned to engage one another. Further, first and second arms 122, 123 may be wrapped about shoulder mounted strap 200 with sufficient tension or tightness such that flexible portion 120 may assist in retaining shoulder mounted strap 200 in sling retaining assembly 100 and/or may assist in maintaining sling retaining assembly 100 in a predetermined or desired location along shoulder mounted strap 200. In one or more examples of embodiments, sling retaining assembly 100 may be placed in operative communication or attached to a shoulder mounted strap 200 while a user is not wearing shoulder mounted strap 200 or while the user is wearing shoulder mounted strap 200.
FIG. 5 illustrates sling retaining assembly 100 coupled, attached or connected to a first device, e.g. shoulder mounted strap 200. Once sling retaining assembly 100 is coupled to shoulder mounted strap 200, a user may place shoulder mounted strap 200 about a shoulder of the user. In one or more examples of embodiments, shoulder mounted strap 200 is already placed about the shoulder of the user. Sling retaining assembly 100 may then receive and/or temporarily retain a second device, such as shoulder mounted carrying device 210. It should be appreciated that once sling retaining assembly 100 is coupled to shoulder mounted strap 200 and shoulder mounted strap 200 is provided about the shoulder of a user, sling retaining assembly 100 is preferably provided such that first segment 142 of hook member 140 extends from curved segment 146 toward the user. Stated otherwise, curved segment 146 may be provided closer to the shoulder of a user than first segment 142 and/or fourth segment 145 of hook member 140. Accordingly, in various embodiments, opening 151 to first retaining gap 148 is provided further away from the shoulder of the user than curved segment 146. In addition, it should be appreciated that sling retaining assembly 100 may be coupled to different shoulder mounted straps 200 (e.g. the left shoulder or right shoulder straps) by rotating sling retaining assembly 100 (e.g. approximately one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) about an axis substantially perpendicular to a face of body 121), such that curved segment 146 may be provided closer to the shoulder of a user than first segment 142 and/or fourth segment 145 of hook member 140. Stated otherwise, opening 151 to first retaining gap 148 of hook member 140 may be provided closer to head 220 of the user than curved segment 146 of hook member 140.
A user may then removably connect or engage a second device (e.g. a shoulder mounted carrying device 210) with sling retaining assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 5, a user may place shoulder mounted carrying device 210, illustrated in FIG. 5 as a sling for a firearm, around or about the shoulder of the user. Shoulder mounted carrying device 210 is preferably placed around or about the same shoulder or side of the user in which the sling retaining assembly 100 is provided. However, shoulder mounted carrying device 210 may be provided around or about either shoulder. The user may place a portion of sling 210 into first retaining gap 148 of hook member 140. A portion of sling 210 may be retained in first retaining gap 148 between first segment 142 and outer side 124 of body 121 of flexible portion 120 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). During placement of sling 210 into first retaining gap 148, guide segment 145 may assist in guiding or directing sling 210 into first retaining gap 148. For example, by being provided at an angle α (theta) to first segment 142, a portion of a sling 210 may contact guide segment 145 and subsequently be deflected or directed toward or into first retaining gap 148.
In various embodiments, once sling 210 is received by sling keeper 100, the user may move, scale or traverse terrain while carrying at least two devices on a single shoulder. For example, the user may carry both a shoulder mounted device having shoulder mounted strap 200, for example a backpack, and a second shoulder mounted device having a shoulder sling 210, for example a firearm having a sling, on a single shoulder. Sling keeper 100 is adapted to retain the second shoulder mounted device having sling 210. For example, sling 210 may have difficulty sliding and/or falling off the shoulder of the user.
The user may remove or disengage sling 210 from sling keeper 100 by withdrawing sling 210 from first retaining gap 148. Guide segment 145 may assist in easing removal of sling 210 from sling keeper 100. For example, by being provided at an angle α (theta) to first segment 142, sling 210 may be more easily removed or disengaged from sling keeper 100. In addition, the user may remove sling keeper 100 from shoulder strap 200 of the first shoulder mounted device by disengaging self attachment assembly 134, unwrapping first and second arms 122, 123 from around shoulder strap 200, and removing shoulder strap 200 from second retaining gap 149. Sling keeper 100 is then free to be connected or reconnected to a shoulder mounted strap 200.
It should be appreciated that in using one or more examples of embodiments of sling keeper 100 having hook portion 160 (as shown in FIG. 4), the steps above may be repeated except for the steps relating to engagement of shoulder mounted strap 200 with second retaining gap 149. This is because hook portion 160 does not include a second retaining gap 149.
It should be appreciated that in operation and use of one or more examples of embodiments of sling keeper 100 having hook portion 180 (as shown in FIG. 9), the user may place shoulder mounted strap 200 into second retaining gap 189. The user may then couple sling retaining assembly 100 to shoulder mounted strap 200 by engaging strap engagement assembly 199. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the user may wrap lanyard 196 about or around a portion of shoulder mounted strap 200 received by second retaining gap 189. Subsequently, the user may couple loop 198 with post 193. For example, loop 198 may receive post 193. In addition, loop 198 may be initially stretched to receive head 194 and subsequently relaxed upon receipt of post 193. To this end, once relaxed and coupled to post 193, loop 198 may have an inner diameter which is less than the outer diameter of head 194. This results in sling keeper 100, and specifically hook portion 180, being placed in operative communication to shoulder mounted strap 200. The steps above associated with coupling a second device (e.g. a shoulder mounted carrying device 210) with sling retaining assembly 100 may be repeated with hook portion 180 to place the second device 210 in operative communication with hook portion 180.
There are several advantages to the disclosed sling retaining assembly. The sling retaining assembly is adaptable to attach or couple to numerous types of shoulder mounted straps. For example, the sling retaining assembly may attach to a strap for a backpack, hydration pack, hunting blind bag, hunting decoy bag, or any other strap adapted to be provided and/or carried over one or more shoulders of a person. This provides for use of the sling retaining assembly with numerous types of devices or products which may be carried about the shoulder of a user.
In addition, the sling retaining assembly is adapted to receive numerous and various types of shoulder mounted carrying devices. For example, the sling retaining assembly may receive and retain a sling for a firearm, including a carrying strap for a long gun, a long barrel rifle, a shotgun, or an assault rifle, a strap for a canteen, a strap for a water bag or sack, a strap or string for an archery bow, or any other shoulder mounted sling or carrying device or strap which may be carried over a shoulder of a user. This provides for use of the sling retaining assembly with numerous types of devices or products which may be carried and retained about the shoulder of a user while a user also carries a primary or another device having a shoulder mounted strap.
In addition, the sling retaining assembly is adjustable and/or removable after installation. The associated hook portion and/or self attachment assembly of the sling retaining assembly provide for the sling retaining assembly to be temporarily, removably, and/or adjustably connected to a shoulder mounted strap of a device. A user may adjust or reposition the sling retaining assembly during use (e.g. to improve comfort) and/or remove the sling retaining assembly from a shoulder mounted strap after use. Further, a user may attach the sling retaining assembly to another, separate shoulder mounted strap of a device, including, for example, a second shoulder mounted strap of a device (i.e. the left shoulder strap or right shoulder strap) or a shoulder mounted strap of a separate device.
In addition, the sling retaining assembly should not alter or permanently damage or distort the shoulder mounted strap to which the sling retaining assembly is attached. The sling retaining assembly and associated hook portion and/or self attachment assembly does not require installation of any components which may permanently alter, damage, distort or disfigure the shoulder mounted strap of a device for operation.
In addition, the sling retaining assembly should not alter or permanently damage or distort the sling or shoulder mounted carrying device of a device which is received and retained by the sling retaining assembly. The sling retaining assembly and associated hook portion does not require installation of any components which may permanently alter, damage, distort or disfigure the sling or shoulder mounted carrying device for operation.
In addition, the sling retaining assembly is adapted to he used effectively on either side of a user. For example, a device carried by a user may include two shoulder mounted straps, one to be carried on the right shoulder of a user and one to be carried on the left shoulder of a user. The sling retaining assembly may be connected to either shoulder mounted strap by rotating the sling retaining assembly approximately one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) before attachment. Further, more than one sling retaining assembly may be coupled to one or both shoulders.
In addition, the sling retaining assembly provides for the improved safe shoulder carrying by a user of a first and/or primary device, for example a backpack, and a second and/or secondary device, for example a firearm. The sling retaining assembly reduces the risk of the secondary device falling off the shoulder of the user. In situations where the secondary device is a loaded firearm, the sling retaining assembly may reduce the risk of an unintentional discharge of the firearm should the firearm fall off the shoulder of the user.
In addition, the sling retaining assembly lessens the risk of damage to a shoulder carried secondary device, for example a firearm, when carried by a user with a primary device, for example a backpack, carried on the same shoulder. The sling retaining assembly reduces the risk of the secondary device falling off the shoulder of the user. This lessens the risk of damage to the secondary device caused by dropping the secondary device should the secondary device fall off the shoulder of the user.
In addition, the sling retaining assembly is adjustable about a shoulder mounted strap during use. A user may adjust or reposition the sling retaining assembly about one or more shoulder mounted straps during use, for example to improve the comfort of the user or to improve the posture of the user.
It should be appreciated in various embodiments that the sling retaining assembly may be provided within or integrally formed with one or more shoulder mounted straps of a device. For example, the sling retaining assembly or associated hook members may be provided or formed in the shoulder mounted straps of a backpack or other known or future developed device during the manufacturing process of the shoulder mounted straps.
Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, in some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sling keeper comprising:

a flexible body having an outer side, an under side, a self attachment assembly connected to the flexible body, and defining an aperture provided through the flexible body, wherein a first portion of the self attachment assembly is connected to the outer side of the flexible body and a second portion of the self attachment assembly is connected to the under side of the flexible body; and

a hook member at least partially received by the aperture defined by the flexible body, the hook member having a first segment connected to a second segment, the first and second segments forming a retaining gap, wherein a portion of the flexible body is received by the retaining gap.

2. The sling keeper of claim 1, wherein the self attachment assembly includes a hook and loop fastener, the hook fastener is connected to the outer side of the flexible body and the loop fastener is connected to the under side of the flexible body.

3. The sling keeper of claim 1, wherein the hook member is a unitary member.

4. The sling keeper of claim 1, wherein the flexible body includes a first extension and a second extension, the first portion of the self attachment assembly is connected to the first extension and the second portion of the self attachment assembly is connected to the second extension.

5. The sling keeper of claim 4, further comprising a third segment connected to the second segment of the hook member, the second and third segments forming a second retaining gap.

6. The sling keeper of claim 5, wherein the retaining gap has an opening facing the first extension and the second retaining gap has an opening facing the second extension.

7. The sling keeper of claim 6, wherein the first, second and third segments of the hook member have a serpentine profile.

8. The sling keeper of claim 7, wherein the first, second and third segments of the hook member have an S-shaped profile.

9. The sling keeper of claim 1, further comprising a stability strip connected to the under side of the flexible body, wherein the stability strip receives a portion of the second segment of the hook member.

10. The sling keeper of claim 9, wherein the second segment includes a retention segment having a first wing and a second wing opposite the first wing, the retention segment having a first width which is greater than a second width of the second segment.

11. A sling retaining assembly adapted for helping carry a plurality of devices on a single shoulder of a person comprising:

a flexible strip having a first side and a second side, the flexible strip including a body portion connected to a first arm and a second arm, an aperture provided through and defined by the body portion connecting the first side and second side, and a self attachment assembly having a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion, the first attachment portion connected to the first side of the first arm and the second attachment portion connected to the second side of the second arm; and

a hook member received by the aperture of the flexible strip, the hook member having a first segment connected to a second segment to form a first pocket, wherein the first pocket receives a portion of the body of the flexible strip.

12. The sling retaining assembly of claim 11, wherein the first segment of the hook member is provided on the first side of the flexible strip and the second segment of the hook member is provided on the second side of the flexible strip.

13. The sling retaining assembly of claim 12, wherein the hook member includes a third segment connected to the second segment to form a second pocket adapted to receive a portion of a shoulder mounted strap.

14. The sling retaining assembly of claim 13, wherein the first pocket has a first opening provided closer to the first arm than the second arm, and the second pocket has an opening provided closer to the second arm than the first arm.

15. The sling retaining assembly of claim 14, wherein the first attachment portion is a hook fastener and the second attachment portion is a corresponding loop fastener.

16. A method of carrying a plurality of devices on a single shoulder of a person comprising:

attaching a sling retaining assembly about a shoulder mounted strap of a first device by wrapping a first arm of the sling retaining assembly about the shoulder mounted strap of the first device, wrapping a second arm of the sling retaining assembly about the shoulder mounted strap of the first device, and engaging the self attachment assembly connecting the first arm and second arm;

placing the shoulder mounted strap of the first device about a first shoulder of a person;

placing a shoulder mounted carrying sling of a second device about the first shoulder of the person; and

engaging the shoulder mounted carrying sling of the second device with the sling retaining assembly by placing the shoulder mounted carrying sling of the second device into a first retaining gap formed by a first segment connected to a second segment of a hook member of the sling retaining assembly, such that the shoulder mounted carrying sling of the second device is retained between the first segment and a flexible body of the sling retaining assembly.

17. The method of carrying a plurality of devices on a single shoulder of a person of claim 16, wherein attaching a sling retaining assembly about a shoulder mounted strap of a first device further comprises:

engaging the shoulder mounted strap of the first device with a second retaining gap formed by the second segment connected to a third segment of a hook member, such that the shoulder mounted strap of the first device is received between the second segment and third segment of the sling retaining assembly.