Two-to-one point sling connector

Abstract

A two-to-one point sling connector for use on a firearm sling. The sling includes a strap and a pin connector having a pin. The sling connector includes a body extending between a head and a bottom. The head has a hole for receiving the pin. The connector includes a wing including a lower segment extending laterally from the bottom, an intermediate segment extending upward from the lower segment, and an upper segment extending between the intermediate segment and the head. The upper segment and the lower segment are spaced by a distance at least as wide as a width of the strap. The intermediate segment and the body are spaced by a distance greater than a thickness of the strap. The upper segment has a top face that extends obliquely relative to the body between the intermediate segment and the head.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to slings for firearms and more particularly to a sling permitting the sling to be converted easily from a two point connection sling to a one point connection sling.

[0002] Firearms, particularly long guns, frequently have at least two separate mounting points permitting the firearm to be attached to a sling worn by a user to conveniently carry the firearm without requiring the user to hold the firearm continuously. One mounting point is usually located on a stock of the firearm adjacent to its rearward end, and another mounting point is usually located near a forward end of a fore stock or handguard of the firearm adjacent to its barrel. From these two mounting points, a flexible sling having connectors at opposite ends of the sling may be attached to the firearm. This configuration is called a two point or double point connection, because the sling connects to the firearm at two points. Slings used in two point configurations have a connector at each end.

[0003] Several types of sling connectors are available. Quick disconnect (QD) connectors or pin connectors are commonly used in combination with mounting points having a cylindrical socket extending from a hole defined by an inward facing flange. QD connectors include a post or pin sized to be inserted through the hole. The pin of the QD connector has one or two ball detents that are biased laterally outward from the post to engage the inward facing flange of the socket when the pin is inserted into the socket hole to retain the pin in the socket. Frequently, the QD connector has a selectively releasable locking mechanism that holds the ball detents in their respective outward positions until it is actuated to release the ball detents, allowing the ball detents to move inward to disengage the socket flange and allow the pin to be withdrawn from the socket. Using QD connectors at opposite ends of the sling allows the sling to be quickly and easily attached to and detached from a firearm.

[0004] Under some circumstances, firearm users connect a sling to the firearm at only one mounting point. When in the one point or single point configuration, the sling is formed in a loop permitting the sling to be worn cross body. A connector extending from the loop is secured to one firearm mounting point, which is usually located on the stock.

[0005] Many firearm users prefer a sling that can be switched quickly for use in either the two point connection configuration or in the one point connection configuration without needing to substitute a second sling. Previous slings have provided this functionality by providing a two-to-one point sling connector between the ends of the sling. These two-to-one point connectors slidably connect to the sling. To change from a two point connection configuration to a one point connection, the user disconnects the connector from the forward mounting point of the firearm and reconnects the disconnected connector to the two-to-one point connector located along the length of the sling to form a loop. To change from the one point connection back to the two point connection, the user performs these steps in reverse, disconnecting the connector from the two-to-one point connector and reattaching the disconnected connector to the second mounting point of the firearm. These steps take the loop out of the sling and reconfigure the sling for use in its two point configuration.

[0006] Prior two-to-one point connectors have suffered from various drawbacks, including insufficient friction between the connector and sling allowing the two-to-one point connector to slide along the sling during use and excessive friction inhibiting the two-to-one point connector from moving when reconfiguring the sling. Some prior connectors have failed to provide sufficient strength and durability. Further, some prior two-to-one point connectors have allowed the mating QD connector to be exposed to the elements during use, resulting in the quick release mechanism failing to allow the pin to release from the socket.

[0007] In view of the above, there remains a need for an innovative two-to-one point connector providing a dependable, durable, secure, and adjustable mounting point for switching firearms between two point and one point sling configurations.SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a two-to-one point sling connector for use on a firearm sling including an elongated flexible strap having a first end margin, a second end margin opposite said first end margin, a thickness, and a uniform width extending between the first end margin and the second end margin. The sling connector includes a pin connector attached to the strap at the first end margin. The pin connector includes a pin adapted to connect to a selected mount point on a firearm. The two-to-one point sling connector comprises an elongated body extending between an enlarged head and a bottom opposite the head. The head has a hole sized and shaped to slidably receive the pin of the pin connector. The two-to-one point sling connector further comprises a wing extending laterally from the body. The wing includes a lower segment extending laterally outward from the bottom of the body and an intermediate segment extending upward from the lower segment parallel to the body. In addition, the wing includes an upper segment extending between the intermediate segment and the head. The upper segment and the lower segment are spaced by a distance measured adjacent to the body that is at least as wide as the uniform width of the strap. The intermediate segment and the body are spaced by at a distance greater than the thickness of the strap. The upper segment has a top face that extends obliquely relative to the body between the intermediate segment and the head.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure includes a two-to-one point sling connector for use on a firearm sling including a flexible strap extending between opposite ends and a pair of pin connectors, each pin connector of said plurality of pin connectors being attached to one end of said opposite ends of the strap for selectively connecting the respective end to a firearm mount point selected from a forward mount point on a firearm and a rearward mount point on the firearm. The two-to-one point sling connector comprises a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis and an enlarged head. The enlarged head has a cavity adapted to release a portion of a selected pin connector of said pair of pin connectors. Additionally, the two-to-one point sling connector has a first wing including a lower segment spaced from the head extending laterally outward from the body. The sling connector also has an intermediate segment extending from the lower segment toward the head and an upper segment extending between the intermediate segment and the head. The upper segment tapers so the upper segment is thinner adjacent to the intermediate section than adjacent to the head. The sling connector has a second wing extending from the body opposite the first wing. The second wing is a mirror image of the first wing.

[0010] In a further aspect, the present disclosure includes a two-to-one point sling connector for use on a firearm sling including a flexible strap extending between opposite ends and a pin connector attached to one of said opposite ends of the strap for selectively connecting the respective end to a mount point on a firearm. The two-to-one point sling connector comprises a cylindrical body extending along a longitudinal axis. The body includes an enlarged head at a head end having a cavity adapted to releasably receive the pin connector. The body further includes a conical portion extending from a wider end adjacent to the head and a reduced cylindrical portion extending from the conical portion to a bottom end opposite the head end.

[0011] The two-to-one point sling connector includes a first wing having a lower segment extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the reduced cylindrical portion of the body. Further, the two-to-one point sling connector includes an intermediate segment extending from the lower segment parallel to the longitudinal axis and an upper segment having a bottom face facing the lower segment extending from the intermediate segment to the reduced cylindrical portion adjacent to the conical portion and a top face opposite the bottom face extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis from the intermediate segment to the head of the body. In addition, the two-to-one point sling connector includes a second wing extending from the central body opposite the first wing and having a shape that is a mirror image of the first wing.

[0012] Other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent in view of the following description and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] This disclosure includes non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a first perspective of one example of a two-to-one point sling connector shown with a portion of a pin connector in dashed lines;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned front elevation of the two-to-one point sling connector shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a second first perspective of the two-to-one point sling connector of FIG. 1 shown with a fragmentary firearm sling;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective of the two-to-one point sling connector of FIG. 1 shown with a fragmentary firearm sling in a two point configuration;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective similar to FIG. 4 showing the firearm sling with one pin connector moved in preparation of joining the sling in a one point configuration; and

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective similar to FIG. 5 showing the firearm sling in a one point configuration.

[0020] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Referring to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a two-to-one point sling connector is designated in its entirety by reference number 10. The two-to-one point connector 10 has an elongated central body, generally designated by 12, extending longitudinally with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis A. The body 12 has an enlarged head portion 14 at a head end 16 and a longer cylindrical portion 18 extending to a bottom end 20 opposite the head end 16. The body 12 includes a conical portion 22 positioned between the head portion 14 and the cylindrical portion 18. The conical portion 22 tapers inwardly from the enlarged head portion 14 to the cylindrical portion 18, providing a generally smooth transition between the head portion and the cylindrical portion. A hollow cavity or socket, generally designated by 30, provided in the head portion 14 is adapted to slidably receive a pin P of a pin connector or QD connector, generally designated by C (FIG. 3) as will be explained. The hollow cavity 30 is bounded by a generally cylindrical, inwardly facing wall 32 having a flange 34 extending inwardly from the wall at its outer end. The flange 34 defines a circular hole 36 having a smaller diameter than the cylindrical inwardly facing wall 32 and through which the pin P passes when entering the cavity 30. The cavity 30, including the inwardly facing wall 32, the inwardly facing flange 34, and the circular hole 36, is centered on the longitudinal axis A. A plurality of (e.g., four) ball detents B are arranged in a ring around the pin. When entering the hole 36, the ball detents B are retracted to allow them to pass through the hole. Once the ball detents B pass the flange 34, they move to their extended position in which they extend outward from the outer surface of the pin P to retain the pin in position in the cavity 30 so the pin connector C and the two-to-one point sling connector 10 are securely fastened together. As will be appreciated, the inwardly extending flange 34 is sized and shaped to prevent the ball detents B from passing when in the extended position to hold the pin P in the hollow cavity 30. A fillet 38 is provided between the flange 34 and wall 32 to reduce stress concentrations should the pin P be pulled without first retracting the ball detents B. The head portion 14 has a planar top face 40 that engages a corresponding face on the pin connector C when the pin connector is inserted into the cavity 30 as will be explained. It is envisioned that the body 12 may have other shapes without compromising its operability.

[0022] As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two-to-one point connector 10 has a pair of wings, generally designated by 50a, 50b, which are shaped as mirror images to one another. In the illustrated example, the wings 50a, 50b are identically shaped but face opposite one another. Further, the illustrated wings 50a, 50b extend radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis A and are generally coplanar. Although it is envisioned that the wings 50a, 50b may be located in other positions on the elongated body 12, the illustrated wings extend generally laterally outward from opposite sides of the elongated body. Each wing (i.e., 50a or 50b) includes a lower segment 52 extending outward from the body 12 adjacent to the bottom end 20. In the illustrated example, the lower segment extends generally laterally relative to the longitudinal axis A. More particularly, the illustrated lower segment 52 extends radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis A and generally perpendicular to the body 12. Each wing 50a (or 50b) also includes an intermediate segment 54 extending upward (i.e., generally toward the head portion 14) from the lower segment 52 and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the body. An upper segment 56 of each wing 50a extends between the intermediate segment 54 and body 12 at the head portion 14 and the conical portion 22. The upper segment 56 has a top face 58 that extends obliquely from the intermediate segment 54 to the head portion 14. Although top face 58 may extend longitudinally upward and laterally inward at other angles, the illustrated top face extends at an angle of about 30° to about 50° from lateral. The upper segment 56 has a bottom face 60 opposite the top face 58 that extends generally perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis A. Thus, the upper segment 56 is tapered so it is shorter adjacent to the intermediate segment 54 than adjacent to the body 12. In the illustrated example, an upper surface 62 of the lower segment 52 extends generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A and parallel to the bottom face 60 of the upper segment 56. Thus, the lower segment 52, intermediate segment 54, upper segment 56, and body 12 outline a generally rectangular hole having a generally uniform width and generally uniform height. Although it is envisioned that the lower segment 52, the intermediate segment 54, and the upper segment 56 may have other shapes, in the illustrated example each of these segments has a generally rectangular cross section. A fillet 64 having a generous radius is provided where the lower segment 52 meets the intermediate segment 54, as well as where the intermediate segment meets the upper segment 56. Fillets 66 are also provided between the wings 50a, 50b and the body 12. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, the fillets 68 are oriented so they extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A to reduce stress concentrations should the wings undergo loading tending to deflect them out of their common plane.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates the two-to-one point sling connector 10 mounted on a firearm sling, generally designated by S. The sling S comprises a flexible strap R having a pin connector C mounted at each end for releasably connecting the strap to a firearm (not shown). In some examples, the strap R has a uniform width w along most if not all of its length. Further, the illustrated strap R has a uniform thickness t along most of its length. Each pin connector C is mounted on the strap R by inserting an end of the strap through a racetrack-shaped hoop H provided on the pin connector C and folding the strap over so the pin connector hoop H is positioned in a resulting fold in the folded strap. Adjacent portions of the folded strap are joined (e.g., by sewing) to hold the hoop H in the fold. At least one end of the strap R is fastened to an adjustable slider buckle D allowing a length of the strap extending between the pin connectors to be altered. As the previously described features of the sling S are conventional and well understood by those skilled in the art, further description is unnecessary.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows the two-to-one point sling connector 10 mounted on a firearm sling S. The strap R of the sling passes through a first rectangular opening 70a defined by the cylindrical portion 18 of the body 12 and the lower segment 52, intermediate portion 54, and upper portion 56 of the first wing, wraps partially round the cylindrical portion of the body, and passes through a second rectangular opening 70b in a generally opposite direction as shown. The second rectangular opening 70b is framed by the cylindrical portion 18 of the body 12 and the lower segment 52, intermediate portion 54, and upper portion 56 of the second wing 50b. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each rectangular opening 70a, 70b has a height 72 measured between the bottom face 60 of the respective upper segment 56 and the top surface 62 of the respective lower segment 52 that is least as tall as the width w of the strap R. Further, each rectangular opening 70a, 70b has a width 74 measured between the cylindrical portion 18 of the body 12 and the corresponding intermediate segment 54 that is at least as wide as the thickness t of the strap R. These dimensions permit the strap R to pass through the openings 70a, 70b without engaging the fillets 64 between the lower segment 52 and intermediate segment 54, as well as between the intermediate segment and the upper segment 56 so the strap lays against the cylinder portion 18 of the body 12. As should be appreciated, installing the sling connector 10 on the strap R as shown allows the sling connector C to be moved along the strap to a desired position so the connector. Frictional forces between the connector and the strap R hold the connector in the desired position. As will be understood, the frictional forces increase when the strap is pulled because the loading tends to straighten the strap R, which increases the contact loading between the strap and connector C. Further, the generally rectangular cross-sectional shapes of the intermediate segment 54 causes a narrow area of contact between the strap R and the corner of the segment. Reduced contact areas increase frictional forces between the strap R and connector C.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates the sling S configured for use in two point configuration. In the two point configuration, a pin connector C is available at each end of the sling S to be connected to mount points on the firearm. A first pin connector C is attached to the forward mount point of the firearm, and a second pin connector C is attached to the rearward mount point of the firearm. Each pin connector C is attached to its respective mount point by inserting the pin P of the connector in mount point so the ball detents B on the pin move outward to lock the connector in place. When a user wants to use the strap in a one point configuration, the user disconnects the appropriate connector C from its firearm mount point and moves the connector to the position shown in FIG. 5 so the pin P of the connector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hole 36 in the head 14 of the two-to-one point sling connector 10. The user inserts the pin P into the hole 36 in the head 14 and slides the connector C and sling connector 10 together to the position shown in FIG. 6. When the pin connector body contacts the top face 40 of the sling connector head 14, the ball detents B move outward from the pin so the flange 34 traps the detents B inside the hollow cavity 30. To rearrange the sling to the two point configuration, the user activates the release U on the pin connector C to allow the ball detents to recede into the pin P before withdrawing the pin from the hole 36 in the sling connector 10 so the pin connector can be reattached to the open mount point on the firearm.

[0026] It is envisioned that the two-to-one point connector 10 may be made from steel, aluminum, plastic, or another suitable material using conventional techniques.

[0027] When introducing elements in this description and the claims, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to indicate one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and indicate there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0028] As those skilled in the art could make various changes to the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the intended scope of the description, all matter in the above description and accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other constructions and methods that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other constructions are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the structural elements of the constructions do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the constructions include equivalent structural elements having insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0029] To the extent that the specification, including the claims and accompanying drawings, discloses any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved.

Claims

1. A two-to-one point sling connector for use on a firearm sling including an elongated flexible strap having a first end margin, a second end margin opposite said first end margin, a thickness, and a uniform width extending between the first end margin and the second end margin, the sling connector including a pin connector attached to the strap at said first end margin having a pin adapted to connect to a selected mount point on a firearm, said two-to-one point sling connector comprising:an elongated body extending between an enlarged head and a bottom opposite the head, said head having a hole sized and shaped to slidably receive the pin of the pin connector; anda wing extending laterally from the body including a lower segment extending laterally outward from the bottom of the body, an intermediate segment extending upward from the lower segment parallel to the body, and an upper segment extending between the intermediate segment and the head;wherein:said upper segment and said lower segment are spaced by a distance measured adjacent to the body that is at least as wide as the uniform width of the strap;the intermediate segment and the body are spaced by a distance greater than the thickness of the strap; andsaid upper segment has a top face that extends obliquely relative to the body between the intermediate segment and the head.

2. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein:said wing is a first wing; andthe two-to-one point sling connector further comprises a second wing extending from the body having a shape that is a mirror image of the first wing.

3. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 2 wherein the second wing extends from the body opposite the first wing.

4. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 3 wherein the second wing is generally coplanar with the first wing, and wherein fillets are provided between the first wing and the body and the second wing and the body.

5. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the body includes a lower cylindrical portion and a conical portion that tapers inwardly from the enlarged head to the cylindrical portion.

6. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein:the body includes a hollow cavity sized to receive said corresponding pin of said at least one pin connector;the hollow cavity includes an inward facing flange surrounding the hollow cavity; andthe hole is defined by the inward facing flange.

7. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 6 wherein:said at least one pin connector has a plurality of ball detents arranged around the corresponding pin; andthe inward facing flange is configured to engage each ball detent of said plurality of ball detents to retain said corresponding pin in the hollow cavity when received in the hollow cavity.

8. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the intermediate segment has a generally rectangular cross section, and wherein a fillet having a generous radius is provided where the lower segment meets the intermediate segment and where the intermediate segment meets the upper segment.

9. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 8 wherein the lower segment and the upper segment each have generally rectangular cross sections.

10. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein:said upper segment has a bottom face opposite the top face;said upper segment has a height measured parallel to the body from the bottom face to the top face; andthe upper segment is tapered so the upper segment is shorter adjacent to the intermediate segment than adjacent to the body.

11. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 10 wherein:the bottom face of the upper segment extends perpendicular to the body; andsaid lower segment extends perpendicular to the body.

12. A two-to-one point sling connector for use on a firearm sling including a flexible strap extending between opposite ends and a pair of pin connectors, each pin connector of said plurality of pin connectors being attached to one end of said opposite ends of the strap for selectively connecting the respective end to a firearm mount point selected from a forward mount point on a firearm and a rearward mount point on the firearm, said two-to-one point sling connector comprising:a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis and an enlarged head having a cavity adapted to releasably receive a portion of a selected pin connector of said pair of pin connectors;a first wing including a lower segment spaced from the head extending laterally outward from the body, an intermediate segment extending from the lower segment toward the head, and an upper segment extending between the intermediate segment and the head, said upper segment tapering so the upper segment is thinner adjacent to the intermediate section than adjacent to the head; anda second wing extending from the body opposite the first wing, said second wing being a mirror image of the first wing.

13. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 12 wherein the cavity is defined by a generally cylindrical inwardly facing wall having an inwardly facing flange at an outer end, said inwardly facing flange defining a hole through which said selected pin passes when entering the cavity.

14. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 13 wherein the cylindrical wall and the inwardly extending flange are centered on the longitudinal axis.

15. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 12 wherein the lower segment, the intermediate segment, and the upper segment of the first and second wings each define a generally rectangular hole through which the flexible strap passes when connected to the sling.

16. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 12 wherein the lower segment, the intermediate segment, and the upper segment of the first wing and the second wing each have a rectangular cross section.

17. A two-to-one point sling connector for use on a firearm sling including a flexible strap extending between opposite ends and a pin connector attached to one of said opposite ends of the strap for selectively connecting the respective end to a mount point on a firearm, said two-to-one point sling connector comprising:a cylindrical body extending along a longitudinal axis, the body including an enlarged head at a head end having a cavity adapted to releasably receive the pin connector, a conical portion extending from a wider end adjacent to the head, and a reduced cylindrical portion extending from the conical portion to a bottom end opposite the head end;a first wing having a lower segment extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the reduced cylindrical portion of the body, an intermediate segment extending from the lower segment parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an upper segment having a bottom face facing the lower segment extending from the intermediate segment to the reduced cylindrical portion adjacent to the conical portion and a top face opposite the bottom face extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis from the intermediate segment to the head of the body; anda second wing extending from the central body opposite the first wing and having a shape that is a mirror image of the first wing.

18. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 17 wherein the cavity is defined by a generally cylindrical inwardly facing wall having an inwardly facing flange at an outer end, said inwardly facing flange defining a hole through which said selected pin passes when entering the cavity.

19. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 18 wherein the cavity and hole are centered on the longitudinal axis.

20. A two-to-one point sling connector as set forth in claim 18 wherein each of the lower segment, the intermediate segment, and the upper segment of the first wing and the second wing has a rectangular cross section.

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