Never Drop Firearm Safety Sling for Elevated Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hunters face safety risks and cumbersome procedures when transporting firearms from the ground to elevated hunting positions, as existing methods often result in damage or accidental discharge, and there is a need for a portable and compact solution that prevents weapons from contacting the ground if dropped.
Innovation Solution
A hunter safety device and system called 'Never Drop' comprising three layers with non-slip, durable materials, Velcro, and an elastic strap, which secures the firearm by the butt stock and attaches to a tether strap, preventing the firearm from contacting the ground and maintaining the muzzle down if dropped, while being compact, lightweight, and easy to use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hunters use traditional methods (ropes, carrying firearms manually) to transport firearms to elevated positions, then the procedures are simple and require minimal equipment, but the safety is compromised and the risk of accidental discharge or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions into a single integrated device: the sling attaches to the firearm, the tether connects the sling to the hunter's belt, and the ground contact prevention mechanism is built into the sling structure. This merging of functions (firearm support, tethering, and ground contact prevention) into one device improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tether system that connects the firearm (via sling) to the hunter's body (via belt attachment). This intermediary mechanism acts as a safety buffer, preventing the firearm from being dropped while allowing the hunter to move freely. The tether serves as a mediating element between the firearm and the hunter, providing continuous safety monitoring and control.
2Reliability
If hunters attach firearms directly to ropes or use simple carrying methods, then the equipment remains lightweight and portable, but the risk of firearm damage and accidental discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing protection only where needed - the sling and tether system protects the firearm during transport and elevation movement, while the firearm itself remains unchanged in weight and design. The protective mechanism is localized to the transport function rather than adding overall weight to the firearm system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible, lightweight materials for the sling and tether components. The sling is made of flexible webbing or strap material that can conform to the firearm's shape, providing protection without rigid structures. The tether is a flexible cord or strap that allows movement while maintaining safety, avoiding heavy metal chains or rigid bars.
3Reliability
If hunters use cumbersome procedures to secure firearms during transport, then safety may be improved, but the ease of operation and convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic engagement mechanisms. The sling is designed to automatically secure to the firearm's stock or receiver when placed correctly, and the tether automatically engages with the hunter's belt loop or attachment point. This eliminates the need for complex manual securing procedures while maintaining high security, as the system self-adjusts and self-secures during normal handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching the sling to the firearm before the hunter begins moving. The sling is permanently or semi-permanently attached to the firearm, so no additional securing actions are needed during transport. The hunter simply picks up the firearm with the pre-attached sling, and the safety system is immediately active without requiring any complex procedures.
4Ease of operation
If hunters allow firearms to be freely handled during transport, then operation is simple and quick, but the risk of accidental discharge and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by having the sling and tether system ready and attached before any potential drop or accidental discharge can occur. The sling provides continuous support and control of the firearm throughout transport, and the tether provides an additional safety buffer that prevents the firearm from reaching positions where accidental discharge could occur. This prior preparation eliminates the need for reactive safety measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback through the tether system, which provides continuous tactile and mechanical feedback to the hunter about the firearm's position and status. If the firearm begins to move unexpectedly or the sling becomes dislodged, the tether provides immediate resistance and alerts the hunter, allowing for quick corrective action before accidental discharge can occur. This continuous feedback loop maintains safety without interfering with normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The 'Never Drop' system effectively prevents firearm drops to the ground, reduces accidental discharge risks, and provides a safe, portable, and easy-to-use solution for transporting firearms to elevated positions, ensuring the firearm is secured and protected.
Implementation Method 1
a Velcro (Reg. Trademark) Hook structure or equal; (2). A middle layer comprised of tough, durable, tuff-stuff or equal type of material with an inner surface of middle layer, surface contiguous to exterior surface of inner layer and an exterior surface of middle layer, surface contiguous to inner surface of outside layer contiguous to exterior surface of middle layer
Implementation Method 2
An inside layer comprised of non-slip material with an inner surface of inner layer contiguous to butt
Implementation Method 3
an elastic strap with end and opposite end, the strap having a means to connect to the set of three layers a one end and a female snap at the opposite end
Data Source
AI summary
A hunter safety device for transporting firearms from ground level to an elevated position. It attaches to the stock of a weapon which is in turn attached a sling. A tether attaches the weapon from the sling to an elevated platform position. Once installed, it prevents a falling weapon from contacting the ground. The device consists of three layers including an inner layer made of a non-slip material interior, a middle layer made of a tough type of material, an outside/exterior layer made of a durable material such as vinyl, for the exterior to be exposed to atmosphere, and a closure mechanism; an edge method like sewing or adhesive which secures the three layers; and an elastic strap encircles the three layers. The tether strap then is connected to the layers at one end and to a tree/tree stand at the other to safely secure the weapon.