U.S. patent application number 12/702776 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-12 for sling swivel.
Invention is credited to Patricia J. Satre, Timothy J. VEST.
Application Number | 20100199541 12/702776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42539185 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100199541 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VEST; Timothy J. ; et
al. |
August 12, 2010 |
SLING SWIVEL
Abstract
A sling swivel for attachment of a sling or strap to a firearm
or other item. The swivel includes a body portion defining a slot
for receiving the sling or strap, and a mounting pin having a fixed
end attached to the body portion and a free end projecting
therefrom. A handle is pivotally mounted to the body portion, and a
spring is located within the handle portion to bias the handle
portion toward the body portion.
Inventors: |
VEST; Timothy J.; (Belgrade,
MT) ; Satre; Patricia J.; (Belgrade, MT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF GREENWALD & VILLANUEVA. PC
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD, SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
42539185 |
Appl. No.: |
12/702776 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61150860 |
Feb 9, 2009 |
|
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61291449 |
Dec 31, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/85 ;
24/265R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/02 20130101;
Y10T 24/47 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/85 ;
24/265.R |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/02 20060101
F41C023/02; A44B 11/02 20060101 A44B011/02 |
Claims
1. A sling swivel comprising: a body portion defining a slot for
receiving a sling; a mounting pin having a fixed end attached to
the body portion and a free end projecting therefrom; a handle
pivotally mounted to the body portion; and a spring within the
handle portion biasing the handle portion toward the body
portion.
2. The sling swivel of claim 1, wherein the handle is mounted to
the body portion by a retainer, the retainer having a first end
affixed to the body portion and a shaft forming an axis about which
the handle pivots.
3. The sling swivel of claim 3, wherein the shaft of the retainer
extends through the spring.
4. The sling swivel of claim 3, wherein the shaft of the retainer
is generally parallel to the mounting pin.
5. The sling swivel of claim 1, wherein the handle has a radiused
end interfacing with the body portion.
6. The sling swivel of claim 1, wherein the body portion and the
handle have a substantially uniform thickness T, and a minimum
width-wise dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.2T.
7. The sling swivel of claim 1, wherein the body portion and the
handle have a substantially uniform thickness T, and a minimum
width-wise dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.3T.
8. The sling swivel of claim 1, wherein the body portion and the
handle have gripping elements along outer edges thereof.
9. The sling swivel of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a hole
for releasably engaging the free end of the mounting pin.
10. A sling swivel comprising a handle portion pivotally attached
to a body portion by a retainer, the retainer having a shaft
extending through a bore in the handle portion about which the
handle portion rotates and an end attached to the body portion,
further comprising a spring coiled about the shaft of the retainer
for biasing the handle toward the body portion, the spring being
enclosed within the bore in the handle portion, and further
comprising a mounting pin having a fixed end attached to the body
portion and a free end receivable within a hole formed in the
handle portion, wherein the shaft of the retainer and the mounting
pin are generally parallel to one another, and wherein the free end
of the mounting pin is disengaged from the hole formed in the
handle by retracting the handle away from the body portion to
compress the spring.
11. The sling swivel of claim 10, wherein the body portion
comprises a loop for receiving a sling therethrough.
12. The sling swivel of claim 10, wherein the handle portion has a
rounded first end for clearance with the body portion when the
handle is rotated.
13. The sling swivel of claim 10, wherein the handle portion fits
within a cutout area of the body portion.
14. The sling swivel of claim 10, wherein the body portion and the
handle portion have a substantially uniform thickness T, and a
minimum width-wise dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.2T.
15. The sling swivel of claim 10, wherein the body portion and the
handle portion have a substantially uniform thickness T, and a
minimum width-wise dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.3T.
16. The sling swivel of claim 10, wherein the body portion and the
handle have gripping ridges along outer edges thereof.
17. In combination with a firearm having at least one swivel stud
mounted thereto and a sling, each swivel stud having a bore
extending therethrough, the improvement comprising: a sling swivel
detachably coupled to each swivel stud, the sling swivel
comprising: a body portion having a slot for receiving the sling, a
cutout region, and a mounting pin projecting outwardly therefrom; a
handle portion receivable within the cutout region of the body
portion, and having a bore extending therethrough and a hole for
releasably engaging a free end of the mounting pin; a retaining
member extending through the bore of the handle portion and
attached to the body portion, about which retaining member the
handle portion can pivot; and a spring within the handle portion
for biasing the handle portion and the body portion toward one
another.
18. The sling swivel of claim 17, wherein the handle portion has a
rounded first end for clearance with the body portion when the
handle portion is pivoted.
19. The sling swivel of claim 17, wherein the body portion and the
handle portion have a substantially uniform thickness T, and a
minimum width-wise dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.2T.
20. The sling swivel of claim 17, wherein the body portion and the
handle portion have a substantially uniform thickness T, and a
minimum width-wise dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.3T.
21. The sling swivel of claim 17, wherein the body portion and the
handle portion have gripping ridges along outer edges thereof.
22. A sling swivel for a firearm, comprising: a body portion having
a slotted loop for receiving a sling adjacent a first end thereof;
a handle portion pivotally mounted to the body portion; and a
mounting pin extending between the body portion and the handle
portion for detachable engagement with a sling swivel stud mounted
to a firearm; wherein the body portion and the handle portion have
a substantially uniform thickness T, and a minimum width-wise
dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.2T.
23. The sling swivel of claim 22, wherein W.gtoreq.3T.
24. The sling swivel of claim 22, wherein the mounting pin extends
from the body portion.
25. The sling swivel of claim 22, wherein the handle portion is
pivotally mounted to the body portion by a retainer extending
through a bore in the handle portion and having a tip end attached
to the body portion.
26. The sling swivel of claim 25, wherein a spring is mounted over
the retainer and received within the bore of the handle portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/150,860, filed Feb. 9, 2009 and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/291,449, filed Dec. 31,
2009, the content of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the carrying and
transport of equipment, and more particularly to a swivel for a
sling or shoulder strap, for use in example applications with
firearms, tools, luggage or other items.
[0003] Slings or shoulder straps are used in lifting and carrying
items over the shoulder of a person and/or for hanging items on a
support. For example, a sling comprising a strap of leather, nylon
or other material is often affixed to a rifle, shotgun,
muzzleloader or other type of long gun, for easier carrying in the
field. Slings may also be used to steady a gun while aiming, for
attachment of a rope to lift a gun to a tree-stand, and/or for
various other purposes.
[0004] A flexible sling or strap is conventionally attached to a
firearm by sling swivel studs affixed near the front and rear of
the firearm, which are coupled to swivels secured to each end of
the sling or strap. Traditionally, the studs are permanently or
semi-permanently affixed to the firearm, as for example by screws
or threaded couplings or clamps, and the swivels are secured to the
sling by buckles, clips or other fastening means. A post portion of
each swivel is typically detachably coupled into a hole in the
stud, and secured by means of a spring-biased clip or threaded
connection on the swivel.
[0005] It is to the provision of an improved sling swivel that the
present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In example embodiments, the present invention relates to an
improved sling swivel for use with a firearm, tool, luggage or
other item. In one aspect, the swivel includes a body portion
defining a slot for receiving a sling, a mounting pin having a
fixed end attached to the body portion and a free end projecting
therefrom, a handle pivotally mounted to the body portion, and a
spring within the handle portion biasing the handle portion toward
the body portion.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention relates to a sling swivel
comprising a handle portion pivotally attached to a body portion by
a retainer, the retainer having a shaft extending through a bore in
the handle portion about which the handle portion rotates and which
has an end attached to the body portion. A spring is preferably
coiled about the shaft of the retainer for biasing the handle
toward the body portion, the spring being enclosed within the bore
in the handle portion. A mounting pin preferably has a fixed end
attached to the body portion and a free end receivable within a
hole formed in the handle portion. The shaft of the retainer and
the mounting pin are generally parallel to one another, and the
free end of the mounting pin is disengaged from the hole formed in
the handle by retracting the handle away from the body portion to
compress the spring.
[0008] In still another aspect, the invention relates to an
improvement to a firearm having at least one swivel stud mounted
thereto and a sling, each swivel stud having a bore extending
therethrough. The improvement comprises a sling swivel detachably
coupled to each swivel stud, the sling swivel including a body
portion having a slot for receiving the sling, a cutout region, and
a mounting pin projecting outwardly therefrom. The sling swivel
further includes a handle portion receivable within the cutout
region of the body portion, and having a bore extending
therethrough and a hole for releasably engaging a free end of the
mounting pin. The sling swivel also includes a retaining member
extending through the bore of the handle portion and attached to
the body portion, about which retaining member the handle portion
can pivot. The sling swivel further includes a spring within the
handle portion for biasing the handle portion and the body portion
toward one another.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention relates to a sling swivel
for a firearm, the swivel including a body portion having a loop
for receiving a sling adjacent a first end thereof, a handle
portion pivotally mounted to the body portion, and a mounting pin
extending between the body portion and the handle portion for
detachable engagement with a sling swivel stud mounted to a
firearm. The body portion and the handle portion have a
substantially uniform thickness T, and a minimum width-wise
dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.2T.
[0010] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary
and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are
not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sling attached to a
firearm by means of a sling swivel according to an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an assembly view of a sling swivel according to an
example embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sling swivel according to
an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of the invention
taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which
form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this
invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods,
conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that
the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended
to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and
other publications identified in this specification are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0015] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0016] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIG. 1 shows a sling 10 attached to a firearm 20 by
means of a sling swivel 30 according to an example embodiment of
the present invention. The sling 10 is of typical form, comprising
an elongate strap or web of leather, nylon fabric, or other
flexible material having first and second ends, and one or more
buckles, clips, loops, or other means for attachment of sling
swivels at one or both ends thereof. The firearm 20 is a rifle,
shotgun, muzzleloader or other type of long gun having a stock
and/or barrel to which one or more swivel studs 22 are permanently
or semi-permanently affixed. While the sling swivel 30 is described
herein as used in connection with a firearm, it may also be adapted
for use with tools, luggage and/or other items.
[0017] The sling swivel 30 generally comprises a body portion 32, a
handle or clip portion 34, a retainer 36 such as a screw, bolt or
pin, and a biasing spring 38, shown in assembly drawing form in
FIG. 2. The body portion 32 includes a slot or loop 40 at a first
end thereof for receiving the sling. In example forms, the slot 40
has a length of about 1.0'' to about 1.25'', and a width of about
0.20'' to about 0.25''. A first side of the body portion 32
preferably includes one or more raised or textured gripping surface
elements 42 to provide a better grip by the user when attaching and
removing the swivel to and from a firearm. The opposite second side
and second end of the body portion 32 comprise a stepped profile
defining a first generally rectangular cutout area 44 proximal the
first end of the body portion, and a second generally rectangular
cutout area 46 proximal the second end. A bore 48 is formed into a
side-facing surface along the first cutout area 44 for receiving
the retainer 36 to secure the handle or clip portion 34 to the body
portion.
[0018] A mounting pin 50 projects generally perpendicularly and
outwardly from the body portion 32 in the area of the second cutout
area 46, and lies generally parallel and between the planes of the
front and rear surfaces of the body portion. The mounting pin 50
extends outwardly of the body portion 32 by a lengthwise dimension
equal to or preferably slightly greater than the width of the
second cutout area 46. The mounting pin 50 can be integrally formed
with the body portion 32, or can be a separate piece having a fixed
end attached to the body portion as by adhesive, welding,
press-fitting into a bore of the body portion, or other attachment
means.
[0019] The front and/or rear surfaces of the body portion
optionally include a recess 52 for receiving and displaying
branding information. A label or printed indicia can be applied to
the recess 52, or branding information can be molded, engraved, or
otherwise formed into the material of the body portion.
[0020] The handle or clip portion 34 is a generally rectangular
panel having a first end 60 and a first side 62 that confront and
fit within the first cutout portion 44 of the stepped profile of
the second side of the body portion 32 when assembled. The first
end 60 is preferably rounded or radiused when viewed from the side,
to allow clearance when the handle portion 34 is toggled or rotated
during installation and removal of the swivel. The second side of
the handle or clip portion 34 includes one or more gripping surface
elements or features 62, similar to the gripping surface elements
or features 42 of the body portion. The handle or clip portion 34
and the body portion 32 can be formed of a polymeric material such
as Delryn, and/or of steel, aluminum, metal alloy, and/or other
substantially rigid material(s). The handle 34 and body 32 each
preferably have a substantially uniform thickness T, and a minimum
width-wise (parallel to the lengthwise axis of the mounting pin 50)
dimension W, wherein W.gtoreq.2T, and more preferably W.gtoreq.3T,
to enable a user to easily grip the components when manipulating
them for installation and removal of the swivel. When assembled and
installed, the handle 34 and body 32 combine to define a generally
symmetric side-to-side peripheral shape of approximately equal
length and width, with arcuate recesses on the sides at the end
proximal the pin 50 and rounded corners at the end proximal the
slot 40.
[0021] The handle or clip portion 34 has a through-bore 70
extending between its first and second sides proximal the first end
60, for receiving the retainer 36, and a blind hole 80 bored into
the first side 62 proximal its second end for receiving the free
end of the mounting pin 50. The retainer 36 is installed through
the bore 70, and its tip or leading end is secured into the hole 48
in the body portion 32 to attach the handle and body portions
together. The tip of the retainer 36 is preferably permanently
affixed within the hole, as by adhesive, welding, press-fitting,
shrink-fitting, or threaded connection. The shaft of the retainer
preferably passes through the bore 70 in the handle portion 34 with
a smooth or free running tolerance, to permit the handle portion to
pivot about the axis of the shaft with light to moderate manual
force. A first counter-bored portion of the bore 70 has an expanded
diameter to receive the biasing spring 38 therein, when mounted
over the shaft of the retainer 36. A larger second counter-bored
portion of the bore 70 is optionally provided to receive the head
of the retainer 36 therein. In alternate embodiments, the retainer
36 extends through a bore of the body portion 32, and its tip end
is attached to the handle portion 34.
[0022] When the swivel 30 is assembled (FIG. 1), the biasing spring
38 is held captive within the handle portion 34 in an expanded or
partially expanded state between the head of the retainer 36 and a
shoulder within the bore 70 formed at the inner end of the first
counter-bored portion, and the free end of the mounting pin 50 is
received in the hole 80, so that the first side 62 of the handle 34
closely abuts the body portion 32. The retainer 36 is positioned
generally parallel to the mounting pin 50. In example forms, the
outer periphery or envelope of the overall assembly of the swivel
30 forms a generally flat square or rectangular panel, with the
handle nesting substantially within the cutout areas of the body
portion, and having length-wise and width-wise dimensions of at
least about four times its thickness.
[0023] To install the swivel 30, a user grips the body portion 32
and the handle 34 by the gripping elements 42, 64, pulls them apart
from each other to compress the spring 38 and disengage the end of
the mounting pin 50 from the hole 80, and then pivots the handle 34
relative to the body portion 32 rotationally about the axis of the
retainer 36. The exposed free end of the mounting pin 50 is then
inserted through a bore in the sling stud 22 mounted to a firearm
20. The user then again pulls the handle 34 away from the body
portion 32, pivots the handle back into alignment with the body
portion, and reengages the free end of the mounting pin 50 into the
hole 80 of the handle. Optionally, the retainer can be tightened to
lock the swivel in its engaged state when installed on the firearm
to prevent inadvertent detachment. The operation is reversed to
remove the swivel. In alternate embodiments, the mounting pin 50
extends from the handle portion 34 for releasable engagement with a
receiver hole or surface of the body portion.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of a swivel 30' that is
substantially similar to the above-described embodiment, and
wherein the mounting pin comprises a bolt or other connector 150.
Optionally, the thickness and/or other dimensions of the body and
handle components may increase or otherwise vary to accommodate the
bolt and/or for additional structural reinforcement A bore or
channel extends through the width W' of the body portion 32' of the
swivel in the region 47 opposite the slot 40', and extends
generally parallel and midway between the front and rear surfaces
of the body portion. The through bore has open ends and extends
from the outer face 76 to the inner face 78 of the region 47
opposite the slot 40' in the body portion 32'. A knurled nut having
a ridged or contoured outer surface and an internally threaded bore
is optionally secured within the through bore to receive and engage
the external threads of the bolt 150. The knurled nut can be
secured through a friction fit, adhesive, or it can be integrally
molded within the body portion 32'. The knurls on the outer surface
of the nut prevent the nut from moving within the through bore as
the bolt is installed, and resist detachment during use. Optionally
an 0-ring or washer is provided between the bolt and the body 32'.
The bolt 150 is inserted into the through bore from the outer face
76 and is threaded through the knurled nut. The bolt 150 has a head
152 and a threaded body 154 that extends from the outer face 76,
through the nut in the bore and outwardly from the body portion 72
by a lengthwise dimension equal to or preferably slightly greater
than the width of the second cutout area 46'. Thus, the overall
length of the bolt 150 is slightly longer than the W' of the region
47 and the width of the second cutout area 46'. The bolt 150 may,
for example, take the form of a stainless steel, steel, aluminum or
other material #8.times.32 UNRC 7/8'' hex-drive screw optionally
including a Teflon coating. The crests of the threads toward the
free end of the bolt 150 are optionally machined down to provide a
reduced outer diameter and to provide a smoother interface when
received within the cooperating bore of the handle portion 34' of
the swivel. The distal faces of the body portion 32' and the handle
portion 34' at the end of the swivel opposite the slot 40' are
optionally rounded or radiused to allow the swivel to freely pivot
or swivel when attached to the stock of a firearm or other carried
object. In use, the swivel operates in similar fashion to the above
described embodiment, with the user engaging and releasing the free
end of the bolt 150 from the bore of the handle portion 34' to
attach and remove the sling from the firearm or other object to
which it is attached.
[0025] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and
deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *