U.S. patent application number 14/537357 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-14 for apparatus for coupling accessories to firearms and methods for forming the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bradley W. MOSSIE. The applicant listed for this patent is Bradley W. MOSSIE. Invention is credited to Bradley W. MOSSIE.
Application Number | 20150128469 14/537357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53042429 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150128469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MOSSIE; Bradley W. |
May 14, 2015 |
APPARATUS FOR COUPLING ACCESSORIES TO FIREARMS AND METHODS FOR
FORMING THE SAME
Abstract
Embodiments provided herein describe apparatuses and methods for
coupling an accessory to a firearm. The apparatus includes a body
having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of
the body has an opening formed thereon. The body further includes a
cavity formed therein. The cavity is in fluid communication with
the opening on the first portion of the body. The opening is
configured to form a quick-detach sling socket. The body and the
cavity are configured such that when a portion of a quick-detach
sling swivel is inserted into the opening, the portion of the
quick-detach sling swivel is substantially enclosed within the
cavity formed within the body. A flexible member is coupled to the
second portion of the body.
Inventors: |
MOSSIE; Bradley W.; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MOSSIE; Bradley W. |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MOSSIE; Bradley W.
Los Angeles
CA
|
Family ID: |
53042429 |
Appl. No.: |
14/537357 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61901928 |
Nov 8, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/90 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00; F41C 33/00 20060101 F41C033/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for coupling an accessory to a firearm, the
apparatus comprising: a body having a first portion and a second
portion, the first portion of the body having an opening formed
thereon, the body further comprising a cavity formed therein, the
cavity being in fluid communication with the opening on the first
portion of the body, wherein the opening is configured to form a
quick-detach sling socket, and the body and the cavity are
configured such that when a portion of a quick-detach sling swivel
is inserted into the opening, the portion of the quick-detach sling
swivel is substantially enclosed within the cavity formed within
the body; and a flexible member coupled to the second portion of
the body.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the body
has a second opening formed therein, and wherein the flexible
member is at least partially inserted through the second
opening.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flexible member forms a
loop having a first end and a second end.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first end of the loop is
inserted through the second opening.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second opening is in fluid
communication with the cavity formed within the body.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a stopper component
connected to the first end of the loop and positioned within the
cavity formed within the body.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a width of the stopper
component is greater than a width of the second opening.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the width of the stopper
component is less than a width of the opening on the first portion
of the body.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the body is substantially
cylindrical in shape.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first portion of the body
is a first end of the body, and the second portion of the body is a
second end of the body, the second end of the body being opposite
the first end of the body.
11. An apparatus for coupling an accessory to a firearm, the
apparatus comprising: a body having a first portion and a second
portion, the first portion of the body having a first opening
formed thereon, the second portion of the body having a second
opening formed thereon, the body further comprising a cavity formed
therein, the cavity being in fluid communication with the first
opening and the second opening, wherein the first opening is
configured to form a quick-detach sling socket, and the body and
the cavity are configured such that when a portion of a
quick-detach sling swivel is inserted into the first opening, the
portion of the quick-detach sling swivel is substantially enclosed
within the cavity formed within the body; a flexible loop having a
first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the flexible
loop is inserted through the second opening, and the second end of
the flexible loop is external to the body; and a stopper component
connected to the first end of the flexible loop and being
positioned within the cavity formed within the body.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a width of the stopper
component is greater than a width of the second opening.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the width of the stopper
component is less than a width of the first opening.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the body is substantially
cylindrical in shape, and, wherein the first portion of the body is
a first end of the body, and the second portion of the body is a
second end of the body, the second end of the body being opposite
the first end of the body.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a compressible
body positioned between the stopper component and the second
opening within the cavity formed within the body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/901,928, filed Nov. 8, 2013, entitled "Apparatus
for Coupling Accessories to Firearms and Methods for Forming the
Same," which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates firearm accessories. In
particular, the present invention relates to apparatuses for
coupling accessories to firearms and methods for forming such
apparatuses.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Recent years have seen a significant increase in demand for
firearms and firearm-related accessories, for both
civilian/recreational and military uses. This increased demand can
especially be seen with the increased sales of assault rifles and
accessories for use with assault rifles, including slings and sling
accessories.
[0004] One manner in which accessories, such as slings, are often
coupled to such firearms involves the use of quick-detach sling
swivels and the sockets associated with such swivels. Typically,
the quick-detach sling swivels are connected to the slings by, for
example, looping the sling through a loop on the sling swivel,
which is then inserted into the socket that is attached to the
firearm.
[0005] In order to equip a firearm to use quick-detach sling
swivels, the suitable sockets are sometimes integrally formed with
one of more component on the firearm, such as railed handguards,
stocks, receivers, etc. Thus, if a firearm is not previously
equipped to make use of quick-detach sling swivels, the user may
have to purchase a relatively large and expensive piece of
equipment, such as a railed handguard. Alternatively, the user may
be able to acquire accessories that attach to other components
(e.g., a railed handguard or stock), which provide suitable
sockets. However, such accessories usually must be attached to
particular mounting structures (e.g., picatinny rails).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a sling-attachment apparatus
according to some embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a body of the
sling-attachment apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a stopper component according
to some embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side of the sling-attachment apparatus of FIG. 1
along with a quick-detach sling swivel;
[0011] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the body of the
sling-attachment apparatus of FIG. 2 with the quick-detach sling
swivel of FIG. 4 inserted into an end thereof; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is side view of the sling-attachment apparatus and
the quick-detach sling swivel of FIG. 4 with the quick-detach sling
swivel coupled thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the
application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented
in the preceding technical field and brief description of the
drawings, or the following detailed description. It should also be
noted that FIGS. 1-6 are merely illustrative and may not be drawn
to scale.
[0014] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a sling-attachment apparatus 10
according to some embodiments. Referring specifically to FIG. 1,
the sling-attachment apparatus 10 includes a socket body 12 and a
flexible member 14. As shown, the flexible member 14 is secured to,
and extends from, an end of the socket body 12, as will be
described in greater detail below.
[0015] Referring now to FIG. 2, the socket body (or the body) 12
includes, as a primary component, a main piece 16. In the depicted
embodiment, the main piece 16 is substantially cylindrical in shape
and has a first end 18, a second end 20, and a passageway (or
cavity) 22 extending therethrough. Although not specifically shown,
in some embodiments, the main piece has a substantially circular
shape when viewed from the first end 18 or the second end 20
thereof.
[0016] In the depicted embodiment, the first end 18 of the main
piece 16 is substantially "squared off" (i.e., at least in the
cross-section shown) while the second end 20 has a rounded, or
hemispherical, shape. It should be understood that in other
embodiments, the main piece 16, or the body 12 as a whole, may have
a different shape than that shown in FIGS. 1-6. For example, the
second end 20 may be squared off in a manner similar to the first
end 18 or may have more of a "cone-like" profile.
[0017] At the first end 18 thereof, a socket opening 24 is formed
in the main piece 16, and at the second end 20 thereof, a flexible
member opening 26 is formed in the main piece 16. As shown, the
socket opening 24 and the flexible member opening 26 essentially
extend the passageway 22 the entire length of the main piece 16
(i.e., passageway 22 extends from the socket opening 24 to the
flexible member opening 26 such that the socket opening 24, the
passageway 22, and the flexible member opening 26 are in fluid
communication with each other).
[0018] Near the first end 18 of the main piece 16 (and/or the
socket opening 24), several grooves 28 are formed in (or on) an
inner surface 30 of the main piece 16 (or the passageway 22). As
described below, the socket opening 24 and the grooves 28 may be
used to couple a quick-detach sling swivel to the body 12. That is,
the socket opening 24 (and/or the grooves 28) may be configured to
form a quick-detach sling socket, as is commonly understood.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1 in combination with FIG. 2, at least one
tactile indicator 32 is formed, or positioned, on an outer surface
34 of the main piece 16. In the depicted embodiment, the tactile
indicators 32 are o-rings (e.g., made of rubber or plastic), each
of which is positioned within a respective groove 36 on the outer
surface 34 of the main piece 16. When the sling-attachment
apparatus 10 is in use, such as described below, the tactile
indicators 32 may provide the body 12 with a unique "feel" such
that a user may easily be able to manually (e.g., by hand) identify
the body 12 when in a low-light environment (e.g., at night).
Additionally, the tactical indicators 32 may provide a type of
"audio insulation" for the body 12 in that the tactile indicators
32 may reduce the likelihood that the body 12 will contact (e.g.,
"bump" or "rattle" against) an external object, such as a part of a
firearm, in such a way to make a noise which may be heard
(especially by people other than the user). Although five tactile
indicators 32 are shown, it should be understood that any number
may be used, including one relatively large "sleeve" as opposed to
separated ring-shaped members.
[0020] The main piece 16 may be made of a rigid material, such as
aluminum, steel, or a polymer. In some embodiments, the main piece
16 is made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and is provided with a type
III, hard coat anodizing. The main piece 16, in some embodiments,
may have a length (as measured between the first end 18 and the
second 20 thereof) of, for example, between about 0.75 inches and
1.50 inches, such as about 1.0 inch.
[0021] Still referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the flexible
member 14 has two ends 38 and 40 which are positioned within the
passageway 22 of the main piece 16 as shown, while the remainder of
the flexible member 14 extends through the flexible member opening
26. Attached to each of the ends 38 and 40 of the flexible member
14 is a stopper component. In some embodiments, the stopper
component is a crimp (or crimping member) 44, an example of which
is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the ends
38 and 40 are inserted into (or through) the crimp 44, and the
crimp is compressed (or "crimped") such that the ends 38 and 40 are
securely held in place (by the crimp 44) within the passageway 22
of the main piece 16. The crimp 44 may be made of, for example,
steel, aluminum, etc.
[0022] As is evident in FIG. 2, in at least some embodiments, a
width of the crimp 44 is greater than a width of the flexible
member opening 26 and less than a width of the socket opening 24.
As such, to install the flexible member 14 and the crimp 44 as
shown, the crimp 44 may be secured to the ends 38 and 40 of the
flexible member 14 while the ends 38 and 40 of the flexible member
14 are pulled out of the main piece 16 through the socket opening
24. After the crimp 44 is secured to the ends 38 and 40, the
flexible member 14 may then be threaded through the passageway 22
and flexible member opening 26 of the main piece 16 as shown in
FIG. 1 (and FIG. 2). Because the width of the crimp 44 is greater
than the width of the flexible member opening 26 and the ends 38
and 40 of the flexible member 14 are secured to, or within, the
crimp 44, the ends 38 and 40 of the flexible member 14 may not be
pulled from the passageway 22 through the flexible member opening
26 unless a very high amount of force is applied (e.g., a force
sufficient to "break" the ends 38 and 40 of the flexible member 14
loose from the crimp 44).
[0023] In some embodiments, a compressible body 46 is positioned
within the passageway 22 of the main piece 16 between the crimp 44
and the flexible member opening 26. The compressible body 46 may be
a washer made of a compressible material (e.g., rubber) through
which the flexible member 14 is inserted (such as shown in the
depicted embodiment). However, in other embodiments, the
compressible member 46 may be made of different materials and have
different shapes (e.g., a foam washer or ring, a steel wire spring,
etc.). The compressible body 46 may be sized and shaped such that
it is held in place within the passageway 22 (e.g., via friction
with the inner surface 30 of the passageway 22) and holds the
flexible member 14 in place relative to the passageway 22 (e.g., in
the example in which the compressible body 46 is a rubber washer,
the opening through the washer may be sized such that the flexible
member 14 may be threaded therethrough but a significant amount of
force is required to do so). The compressible body 46 may also
serve to "cushion" the crimp 44 (and the ends 38 and 40 of the
flexible member 14) when a force is applied on the flexible member
14 which pulls the crimp 44 towards the flexible member opening 26,
thus increasing the "pull strength" of the flexible member 14, as
is described in greater detail below.
[0024] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexible member 14
extends through the flexible member opening 26 and forms a loop on
the exterior of the body 12. However, because the ends 38 and 40 of
the flexible member 14 are both secured to the crimp 44, the entire
flexible member 14 may be considered to form a single loop with a
first portion (or end) thereof being positioned within the
passageway 22 of the main piece 16 and a second portion thereof
being positioned on the exterior of the body 12. The flexible
member 14 may be made of, for example, steel or plastic cable or
wire, or nylon cord (e.g., parachute cord, such as "550 cord," as
is commonly understood in the art). In some embodiments, the
flexible member 14 is made of stainless steel aircraft cable. The
flexible member 14 may have a rubber, polymer, or nylon coating
formed thereon. In some embodiments, the flexible member 14 has a
length (i.e., as measured between the ends 38 and 40 thereof when
the flexible member is pulled straight) of, for example, between
about 3 inches and 12 inches, such as about 6 inches.
[0025] In some embodiments, due to the use of a high-strength
material in the flexible member 14 (e.g., steel aircraft cable),
the presence/position of the compressible body 46, and the ends 38
and 40 of the flexible member 14 being secured within the crimp 44,
the flexible member 14 may be provided with a pull strength of more
than 430 pounds. That is, in some embodiments, the flexible member
14 may be pulled away from the body 12 of the sling-attachment
apparatus 10 with a force of greater than 430 pounds before the
flexible member 14 will "break loose" from the body 12 (such as by
the ends 38 and 40 of the flexible member 14 becoming dislodged
from the crimp 44, thus allowing the ends 38 and 40 to be pulled
through the flexible member opening 26).
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the portion of the flexible member 14 on
the exterior of the body 12 may be threaded through a cinch (or
cinching component) 48. In the example shown, the cinch 48 is a
sleeve (or tube) made of a flexible material, such as rubber or
foam. In such an embodiment, the sleeve may have a length of, for
example, between about 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches, such as 1 inch.
In other embodiments (such as described below), the cinch 48 may be
a washer or one or more o-rings.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the sling-attachment apparatus 10 and a
quick-detach sling swivel 50. The quick-detach sling swivel 50 may
be a common, "mil-spec" quick-detach sling swivel, as will be
appreciated by one skilled in the art. The quick-detach sling
swivel 50 includes a hub 52 and a sling loop 54. The hub 52 may be
cylindrical in shape and have a width of, for example, about 0.6
inches. A protrusion 56 extends from one side (or end) of the hub
52. The protrusion 56 may also be cylindrical in shape and have a
width that is less than the width of the hub, such as about 0.37
inches.
[0028] The protrusion 56 includes one or more locking members 58
coupled to and/or extending through the side(s) thereof, as shown
in FIG. 4. The locking members may have a spherical (or
hemispherical) shape. A button 60 extends from a side (or end) of
the hub 52 opposite the protrusion 56. Although not specifically
shown in the figures, but will be appreciated by one skilled in the
art, the button 60 may be spring loaded and coupled to at least one
of the locking members 58 through the hub 52 and/or the protrusion
56 such that when the button 60 is actuated (e.g., pressed
inwards/into the hub 52), at least one of the locking members 58 at
least partially retracts into the protrusion 56 (thus allowing the
protrusion 56 to be inserted into and/or removed from a
quick-detach sling socket, as is commonly understood).
[0029] Still referring to FIG. 4, the sling loop 54 is rotatably
coupled to the hub 52 and may be suitable sized and shaped to
accommodate a sling with a width of, for example, about 1.25
inches. The components of the quick-detach sling swivel 50
described above may be made of, for example, steel or aluminum, or
any other suitable material.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 4 in combination with FIGS. 5 and 6,
the quick-detach sling swivel 50 may be detachably coupled (or
connected) to the body 12 of sling-attachment apparatus 10 by
inserting the protrusion 56 on the hub 52 of the quick-detach sling
swivel 50 into the socket opening 24 in the first end 18 of the
main piece 16 of the body 12. As alluded to above, this may be
facilitated by actuating the button 60 on the hub 52. After the
protrusion 56 is inserted into the socket opening 24, the locking
members 58 on the protrusion 56 of the hub 52 are positioned within
the grooves 28 on (or in) the inner surface 30 of the passageway 22
in the main piece 16, thus "locking" the protrusion 56 in the
socket opening 24, thereby securing or connecting the quick-detach
sling swivel 50 to the body 12 (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). In some
embodiments, the grooves 28 on (or in) the inner surface 30 of the
passageway 22 through the main piece 16 may be sized/arranged to
prevent, or at least limit, rotation of the protrusion 56 (and thus
the quick-detach sling swivel 50 as a whole) when the quick-detach
sling swivel 50 is connected to the body 12, as will be appreciated
and recognized by one skilled in the art.
[0031] The quick-detach sling swivel 50 may be decoupled (or
disconnected) from the body 12 by again actuating the button 60 and
pulling the quick-detach sling swivel 50 away from the body 12.
[0032] Referring specifically to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a
width (or diameter) of the main piece 16 of the body 12 (as
measured across the outer surface 34 of the main piece 16) is the
same (or about the same) as the width of the hub 52 of the
quick-detach sling swivel 50 (e.g., about 0.6 inches), and the
width of the passageway 22 (as measured across the inner surface 30
thereof) may be about the same (or slightly more than) the width of
the protrusion 56 (e.g., about 0.38-0.40 inches).
[0033] It should also be noted that when the quick-detach sling
swivel 50 is connected to the body 12, the ends 38 and 40 of the
flexible member 14 (or the first portion of the loop formed
thereby) and the protrusion 56 on the hub 52 of the quick-detach
sling swivel 50 are all positioned within the main piece 16 of the
body 12. More particularly, in the embodiment shown, the ends 38
and 40 of the flexible member 14 and the protrusion 56 on the hub
52 are positioned within a single chamber (i.e., partially formed
by the passageway 22 in the main piece 16 of the body 12). Further,
it should be noted that when the quick-detach sling swivel 50 is
not connected to the body 12, the ends 38 and 40 of the flexible
member 14 may be held in place within the passageway 22 by the
compressible body 46 (i.e., so that the body 12 does not "ride up"
the flexible member 14 which may result in the ends 38 and 40 of
the flexible member 14 being pushed out of the passageway 22
through the socket opening 24). As such, regardless of whether or
not the quick-detach sling swivel 50 is connected to the body 12,
the ends 38 and 40 of the flexible member 14 and the crimp 44 may
remain protected within the main piece 16 (i.e., thus preventing
any damage to the crimp 44 and reducing the likelihood that the
crimp 44 may get caught/snagged on an external object).
[0034] In use, the sling-attachment apparatus 10 may be attached to
virtually any device, such as a firearm. The sling-attachment
apparatus 10 provides a lightweight, compact, and easy to
install/attach (and uninstall/detach) quick-detach sling socket (as
is formed by the socket opening 24 at the first end 18 of the main
piece 16 of the body 12) for the device. In particular, the
sling-attachment apparatus 10 may be easily attached to the device
without making any modifications to the device itself. It should be
noted that although the examples described below all refer to the
sling-attachment apparatus 10 being attached to firearms, the
sling-attachment apparatus may be attached to other types of
weapons, such as bows. Further, the sling-attachment apparatus may
be used on devices that are not related to weapons at all, such as
carrying cases, backpacks, musical instruments, etc.
[0035] To attach the sling-attachment apparatus 10, a portion of
the device to which it is being attached may simply be inserted
through the loop formed by the flexible member 14. Alternatively,
the body 12 may be inserted/fed/threaded (or "looped") through the
loop formed by the flexible member 14 after the flexible member 14
has been wrapped around a portion of the device. When used as such,
the cinch 48 may be used to prevent the sling-attachment apparatus
10 from accidentally being detached from the device by, for
example, preventing the body 12 from becoming "unlooped" through
the flexible member 14. The cinch 48 may also serve to simply keep
the flexible member 14 in a relatively sleek and compact
arrangement (e.g., to prevent the flexible member 14 from getting
caught or snagged on an external object).
[0036] After the sling-attachment apparatus 10 is attached to the
device, a quick-detach sling swivel (such as that described above),
or any component utilizing a similar coupling interface (e.g., the
protrusion 56 with the locking members 58), may be repeatedly
connected to/disconnected from the device (via the body 12) as
described above. In embodiments in which a quick-detach sling
swivel is used, a sling (e.g., a rifle sling) may be threaded
through the sling loop 54 of the quick-detach sling swivel 50,
allowing the sling to be quickly and easy connected to/disconnected
from the device.
[0037] For example, the sling-attachment apparatus 10 may be used
to attach a sling to a "front sight base" (FSB) of a Stoner-design
rifle (e.g., an AR-15 or a M4 carbine). In particular, the
sling-attachment apparatus 10 may be attached to the FSB 102 by
"looping" the body thereof through the flexible member after the
flexible member has been wrapped around a portion of the FSB. The
sling may be threaded through the sling loop of a quick-detach
sling swivel 50 that is connected to the body of the
sling-attachment apparatus 10 in a manner similar to that described
above.
[0038] As another example, the sling-attachment apparatus 10 (along
with a quick-detach sling swivel 50) may be used to attach a sling
to a receiver extension (or buffer tube) of a Stoner-design rifle.
In one particular example, the receiver extension may be simply
inserted through the loop formed by the flexible member of the
sling-attachment apparatus 10. As a further example, the
sling-attachment apparatus 10 may be used to attach a sling to a
delta ring assembly of a Stoner-design rifle or a butt stock (or
stock) or a Stoner-design rifle.
[0039] As a yet further example, the sling-attachment apparatus 10
may be used to attach a sling to a front sling loop of an AK-47 (or
AKM) rifle or a rear sling loop on a stock of an AK-47 rifle.
Additionally, the sling-attachment apparatus 10 may be attached to
the stock of an AK-47 rifle by, for example, simply "looping" the
body thereof through the flexible member after the flexible member
has been wrapped around a portion of the stock near the
receiver.
[0040] In some embodiments, the main piece of the body 12 of the
sling-attachment apparatus includes a hole, or loop, formed at the
end opposite the quick-detach sling socket, as opposed to an
opening which extends into the passageway within the body. In such
an embodiment, the flexible member (e.g., 550 cord) may simply be
looped through, or even tied to, the body using the hole.
[0041] In some embodiments, the flexible member may have ball ends
attached (e.g., via welding) to the two ends of thereof. The ball
ends may be used to perform the same function(s) as the stopper
component (e.g., the crimp 44) described above (e.g., to prevent
the flexible member from being pulled through the flexible member
opening in the end of the body opposite the quick-detach sling
socket) and may thus have a width (or diameter) that is greater
than the width of the flexible member opening in the main piece of
the body 12. In some embodiments, the flexible member may simply be
a cord, such as 550 cord, with knots tied in the ends thereof
(i.e., the knots functioning in a manner similar to the ball ends,
or the stopper component).
[0042] Thus, in some embodiments, an apparatus for coupling an
accessory to a firearm is provided. The apparatus includes a socket
body. The socket body is made of a rigid material and has a first
opening at a first end thereof, a second opening at a second end
thereof, and a passageway extending therethrough that interconnects
the first and second openings. The first opening and/or the first
end of the socket body is configured to form a quick-detach sling
socket.
[0043] In some embodiments, a flexible member is coupled to the
socket body. The flexible member may be inserted through the second
opening of the socket body such that a first portion of the
flexible member is positioned within the passageway of the socket
body and a second portion of the flexible member is positioned on
the exterior of the socket body. A stopper component may be
connected to the second portion of the flexible member. The stopper
component may have a width that is greater than a width of the
second opening.
[0044] In some embodiments, a compressible body is positioned
within the passageway between the second end of the socket body and
the stopper component. The compressible body may have an opening
therethrough. The second portion of the flexible member may extend
through the opening of the compressible body.
[0045] In some embodiments, at least on tactile indicator is formed
(or positioned) on the socket body. The tactile indicators may be
one or more o-rings, each of which may be positioned within a
respective groove formed on the socket body.
[0046] In some embodiments, an apparatus for coupling an accessory
to a firearm is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a
first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the body
has an opening formed thereon. The body further includes a cavity
formed therein. The cavity is in fluid communication with the
opening on the first portion of the body. The opening is configured
to form a quick-detach sling socket. The body and the cavity are
configured such that when a portion of a quick-detach sling swivel
is inserted into the opening, the portion of the quick-detach sling
swivel is substantially enclosed within the cavity formed within
the body. A flexible member is coupled to the second portion of the
body.
[0047] The second portion of the body may have a second opening
formed therein. The flexible member may be at least partially
inserted through the second opening. The flexible member may form a
loop having a first end and a second end. The first end of the loop
may be inserted through the second opening. The second opening may
be in fluid communication with the cavity formed within the body. A
stopper component may be connected to the first end of the loop and
positioned within the cavity formed within the body. A width of the
stopper component may be greater than a width of the second
opening. The width of the stopper component may be less than a
width of the opening on the first portion of the body. The body may
be substantially cylindrical in shape. The first portion of the
body may be a first end of the body, and the second portion of the
body may be a second end of the body. The second end of the body
may be opposite the first end of the body.
[0048] In some embodiments, an apparatus for coupling an accessory
to a firearm is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a
first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the body
has a first opening formed thereon. The second portion of the body
has a second opening formed thereon. The body further includes a
cavity formed therein. The cavity is in fluid communication with
the first opening and the second opening. The first opening is
configured to form a quick-detach sling socket. The body and the
cavity are configured such that when a portion of a quick-detach
sling swivel is inserted into the first opening, the portion of the
quick-detach sling swivel is substantially enclosed within the
cavity formed within the body. The apparatus also includes a
flexible loop having a first end and a second end. The first end of
the flexible loop is inserted through the second opening, and the
second end of the flexible loop is external to the body. A stopper
component is connected to the first end of the flexible loop and
positioned within the cavity formed within the body.
[0049] A width of the stopper component may be greater than a width
of the second opening. The width of the stopper component may be
less than a width of the first opening. The body may be
substantially cylindrical in shape. The first portion of the body
may be a first end of the body, and the second portion of the body
may be a second end of the body. The second end of the body being
opposite the first end of the body. A compressible body may be
positioned between the stopper component and the second opening
within the cavity formed within the body.
[0050] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments
are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the
exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be
understood that various changes can be made in the function and
arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *