MULTIPLE ATTACHMENT POINT LOOP SLING FOR SHOOTING DEVICES AND METHOD

Abstract

A multiple attachment device loop sling and method, the loop sling comprising a strap terminating at two strap ends that are configured to be removably connected together to form a loop that is configured to removably attach to and rotate about a torso of an operator in a canted manner; the plurality of attachment devices attaches to the strap, the plurality of attachment devices are configured to removably attach a plurality of shooting devices to the strap; wherein the rotation of multiple attachment device loop sling about the torso can move the plurality of shooting devices between an operating location on a chest of the torso and a storage location on a back of the torso.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"

[0002] Not Applicable.

Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention may relate to a loop-type shooting sling for carrying multiple shooting devices in a manner that allows the operator while wearing the loop-type shooting sling holding the attached shooting devices to the interchangeably operate and store a plurality of shooting devices as carried by the loop-type shooting sling. More particularly, the invention may allow to the operator to exchange one shooting sling mounted shooting device for another shooting sling attached shooting device by rotating the loop-type shooting sling around the operator's torso. The rotation of the loop-type shooting sling around the operator's torso may allow the operator to move a desired shooting sling mounted shooting device between operating position and storage positions upon the operator's torso.

Background

[0004] Combat simulation sports may use shooting devices that are non-lethal projectile issuing devices that may externally resemble a firearm and issue forth a projectile but unlike a firearm is consider non-lethal in that the issued projectile is travelling at a much lower speed and is generally non-penetrating and of a non-lethal material and design. One such combat simulation sport is paintball where a player carries and uses a shooting device such as a paintball marker or gun originally derived from device used in forestry to mark trees; agriculture use to mark cattle and the like. These paintball shooting devices may shoot a projectile comprising of a paintball (or paint ball) which is a hollow plastic ball or sphere containing a colored marking liquid (e.g., paint). As the paintball comes into contact with a target at speed, the sphere ruptures against the surface of the target to mark the target with the erupted liquid. The momentum of the issued paintball is sufficient to justify the wearing of protective gear and padded clothing in that contact by the paintball projectile at speed could leave a bruise or welt on unprotected skin or possible serious damage to any unprotected eyes and ears.

[0005] The paintball shooting device could comprise a body supporting a hopper (e.g., a paint ball magazine) to feed a paint ball propelling mechanism; a barrel connected to the paint ball propelling mechanism for issuing forth the paint balls; and a trigger mechanism that upon activation causes the propelling mechanism to generally propel the paint ball through the barrel at the desired speed. The propelling mechanism or action may be pneumatic (e.g., powered by a compress gas cylinder or other source), mechanical (e.g., spring-based), electro-mechanical (e.g., electrical motor) or the like. The propelling action can further be single shot (semi-automatic; multiple shot (full-automatic) per single pull of the trigger or both. The construction of the paintball shooting device generally allows the shooting device to be hand-carried and operated.

[0006] The paintball sport has evolved along the lines of the classic game of "capture the flag" with teams of players equipped with paintball guns opposing one another on an obstacle course to capture each other's flag. More recently, the paintball guns have been constructed to take on the look and feel of actual firearms, such as the M-16 (i.e., the current US army combat rifle) to allow paintball participants to engage in non-lethal firearm-type training that may involve law enforcement or military-type training scenarios.

[0007] Similarly, another non-lethal shooting device sports involves airsoft type shooting devices that are non-lethal, pellet-based shooting device (e.g., airsoft guns.) Morse so than paint ball shooting devices, air soft devices may very realistically model the external visual characteristics of actual firearms as well as to be substantially made to mimic the weight and "feel" of such firearms. The airsoft guns generally visually reflect various military firearm types such as assault rifles, semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, machine guns, submachine gun, sniper bolt action rifles, and the like. The airsoft guns may use mechanical, electrical and pneumatic propelling actions that may be either single shot (i.e., semi-automatic or self-loading), multiple shot (i.e., automatic self-loading and firing) or change between single and multiple shot (i.e., select fire). The airsoft guns generally shoot a small, solid, non-metallic (e.g., plastic) pellets that are significantly smaller than a paint ball and does not contain any marker or paint with the pellet center. The airsoft gun firearm mimicry may go so far as to allow the airsoft guns to be further used with accoutrements that may be used with real firearms (e.g., scopes, laser guidance system, night vision devices and the like.) Airsoft shooting devices may be used for collecting purposes, generally allowing enthusiasts to collect and owe something that maybe otherwise prohibited by law, by purchase cost or both. The airsoft-based activities may include "Capture the Flag"; military and law enforcement simulation trainings, historical enactments and the like.

[0008] The airsoft guns non-lethal realism and overall low cost (in comparison to cost of an actual blank firing firearm and associated ammunition) may further enhance the use of airsoft guns to be used for historical reenactments; combat scenarios training activities and such.

[0009] In airsoft team-based activities may provide players with multiple types of action (e.g., combat type) scenarios that may require a respective player to alternately use different types of airsoft guns (e.g., pistol, bolt action rifle, assault rifle and such) during an air soft game or training scenario. For example, an airsoft player engaged in a dwelling clearing scenario (e.g., investigating building structure and then clearing the building structure of opposing team players) may wish to use a compact (e.g., short barrel/telescopic stock) airsoft submachine gun whereas an airsoft player engaging opposing airsoft players in an open field combat engagement scenario may wish to use a longer barreled airsoft gun to obtain needed long range accuracy. Many types of gaming, training or both scenarios may present themselves in one airsoft game (e.g., having airsoft player may first have to "negotiate" and "clear out" an "enemy"-held field scenario to then subsequently reach and "clear out" an "enemy"-held building stronghold scenario) requiring the airsoft player to carry and use different types of airsoft shooting devices during the airsoft game.

[0010] These airsoft events or scenarios may require the player to carry and use different types of airsoft shooting devices. The airsoft player may have to enter a scenario carry one such airsoft shooting device per hand into the scenario; then put down one such airsoft shooting device to use the other airsoft gun as required in the presented scenario. After completing the presented scenario, the airsoft player may have go back and pick up the other non-used airsoft gun to go onto a succeeding scenario. Another possible way of handling the situation when the airsoft player is carrying a plurality of airsoft shooting devices and to have hands free capability is to have the airsoft player carrying airsoft shooting devices on the player's body by their respective slings.

[0011] Possible difficulties could exist in various airsoft scenario engagements where a player carries multiple airsoft guns by their respective slings. One such difficultly could be the overlapping of slings on the airsoft player's body could interfere with the airsoft player from properly accessing and using the desired carried airsoft shooting device as needed. Multiple sling carried airsoft shooting devices could further bump or bang into one another on the player's back causing unwanted noise during the airsoft scenario (e.g., alerting the competing airsoft team to the location of the airsoft player's presence). Carrying multiple airsoft shooting devices by respective slings (using just a shoulder carry) could cause a sling carried airsoft gun to slip down from the shoulder down upon the player's arm to substantially interfere with the proper deployment and use of airsoft shooting device that the player is actively using. These and other performance hindrance issues could occur whenever player has simultaneously sling carries multiple airsoft shooting devices by their respective slings.

[0012] What could be needed, as substantially provided by the present invention, is a multiple attachment point loop sling to which multiple shooting devices (e.g., firearms, airsoft guns, paintball guns, etc.) could be attached (e.g., each shooting device being attached to the loop sling at a respective attachment point.) The multiple attachment loop sling could be configured to hold two or more such shooting devices to substantially eliminate the need for the plurality of respective loop slings to allow the player or operator to carry the multiple shooting devices at the same time.

[0013] Firearms could be carried by such an invention in training or actual combat or law enforcement operations. Generally however, firearm simulation shooting devices (e.g., paint ball airsoft or alike shooting devices) and actual firearms are generally not carried together on the same multiple attachment point loop sling to avoid unwarranted and unwanted firearm discharge.

[0014] In one such embodiment, the multiple attachment point loop sling could comprise of a two ended strap removable connected together at the strap ends. The strap could have at least two such attachment points positioned on the strap to be generally opposing each other on the loop sling (e.g., be located 180.degree. degrees apart from one another on the loop sling.) When two shooting devices are then attached to the multiple attachment point loop sling, each shooting device could be connected to a respective attachment point (e.g., one shooting device to a respective attachment point.) If the loop sling was already formed, the operator may then place one arm and head through the multiple attachment point loop sling to rest on the one resting point between the head and one shoulder and rest on an opposing point upon the opposing side of the operator's waist to generally movably and removably envelope a portion of the operator's torso in a canted or diagonal manner between the two resting points. The operator may then grasp and partially rotate the multiple attachment point loop sling about the operator's torso to bring a connected (e.g., by the first shooting device's respective attachment point) first shooting device over the operator's chest. This rotational action could bring to bring the first shooting device into a firing or shooting position (over the operator's chest.) If the operator needs to change or swap out the first shooting device for a second shooting device attached at a different and second attachment point, the operator could again grasp the multiple attachment point loop sling and partially rotate (e.g., 180.degree. degrees) the multiple attachment point loop sling about the operator's torso to move out the first shooting device to come to rest upon the operator's back (e.g., storage position) while bringing about the second shooting device to the operator's chest to the operating or firing or shooting position. The invention generally operated in this manner may allow the operator to carry in a controlled and organized manner a multiple of shooting devices using one loop sling.

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

[0016] The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

[0017] to provide a loop sling that can support and carry multiple shooting devices at once;

[0018] the ability to wear loop sling upon the operator's torso in a canted orientation, the loop sling carrying multiple shooting devices to the loop sling at respective attachment points for attaching, to allow the operator to grasp and rotate the loop sling around the torso to change out one attached shooting device to be used by the operator for another attached shooting device;

[0019] to provide a loop sling place about an operator's torso by inserting the operator's head and an arm through loop sling in a manner that allows the operator to rotate the loop sling to about the torso to bring a desired sling attached shooting device up from a storage position upon the operator's back to a firing position in front of the operator's chest;

[0020] the ability to adjust the circumference of the multiple attachment point loop sling to adjust for different-sized torsos of different operators;

[0021] to provide a multiple attachment point loop sling that may simultaneously support or more shooting device accoutrements as a well as support a plurality of shooting devices, the shooting device accouterments and shooting devices being individually accessed by operator by rotating the multiple attachment point loop sling about the operator's torso; the ability to access different shooting device needed for a particular shooting scenario by rotating the loop sling about an operator's torso in a canted manner, the loop sling being connected to a plurality of shooting devices; and

[0022] providing a multiple attachment point loop sling comprising of a two ended strap, a plurality of shoot devices removably attached to the loop sling, the strap ends being respectably being brought around one shoulder and one side of a waist of the operator to be removably connected together to form the multiple attachment point loop sling.

[0023] These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] One possible embodiment of the invention could be a multiple attachment device loop sling comprising: a strap terminating at two strap ends that are configured to be removably connected together to form a loop that is configured to removably attach to and rotate about a torso of an operator in a canted manner; the plurality of attachment devices attached to the strap, the plurality of attachment devices are configured to removably attach a plurality of shooting devices to the strap; wherein the rotation of multiple attachment device loop sling about the torso can move the plurality of shooting devices between an operating location on a chest of the torso and a storage location on a back of the torso.

[0025] Another possible embodiment of the invention could be a method for operating a multiple attachment device loop sling comprising the following steps: providing a multiple attachment device loop sling forming a loop that is rotatably and removably attached about an operator's torso, a plurality of attachment devices located at different positions on the strap, the plurality of attachment devices removably attach two or more shooting devices to the strap; providing the two or more shooting devices; removably attaching the two or more shooting devices to the strap through the use of the plurality of attachment devices; removably and rotatably locating the multiple attachment device loop sling in a canted manner about the operator's torso; and rotating the multiple attachment device loop sling about the operator's torso to move the two or more shooting devices between a storage location and an operating location on the torso.

[0026] Yet another embodiment of the invention could be a combination of a loop sling with multiple attachment devices and at least two shooting devices connected to the loop sling by respective attachment devices of the multiple attachment devices comprising: a strap terminating at two strap ends that are configured to be removably connected together to form a loop that is configured to removably attach to and rotate about a torso of an operator; the plurality of attachment devices attached to the strap, the plurality of attachment devices are configured to removably attach two or more shooting devices to the strap, each shooting device of the two or more shooting devices so removably attached to the strap are secured at different positions upon the strap; the two or more shooting devices, each shooting device of the two or more shooting devices is removably attached by a respective attachment device of the plurality of attachment devices; wherein the combination of the strap, the plurality of attachment devices and the two or more shooting devices as placed about the operator's torso is configured to allow the rotation of the combination about the torso to move one shooting device of the two or more shooting devices into a storage position relative to the torso and move a second shooting device of the two or more shooting devices into an operating position relative to the torso.

[0027] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective frontal view of one embodiment of the multiple attachment point loop sling of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective frontal view of one embodiment of the multiple attachment point loop sling of the present invention in an unclasped position

[0030] FIG. 3 is substantially a perspective rear view of one embodiment of the multiple attachment point loop sling of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is substantially a perspective frontal view of one embodiment of the multiple attachment point loop sling of the present invention as attached to the operator.

[0032] FIG. 5 is substantially a perspective rear view of one embodiment of the multiple attachment point loop sling of the present invention as worn by the operator.

[0033] FIG. 6 is substantially a perspective frontal view of the continuous loop embodiment of the multiple attachment point loop sling of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is substantially a perspective frontal cutaway view of an attachment point of the multiple attachment point loop sling.

[0035] FIG. 7A is substantially showing a perspective view of another embodiment of the multiple attachment point loop sling mounting attachment devices.

[0036] FIG. 7B is substantially showing a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of the multiple attachment point loop sling using attachment devices to mount a shooting device.

[0037] FIG. 7C is substantially showing a perspective view of another embodiment of the operator wearing the multiple attachment point loop sling with attachment devices.

[0038] FIG. 8 is substantially showing a perspective view of a shooting device connected to the multiple attachment point loop sling.

[0039] FIG. 9 is substantially showing a perspective view of another shooting device connected to the multiple attachment point loop sling.

[0040] FIG. 10 is substantially showing a perspective view of shooting accoutrement, shooting device and non-shooting accessory removably connected to the multiple attachment point loop sling.

[0041] FIG. 11 is substantially a schematic showing one possible method or process for operating the invention.

[0042] FIG. 12 is substantially showing a front perspective view of the invention as worn by the operator with a first shooting device held in a first shooting position.

[0043] FIG. 13 is substantially showing a front perspective view of the invention as worn by the operator grasping the sling to move the first shooting device away from first shooting position.

[0044] FIG. 14 is substantially showing a front perspective view of the invention as worn by the operator rotating the sling to move the second shooting device to a second shooting position.

[0045] FIG. 15 is substantially showing a front perspective view of the invention as worn by the operator bringing the second shooting device away into the second shooting position.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0046] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0047] The present invention 10 could comprise a multiple attachment point loop sling 20 for simultaneously carrying multiple shooting devices 50 and a method 100 for operating same. As substantially shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, in one possible embodiment, the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 could comprise a strap 22 terminated at two strap ends, the strap ends 24 could removably connect together to form the strap into a loop. In another embodiment, the strap 22 could form a continuous loop without strap ends. The strap 22 could further supporting a set of attachment points 26 located upon the outside surface of multiple attachment point loop sling 20 that could be used to connect multiple shooting devices 50 to the strap 22 (e.g., the multiple attachment point loop sling 20.)

[0048] The strap 22 could be a definite length of rectangular shape of suitable material (such as a polymer-based webbing as used in various backpacking items) terminating in the two strap ends 24. Both strap ends 24 could suitably support an adjustable clasp 26 that could removable connect the strap ends 24 to connect the strap 22 into a multiple attachment point loop sling 20.

[0049] One possible version of the strap adjustable clasp 26 (e.g., a quick release buckle) could comprise a U-shaped clasp end 28 mounted to one strap end 24 that removably engages a cup-shaped clasp end 30 mounted to the other strap end 24. The cup-shaped clasp end 30 can have the other strap end 24 adjustably pass through the cup-shaped clasp end 30 to movably mount the cup-shaped clasp end 30 to the strap 22. By moving the position of the cup-shaped clasp end 30 along the length of the strap 22 in a secure manner, the circumference of the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 can be adjusted in size to make the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 fit the different sized and shaped torsos of various operators.

[0050] Once the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 so properly adjusted to fit an individual operator's torso 14 (e.g., resting upon a head-shoulder portion 16--upon a shoulder proximate to the neck or head; encircling the chest 14 and back 15; and resting an opposing waist 17 all in a canted orientation.) Prongs 32 of the U-shaped clasp end 28 could reversibly engage the hollow interior and side apertures 34 formed by the cup-shaped clasp end 30 to removably connect the two strap ends 24 together to form the multiple attachment point loop sling 20. By pressing inward on the tips of the U-shaped clasp end 28, the U-shaped clasp end can disengage and be easily slipped out of contact from cup-shaped clasp end 30.

[0051] In other embodiments of the invention 10 as the substantially shown in FIG. 6, the strap 22 could be formed into an uninterrupted, continuous loop to form the multiple attachment point loop sling 20. The length of the strap 22 determines a fixed circumference of the attachment point loop sling 20, by setting the length of the strap 22 during manufacture, the fixed circumference could be set to fit a torso within a specific size and shape range.

[0052] As substantially shown in FIG. 7, one possible embodiment of the attachment point 40 from the set of attachment points 40 could comprise a base 42 supporting a link 44 that is perpendicularly oriented up and away from the base 42. The base 42 could be secured on the outside of the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 through a variety of attachment apparatuses such as rivets 46 that penetrate through both the base 42 and the strap 22. Generally, there are at least two attachment points 40 that could be designated for shooting device attachment. These two attachment points 40 generally are located opposite (e.g., 180.degree. degrees apart from one another) along multiple attachment point loop sling diameter although other embodiments may have different numbers of and orientations of attachment points 40 to be utilized as needed. Having the two shooting device designated attachment points 40 being located at 180.degree. degrees apart from one another can help balance (e.g., weight wise) a multiple shooting devices 50 as loaded upon the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 wherein one shooting device 50 is held proximate to the operator's chest 14 while the alternate or second shooting device 50 is held proximate to the operator's back 15 (as substantially shown in FIG. 5.)

[0053] As substantially shown in FIG. 7, the shooting device 50 could have several sling attachments 52 but generally the sling attachment 52 that is proximate to or on the shooting device's back end or buttstock is used to attach a strip connector 54 terminating in two strip ends with a clip 56 at each strip end. One clip 56 could removably connect to sling swivel or attachment 52 while the other clip 56 could removably attach to the desired attachment point 40 to removably attach the shooting device 50 to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20. In this manner, the operator 12 may bring up long gun versions of the shooting device 50 to a shooting position by grasping the forward section of the shooting device to elevate up the shooting device and to bring the end of the shooting device's buttstock into the operator's shoulder-arm well.

[0054] In shorter length versions of the shooting device 50 (e.g., those shooting devices 50 with short barrels, compacting buttstocks or both as well as handgun types) may be removably connected to the respective attachment point 40 by a bungee cord type strip connector 54 that expands against tension from a smaller compact length to the longer extended length. In this manner, the shooting device 50 attached with such a strip connector 54 could be keep against the attachment point until the operator 12 grasps and moves the shooting device 50 to a lower shooting position closer to the operator's waist than shoulder(s) by extending the length (e.g., stretching) the expandable strip connector 54.

[0055] As substantially shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, another embodiment of the invention 10, could comprise a plurality of attachment devices 200 mounted upon the strap 22 that could replace or otherwise supplement the attachment points 40. One such attachment device 200 could be movably attached to the strap 22 so as to move along at least a portion of a length of the strap 22. In this embodiment, the movable attachment device 202 could comprise a strap buckle 204 (e.g., a quick release buckle), elastic or bungie strap 208, and snap swivel 208. The strap 22 could pass through one part of the strap buckle (e.g., a cup-shaped clasp end) to movably attach the movable attachment device 202 to the strap 22. The strap buckle 204 could be moved along the length of the strap 22 (e.g., by the operator) to place the movable attachment device 202 at the desired location upon the multiple attachment point loop sling 20. One end of the elastic strap 206 could be attached to (in fixed or adjustable manner depending on the particular version) to the strap buckle (e.g., the U-shaped clasp end) that removably engages while the other elastic strap end could be attached to a hoop portion of the snap swivel 208. Generally the movable attachment device 202 could be used to connect the butt or rear portion 62 of the shooting device 50 to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20. The snap swivel 208 could removably attach to a sling swivel of the butt portion 62. If the shooting device 50 lacks a butt or other sling swivels, a stock strap 210 could attached at one end to the snap swivel 208 and having a hook and loop combination at the other end forming a loop portion that could wrap around a suitable portion of the butt portion 62 to removably hold to the shooting device 50.

[0056] A fixed attachment device 212 could be used with the movable attachment point 202, the fixed attachment point 212 could be used to removably secure a barrel or front portion 66 of the shooting device 50 to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 while the movably attachment device 202 is used to removably secure the rear portion 62 of the same shooting device 50 to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20. In this manner, the movement of the movable attachment device 202 along the strap 22 relative to the fixed attachment device 212 can be used to adjust a length between the fixed and adjustable attachment devices 202, 212 to accommodate different lengths of various shooting devices 50. This attachment device combination could be used to secure one shooting device to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 in a manner that both barrel and butt/rear portions 66, 62 of the shooting device 50 are secured to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 to generally prevents the shooting device 50 from hanging down from the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 to bang against the operator's body or other shooting devices (not shown) attached to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 causing noise or otherwise impeding in the operation of the invention 10.

[0057] The fixed attachment device 212 could comprise of two double ended fixed straps. The first fixed strap 214 could have one fixed strap end be attach directly and stationary to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20 while the other fixed strap end could be attached to a second quick release second strap buckle 216 (to either the U-shaped clasp end or the cup clasp end of the buckle 216). The second fixed strap 218 could have one second strap end be attached to a corresponding U-shaped clasp end or the cup clasp end of the second buckle 216 while unattached other second strap end engages a sliding buckle to form an adjustable loop that can be removably secured to the front portion 66. In this manner, the second strap buckle 216 can be used to quickly disconnect or disconnect the first fixed strap 214 and second fixed strap 216 and respectively quickly connect or disconnect the front portion 66 and the multiple attachment point loop sling 20

[0058] The flaps attachment device 212 could comprise of a pair of flaps 222, each flap 222 being connected by a respective flap end to a respective side edge of the strap 22 so that the flaps 222 are attached to the strap 22 in an opposing manner. The unattached ends of the flaps 222 can removably attach together (e.g., by hook and loop means) to form a flap loop that can removably receive the middle portion 64 of the shooting device 50.

[0059] As substantially shown in FIG. 9, other attachment points 40 can be used to removably attach various shooting accoutrements 58 such as ammunition, spotting scope, range finder, cleaning kit, repair kit and the like multiple attachment point loop sling 20. Other attachment points 40 could also be used to removably attach other non-shooting related devices 60 such a telecommunication devices, first aid kits, pepper spray, GPS unit and the like to the multiple attachment point loop sling 20.

[0060] As substantially shown in FIG. 10, one possible method or process 100 to operate the invention could start with step 102, assembling the invention. In this step, the operator first determines what scenarios the operator may encounter that require carrying of multiple shooting devices (e.g., airsoft war game tournament, non-lethal tactical training and the like) wherein the use of the invention could simplify the one person transportation, storage and use of the multiple shooting devices. The operator then determines which shooting devices may be use in the first part or operation of the event in which the operator is participating. The operator may then obtain those shooting devices as well as the multiple attachment point loop sling. The operator may further obtain suitable connectors for attaching shooting devices, shooting devices accouterments, non-shooting devices accouterments to the attachment points 40 of multiple attachment point loop sling 20.

[0061] If the sling has not be previously prepped for operations, the operator could appropriately place the location of the strap clasp (e.g., open-cup clasp end) upon the respective strap end to set the desired circumference of the loop sling for comfortable removably and canted attachment to the operator's torso. The operator could then bring one strap end upon the operator's head and shoulder portion (e.g., resting upon a shoulder proximate to the neck of the operator) and the other end around the opposing waist and attach the two ends together to present the sling loop in a canted manner upon the operator's torso. Another way of placing the loop sling upon the operator's torso, could have the strap ends be brought together through the use of the clasp to form the loop sling. The operator could then place a first arm, first shoulder and head combination through the formed loop sling so that the opposite end of the loop sling rests upon the waist that is opposite of the first shoulder.

[0062] Once the loop sling is about the torso, the operator can grasp the sling with one hand and bring an attachment point, attachment device or both to the front of the operator's chest for attachment of a suitable connector to the attachment point and to an object to be carried by the loop sling (shooting device, accoutrement or the like.) In one version, the operator could connect the shooting device to several attachment duties to bring the shooting device in parallel orientation directly over the portion of the strap to which the shooting device is attached. The operator could rotate the loop sling about the torso to bring another attachment point to the front of the chest for attachment by connector of other objects to be carried by the loop sling. Generally speaking at least two shooting devices may be carried by the loop sling on opposing positioned attachment points (e.g., 180.degree. degrees apart on the loop sling) so that one shooting device is placed proximate to the chest while the other shooting device is placed proximate to the operator's back in an initial operational positioning.

[0063] It should be noted that shooting devices could comprise paint ball guns, soft air guns, and in certain appropriate circumstances firearms.

[0064] After this step is substantially completed, the process 100 could proceed to step 104, initially operating the loop sling.

[0065] In step 104, initially operating the loop sling, the operator can undertake engagement of the first part of the scenario. As the operator first observes the first part of the scenario, the operator can select the desired shooting device needed to properly engage the first part (e.g., a pistol type shooting device for close quarter battle inside a dwelling with more than one room.) The operator, as needed can then rotate the multiple attachment point loop sling about the torso to bring the desired shooting device upon to the front of the chest to grasp and place the selected shooting device into a shooting position. In certain embodiments the fixed attachment device and the flaps attachment device are disengaged to release the shooting device form these attachment devices. As the operator moves through the first part and uses the selected shooting device as needed to meet scenario objectives, the operator can move to the subsequent part of the scenario. As this step is substantially completed, the process can move to step 106, subsequent operation of the loop sling.

[0066] At step 106, subsequently operating of the loop sling, the operator at the subsequent part can initially review the situation to decide what shooting device is required for successful engage of this subsequent part. If the other shooting device is required, the operator in one version can reengage the flaps, fixed or both attachment devices to re-secure the selected shooting device to those attachment devices. The operator can then grasp the loop sling to rotate the multiple attachment point loop sling about the operator's torso as necessary to bring the other shooting device in front of the operator's chest to the shooting position or operating location and conversely move the first shooting device to the non-shooting or storage position (e.g., proximate to the shooter's back.) The operator in one possible embodiment could then release the other shooting device from the respective flaps, fixed or both attachment devices so as to bring the front portion of the shooting device into the firing position.

[0067] The operator could also rotate the loop sling as necessary to access shooting accoutrements or non-shooting device supplies as well. The operator once properly deploying the desired shooting device could then engage the subsequent part of the scenario. As the operator completes the various parts of the scenario could rotate the multiple attachment point loop sling as needed to access the shooting devices, non-shooting devices and shooting accoutrements as needed to complete the desired operation. As this step is substantially completed, the process 100 could proceed back to step 102 as needed.

CONCLUSION

[0068] Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A multiple attachment device loop sling comprising: (A) a strap terminating at two strap ends that are configured to be removably connected together to form a loop that is configured to removably attach to and rotate about a torso of an operator in a canted manner; (B) the plurality of attachment devices attaches to the strap, the plurality of attachment devices are configured to removably attach a plurality of shooting devices to the strap; wherein the rotation of multiple attachment device loop sling about the torso can move the plurality of shooting devices between an operating location on a chest of the torso and a storage location on a back of the torso.

2. The multiple attachment device loop sling of claim 1 wherein two or more attachment devices of the plurality of the attachment devices removably attach one shooting device of the plurality of shooting devices to the strap, the one shooting device is held in a parallel alignment directly over a portion of the strap to which the one shooting device is attached.

3. The multiple attachment device loop sling of claim 2 wherein the two or more attachment devices of the plurality of the attachment devices are located at different positions on the strap.

4. The multiple attachment device loop sling of claim 1 wherein at least one attachment device of the plurality attachment devices is configured to move along a length of the strap and to attach to a rear portion of one shooting device of the plurality shooting devices.

5. The multiple attachment device loop sling of claim 4 wherein at least one attachment device moves along a length of the strap relative to a second attachment device of the plurality attachment devices to adjust for a length of the one shooting device.

6. The multiple attachment device loop sling of claim 1 wherein at least one attachment device of the plurality attachment devices is fixedly attached to the strap, the one attachment device is configured to removably attach to a forward portion of the one shooting device of plurality of shooting devices.

7. The multiple attachment device loop sling of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of attachment devices is a pair of flaps, each flap is attached by a respective flap end to a respective side edge of the strap, the remaining unattached flap ends are removably connected together to form a flap loop, the formed flap loop is configured to removably receive a middle portion of one shooting device of the plurality of shooting devices.

8. The multiple attachment device loop sling of claim 1 wherein the loop forms a loop circumference of sufficient size to allow the passage through the loop of a combination of one arm, one shoulder and a head of an operator.

9. A method for operating a multiple attachment device loop sling comprising the following steps, but not necessarily in the order shown: (A) providing a multiple attachment device loop sling forming a loop that is rotatably and removably attached about an operator's torso, a plurality of attachment devices located at different positions on the strap, the plurality of attachment devices removably attach two or more shooting devices to the strap; (B) providing the two or more shooting devices; (C) removably attaching the two or more shooting devices to the strap through the use of the plurality of attachment devices; (D) removably and rotatably locating the multiple attachment device loop sling in a canted manner about the operator's torso; and (E) rotating the multiple attachment device loop sling about the operator's torso to move the two or more shooting devices between a storage location and an operating location on the torso.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the rotating the multiple attachment device loop sling further comprises a step of either connecting or disconnecting a forward portion of one shooting device of the two or more shooting devices relative to a fixed attachment device.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the rotating the multiple attachment device loop sling further comprises a step of either wrapping or unwrapping a flaps attachment device relative to a middle portion of one shooting device of the two or more shooting devices.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the rotating the multiple attachment device loop sling further comprises a step of unwrapping a flaps attachment device from a middle portion of the one shooting device of the two or more shooting devices and a step of detaching a fixed attachment device from the one shooting device to bring the one shooting device into a firing stance.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the removably attaching the two or more shooting devices further comprises steps of moving a movable attachment device along a length of the strap relative to a fixed attachment device, adjusting a distance between the movable attachment device and the fixed attachment device relative to the length of the one shooting device of the two or more shooting devices.

14. A combination of a loop sling with multiple attachment devices and at least two shooting devices connected to the loop sling by respective attachment devices of the multiple attachment devices comprising: (A) a strap terminating at two strap ends that are configured to be removably connected together to form a loop that is configured to removably attach to and rotate about a torso of an operator; (B) the plurality of attachment devices attached to the strap, the plurality of attachment devices are configured to removably attach two or more shooting devices to the strap, each shooting device of the two or more shooting devices so removably attached to the strap are secured at different positions upon the strap; (C) the two or more shooting devices, each shooting device of the two or more shooting devices is removably attached by a respective attachment device of the plurality of attachment devices; wherein the combination of the strap, the plurality of attachment devices and the two or more shooting devices as placed about the operator's torso is configured to allow the rotation of the combination about the torso to move one shooting device of the two or more shooting devices into a storage position relative to the torso and move a second shooting device of the two or more shooting devices into an operating position relative to the torso.

15. A combination of claim 14 wherein the combination is rotatably and removably attached about a torso of the operator in a canted manner.

16. The combination of claim 14 wherein one attachment device of the plurality of attachment devices is movably attached to the strap to move along a length of the strap and a second attachment device of the plurality of attachment devices is fixedly attached to the strap, the movably attached attachment device is configured to attach to a rear portion of the one shooting device while the fixedly attached attachment device is configured to further removably attached to a forward portion of the one shooting device.

17. The combination of claim 14 wherein one of the plurality of attachment devices is a pair of flaps, each flap is attached by a respective flap end to a respective side edge of the strap, the remaining unattached flap end are removably connected together to form a flap loop, the formed flap loop is further configured to removably receive a middle portion of one shooting device of the at least two or more shooting devices.

18. A combination of claim 14 wherein the storage position is located over a back of the operator's torso while the operating position located over a chest of the operator's torso.

19. A combination of the claim 14 wherein the least two or more shooting devices are long barreled shooting devices.

20. A combination of the claim 14 wherein two or more attachment devices of the plurality of the attachment devices removably attach one shooting device of the plurality of shooting devices to the strap, the one shooting device is held in a parallel alignment directly over a portion of the strap to which the one shooting device is attached.