Side Opening Scabbard

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/744,090 filed January 10, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to the field of backpack for carrying long guns and other elongate objects. Particular embodiments relate to a backpack having an integral scabbard having one or more side opening features.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Long guns or other elongate objects are often carried by sportsmen and women and military personal in or on backpacks. Some backpack systems utilize scabbards integrated within the backpacks. Typically these scabbards have an opening of the top of the scabbard and a closed second end such that the long gun extends through the top of the scabbard into a compartment defined by the scabbard and rests upon the bottom of the scabbard. Often this bottom section of the scabbard extends below the backpack. The wearer removes the long gun typically by grasping the long gun above the backpack and scabbard and pulling the long gun upward above the scabbard. While this functionally works, it is suboptimal in some situations. What is needed is a scabbard that provides easier access from the sides of the scabbard to allow a user to access or position a long gun within the scabbard.

SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the Summary is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Summary is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.

[0005] What is disclosed is a side opening scabbard that can be either integral with a backpack or provided with a mechanism to attach the side opening scabbard to a substrate, such as a backpack frame, backpack bag, or other location having a compatible mounting system, such as a MOLLE system. In an embodiment of a backpack having an integral scabbard positioned between the storage compartment of the backpack and the back panel of the backpack. The back panel of the pack can be attached to a frame that supports the weight of the pack and distributes the weight to a wearer’ torso. The back panel of the pack is typically connected directly or indirectly to two shoulder straps and preferably a hip or waist belt that secure the pack to a wearer. The scabbard compartment is defined by a wall that forms two opposing side walls, a front wall and a back wall.

[0006] At least one of the side walls is configured to open and close to allow access to the scabbard compartment. In some embodiments each of the opposing side walls are configured to open such that the front of the scabbard and backpack container fold away from the frame, allow access to the scabbard compartment. Preferably the opening function is provided by a zipper on each side wall of the scabbard that extends along the vertical length of the scabbard. The side opening function of the scabbard allows for improved manipulation of the long gun within the scabbard and increases the ability to secure the long gun in the scabbard.

[0007] A long gun securing device is also disclosed. The side opening scabbard has an internal attachment panel, such as a MOLLE panel, onto which accessory attachments can be attached. This includes a long gun securing device. A long gun securing device can be a strap, including a strap that is interconnected by a buckle, a device having a body formed of two lobes that secures the long gun between the lobes, or any other mechanism that secures the barrel or fore end of the long gun to the panel. Preferably a strap extends across the lobes an secures the long gun in position.

[0008] In an embodiment in which the side opening scabbard is a stand alone device, the side opening scabbard has an attachment mechanism such as a MOLLE panel on a front panel of the scabbard. This allows the scabbard to be attached to a compatible panel, such as a compatible MOLLE panel. The compatible panel can be mounted on a backpack frame or frame system, a backpack bag, or on a mounting location such as on a MOLLE mounting panel in a vehicle.

[0009] Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010]FIG. 1 is a first side view of a backpack having an integral side opening scabbard.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a second side view of the backpack of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a side view of the backpack of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the side opening scabbard being opened with the front portion of the scabbard and backpack back folding away from the pack frame.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a back view of the backpack of FIG. 1 having a long gun positioned in the scabbard.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a second back view of the backpack of FIG. 1 having a long gun positioned in the scabbard.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a back view of the backpack of FIG. 1 having an opened side opening scabbard folded open illustrating the interior compartment of the scabbard having a long gun positioned therein.

[0016]FIG. 7 is the back view of FIG. 6 with the long gun removed.

[0017]FIG. 8 is a front view of the long gun securing structure of FIG. 7 removed from the backpack.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a top view of the long gun securing structure of FIG. 8.

[0019]FIG. 10 is a back view of the long gun securing structure of FIG. 8.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a front view of the backpack of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 12 is a side view of the backpack of FIG. 1 with a waist belt and shoulder harness attached.

[0022]FIG. 13 illustrates the shoulder harness of FIG. 12 removed from the backpack.

[0023]FIG. 14 illustrates the waist belt of FIG. 12 removed from the backpack.

[0024]FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a side opening scabbard as an independent component configured for attachment to a substrate, such as a backpack, support stand, or other substrate.

[0025]FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of a side opening scabbard as an independent component configured for attaching to a backpack or other system.

[0026]FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the side opening scabbard of FIG. 16.

[0027]FIG. 18 illustrates a partially exploded view of a side opening scabbard of FIG. 16 illustrating an attachment strap exploded from the internal attachment system of the scabbard.

[0028]FIG. 19 illustrates a partial cutaway view of the side opening scabbard showing a long gun secured within the scabbard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined herein.

[0030] In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

[0031]FIGS. 1-12 illustrate an embodiment of a backpack having a scabbard. The backpack with scabbard 2 has a back panel 3 that is positioned against a wearer’s back. The scabbard 6 is positioned between the back panel and the backpack container 4. The backpack container has an openable compartment 5 that is cured by zipper connection 10. The backpack container has compression straps 12, 14 which are used to provide compression to the backpack container to secure the weight of the backpack container to the frame 9. The depicted container has an auxiliary compartment 8 positioned on the front of the container.

[0032]The scabbard has a top opening 16 through which the long gun or other elongate object protrudes upward. The opposing sides 19, 23 of the scabbard provide a standoff space between the backpack compartment and the frame to provide a scabbard compartment. The scabbard has zippers 20, 21 positioned on opposite sides of the scabbard. A series of compression straps 26, 28, 30 are positioned along each side of the scabbard and extend from the back panel to the backpack compartment. The scabbard compression straps provide compression forces to the scabbard to provide stability to the scabbard, preventing movement of the long gun within the scabbard and placing the center of mass of any cargo in the backpack compartment closer to the frame. The depicted zippers extend from the top of the scabbard 22 to the end of the scabbard 24. The lower section 25 of the scabbard extends beneath the back panel frame and storage compartment of the backpack, allowing the central mass of the long gun including, for example, the action and magazine to be positioned at the center section 18 of the scabbard. The depicted end of the scabbard is closed such that a firearm can be positioned on the scabbard and supported by the bottom end of the scabbard.

[0033]The opposing zippers of the scabbard allow for the storage compartment of the backpack folded away from the front panel and frame of the backpack. This functionality allows for full access to the scabbard compartment 35. This improved access allows for a user to access the scabbard compartment to provide for adjustment of the long gun, positioning of the long gun, and securing of the long gun. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate improved access to the long gun provided by the side zipper configuration. FIG. 4 illustrates the long gun positioned fully within the scabbard. The long gun 32 extends from the top of the scabbard. FIG. 5 illustrates improved access to the long gun 32 by opening the zipper side of one side of the scabbard. The long gun can then be accessed at a diagonal angle allowing for easier placement and removal of the long gun within the scabbard.

[0034]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the side zippers of the scabbard open, and the backpack compartment folded downward opening the scabbard. FIG. 7 shows a horizontal support structure positioned in the scabbard compartment 35 secures a long gun 32 horizontally in the scabbard, as well as preventing the long gun from sliding in the event the wearer bends over or falls with the long gun in the scabbard. FIG. 7 illustrates the view of FIG. 6 with the long gun removed. FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the long gun securing structure in further detail.

[0035] The side opening scabbard provides convenient access to the long gun structure. The scabbard compartment in the depicted embodiment has an internal modular light weight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) panel 34 having a horizontal support structure 36 attached to an internal MOLLE panel 34. The construction of the scabbard as side opening allows for improved access to the internal compartment of the scabbard, allowing for the use of a storage system within the compartment. This attachment system can be used with alternate or additional accessory attachment, such as pouches, additional straps for securing accessories such as ammunition holders, clips, suppressors, or tools, and can be configured around the weapon or used when the user is not harboring a firearm with in the scabbard.

[0036]The internal MOLLE panel has a webbing structure configured as a series of loops to which the long gun securing structure 36 is attached. FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a first embodiment of a long gun securing structure. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a long gun securing structure. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-9 the supporting structure 26 is formed of two adjacent lobes 42, 44 with a space 46 between. The space extends to the body 37 of the securing structure which is positioned against the panel. A securing strap 38 is positioned across two lobes of the supporting structure to secure the long gun in the space. The securing strap is affixed to the two opposing lobes. In the depicted embodiment a buckle 40 secures provides for quick disconnect and connection of the strap.

[0037] The long gun securing structure is attached to the MOLLE system with straps but can be connected with varying attachment mechanisms or integral with the scabbard. The depicted MOLLE system is attached to the front scabbard panel that in conjunction with the scabbard side walls and the back scabbard panel defines the scabbard compartment.

[0038]To use the depicted embodiment of the scabbard, a user positions the long gun within the scabbard compartment and positions the barrel or fore end of the long gun between the opposing lobes into the lobe space 46. A securing strap 38 is extends from one lobe and is positioned across the long gun and connected to the opposing lobe, securing the long gun to the long gun support structure. A buckle 40 secures the strap 38 to the second lobe. The strap can be tightened at the buckle, further securing the long gun to the structure. The back side 50 of the horizontal support structure has two MOLLE configured straps 52 that are configured for inter weaving within the MOLLE panel of the horizontal support structure. Auxiliary loops 41 are positioned at the top of the scabbard to provide additional accessory and/or pouch attachment structure.

[0039]FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate top views of the scabbard and backpack configuration. The top opening 16 of the scabbard provides access to the internal compartment of the scabbard. FIG. 8 illustrates the scabbard without the internal horizontal supporting structure. FIG. 9 illustrates the long gun securing structure of the scabbard for horizontally securing the long gun.

[0040]FIGS. 1-9 illustrate the backpack and scabbard accommodation without typical shoulder straps 60, 62. These components are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0041]FIGS. 10-12 illustrate these components attached to the backpack and scabbard configuration. The shoulder straps and waist belt are padded for enhancing the comfort of the wearer.

[0042]FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the belt (FIG. 14) and harness (FIG. 23) of FIGS. 1-12, but detached from the bag and frame system of FIGS. 1-12.

[0043]FIGS. 15-19 illustrate a second embodiment of a side opening scabbard that is configured for attachment to a substrate such as a backpack frame system, bag, or other substrate. The side opening scabbard 100 is depicted with similar features to the integral scabbard of FIGS. 1-7, but is configured with a front panel attachment system 103 on the front panel of the scabbard for removably attaching the scabbard to varying substrates. The attachment system depicted is a MOLLE system utilizing a series of loops 104 through which straps 105 are woven to secure the scabbard to the substrate. The substrate will have a compatible attachment system. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the long gun securing structure. In this embodiment the long gun securing structure utilizes a securing strap 38 that is configured with two ends having clips for direct connection to the MOLLE panel. A releasable buckle allows for quick connection to a long gun, and quick release of the long gun.

[0044] Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

[0045] While certain exemplary embodiments are shown in the Figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of this disclosure. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined herein.