Firearm retaining apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments provide a firearm retaining apparatus.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for retaining a firearm, the firearm having a magnetic metal portion, in a fixed position relative to a magnetic surface, the apparatus comprising:
 a magnetic element, the magnetic element having a major dimension between oppositely disposed end portions thereof, the major dimension of the magnetic element aligned along a major axis, the magnetic element having a front magnetic element surface and a rear magnetic element surface disposed in a spaced, parallel opposed relationship; 
 and 
 a covering comprising a unitary fabric member having an outer surface facing outward relative to the magnetic element, the unitary fabric member, at a middle portion thereof, wrapped around the magnetic element in parallel relationship to the major axis, the unitary fabric member having an inner surface wrapped to extend from the front magnetic element surface to the rear magnetic element surface and across the entirety of both the magnetic element front surface and magnetic element rear surface and in contact therewith; 
 the unitary fabric member extending from the middle portion thereof to make contact with both the front magnetic element surface and the rear magnetic element surface at each of the end portions of the magnetic element, the unitary fabric member terminating along the major axis in spaced relationship with each of the end portions of the magnetic element, the unitary fabric member defining a first tab portion extending along the magnetic element major axis from the magnetic element, the first tab portion of the unitary fabric member folded over in parallel relationship to the major axis with the inner surface overlapping at least a portion of the outer surface in an overlapping, folded position, the first tab portion terminating in a curled relationship with itself; 
 the unitary fabric member further defining a second tab portion disposed in spaced, parallel opposed relationship to the first tab portion along the major axis from the magnetic element, the second tab portion terminating in a curled relationship with itself, wherein the first tab portion and second tab portion each comprise grommet elements positioned within the first tab portion and the second tab portion; 
 at least one of the first tab portion and second tab portion being flexible. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , the first tab portion and second tab portion each comprising grommet elements positioned within the first tab portion and the second tab portion. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , the magnetic element comprising a rectangular shape. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , the first and second tab portions each comprising a single curled termination point. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an inner lining positioned between the magnetic element and the covering, the inner lining comprising a polymeric foam. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , the magnetic element positioned within an inner portion of the apparatus. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , the magnetic element comprising neodymium. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , the covering comprising woven polyester fabric material coated with PVC resin. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , the covering reducing a tension force required to disengage the apparatus from magnetic engagement with one or more magnetic surfaces. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one interior open portion adjacent the magnetic element. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 1 , the covering reducing a tension force required to disengage the apparatus from magnetic engagement with one or more magnet compatible surfaces. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus for retaining a firearm, the firearm having a magnetic metal portion, in a fixed position relative to a magnetic surface, the apparatus comprising:
 a magnetic element, the magnetic element having a major dimension between oppositely disposed end portions thereof, the major dimension of the magnetic element aligned along a major axis, the magnetic element having a front magnetic element surface and a rear magnetic element surface disposed in a spaced, parallel opposed relationship; and   a covering comprising a unitary fabric member having an outer surface facing outward relative to the magnetic element, the unitary fabric member, at a middle portion thereof, wrapped around the magnetic element in parallel relationship to the major axis, the unitary fabric member having an inner surface wrapped to extend from the front magnetic element surface to the rear magnetic element surface and across the entirety of both the magnetic element front surface and magnetic element rear surface and in contact therewith;   the unitary fabric member extending from the middle portion thereof to make contact with both the front magnetic element surface and the rear magnetic element surface at each of the end portions of the magnetic element, the unitary fabric member terminating along the major axis in spaced relationship with each of the end portions of the magnetic element, the unitary fabric member defining a first tab portion extending along the magnetic element major axis from the magnetic element;   the unitary fabric member further defining a second tab portion disposed in spaced, parallel opposed relationship to the first tab portion along the major axis from the magnetic element;   at least one of the first tab portion and second tab portion being flexible and the first tab portion and second tab portion each comprising grommet elements positioned within the first tab portion and the second tab portion.    
     
     
       13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and second tabs further comprise substantially flat first and second tabs.  
     
     
       14. The apparatus of claim 12, the covering comprising woven polyester fabric material coated with PVC resin.  
     
     
       15. A magnetic device for retaining a firearm in a fixed position relative to a magnet compatible surface, the magnetic device comprising:
 a magnetic element having a length extending along a first axis and a width extending along a second axis, the magnetic element comprising:   a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the length of the magnetic element extends from the proximal end to the distal end; and,   a front magnetic element surface and a rear magnetic element surface;   a fabric cover enveloping the magnetic element and extending across the front magnetic element surface and the rear magnetic element surface, the fabric cover comprising:   an outer surface facing outwardly relative to the magnetic element;   an inner surface facing inwardly relative to the magnetic element, wherein a first portion of the inner surface is in physical contact with the front magnetic element surface, and a second portion of the inner surface is in physical contact with the rear magnetic element surface;   a first tab extending along the first axis and away from the proximal end of the magnetic element, the first tab fixedly coupled with the fabric cover; and,   a second tab extending along the first axis and away from the distal end of the magnetic element, the second tab fixedly coupled with the fabric cover,   wherein the first and second tabs comprise respective first and second grommets,   wherein the first and second tabs further comprise substantially flat first and second tabs, respectively,   wherein the second tab is disposed in a spaced, parallel, opposed relationship to the first tab along the first axis from the magnetic element.    
     
     
       16. The magnetic device of claim 15, wherein the first tab is disposed directly adjacent to the proximal end of the magnetic element, and the second tab is disposed directly adjacent to the distal end of the magnetic element.  
     
     
       17. The magnetic device of claim 15, wherein a maximum width of the first and second tabs is greater than the width of the magnetic element.  
     
     
       18. The magnetic device of claim 15, wherein the fabric cover comprises a unitary fabric cover comprising polyester.  
     
     
       19. The magnetic device of claim 15, wherein the fabric cover comprises the first and second tabs.  
     
     
       20. A magnetic device for retaining a firearm in a fixed position relative to a magnet compatible surface, the magnetic device comprising:
 a magnetic element comprising a front magnetic element surface and a rear magnetic element surface;   a fabric cover extending across the front magnetic element surface and the rear magnetic element surface, the fabric cover comprising:   an outer surface facing outwardly relative to the magnetic element;   an inner surface facing inwardly relative to the magnetic element, wherein a first portion of the inner surface is in physical contact with the front magnetic element surface, and a second portion of the inner surface is in physical contact with the rear magnetic element surface; and,   a first tab fixedly coupled with the fabric cover, wherein the first tab comprises a first grommet.    
     
     
       21. The magnetic device of claim 20, further comprising a second tab fixedly coupled with the fabric cover.  
     
     
       22. The magnetic device of claim 21, wherein the first tab comprises a first grommet, and the second tab comprises a second grommet.  
     
     
       23. The magnetic device of claim 22, wherein the first and second grommets comprise respective first and second apertures that extend through the entirety of the thickness of the first and second tabs, respectively.  
     
     
       24. The magnetic device of claim 23, wherein the fabric cover further comprises the first and second tabs.  
     
     
       25. The magnetic device of claim 21, wherein the first and second tabs extend in a plane that is parallel to a major axis of the magnetic element.  
     
     
       26. The magnetic device of claim 20, wherein the fabric cover comprises a unitary woven fabric cover.  
     
     
       27. The magnetic device of claim 20, wherein the magnetic element comprises a rectangular shape, such that the length of the magnetic element is greater than the width of the magnetic element.  
     
     
       28. The magnetic device of claim 20, wherein a maximum width of the first and second tabs is greater than a maximum width of the magnetic element.  
     
     
       29. The magnetic device of claim 20, wherein the front magnetic element surface and the rear magnetic element surface are disposed in a spaced, parallel opposed relationship relative to one another.  
     
     
       30. The magnetic device of claim 20, wherein the first tab is disposed directly adjacent to the proximal end of the magnetic element, and the second tab is disposed directly adjacent to the distal end of the magnetic element.