Patent Application
20200348107
This disclosure relates to a device and garment for carrying a firearm or other weapon in a concealed manner.
Various garments with integrated concealed carry holsters or accommodations for concealed carry holsters are known.
Briefly, this disclosure is directed to a tactical upper garment such as a shirt, vest, jacket or the like for concealed carry of a weapon comprising a holster retention mounting patch affixed to the garment interior portion, and a detachable holster which is removably attachable onto the holster retention mounting patch.
In another aspect, a tactical upper garment for concealed carry of a weapon comprises an interior portion, an exterior portion, a weapon retention mounting patch affixed to the interior portion, and a detachable firearm holster which is removably attachable to the weapon retention mounting patch.
In another aspect, a method of concealed carry of a firearm comprises moving a detachable firearm holster from a location outside an exterior portion of a tactical upper garment to a space inside an interior portion of the tactical upper garment. The detachable firearm holster is moved within said space along a height and a width of a weapon retention mounting patch on the interior portion to a desired position. The detachable firearm holster is pressed against the weapon retention mounting patch at the desired position to attach the detachable firearm holster to the tactical upper garment in said space at the desired position.
Other aspects and features will be apparent hereinafter.
Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference characters throughout the drawings.
The inventors have recognized that existing garments with integrated concealed carry holsters or dedicated accommodations for concealed carry holsters constrain the position of the firearm and magazine with respect to the wearer's body. Depending on the unique shape of the wearer's body, as well as numerous other factors, the constrained position of the holster can lead to discomfort or ineffective concealment. Accordingly, as will be explained in further detail below, the inventors have devised an upper body garment that facilitates repositioning the holster on the garment to suit a wearer's needs.
Referring to
In general, the upper garment 10, 10′ comprises an interior portion 12 (e.g., a lining) and an exterior portion 14 (e.g., a shell). The interior and exterior portions can be formed from different pieces of material or different surfaces of the same piece of material. During use of the garment 10, 10′ the interior portion is located closer to the wearer's skin than the exterior portion and the exterior portion at least partially conceals the interior portion from the view of others.
Various materials and constructions for garment interior portions and exterior portions are known or may become known to those skilled in the art, and any suitable material or construction may be used for the interior portion 12 or exterior portion 14 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the exterior portion 14 is a shell formed from a heavy material, such as denim or leather, capable of concealing the shape of a bulky object such as a firearm F. In certain embodiments, the interior portion 12 can be a lining insulated for cold environments (e.g., formed from quilted material) or formed from material suitable for warmer environments (e.g., moisture wicking material).
In the illustrated embodiment, a harness 16 is sewn into or otherwise fastened to the interior portion 12 for supporting the weight of the firearm F and magazine M during use. The harness 16 may be formed from one or more strips or straps of load-bearing fabric, e.g., canvas. In the illustrated embodiment the harness 16 comprises one strap for each shoulder of the wearer. During use, each strap 18 extends lengthwise from a first end portion at the front of the garment, over the respective shoulder of the wearer, to a second end portion. As will be explained in further detail below, the end portions of each strap 18 are fastened (e.g., sewn) directly to a support that carries the weight of at least a portion of the weapon during use of the garment 10, 10′. As such, the weight of the weapon can be transferred through the support to the harness 16. And since each harness strap 18 extends over a shoulder of the wearer during use, the load applied to the harness strap is borne by the wearer's shoulder. As can thus be seen, the harness 16 transfers a substantial portion of the weight of the weapon to the wearer's body, without requiring that portion of the weight to be carried by the remainder of the interior portion 12. This allows the remainder of the interior portion 12 to be formed from materials selected for characteristics other than load bearing capacity, if desired.
The upper garment 10, 10′ comprises at least one weapon retention mounting patch 20 (broadly, a retention mounting system) on the interior portion along the front of the garment. As will be explained in further detail below, the weapon retention mounting patch 20 is configured to enable a wearer to selectively position at least a portion of a weapon (e.g., a firearm and/or its magazines) at the desired location and in the desired orientation on the interior portion of the garment, in front of the chest or abdomen of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment 10, 10′ comprises first and second mounting patches 20 on opposite sides of a central vertical garment closure (hereinafter, a ‘center closure’). The center closure can, for example, comprise a zipper as shown, or also buttons, snaps, or another closure mechanism in lieu of or in addition to the zipper. Each mounting patch 20 comprises an attachment panel 22 (broadly, a hook and loop attachment component) formed from one or more strips 24 of hook and loop (e.g., Velcro) fastener material. The operative side of the attachment panel 22 faces inward toward the wearer during use. In the illustrated embodiment, each attachment panel 22 is formed from a plurality discrete strips of hook and loop fastener material running laterally or widthwise with respect to the garment 10, 10′. The illustrated strips 24 are connected (e.g., sewn or stitched) together in a top-edge-to-bottom-edge arrangement to form a substantially contiguous, rectangular attachment panel 22 that has an elongate shape in the vertical direction of the garment 10, 10′.
In the illustrated embodiment, each mounting patch 20 includes a support 26 onto which the attachment panel 22 is fastened. In one or more embodiments, the support is a sheet of load-bearing fabric onto which the attachment panel 22 is sewn or stitched. The support could also have the shape of a frame along a perimeter portion of the attachment panel in one or more embodiments. The support 26 is fastened (e.g., sewn or stitched) directly onto the interior portion 12 of the garment 10, 10′ and thereby secures the attachment panel 22 to the garment. (The attachment panel can also be sewn directly onto the interior portion of the garment in certain embodiments). In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second end portions of a respective harness strap 18 are fastened (e.g., sewn or stitched) directly to the support 26. Thus, when a weapon is supported on the attachment panel 22, the weight of the weapon is transferred from the panel to the support 26, from the support to the harness 16, and from the harness to the wearer's shoulder. Accordingly, the support 26 is suitably formed from a relatively robust load-bearing material such as canvas or other material capable of transferring the load of the weapon to the harness 16.
The operative portion of the attachment panel 22 is relatively large in relation to the overall size of the front of the garment 10, 10′. For example, in one or more embodiments, the front of the garment has a between-the-shoulders width W1 and each attachment panel 22 has a width W2 that is greater than 25% (e.g., greater than 30%, greater than 35%) of the between-the-shoulders width W1. Similarly, the garment 10, 10′ has a waist-to-neck height H1 and each attachment panel 22 has a height H2 that is greater than 35% (e.g., greater than 40%, greater than 45%) of the waist-to-neck height H1. In an exemplary embodiment, the panel width W2 is greater than four inches (e.g., greater than five inches, greater than six inches, greater than seven inches, greater than eight inches) and the panel height H2 is greater than eight inches, (e.g., greater than 10 inches, greater than 12 inches, greater than 13 inches).
Referring to
As can be seen, the attachment panel 22 is much larger than the back panel 34 of the detachable holster 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the back panel 34 has a height H3 that is less than 8 inches (e.g., less than 6.5 inches) and a width W3 that is less than 6 inches (e.g., less than 5 inches, less than 4.5 inches). In one or more embodiments, the holster height H3 is less than 50% (e.g., less than 40%) of the panel height H2. The holster width W3 can be less than 65% (e.g., less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%) of the panel width W2 in one or more embodiments. Since the back panel 34 is much smaller than the attachment panel 22, the detachable holster 30 can be positioned at numerous positions along the height and width of either attachment panel. This enables the wearer to position the holster 30 in the most convenient location for accessing the weapon and/or the most comfortable location for wearing the holster. For example, the back panel 34 can be attachable to the attachment panel 22 at least at any location along the attachment panel at which the height H3 and the width W3 of the back panel entirely overlaps the attachment panel. The illustrated back panel 34 can, in addition, be attached at locations where a portion of the height H3 and/or width W3 protrudes beyond or overhangs the perimeter of the attachment panel 22.
In general, the front panel 32 of the detachable holster 30 is configured to snugly retain firearm F in the holster between the front and back panels 32, 34. For example, in one or more embodiments, the front panel 32 is formed from an elastic material that is laid flat along the back panel 34 and is fastened (e.g., sewn or stitched) to the back panel along its side edge margins. This allows the firearm F to be slid into the pocket between the front and back panels 32, 34, causing the elastic front panel to resiliently stretch away from the back panel. When the firearm F is in place, the stretched front panel 32 resiliently rebounds, snugly retaining or girding the firearm F within the holster 30.
In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 32 is secured to the back panel 34 along side edge seams 36 and a narrowing seam 38. The seams 36, 38 define upper and lower openings along the upper and lower edge margins of the front panel 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper opening extends along the substantially the entire width W3 of the holster 30 but the lower opening has a narrower width W4, defined by the inboard end of the narrowing seam 38. The large upper opening facilitates easy insertion of the firearm F into the holster 30 and the narrow lower opening allows the end portion of the firearm barrel to protrude while blocking passage of the larger handle and trigger portion. Further, because of the narrow lower opening, the elastic front panel 32 can resiliently grip the end portion of the firearm F that protrudes through the lower opening.
To further secure the holstered firearm F, the illustrated holster 30 comprises a length-adjustable security strap 40 configured to fasten over the grip and hammer of the firearm received in the holster. As shown in
In certain embodiments, additional storage features may be included in the detachable holster 30. For example, in the illustrated embodiment A middle elastic panel 50 (
Another embodiment of a detachable firearm holster 30′ is shown in
To hold the firearm F in this open-sided pocket, a wraparound strap 39′ is used. Suitably, a first end portion of the wraparound strap 39′ is fastened (e.g., sewn) to an edge margin of one of the holster panels 32′, 34′ and a free second end portion comprises hook and loop fastener material configured to fasten to the hook and loop fastener material on the rear side of the back panel. Thus, the wraparound strap 39′ is configured to extend around the front and rear panels 32′, 34′ and attach to the holster 30′ when the firearm F is received in the pocket between the front and rear panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the side of the free second end portion of the strap 39′ that faces away from the back panel 34′ comprises a hook and loop fastener material, but of the opposite type as the material that engages the back panel, so that this exposed side is configured for interlocking engagement or attachment with the attachment panel 22 of the garment 10, 10′. As above, the holster 30′ comprises quick-release, length-adjustable security strap 40′ configured to be fastened over the handle portion of the firearm F for securely holding the firearm in the holster.
It can be seen that the holster 30′ has an even smaller form factor than the holster 30. Thus, it is believed that the holster 30′ may allow for even greater maneuverability along the garment 30, 30′. In an exemplary embodiment, the back panel 34′ has a height H3′ that is less than 8 inches (e.g., less than 6 inches) and a width W3′ that is less than 4 inches (e.g., less than 3.5 inches). In one or more embodiments, the holster height H3′ is less than 50% (e.g., less than 40%) of the garment panel height H2. The holster width W3′ can be less than 50% (e.g., less than 45%, less than 40%) of the panel width W2 in one or more embodiments.
Referring to
In any of the above holsters 30, 30′, 30″, it is contemplated that an interior surface that engages the firearm F may include a rubberized material such as silicone to aid in gripping/retaining the firearm in the holster.
Referring to
As can be seen, the attachment panel 22 is much larger than the back panel 34 of the detachable pouch 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the back panel 64 has a height H4 that is less than 8 inches (e.g., less than 6 inches) and a width W5 that is less than 6 inches (e.g., less than 5 inches, less than 4.5 inches). In one or more embodiments, the pouch height H4 is less than 50% (e.g., less than 40%) of the panel height H2. The pouch width W5 can be less than 65% (e.g., less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%) of the panel width W2 in one or more embodiments. Since the back panel 64 is much smaller than the attachment panel 22, the detachable pouch 60 can be positioned at numerous positions along the height and width of either attachment panel. For example, the detachable pouch 60 can be attached to the attachment panel 22 at least at any location along the attachment panel at which the height H4 and the width W5 of the back panel 64 entirely overlaps the attachment panel. Additionally, the illustrated detachable pouch 60 can be attached at certain locations where the height H4 and/or width W5 overhang the perimeter of the attachment panel 22. This enables the wearer to position the pouch 60 in the most convenient location for accessing magazine M and/or the most comfortable location for wearing the pouch.
In general, the front panel 62 of the detachable pouch 60 is configured to snugly retain a magazine M in the pouch between the front and back panels 62, 64. For example, in one or more embodiments, the front panel 62 is formed from an elastic material that is laid flat along the back panel 64 and is fastened (e.g., sewn) to the back panel by a perimeter seam 66 that extends along the side edge margins and bottom edge margin of the pouch. In addition, the illustrated pouch 60 comprises a central divider seam 68 that divides the pouch into two compartments, each generally configured to receive a single magazine M. A magazine M can be slid into each compartment between the front and back panels 62, 64, causing the elastic front panel to resiliently stretch away from the back panel. When a magazine M is received in a compartment, the stretched front panel 62 resiliently rebounds, snugly retaining or girding the magazine within the pouch 60.
Typically, it is anticipated that a wearer of the tactical garment 10, 10′ will utilize a first one of the mounting patches 20 to support the firearm F in the holster 30, 30′ and a second one of the mounting patches 20 to support the magazine(s) M received in the pouch 60. However, it is also possible to use the garment in other ways, such as by placing both the holster 30, 30′ and the pouch 60 on a single patch 20 or to carry only one of a holster 30 or a pouch, for example.
It can be seen that the garment 10, 10′ enables a wearer to open or partially open the center closure and reach from a space outside the exterior portion 14 to a space inside the interior portion 12 adjacent either of the retention patches 20. Accordingly, to use the garment 10, 10′, the wearer secures the firearm F in one of the detachable holsters 30, 30′, 30″ and optionally secures one or more magazines M in the detachable magazine pouch 60. Subsequently, the wearer passes the loaded holster 30, 30′, 30″ through one open portion of the center closure and optionally passes the loaded magazine pouch 60 through the center closure. The wearer can then attach the firearm holster 30, 300, 30″ and optional magazine pouch 60 to the respective attachment panel 22 at the desired location. The wearer can select any desired location along the height H2 of the attachment panel 22 and any desired location along the width W3 of the attachment panel. In addition, the wearer can select the desired rotational orientation of the holster/pouch on the respective attachment panel 22. The mutual hook and loop attachment components interlockingly engage one another to securely hold the holster 30, 30′, 30″ and pouch 60 to the respective attachment panel 22 in the desired position. If the wearer desires to change the attached position of the holster 30, 30′, 30″ or pouch 60, the wearer will simply reach through the open portion of the center closure, separate the hook and loop attachment component of the holster/pouch from the hook and loop attachment component of the attachment panel 22, move the holster/pouch to the desired position, and attach it in place using the mutual hook and loop fastener components. If the wearer requires firearm access during use of the garment 10, 10′, the wearer can reach through the central garment opening, release the security strap 40, 40′, 40″ and remove the firearm F while keeping the holster 30, 30′, 30″ in position. Likewise, the wearer can reach through respective access opening 70, remove a magazine M from the magazine pouch 60, and withdraw the magazine pouch, when use of a magazine is required.
Referring to
Referring to
When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
As various changes could be made in the above device without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/840,696, filed Apr. 30, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62840696 | Apr 2019 | US |
