Patent Grant
11747110
This invention relates to a system for storing and transporting firearms and their accessories; and more particularly to a firearm article suspension system including magnets and pockets containing the magnets.
One of the primary purposes of a firearm is for the protection of oneself and the protection of others. When situations arise that may require a firearm, the time needed to grab the firearm could be the difference between life and death. It is desirable to provide a user a faster means to seize and deploy their firearm (and firearm accessories).
A common means to holding a firearm, especially in a backpack-type carrying device, is a holster or stitching that mimics the outline of a holster. But using a holster provides several limitations. First, the firearm can only be held in a position that the holster is designed to hold. Alternate positions are not feasible, even if those alternate positions are more advantageous to the user when reaching for the firearm. Another limitation is that a holster still allows room for the firearm to move, albeit slightly, which means the firearm can be in an alternative position from when it was originally inserted. This can be disadvantageous if the user were to fumble while grabbing the firearm, wasting precious time. Furthermore, if the firearm is not pulled from the holster in a specific way, the holster may interfere with the firearm while exiting the holster, thus creating a delay for deployment. Lastly, the holster does not efficiently hold other items beyond the actual firearm, such as one or more firearm magazines.
Conner, U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,453, issued Jun. 3, 2014, discloses a magnetic firearm support which includes a base, at least one magnet in the base and a firearm cradle having a firearm space carried by the base.
Eberlie, U.S. Pat. No. 10,299,571, issued May 28, 2019, discloses a backpack which includes a handgun pocket with at least one access slit arranged in the main bag. Each of the access slits has at least one magnetic closure for keeping the access slit in a normally closed position.
Ballarta el al, U.S. Patent Application 2007/0,172,019, published Jul. 26, 2007, discloses a backpack providing a lumber firearms compartment which combines ease of access to the firearm with the needed concealment of the firearm and the requisite comfort to the backpack wearer for long term storage of the firearm. Various related configurations of the lumber firearms compartment are disclosed.
Schmadeka, U.S. Patent Application 2019/0,316,875, published Oct. 17, 2019 discloses a garment pocket for the concealed carrying of a gun which includes an inside gun pocket having a front panel and a back panel and having a top opening between the front panel and back panel. An elastic band is affixed across the width and proximate the top of the front panel.
There is a need for improvements to allow for faster and easier access to a firearm and its accessories.
A system for suspending articles of firearms is disclosed, the system comprises one or more pockets, one or more magnets disposed in the one or more pockets, and a firearm article wherein the firearm article and the one or more magnets are magnetically coupled so as to form an engagement to at least a portion of the one or more pockets.
In one embodiment, a backpack is disclosed having a lumbar compartment disposed between a storage compartment and a user wearing the backpack. The lumber compartment comprises a magnet-containing pocket, the magnet-containing pocket having a magnet configured to suspend a firearm article magnetically coupled therewith. The backpack further comprises one or more access points disposed at a first side, a second side, or both the first and second sides of the lumbar compartment for allowing access to the user for efficiently grabbing a firearm article suspended while wearing the backpack.
These and other features of the invention will become apparent to one having the ordinary level of skill in the art upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, and a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.
In a first general embodiment, a backpack is disclosed. The backpack comprises a storage compartment, a back portion and a lumbar compartment disposed between the storage compartment and the back portion. The lumbar compartment comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and further comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side. One or more access points are disposed at the first side, the second side, or both, wherein the one or more access points configured to open by a zipper. A plurality of magnet-containing pockets is disposed within the lumbar compartment at the distal portion, the plurality of magnet-containing pockets having a vertical alignment. One or more magnets are contained within the plurality of magnet containing pockets, wherein the one or more magnets are configured to magnetically couple to a firearm article so as to form a bond to at least a portion of the plurality of magnet-containing pockets.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of magnet-containing pocket further may comprise a series of individual sub-pockets wherein each of the individual sub-pockets is configured to receive the or more magnets.
Generally, the plurality of magnet-containing pockets may be enclosed to retain the one or more magnets. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of magnet-containing pockets may open to allow for reconfiguration of the one or more magnets.
In a second general embodiment, an alternative backpack is disclosed. The backpack comprises a storage compartment, a back portion and a lumbar compartment disposed between the storage compartment and the back portion. The lumbar compartment comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and further comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The backpack further comprises a magnet-containing pocket and one or more magnets, wherein the magnet-containing pocket being configured to receive the or more magnets. The one or more magnets are configured to magnetically couple to a firearm article so as to form a bond to at least a portion of the magnet-containing pocket.
In some embodiments, the magnet-containing pocket may be disposed on the proximal portion. In other embodiments, the magnet-containing pocket may be disposed on the distal portion.
In some embodiments, the backpack may further comprise a plurality of magnet-containing pockets having a vertical alignment.
In some embodiments, magnet-containing pocket may further comprise a series of individual sub-pockets wherein each of the individual sub-pockets is configured to receive the or more magnets.
In some embodiments, the magnet-containing pocket may be enclosed to retain the one or more magnets. In some embodiments, the magnet-containing pocket may open to allow for reconfiguration of the one or more magnets. Means of allowing opening and closing of the magnet-containing pocket may include an engagement element such as a zipper, hook and look fastener, or the like.
In some embodiments, the backpack may further comprise a one or more access points wherein access to the magnet-containing pocket is through the one or more access points.
In third general embodiment, a firearm article suspension system is disclosed. The firearm article suspension system comprises one or more magnets, and a magnet-containing pocket, where the magnet-containing picket is configured to receive the or more magnets. The firearm article suspension system further comprises a firearm article wherein the one or more magnets and the firearm article are magnetically coupled so as to form a bond to at least a portion of the magnet-containing pocket.
In some embodiments, the magnet-containing pocket may further comprise a series of individual sub-pocket wherein each of the individual sub-pockets is configured to receive the or more magnets.
In some embodiments, the magnet-containing pocket may be enclosed to retain the one or more magnets. Additionally, the magnet-containing pocket may open to allow for reconfiguration of the one or more magnets.
In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a one or more access points wherein access to the firearm suspension system is through the one or more access points.
In some embodiments, the firearm article suspension system may be disposed in a bag, such as a backpack, waist bag, handheld bags, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, athletic bags, functional bags, luggage, purses, or the like.
Now turning to the drawings,
Optionally, on either side of the pockets may be access points (360,
Furthermore, depending on number and location of the magnet-containing pockets (120), the system will allow a user a variety of options regarding what types of firearm articles, in which order, and in what position the user desires. For example, in the two-pocket configuration as shown, the configuration may comprise the magazine on the upper magnet-containing pocket and the handgun at the bottom magnet-containing pocket as shown. However, the system may also comprise, for example and without limitation, two magazines or two handguns. A firearm article such as a handgun could be situated in either a left or right position, depending on which access point the user will be using.
The fabric of the pocket is generally one that is configured to promote magnetic engagement with a magnet and a firearm article on opposite sides thereof. For example, the thickness of the pocket material is generally less than one-eighth inch. Additionally, the material of the pocket should preferably be selected as one that does not mark or scratch the firearm article, such as a microfiber, nylon or similar fabric that would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.
As shown, the individual sub-pockets (221) are open, which allows the user to place certain types and sizes of magnets in a particular configuration depending on the firearm article which is being suspended. An open pocket may comprise a pocket or sub-pocket with no engagement element, or one that is selectively enclosed via a button, zipper, magnetic engagement, hook and loop fastener, and the like.
The second embodiment of the firearm article suspension system (200) having a plurality of smaller individual sub-pockets may comprise a myriad of magnet (210). configurations. In one configuration, a magnet is placed at each end of the series to hold a long yet relatively light firearm article. In a second configuration, a magnet is placed in additional sub-pockets for firearm article comprising additional weight. In a third configuration. It should also be appreciated that a plurality of magnets could be used in one of the smaller individual pockets depending on both magnet strength and the size of the individual smaller pockets.
In a preferable embodiment, distance between each of the magnet-containing pockets (320,
As shown, the access point (360) comprises zippers which are configured to be pulled downwards to allow access through the access point and into the lumbar compartment. Downwards opening zippers are preferable as it generally requires less strength from a user to open with a downwards motion while reaching behind their back. In some embodiments, the access point is additionally and or/alternatively positioned on a second side (not shown), opposite the first side (353). Other means for opening the one or more access points may include hook and look, button, or the like.
Manufacturing
The magnet may be obtained commercially or custom fabricated. Common materials for permanent magnets are cobalt, nickel, iron, and neodymium. Neodymium is especially popular in many applications given its high magnetic strength and low relative weight. Magnets can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the particular application.
In some embodiments, a Polymagnet may be used, for example one that is configured to direct or concentrate a magnetic field of the magnet at one surface thereof. See, for example, http://www.polymagnet.com.
The pockets can be fabricated from garment materials such as nylon, PVC fabric, cotton canvas, cordura or any other material known to those in the skill of the art that may be appreciate for purposes of pockets. Given the heavy use that the pockets may be subjected to, fabrics that are more durable are preferred.
While various details, features, and combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.
This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/082,350, filed Sep. 23, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7146651 | Lapin | Dec 2006 | B1 |
| 8739453 | Conner | Jun 2014 | B1 |
| 10299571 | Eberle | May 2019 | B2 |
| 20070172019 | Ballarta | Jul 2007 | A1 |
| 20140224847 | Miller | Aug 2014 | A1 |
| 20150144673 | Dahl | May 2015 | A1 |
| 20150305463 | Huyke-Phillips | Oct 2015 | A1 |
| 20190316875 | Schmadeka | Oct 2019 | A1 |
| 20220018631 | Strzalko | Jan 2022 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220090878 A1 | Mar 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63082350 | Sep 2020 | US |
