SYSTEM FOR SECURING A LOAD TO A GARMENT

Abstract

A system for securing a load to a garment is disclosed, including an internal belt built into a garment. A holster is configured to be attached to the internal belt and a tab is provided which is accessible from outside of the garment to permit the user to selectively tighten the holster. The internal belt is disposed within a sleeve positioned within the interior of the garment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments provided herein relate to a system for securing an item to the interior or exterior of a garment.

BACKGROUND

Individuals often secure items such as firearms, knives, and tools to their person using various devices. Heavy or bulky items often require a belt or support to be safely and comfortably carried. For example, a firearm may be secured to the individual's belt using a specially designed holster. Alternatively, the firearm may be secured to the waistband of the pants or shorts. Similarly, individuals may affix a tool bag to their belt.

While many garments accept a belt via a series of loops around the user's waist, some garments, such as coveralls and overalls, do not have a means for accepting a belt. Further, the coveralls or overalls do not have a waist band which is not compatible with clip-on holsters. This leaves the user unable to secure an item to their coveralls or overalls using known devices in the arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that are disclosed further in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments provided herein relate to a system for securing a load to a garment, including an internal belt built into a garment. A holster is configured to be attached to the internal belt and a tab is provided which is accessible from outside of the garment to permit the user to selectively tighten the belt and accompanying holster around the waist. The internal belt is disposed within a sleeve positioned within the interior of the garment.

Garments such as overalls, coveralls, dresses, or other garments lacking means for securing a belt thereon do not permit the carrying of a holstered load in which the load is secured to the waist of the user. The embodiments provided herein enables a holster to be attached to such garments, permitting both outside the waist (open carry) or inside the waist (concealed carry) attachments. The embodiments permit “clip-on”, “though the loop”, and other holster designs known in the arts to be attached. The embodiments may be provided to various other item holders including tool bags, knife sheaths, etc., which are commonly carried on the belt or waist band of a garment. The embodiments also permit the user to selectively engage and disengage the holster as needed.

By virtue of the support system being incorporated inside the garment and its adjustability, it does not impede the original functionality of the garment. Further, the system secures the holster and item therein during times of vigorous movement to increase comfort and safety. The original unstructured and typically loose waist of the garments can be maintained, and temporarily tightened when support of the item contained within the holster is required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the system engaged with a garment, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the system engaged with a garment, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cutaway view of the interior front panel, internal belt, and sleeve, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system for securing a load to a garment, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the system engaged with a garment, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the system engaged with a garment, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the system engaged with a garment, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the system engaged with a garment, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an interior view of the system engaged with a garment, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments described herein relate to a system for securing an item to a garment which does not currently accept a belt, have provisions for belt loops, or does not have a waist band (e.g., a pair of coveralls or overalls). Current systems allow the item to move during normal activities which may cause the item to fall out or cause discomfort to the user. The system secures the item to the user's body to allow for vigorous movements while increasing comfort and safety.

The support system can be used to secure and stabilize other loads, such as backpacks, which may be removably anchored to an inner belt of the garment.

In some embodiments, the item can be any item normally secured to the pants or shorts of a user via a belt, belt loop, or waist band. For example, the item may be a firearm, flashlight, bear mace, tool belt, knife, etc.

As a non-limiting example, the system for securing a load to a garment may include an internal belt secured within a garment, and which may include exposed, external portions for the attachment of loads. Additionally, the system may include exposed, internal portions for the attachment of loads. A tab portion of the belt may be exposed to an external portion of the garment for tightening the internal belt.

In general, the internal belt may be integrated with an elastic band, strap, rope, or the like similar to a traditional belt. The internal belt may include portions disposed within an internal sleeve of the system and may include exposed portions removed from the internal sleeves such that they are exposed to either the exterior of the garment or the interior of the garment, or both. The belt may include materials such as cotton, canvas, elastic, nylon, leather, or any other suitable material.

According to various embodiments, a portion of the belt and the garment may include complimentary attachment mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, hook-and-loop connectors, buttons, magnets, tourniquet style tie-offs, or the like such that the free end of the belt may be secured against or inside the garment.

In general, the clasp may be a slide adjustable cinch, buckle, clasp, tensioning mechanism such as a ratchet-style tensioning mechanism, lockable lace, lever tightening mechanism, or the like. A portion of the belt, such as the first end, second end, or both may be connected to at least a portion of the claps. According to some embodiments, the clasp may include a multi-piece construction such that a portion may be fixed to one end of the belt, and the belt may slidably engage with the clasp, such as in a cinch or parachute clasp arrangement.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the system includes an internal belt 100 built into a garment 101 (e.g., overalls or coveralls), that exits the garment 101 in the location where a holster 102 (see FIG. 2) is to be attached and capable of being tightened by a tab 103 accessible from the outside 105 of the garment 101. The tab 103 is positioned on a side 109 of the garment 101 to permit the user to pull the tab 103 and tighten the belt 100. An external segment 111 is joined by a clasp 113 permitting the external segment 111 to open to permit one or more holsters 102 that clip to a belt or that have the belt pass through the holster 102, to be attached. In some embodiments, clip-on holsters may not require the belt segment to open. The tightening feature allows the user to cinch the holster 102 against their person, stabilizing it for carry, and to loosen the system when not in use or for comfort. This allows the garment 101 to fit and function in either a loose (conventional) or tightened (carry) configuration.

One skilled in the arts will readily understand that while the example of a firearm holster is utilized and illustrated herein, the holster may take the form of various configurations designed to carry various items such as a flashlight holder, knife sheath, tool bag, etc.

In reference to FIG. 3, the internal belt is contained within a sleeve 115 inside the garment 101, such that when the tab is pulled, the belt constricts within the sleeve 115, cinching the garment 101 around the user. As depicted in FIG. 3, the internal sleeve 115 may be non-continuous, permitting the garment 101 to open from the top, which is unimpeded in normal operation, while permitting the belt to exit for holster attachment and tightening tab access. According to some embodiments, the internal sleeve 115 may be continuous. In some embodiments, the sleeve 115 may include segments or loops inside the garment.

In some embodiments, the belt may only require single discontinuity if it is to be passed through a holster, wherein the single discontinuity allows the belt to only be affixed at one end or at one point or region. Further, a clip-on holster may not require a discontinuity wherein the belt is affixed at each end or at a single point or region.

In some embodiments, the discontinuity in the internal sleeve permits the garment to open wider to retain the garment's ability to be opened wider or cinched tighter. The internal sleeve may be continuous inside the garment without impeding the user to don the garment or take off the garment. The internal sleeve includes openings on one or both faces of the sleeve for the belt to exit to permit the attachment of a holster and to allow tightening.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view of the system for securing a load to a garment 101. The system includes one or more panels 117 which comprise the internal sleeve 115. The internal sleeve may include one or more open ends 119 and a closed end 121. Each panel 117 creates a cavity 123 within the garment 101 to allow the belt 125 to extend therethrough. The clasp 113 connects each end of the belt 125. The belt 125 may loop through the clasp 113 and extend from the garment 101 to allow the user to pull the end of the belt 125 in order to tighten the belt around their waste. The belt 125 may be unattached from the garment or attached at attachment point 127. According to some embodiments, the internal belt is rigidly attached at an attachment point 127, for example, the rearward side of the holster attachment, causing the cinching action to initiate from this location. This helps prevent fore and aft shifting of the holster during tightening. According to some embodiments, the end of the belt may be fixed in place going through the inner sleeve and the overalls back panel while remaining partially exposed on at least one side, such as, near the clasp 113. As a fixed point, when the belt is tightened, the tightening action may initiate at the fixed end as the diameter of the belt reduces.

Referring to FIG. 5, the system includes an internal belt built into a garment 101 that exits the garment 101 in the location where a holster may be attached. The internal sleeve 115 may include one or more open ends 119. A belt 125 at least partially disposed within the internal sleeve 115, may be partially exposed by exiting the open end 119. The belt 125 may include a clasp 135 constructed and arranged to mechanically engage with an external fastening system 145 such as buckles, buttons, clasps, magnets, hook-and-loop attachments, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 6, the system includes an internal belt built into a garment 101 that exits the garment 101 in the location where a holster may be attached. The internal sleeve 115 may include one or more open ends 119. A belt 125 at least partially disposed within the internal sleeve 115, may be partially exposed by exiting open end(s) 119. The belt 125 may include a tourniquet-style tightening mechanism 136 constructed and arranged to mechanically engage 126 with the belt 125. The tourniquet-style tightening mechanism 136 may include other tightening mechanism such as ratcheting systems, clamping mechanisms, lever-lock mechanisms, and the like. The system may further include a support system 150 provided at the hips or waist of the user enabling this system to stabilize loads carried elsewhere on the body, such a backpack via a plurality of external clips, zippers, snaps, toggles, or the like. The support system 150 may include a plurality of external clips, zippers, snaps, toggles, or the like interface with a backpack to provide weight transfer and support when wearing the backpack.

FIG. 7 depicts a system including an internal belt 125 built into a garment 101 that exits the garment 101 in a location where a holster may be attached and capable of being tightened by a tab accessible from the outside of the garment 101. An external segment of the belt 125 may be joined by a clasp 113 permitting the external segment of the belt to open to permit one or more holsters that clip to a belt or that have the belt pass through the holster 102, to be attached.

FIG. 8 depicts a system including multiple internal belts 125a, 125b built into a garment 101 via a first internal sleeve 115a and a second internal sleeve 115b that exits the garment 101 in locations where a holster or other case, pack, backpack, pouch, or the like may be attached.

FIG. 9 illustrates an internal view of the system for securing a load to a garment 101. The garment 101, as depicted in FIG. 9, has been partially turned inside-out to better show the system. The system includes one or more panels 117 which comprise the internal sleeve. The internal sleeve may include one or more open ends 119. Each panel 117 creates a cavity within the garment 101 to allow the belt 125 to extend therethrough. The clasp 113 connects each end of the belt 125. The belt 125 may loop through the clasp 113 and extend from the garment 101 to allow the user to pull the end of the belt 125 in order to tighten the belt around their waist.

In some embodiments, the belt is not fixed to permit the belt to “float” (i.e., be engaged with the garment without a fixed attachment point) within the sleeve to enable uniform tightening around the user and secure the load to their waist. In such, the belt is still retained around the waist of the user while allowing the holster and item contained therein to be accessible from outside the garment.

To operate the system, the user dons the garment with the internal belt in the loosened configuration. The clasp on the external segment is opened and the belt segment is threaded through the holster. The clasp may then be fastened. With the holster now affixed, the external tightening tab is pulled to the desired degree of tightness around the waist, securing the load around the user's waist. The holster is removed by loosening the tab, reducing tension on the clasp, and opening the external segment. In such, the system allows the user to selectively loosen and tighten the belt while selectively releasing and engaging the holster with the belt.

In some embodiments, the holster includes a clip, or similar attachment mechanism which can be affixed without separating the clasped sections of the external segment. Tightening of the system would still be conducted to provide support for the load.

In some embodiments, the internal support system may secure both internal and external loads. In the context of a firearm, this would enable both open and concealed carry on a garment traditionally not compatible with the transport of a firearm. Further, the support provided at the hips or waist of the user also enables this system to stabilize loads carried elsewhere on the body, such a backpack via a plurality of external clips, zippers, snaps, toggles, or the like. The support system may include an internal waist-belt to interface with a backpack to provide weight transfer and support when wearing the backpack. This would allow for the elimination of an integrated waist-belt and backpack in traditional arrangements. According to one embodiment, a backpack may engage directly with the inner belt of the system by passing through at least one hole in the garment constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a backpack therethrough, or allowing external clips, zippers, snaps, toggles, or the like to pass through and engage a backpack or bag.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to be compatible with an “inside the waist” carry system. In such, the attachment segment is not external, but internal to the garment. However, the attachment segment may not be contained within the internal sleeve. This permits a region accessible for attachment of the holster.

In some embodiments, the belt is constructed using a woven webbing contained within a nylon sleeve. The internal belt can be constructed from a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, cord, or leather. The internal sleeve may also be fabricated from various materials. The material of the belt may be selected to provide various amounts of elasticity based on the user's preferences. For example, a leather belt may be selected for a user who wants less elasticity compared to the woven webbing.

In some embodiments, various tensioning mechanisms may be implemented rather than a belt and buckle configuration. For example, the tensioning mechanism may be an enclosed wire/cable and tensioning system with built-in release mechanism. In another example, the tensioning mechanism may include a ratchet strap mechanism.

In some embodiments, a load-bearing pack may attach to the anchor points on the waist of the garment. When the internal system is tightened, it provides support and stability to transfer the load from the pack to the hips of the user.

In some embodiments, the garment may be configured such that the belt is arranged at various heights along the user's body. For example, the belt may be positioned on the waist or lower on the hip of the user, or even on an appendage (i.e., leg) of the garment.

According to variation 1, a system for securing a load to a garment, may include an internal belt built into a garment; a holster configured to be attached to the internal belt; and a tab accessible from outside of the garment, the tab to tighten the belt which secures the holster.

Variation 2 may include a system as in variation 1 wherein the garment is an overall.

Variation 3 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 2 wherein the garment is a coverall.

Variation 4 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 3 wherein the tab is a pull tab to permit the user to selectively tighten the belt.

Variation 5 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 4, further including an external segment configured to open or close via a clasp to permit the holster to releasably engage with the internal belt.

Variation 6 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 5 wherein the internal belt is at least partially contained within a sleeve positioned inside the garment.

Variation 7 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 6 further including a discontinuous sleeve disposed within the garment and which houses the internal belt.

According to variation 8, a system for securing a load to a garment may include a garment; at least one inner sleeve disposed within the garment; an internal belt having a first end and a second end, the internal belt being at least partially disposed within the at least one sleeve; at least one clasp connected to the first end, and a portion of the internal belt in mechanical communication with the clasp; and wherein the second end is accessible from outside of the garment to tighten the belt.

Variation 9 may include a system as in variation 8 wherein the at least one sleeve is a plurality of sleeves attached to an interior portion of the garment and which house the at least one sleeve.

Variation 10 may include a system as in any of variations 8 through 9 wherein the clasp includes at least one of a parachute clasp, slide adjustable cinch, buckle, clasp, tensioning mechanism, lockable lace, or lever tightening mechanism.

Variation 11 may include a system as in any of variations 8 through 10 wherein the at least one sleeve is discontinuous.

Variation 12 may include a system as in any of variations 8 through 11 wherein the garment is an overall.

Variation 13 may include a system as in any of variations 8 through 12 wherein the garment is a coverall.

Variation 14 may include a system as in any of variations 8 through 13 wherein the second end includes pull tab to permit the user to selectively tighten the belt.

Variation 15 may include a system as in any of variations 8 through 14 further including an external segment configured to open or close via the clasp to permit the holster to releasably engage with the internal belt.

According to variation 16, a system for securing a load to a garment may include a garment; at least one first inner sleeve disposed within the garment; a first internal belt having a first end and a second end, the first internal belt being at least partially disposed within the at least one first sleeve and at least partially exposed outside of the garment; at least one first clasp connected to the first end, and a portion of the first internal belt in mechanical communication with the clasp, wherein the second end is accessible from outside of the garment to tighten the first internal belt; at least one second inner sleeve disposed within the garment; and a second internal belt having a third end and a fourth end, the second internal belt being at least partially disposed within the at least one second sleeve and at least partially exposed outside of the garment, wherein the fourth end is accessible from outside of the garment to tighten the second internal belt.

Variation 17 may include a system as in variation 16, further including a first attachment mechanism disposed on the second; and a second attachment mechanism disposed on the exterior of the garment constructed and arranged to engage with the first attachment mechanism to secure the second end.

Variation 18 may include a system as in any of variations 16 through 17 wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism include a plurality of magnets.

Variation 19 may include a system as in any of variations 16 through 18 wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism include a plurality of buttons.

Variation 20 may include a system as in any of variations 16 through 19 wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism include a plurality of connectors.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for securing a load to a garment, comprising: an internal belt built into a garment;a holster configured to be attached to the internal belt; anda tab accessible from outside of the garment, the tab to tighten the belt which secures the holster.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the garment is an overall.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the garment is a coverall.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the tab is a pull tab to permit the user to selectively tighten the belt.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising an external segment configured to open or close via a clasp to permit the holster to releasably engage with the internal belt.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the internal belt is at least partially contained within a sleeve positioned inside the garment.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a discontinuous sleeve disposed within the garment and which houses the internal belt.

8. A system for securing a load to a garment, comprising: a garment;at least one inner sleeve disposed within the garment;an internal belt having a first end and a second end, the internal belt being at least partially disposed within the at least one sleeve;at least one clasp connected to the first end, and a portion of the internal belt in mechanical communication with the clasp; andwherein the second end is accessible from outside of the garment to tighten the belt.

9. A system as in claim 8, wherein the at least one sleeve is a plurality of sleeves attached to an interior portion of the garment and which houses the at least one belt.

10. A system as in claim 8, wherein the clasp comprises at least one parachute clasp, slide adjustable cinch, buckle, clasp, tensioning mechanism, lockable lace, or lever tightening mechanism.

11. A system as in claim 8, wherein the at least one sleeve is discontinuous.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the garment is an overall.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the garment is a coverall.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the second end comprises pull tab to permit the user to selectively tighten the belt.

15. The system of claim 8, further comprising an external segment configured to open or close via the clasp to permit the holster to releasably engage with the internal belt.

16. A system for securing a load to a garment, comprising: a garment;at least one first inner sleeve disposed within the garment;a first internal belt having a first end and a second end, the first internal belt being at least partially disposed within the at least one first sleeve and at least partially exposed outside of the garment;at least one first clasp connected to the first end, and a portion of the first internal belt in mechanical communication with the clasp, wherein the second end is accessible from outside of the garment to tighten the first internal belt;at least one second inner sleeve disposed within the garment; anda second internal belt having a third end and a fourth end, the second internal belt being at least partially disposed within the at least one second sleeve and at least partially exposed outside of the garment, wherein the fourth end is accessible from outside of the garment to tighten the second internal belt.

17. A system as in claim 16, further comprising: a first attachment mechanism disposed on the second; anda second attachment mechanism disposed on the exterior of the garment constructed and arranged to engage with the first attachment mechanism to secure the second end.

18. A system as in claim 17, wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism comprise a plurality of magnets.

19. A system as in claim 17, wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism comprise a plurality of buttons.

20. A system as in claim 17, wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism comprise a plurality of connectors.