Systems And Related Methods For Concealing A Self-Defense Device

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/528,517 filed Jul. 4, 2017 (the “'517 Application”). This application incorporates by reference herein the entire disclosure of the '517 Application, including its text and figures, as if they were set forth in full herein.

INTRODUCTION

Individuals that own a device used for self-defense, such as handguns and tasers, need a method of safely and securely carrying such a device. To date, existing systems and methods do not provide the level of concealment, safety, security and comfort that many individuals desire. For example, a traditional handgun harness and holster worn by many law enforcement officers and private individuals is too bulky and can be easily detected even though it is worn inside an overcoat or suit jacket, Thus, the central purpose of carrying the self-defense device within such a holster—concealment—is partially or completely frustrated by the inherent design of existing systems.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and related methods for concealing a self-defense device that provides an increase in the level of concealment without sacrificing the safety, security or comfort of the individual carrying the device or others.

SUMMARY

Systems and related methods for concealing a self-defense device are provided.

In one embodiment, such a system may comprise: a bottom covering comprising a first support structure positioned at a top, internal circumferential surface of the bottom covering, wherein the first support structure is configured in a shape of the bottom covering to conceal the structure, and connection means (e.g., first and second mated snaps) for connecting a second support structure to the bottom covering structure. In such a system the bottom covering may comprise one or more pockets, and the first support structure may be integral to the bottom covering.

In an embodiment, at least one surface of the first support structure may comprise a slip resistant grip-type surface, such as a polypropylene webbing.

The system may further comprise a second support structure configured in a shape of the bottom covering to conceal the second support structure.

In an embodiment, the first snaps may be integral to the first support structure and the second snaps may be integral to the second support structure.

In a further embodiment, the system may comprise a third support structure for protecting a user's skin from an inside surface of the bottom covering.

In addition to the system above, the present invention provides for additional systems For example, another system may comprise: a top covering, a harness integral to an interior of the top covering and configured in a shape of the top covering to conceal the harness and a holster; a holster and first connection means for connecting the holster to the harness.

In an embodiment, the harness may comprise a removable harness, and/or the holster may comprise a removable holster. The harness may further comprise a first adjustable shoulder loop section, a central support section and a second adjustable shoulder loop section.

In yet another embodiment, the holster may comprise a receptacle for receiving a self-defense device, where the receptacle may comprise means for adjusting a position of a self-defense device.

In addition to the systems just described the present invention provides for related methods that make use of such systems and their equivalents.

Additional systems and related methods features and advantages of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary inventive system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B depicts another view of the exemplary system depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A through 2C depict additional exemplary systems according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an additional view of an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts another view of the exemplary system depicted in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict exemplary elements (e.g., holsters) that may be a part of an exemplary system of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict exemplary connection means according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 6C to 6F depict various views of an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION, INCLUDING EXAMPLES

Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for concealing a self-defense device are described herein. Although specific exemplary embodiments are discussed herein, there is no intent to limit the scope of the present invention to such embodiments. To the contrary, the exemplary embodiments discussed herein are for illustrative purposes. Modified and alternative embodiments may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. Said another way, the exemplary embodiments presented herein are only some of the many that fall within the scope of the present invention, it being practically impossible for the inventors to describe all the many possible exemplary embodiments and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention.

For example, though the systems and methods described herein focus on applying the inventive systems and methods to a personal firearm, this is for illustrative purposes only, it being further understood that the systems and methods may be applied to other types of self-defense devices, such as a device that discharges mace, to name just one of the many additional types of devices that the inventive systems and methods maybe applied to.

It should also be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments may be described as a process or method. Although a process/method may be described as sequential, such a process/method may be performed in parallel, concurrently or simultaneously. In addition, the order of each step within a process/method may be re-arranged. A process/method may be terminated when completed and may also include additional steps not included in a description of the process/method.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural form, unless the context and/or common sense indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, systems, subsystems, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, systems, subsystems, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof.

As used herein, the designations “first”, “second”, etc., is purely to distinguish one component (e.g., element type, element, subsystem, section, etc.,) or part of a process from another and does not indicate an importance, priority or status. In fact, the component or parts of a process could be re-designated (i.e., re-numbered) and it would not affect the operation of systems or methods provided by the present invention.

Yet further, when one part of a device or system or visual is described or depicted as being connected to another part using “a connection” (or single line in a figure) it should be understood that practically speaking such a connection (line) may comprise (and many times will comprise) more than one physical connection.

It should be noted that the systems, devices and visuals illustrated in the figures are not drawn to scale, are not representative of an actual shape or size and are not representative of any actual system, device, layout, manufacture's drawing or visual. Rather, the systems, devices and visuals are drawn to simply help explain the features, functions and processes of exemplary embodiments of the present invention described herein and covered by the claims set forth at the end of this description.

As used herein, the term “embodiment” or “exemplary” refers to one example of the present invention.

As used herein the phrase “unstructured jacket” means a piece of clothing, typically a jacket, that does not include one or more elements traditionally made a part of the structure of a jacket, such as heavy linings, shoulder pads and chest canvases for example. Conversely, the phrase “structured jacket” means a piece of clothing, typically a jacket, that includes one or more elements traditionally made a part of the structure of a jacket, such as heavy linings, shoulder pads and chest canvases for example.

As depicted in FIG. 1A, an exemplary concealment system 1 (“concealment system” or just “system” for short) for concealably carrying a self-defense device may comprise a harness 2a, 2b and 2c and holster 3a, 3b. As depicted the system 1 may be worn by an individual (individual is not shown in figures for the sake of simplicity) underneath a suit jacket 4 or another type of personal garment or covering that covers the top portion of an individual's body (collectively referred to as “top covering”), or be connect to, or be made an integral part of, such a top covering.

For example, in one embodiment the entire harness 2a, 2b, 2c and holster 3a, 3b may comprise a system that is entirely separate from the top covering 4 (i.e., is not connected to the top covering 4, just worn under or over the covering 4). In another embodiment, one or more sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the harness, or the entire harness, or one or more portions 3a, 3b of the holster and/or the entire holster may be integrated into (i.e., integral with) the top covering 4. For example, one or more of the sections 2a, 2b and 2c and/or portions 3a, 3b may be made a part of the interior or exterior surface of the top covering 4. More particularly, one or more sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the harness and/or one or more portions of the holster 3a, 3b may be woven into the interior or exterior surface or material making up the top covering 4. Accordingly, the integral sections or portions may be configured in a shape that resembles the top covering, or may be positioned in a location in the top covering that resembles the shape of the top covering 4 thus functioning to enhance the concealment of the system and/or elements thereof. As such, it is believed that systems provided by the present invention will be less detectable, thereby providing an increase level of concealment and comfort for individuals that are using the inventive systems.

Yet further, alternatively, some of the sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the harness and some of the portions 3a, 3b of the holster may be removably attached while other sections and portions may be integral with the top covering 4. In such a case, the system 1 may include additional connection means for connecting the removably attached sections and portions to those that have been integrated into the top covering 4 by, for example, using buckles, Velcro assemblies, snaps, clips and the like.

In more detail, whether separate, integral or removably attached to the top covering 4, the harness may comprise a first adjustable shoulder loop section 2a, central support section 2b and a second adjustable shoulder loop section 2c. In an embodiment, the sections 2a, 2b and 2c may comprise a one-piece device, or separate components connected together, to form a harness. Continuing, the holster may comprise a receptacle 3a into which may be placed a self-defense device (not shown) and be configured as a removable or detachable holster if desired (not shown). When the receptacle 3a is not integral with the top covering 4 (i.e., it is either separate or removably connected), the receptacle 3a may be securably connected to the interior or exterior of the top covering 4 by connection means 3b. In in embodiment, the connection means 3b may comprise a Velcro assembly that is connected to the second shoulder loop section 2c on one of its sides and the receptacle 3a on the other side (i.e., the side closest to the receptacle 3a), a clip or another similar connection means, for example.

Again, though the harness 2a, 2b, 2c is depicted as one device it should be understood that this is merely illustrative. In alternative embodiments, the harness may consist of multiple pieces 2a, 2b, and 2c. When each of the pieces 2a, 2b, 2c is not integral with the top covering 4, such pieces may be connected together using suitable adjustment devices such as straps, buckles, Velcro assembly. When used herein the term Velcro assembly may include both a “hook” surface and “loop” surface.

For example, the adjustable shoulder loop sections 2a and 2c may comprise a buckle and belt arrangement for tightening or loosening the sections 2a and 2c with respect to the body of the individual that is wearing the harness 2a, 2b, 2c.

Further, though the system 1 is depicted as being worn underneath, integral with or removably attached to the interior of the top covering 4, the system may alternatively be worn over the top covering 4. Yet further, the top covering may be an unstructured or unstructured jacket.

As depicted in FIG. 1A, the receptacle 3a may comprise means for adjusting the positioning of the self-defense device including an opening that provides an insertion angle 5 to insert a self-defense device (with or without a separate removable holster), where the angle 5 may be between 0 and 45 as measured from an individual's horizontal waistline, for example. In more detail, when the receptacle 3a is integral with the top covering 4 the means for adjusting may comprise a pocket that has an opening which forms an angle 5 with the individual's waistline. This permits the individual carrying a self-defense device to insert a self-defense device into the integrated receptacle 3a and remove the self-defense device faster than existing systems. In addition, if the receptacle 3a and opening are not integrated into the top covering 4 (i.e., it is removably attached to the covering 4) the receptacle 3a itself can be connected or attached more easily than existing systems.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A through 2C there are depicted additional examples of self-defense device, concealment systems 10A to 10C according to embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2A the system 10A may comprise a pocket 20a or similar opening in a bottom covering 20d and positioned along a user's waistline. In FIG. 2B the system 10B comprises two pockets 20a and 20b, one positioned similar to pocket 20a in FIG. 2A while the other one 20b is positioned along the waistline on the opposite side. In an embodiment one of the pockets 20a, 20b may be configured to hold a self-defense device (with or without a removable holster) while the other may be configured to hold ammunition or other articles. FIG. 2C depicts a system 10C that comprises an elastic waistband, belt or other similar support structure or device 20c (hereafter “first support structure”) that may extend substantially 360 degrees around the top, internal or external circumferential surface (i.e., waistline) of a bottom covering 20d (e.g., pants). The structure 20c may be integral to, or separate from the bottom covering 20d.

In one embodiment of the invention, one, both or all of the surfaces of the first support structure 20c may comprise a polypropylene webbing with, for example, eight strands of ⅓″ rubber woven into a surface that forms a slip resistant grip-type surface. The webbing may comprise easy to clean 1″ poly webbing 84% polypropylene and 16% rubber by weight with a tensile strength rating of 500 pounds, for example.

Like the systems depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the systems depicted in FIGS. 2A through 2C function to provide an increase in the level of concealment without sacrificing the safety, security or comfort of the individual carrying a self-defense device or other individuals.

Though shown in the front of an individual along a waistline it should be understood that the pockets 20a, 20b and support structure 20c may be positioned in additional, different positions along an individual's waistline or other positions relative to an individual as explained further herein.

Alternatively, systems 10A and 10B may also comprise a similar support structure 20c for supporting the one or more pockets 20a and/or 20b. In one embodiment, a pocket may comprise an area made of a heavyweight cotton canvas with an opening in the top and/or sides of the canvas.

Though the bottom covering 20d may cover the entire legs of an individual this is merely exemplary. Other coverings with differing lengths covering more or less of an individual's legs (one or two legs) may be used with the inventive systems.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 there is depicted a system 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

As shown the system 300 may comprise a first support structure 20c and connection means 30c for connecting the first structure 20c to a receptacle 30a, such as a removable holster for example. The receptacle 30a may be configured to hold a self-defense device 30b, such as a handgun or taser, for example. The connection means 30c may comprise Velcro (both a “hook” surface and “loop” surface), clip, or a strap that is attached or otherwise connected to the receptacle 30a on one side and circularly attached to (either removably or not removably) the structure 20c on the other side (e.g., it is wrapped around the structure 20c), to name just a few of many types of connection means.

Similar to the systems depicted in FIGS. 1A through 2C, the entire system 300 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (or one or more elements thereof) may be integral to the bottom covering 20d, may be separate from such covering 20d or may be removably attached. For example, the support structure 20c may be woven into an interior (or exterior) surface (e.g., waistline) of the bottom covering 20d while the connection means 30c and receptacle 30a may be separate or removably attached to the structure 20c and bottom covering 20d. Alternatively, each of the elements 20c, 30a and 30c may be integral to (e.g., woven into) the interior or exterior surface of the bottom covering 20d. Still further, the support structure 20c may be removably attached to the bottom covering 20d as described further herein. In such a case the structure 20c may be referred as an “insert” or “insertable structure”. In any event, the one or more elements of the system 300 may be configured in a shape that resembles the bottom covering, or may be positioned in a location that resembles the shape of the bottom covering 20d, thus functioning to enhance the concealment of the system or elements thereof. As such, the elements will be less detectable and thereby provide an increase level of concealment and comfort.

In yet another embodiment, one or more of the elements of system 300 may be part of a removable or detachable system, such as a belt-like system. Yet alternatively, one or more of the elements of the system 300 may be part of, or connected to, an undergarment worn underneath the bottom covering 20d.

Though the support structure 20c is shown as being 360 degrees, it should be understood that the structure 20c may be less than 360 degrees. In an embodiment, the support structure 20c may only be a portion of 360 degrees. That is to say the support structure 20c may not completely encircle the individual's waistline, and, instead may only cover a portion of the waistline as described further herein. In an embodiment, the support structure may comprise a length (when straightened out) of 10 inches, for example.

FIG. 6A depicts exemplary, one or more first connection means for connecting the support structure 20c to the bottom cover 20d, for example. As shown, the first connection means may comprise one or more female, military-grade snaps 60a to 60n or the like (where “n” indicates the last such snap). In FIG. 6B there is shown a second connection means. As shown the second connection means may comprise a military-grade or the like male snap 600a. Though only one snap 600a is shown in FIG. 6B, it should be understood that each female snap 60a to 60n in FIG. 6A may be aligned with an associated male snap 600a to 600n to form a mated connection.

In an embodiment, the one or more male snaps 600a to 600n may be integral to the bottom cover 20d and positioned along the surface of the cover 20d, while the one or more female snaps 60a to 60n may be integral to the structure 20c. In one embodiment, to connect the first structure 20c to the bottom cover 20d the snaps are aligned and pressure is applied to join the female and male snaps together, for example.

When the structure 20c has a length or circumferential length that is less than 360 degrees, the structure 20c may be positioned at a plurality of different positions around the waistline of the individual. Said another way, the structure 20c can be snapped into to the bottom covering 20d at different positions along the waistline of the individual. By providing the ability to change the position of the structure 20c the invention provides the ability to change the position of the holster 30a and self-defense device 30b.

It should be understood that more than one structure 20c may be removably connected to bottom covering 20d (i.e., one structure on each side of a person's waistline).

Though the female snaps 60a to 60n are shown as a part of the structure 20c and the male snap 600a is shown as a part of the bottom covering 20d, it should be understood that the positions of one, some (or all) of the snaps may be reversed. That is, one, some (or all) of the female snaps 60a to 60n may be on the bottom covering 20d while one, some (or all) of the male snaps illustrated by snap 600a may be on the structure 20c.

It should also be understood that the male and female snaps are just one of a number of different, structural connection means that may be used. Other exemplary structures are a combination of buttons and button holes, a zipper, buckle, clamp, zip-tie and fasteners to name just a few of the types of connection means. It is believed, however, that certain connection means, such as the snaps described herein, may be preferred by a user of the inventive systems because the use of snaps forms a flat and compact connection thereby allowing the structure 20c to lay substantially flat against a user's body which leads to increased comfort and increased concealment of the system.

Referring now to FIGS. 6C to 6F there are depicted additional embodiments of an inventive system 3000. System 3000 may be the same or similar system as systems 10A to 10C or 300, or may be a modified system.

As shown in FIG. 6C, external “front” and “back views of system 3000 are shown that illustrate the concealment of components of the system 3000.

Referring now to FIG. 6D, there are depicted internal “front” and “back” views of the system 3000. That is to say, the views reveal the internal surfaces of the system 3000. As depicted the system 3000 may comprise an upper lining or pockets 6010 that may be integral to, or be connected to, an internal portion or surface of bottom covering 2000d.

The system may further comprise a reinforced section 6020a that functions to provide additional support in the crotch area of the bottom covering 2000d, for example.

Yet further, a third support structure 6030 may be included. This third support structure 6030 may be connected to the bottom covering 2000d using bounded seams 6050. In an embodiment, the third support structure 6030 may be configured to be connected to the length-wise leg portions of the bottom covering 2000d, for example. In embodiments the structure 6030 may comprise a breathable, lower lining or mesh that functions to protect a user's skin from the inside roughened surface of the bottom covering 2000d to provide added comfort while being worn by a user. In embodiments, the exact length-wise dimensions of the structure 6030 may vary depending on the measurements of a user's legs, for example.

FIG. 6E depicts enlarged views of the “front” and “back” internal views of system 3000 shown in FIG. 6D. As shown, one or more second connection means or female snaps 6100a to 6100n are depicted along a waistline of the bottom cover 2000d. In an embodiment, the one or more snaps 61000a to 6100n may be formed as a part of a second support or waistline structure 6000 (hereafter “second support structure”) that is connected to (e.g. woven into) the bottom cover 2000d and positioned along the waistline of the cover 2000d in a belt-like configuration. Still further, the bottom cover 2000d may include a waistline curtain 6040 that may be made from cotton, for example, and may function to expand and contract in accordance with a user's body and prevent sections of the system 3000 making up a waistband or waistline from collapsing and rolling over or curling up unto itself.

FIG. 6E further depicts pocket 20a. Pocket 20a is shown configured as a part of the internal “front” of the bottom cover 2000d. Similar to reinforced section 6020a, the “back” of cover 2000d may include a second reinforced section 6020b that functions to provide additional support in the back, crotch area of the bottom covering 2000d, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 6F, there is depicted enlarged “front” and “back” views of the system 3000 depicted in FIG. 6E, including second support section 6000 of bottom covering 2000d. As shown the “front” view is located in the center of FIG. 6F while the “back” view is located on the left and right sides of FIG. 6F. On the top right of FIG. 6F there is depicted an exemplary elastic first support structure 2000c (or 20c) with mated connection means, such as one or more female snaps 6000a, 6000b. In an embodiment, the support structure 2000c may comprise a length (when straightened out) of 10 inches, for example.

As described herein, the structure 2000c may be connected to bottom covering 2000d to form system 3000 by aligning the snaps 6000a, 6000b of structure 2000c with mated connection means or snaps 6100a to 6100n (e.g., male snaps) of the second structure 6000 and then applying pressure to one of both sides of the snaps. It should be noted that although snaps are depicted as the means for connecting the structures 2000c, 6000, other acceptable and equivalent connection means may be substituted, such as mating Velcro surfaces on each structure 2000c, 6000.

In an embodiment, one or more of the structures 2000c (and structure 20c shown in other figures) may be removable so that they may be placed anywhere along the waistline of the user. For example, a structure 2000c may comprise two snaps 6000a, 6000b that may be placed over any two oppositely mated (male-to-female or female-to-male) snaps 6100a, 6100b that are configured along structure 6000. In an embodiment, the oppositely mated snaps used to secure the structure 2000c may be immediately adjacent one another along structure 6000.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B there is depicted exemplary receptacles 500a, b (e.g., holsters) for receiving and retaining a self-defense device, ammunition or a related device that may be a part of an exemplary system 501 of the invention. As shown the receptacles 500a, b may be part of top covering 501 (e.g., a jacket). That is to say the receptacles 500a, b may be integral to the top covering 501, may be attached to the top covering 501 or may be removably attached to the top covering 501 using similar connection means described elsewhere herein, for example.

In one embodiment, the receptacles are detachable holsters for receiving and retaining a self-defense device, for example.

In yet another embodiment, one surface 502 of the receptacle may include a non-slip webbing or ridged surface area to allow the individual to grip the receptacle and to distinguish it from the surfaces of the top covering 501, for example.

While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that variations of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, one or more of the systems depicted in FIGS. 1A through 6F may be combined. More specifically, the holsters depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be used in combination with the systems depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.