UTILITY HOLSTER STRAP

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/661,277, filed Jun. 18, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to devices worn in the belt or inside a pant waist. In particular, this invention relates to an improved utility strap configured for the attachment of a pistol holster, accessories, and tools thereto.

Conventional pistol holster devices, also known as sidecars, are often inflexible and do not allow the user to move the pistol holster once attached to the device. Some conventional pistol holsters devices may include a hinge, however, such hinges often break. One example of such a known holster is the T.Rex sidecar holster manufactured by T.Rex Arms of Centerville, TN. Another example of such a known holster is the Flex sidecar holster manufactured by Bucks Holsters of Cape Coral, FL.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved structure for a pistol holster device that is flexible, configurable to allow the attachment of a plurality of accessories and tools, and allows for an attached pistol holster to be moved based on the needs of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved utility strap configured for the attachment of a pistol holster, accessories, and tools thereto. The utility strap includes a flexible strap body having a plurality of mounting holes formed therein and defining attachment points for one of a pistol holster, accessories, and tools. The strap body includes a plurality of openings formed therein to facilitate bending.

In another embodiment, the utility strap includes a flexible strap body having a plurality of mounting holes formed therein and defining attachment points for one of a pistol holster, accessories, and tools. A riser extends outwardly from a surface of the strap body facing away from the wearer when worn. The strap body further includes: a first portion having a first thickness, a second portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and a transition area of increasing thickness between the first and second portions; a plurality of elongated slots formed therein to facilitate bending; an outwardly extending, elongated first wing; and a second wing and a third wing separated by an upper arcuate edge, wherein the second wing and the third wing extend outwardly and upwardly from the strap body. A side portion of the strap body opposite the first wing defines a flange.

Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in view of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a utility strap in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the utility strap shown in FIG. 1 having two of a first embodiment of an inside the waistband (IWB) clip attached thereto.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the utility strap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 having one of the first embodiment of the IWB clip and one of a second embodiment of an IWB clip attached thereto.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a utility strap in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the utility strap shown in FIG. 4 having two of the first embodiment of the IWB clip attached thereto.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the utility strap and IWB clips shown in FIG. 5 having a first embodiment of an attachment holder mounted thereto.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the utility strap and IWB clips shown in FIG. 4 having one of the first embodiment of the IWB clip and a second embodiment of an attachment holder mounted thereto.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the utility strap illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the utility strap shown in FIG. 4 having one of the second embodiment of the IWB clip, a riser, a pistol holster having a pistol therein, and a magazine pouch having a magazine therein.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the utility strap shown in FIG. 9 shown as worn within a waistband.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the utility strap shown in FIG. 4 having two of a third embodiment of an IWB clip, the riser, the first embodiment of the attachment holder, the pistol holster having a pistol therein, and two magazine pouches, each having a magazine therein.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a reverse side of an embodiment of the utility strap illustrated in FIG. 4 showing a riser adjuster.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the utility strap illustrated in FIG. 12 shown with a pistol holster mounted thereto.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a utility strap having a fourth wing.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the utility strap shown in FIG. 4 having an attachable wing member mounted thereto.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a utility strap assembly having the utility strap shown in FIG. 4, the first embodiment of the attachment holder, and the attachable wing member mounted thereto.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the utility strap assembly shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a stiffener strut.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of the utility strap assembly illustrated in FIG. 16, and having the stiffener strut mounted thereto.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a utility strap in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 a first embodiment of a utility strap 10. The illustrated utility strap 10 includes a flexible strap body 12 having a plurality of mounting holes formed therein. As shown, the holes may be circular, such as the holes 14, or slightly elongated, such as the holes 16, the purpose for which will be explained below. It will be understood that the strap body 12 may include any number of the holes 14 and 16, and any number of additional holes having any desired shape or shapes. A plurality of openings are also formed in the strap body 12 to facilitate bending. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap body 12 includes a plurality of first openings configured as elongated slots 18, and a second opening 20, larger than the elongated slots 18.

The mounting holes 14 and 16, and the elongated slots 18, facilitate the attachment of any desired device or accessory, including, but not limited to any pistol holster 74, inside the waistband (IWB) clips 22, 26, and 27, other belt clips, additional attachment holders 68 and 70, such as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 11 through 15, an attachable wing member 88, magazine pouches 78, handcuff pouches (not shown), tourniquets (not shown), and mod wings (not shown). It will be understood that the IWB clips 22, 26, and 27 may be any desired type of clip, including but not limited to IWB tuckable and IWB non-tuckable clips and/or hooks.

For example, FIG. 2 illustrates the utility strap 10 having two of the first embodiment of a known IWB clip 22 attached to the strap body 12, such as with threaded fasteners 24 via the holes 14 and/or 16. Although not illustrated, a third IWB clip 22 may be attached to the strap body 12 using one of the elongated slots 18 if, for example, the user wanted to carry a larger, heavier pistol 76 or tool.

FIG. 3 illustrates the utility strap 10 having one of the first embodiment of the IWB clip 22 attached to the strap body 12 (on the right side of the strap body 12 when viewing FIG. 3), and one of the second embodiment of a known IWB clip 26 attached to the strap body 12, such as with the threaded fasteners 24 via the holes 16 (on the left side of the strap body 12 when viewing FIG. 3).

Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 11, a second embodiment of the utility strap is shown at 40. The utility strap 40 is similar to the utility strap 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, and includes a strap body 42 having an outwardly extending, elongated first wing 44 (extending to the left when viewing FIG. 4). The strap body 42 also includes a second wing 46 and a third wing 48, wherein the second wing 46 and the third wing 48 are separated by an upper arcuate edge 50 (the second wing 46 and the third wing 48 extend outwardly and upwardly when viewing FIG. 4). A side portion of the strap body 42 opposite the first wing 44 defines a flange 52 (the right side when viewing FIG. 4).

A plurality of mounting holes are formed in the strap body 42, including in the wings 44, 46, and 48, and the flange 52. As shown, the holes may be circular, such as the holes 54, or slightly elongated, such as the holes 56, the purpose for which will be explained below. It will be understood that the strap body 42 may include any number of the holes 54 and 56, and any number of additional holes having any desired shape or shapes. A plurality of openings are also formed in the strap body 42 to facilitate bending. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap body 42 includes a plurality of first openings configured as elongated slots 58, and a plurality of second openings 60 of varying shapes and sizes, and larger than the elongated slots 58.

The mounting holes 54 and 56, and the elongated slots 58, 62 facilitate the attachment of any desired device or accessory, as described herein above in reference to the utility strap 10, illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Advantageously, the illustrated utility straps 10 and 40 are very flexible. Each utility strap body 12 and 42 is formed from any desired resilient material including, but not limited to, nylon and other polymers.

Additionally and advantageously, the strap body 42 may be formed having two thicknesses. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the strap body 42 includes a first portion 62 having a first thickness, a second portion 64 having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and a transition area 66 that increases in thickness between the first and second portions 62 and 64, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 64 includes the first and second wings 44 and 46 and a portion of the strap body 42 (the upper left portion of the strap body 42 when viewing FIGS. 4 and 5). The first portion 62 may have a thickness of about .080 in. Alternatively, the first portion 62 may have a thicknesses that may be determined by the material from which the strap body 42 is formed, and/or by the flexibility desired. The second portion 64 may have a thickness of about .130 in. Alternatively, the second portion 64 may also have a thickness or thicknesses that may be determined by the material from which the strap body 42 is formed and by the flexibility desired. The additional thickness of the second portion 64 provides additional strength and rigidity to the portion of the otherwise flexible strap 40 to which the pistol holster 74 will be attached.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 8 also show the utility strap 40 having two of the IWB clips 22 attached to the strap body 42, such as with the threaded fasteners 24 via the mounting holes 54 and/or 56. Although not illustrated, a third IWB clip 22 may be attached to the strap body 42 using one of the elongated slots 58 if, for example, the user wanted to carry a larger, heavier pistol 76 or tool.

FIG. 6 shows the utility strap 40 configured as illustrated in FIG. 5 with a first embodiment of the attachment holder 68 mounted to the flange 52 via the mounting holes 54 and/or 56, thus defining a utility strap assembly 41. The attachment holder 68 includes a plurality of the mounting holes 54 and 56 arranged as in an upper portion of the third wing 48, and thus the attachment holder 68 is configured for the attachment of any desired device or accessory, as described herein above in reference to the utility straps 10 and 40.

FIG. 7 similarly shows the utility strap 40 configured as illustrated in FIG. 4 with one IWB clip 22 attached thereto. A second embodiment of the attachment holder 70 is mounted to the flange 52 via the mounting holes 54 and/or 56, thus defining a utility strap assembly 43. The attachment holder 70 is larger than the attachment holder 68 and includes a plurality of the mounting holes 54 and 56 arranged similarly to the mounting holes 54 and 56 in the flange 52, and thus the attachment holder 70 is configured for the attachment of any conventional IWB clip, such as the embodiment of the IWB clip 23, and the attachment of any desired device or accessory, as described herein above in reference to the utility straps 10 and 40.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the additional attachment holders 68 and 70 are configured to be attached to the flange 52 via the mounting holes 54 and/or 56. Like the utility strap 40, the attachment holders 68 and 70 include a plurality of the mounting holes 54 and 56 that are formed therein and facilitate the attachment of any desired device or accessory, such as listed above.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 11 illustrate the utility strap 40 having a protrusion or riser 72 formed on, or attached to, an outwardly facing surface of the first wing 44 and extending outwardly therefrom (i.e., the side facing away from the wearer when the utility strap 40 is worn and extending upwardly when viewing FIGS. 8, 9, and 11).

The riser 72 may have any desired thickness, such as about 0.250 in or about 0.450 in. Alternatively, the riser 72 may have other desired thicknesses based on the needs of the wearer. Advantageously, when the utility strap 40 having the riser 72 attached thereto is worn, the utility strap 40 is contoured by the wearer's belt and/or pants waistline and the wearer's body, thus defining a unique curve that creates leverage that pushes the pistol grip of a pistol 76 in the mounted pistol holster 74, inwardly toward the wearer's body, as shown in FIG. 10.

Alternatively, the riser 72 may be formed on, or attached to, an inwardly facing surface of the first wing 44 (i.e., the side facing toward the wearer when the utility strap 40 is worn). Additionally, risers 72 may be provided on both the outwardly facing surface and the inwardly facing surface of the first wing 44.

FIG. 9 illustrates the utility strap 40 having the riser 72 and the IWB clip 26 attached thereto. In the configuration shown, the pistol holster 74, having the pistol 76 therein, and a magazine pouch 78, having a magazine 80 therein, are attached to the utility strap 40. FIG. 10 illustrates the utility strap 40, configured as shown in FIG. 9, as worn within a waistband.

Similarly, FIG. 11 illustrates the utility strap 40 having the riser 72, two of the third embodiment of a known IWB clip 27, and the attachment holder 68 attached thereto. In the configuration shown, the pistol holster 74, having the pistol 76 therein, and the magazine pouch 78, having the magazine 80 therein, are attached to the utility strap 40. An additional magazine pouch 78, having the magazine 80 therein, is attached to the attachment holder 68.

Advantageously, the elongated mounting holes 56 allow an attached device, such as the pistol holster 74, to pivot about a mounting bolt so that the wearer may position the pistol holster 74, and the pistol 76 held therein, in a desired position relative to the wearer's body.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the utility strap 40 having the riser 72, such as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, and also including a riser adjuster 82 formed on, or attached to, an inwardly facing surface of the utility strap 40 (i.e., the side facing toward the wearer when worn). FIG. 13 also illustrates the utility strap 40 shown in FIG. 12 mounted to an embodiment of a conventional holster 75. The riser adjuster 82 may be formed from any desired resilient material, including, but not limited to, rubber and other elastomers. The illustrated riser adjuster 82 is generally cylindrical in shape and attached to the utility strap 40 by any desired means, such as with threaded fasteners. A height of the riser adjuster 82 may be varied by tightening and loosening the threaded fastener used to attach the riser adjuster 82 to the utility strap 40. When the utility strap 40 having the riser adjuster 82 is worn, the riser adjuster 82 engages and provides additional leverage on the pistol holster 74 attached to utility strap 40 that further pushes, i.e., in addition to the leverage provided by the riser 72, the pistol grip of the pistol 76 in the mounted pistol holster 74, inwardly toward the wearer's body. Alternatively, the riser adjuster 82 may have other cross-sectional shapes.

FIG. 14 illustrates a third embodiment of the utility strap 84. The utility strap 84 is otherwise the same as the utility strap 40, but includes an outwardly extending, elongated fourth wing 86 (extending to the right when viewing FIG. 14) integrally formed therewith. Like the first wing 44, the fourth wing 86 may include one or more risers 72 formed on, or attached to, the outwardly facing surface and/or the inwardly facing surface thereof.

FIG. 15 illustrates the utility strap 40 having the attachable wing member 88 attached thereto. The attachable wing member 88 has the same function as the fourth wing 86 shown in FIG. 12, and may also include one or more risers 72 formed on, or attached to, the outwardly facing surface and/or the inwardly facing surface thereof.

Many configurations of the utility strap 40 and the various attachments described herein, including the attachment holders 70 and 72, and the attachable wing member 88, may be assembled. For example, FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the utility strap 40 having the attachment holder 70 attached to the flange 52 of the strap body 42, and the attachable wing member 88 attached to the attachment holder 70, thus defining a utility strap assembly 90.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a stiffener strut 92 configured for attachment to the second portion 64 of the strap body 52. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates the utility strap assembly 90 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, having the stiffener strut 92 attached thereto. The stiffener strut 92 may be formed from any desired rigid or semi-flexible material, including, but not limited to, spring steel, composites, polymers, and combinations thereof. Advantageously, attachment of the stiffener strut 92 allows the user to increase the stiffness of the portion of the strap body 42 to which the stiffener strut 92 is attached. The stiffener strut 92 may have any desired thickness, including but not limited to about 0.015 in, about 0.020 in, and about 0.025 in.

FIG. 20 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the utility strap 94. The utility strap 94 is similar to the utility strap 40, but does not include the first wing 44, and is thus configured for applications where the riser 72 is not required.

It will be understood that additional embodiments of the strap 40 may be assembled to include a strap body 42 and two or more of the attachment holder 68 and/or the attachment holder 70 attached thereto.

The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.