FIREARM SECURING GARMENT

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a system, device, and method for securing a self-defense implement or similar object to a user and the manufacturing of a device for the same, but the invention may be used in a variety of fields for storing objects on a user's body which could include, but are not limited to, additional self-defense implements, or may be utilized for tools, wallets, personal effects, or any item the user desires be secured to their person.

SUMMARY

This invention relates generally to a system, device, and method for securing a self-defense implement, such as, but not limited to a firearm, or similar object to a user and the manufacturing of a device for the same. Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in the figures to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment.

In some embodiments, the invention is a wearable garment comprised of a securing holster configured to receive an object, typically but not necessarily a firearm or similar self-defense implement. Depending on the embodiment, the device for the securing of a firearm on the body of a user may be comprised of: a base garment configured to be worn on the body of a user; a base layer comprised of an outer face and an inner face wherein the inner face is coupled to the base garment; a holster coupled to an outer face of the base layer wherein the holster is further comprised of: an inner pocket layer where the inner pocket layer is curved such that it creates a channel between the inner pocket layer and the outer face of the base layer, wherein the channel has an entry aperture and exit aperture, and wherein the entry aperture is configured to be wider than the exit aperture, an outer pocket layer coupled to the inner pocket layer, and an internal layer woven between the inner pocket layer and outer pocket layer.

In some embodiments, the holster is comprised of a plurality of layers of material, of which layers may be comprised of differing materials depending on the needs of the embodiment. In some embodiments, one or more of the layers are woven between an inner pocket layer and outer pocket layer such that the inner layer is secured between them, and such inner layer may be smaller than or similar in size to the other layers of the holster. Depending on the embodiment, such layer may be comprised of a variety of materials which may be differing from the original outer and inner pocket layers of the base layer such that the inner layer may be harder but still flexible such that the inner layer may be used as a trigger guard. Depending on the embodiment, the harder layer may be on an exterior of the invention, an interior side of the securing holster, or woven between other pieces of material; alternatively, but not exclusively, it may be a patch or similar exterior substance added onto the invention's exterior or the interior of the securing holster.

As described, the securing holster may be constructed in such a way that the implement is held firmly against the body by the securing holster, and the interwoven layer may be of a firmer make such as a leather, plastic, or composite such that it rests on one or more of an inner side of the holster relative to the held implement or the outside, and in some configurations this interwoven layer comprises a patch configured to act as a trigger guard or similar protective means to prevent a self-defense implement from accidentally discharging.

The invention may be further comprised of a cushioning layer, either woven between layers of the material or as an exterior layer woven onto an inner-face of the securing holster or an inner side of the garment relative to the user, wherein the cushion may be comprised of a variety of materials chosen to cushion the interaction between a user and the self-defense implement or other object being held by the holster to avoid bruising, chaffing, or other inconveniences for the user. For example, in conventional holsters the self-defense implement may be insecurely held and may move around when worn, such as when a user moves. This can cause discomfort and inconvenience for the user. The present invention resolves such issues by holding the self-defense implement substantially securely to the body of the user, such that the implement moves with the user and will not arbitrarily move, flop, bounce, or otherwise inconvenience the user.

Depending on the embodiment, the invention may be configured to be form-fitting to a user, taking the shape of an undergarment or similar article of clothing designed to be the lowest or near-to lowest layer of clothing. The invention may be further configured to keep a self-defense implement or other object held close to the wearer such that it is substantially held to their body and able to move along with the wearer, to facilitate ease of movement without unnecessary motion of the self-defense implement and thus potentially inhibiting or inconveniencing the wearer.

As described herein, the invention may be comprised of a securing holster, which may be formed to hold a specific object, such as, but not limited to, self-defense implements such as, but not limited to, a firearm. In some embodiments, the securing holster may be configured to generally hold firearms or similar implements, or it may be configured to conform to the form factor of a specific firearm or set of firearms. The exact orientation of the securing holster, and its sometimes-included accompanying cushion and trigger guard may vary depending on the needs of the specific embodiment and user. For example, some users may wish to orient the securing holster such that any firearm held is easily accessed by their left hand, while others may prefer an orientation favoring their right.

In some embodiments, the securing holster may be positioned such that it rests over a hip bone of a user, while in others it may be positioned in a variety of locations on the garment. The securing holster may, in some embodiments, be placed in a plurality of locations, and some embodiments may feature additional securing holsters which may be of the same form factor or different ones. For example, some variations of the invention may position the holster on a user's back, or over their hip at their side, while others may position the holster near the front.

The device may be configured to be washable by ordinary machine washing through the use of specific materials that are friendly to such processes, without compromising its ability to securely hold the implement in question. For example, the invention may typically be comprised of materials that will not be materially and/or substantially impacted by the changes in temperature utilized for washing and drying articles of clothing.

Depending on the embodiment of the invention, the components may be comprised of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, cloth, cotton, linen, polyesters, leather, plastics, polymers, elastics, synthetic fibers, or such other materials as are appropriate for the specific embodiment. An embodiment may incorporate multiple different materials for different components or for different portions of a single component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 6A-B are perspective views of a firearm securing garment with a firearm being inserted, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A device 100 for the securing of a firearm on the body of a user, the device comprising: a base garment 102 configured to be worn on the body of a user; a base layer 104 comprised of an outer face 106 and an inner face wherein the inner face is coupled to the base garment 102; a holster 108 coupled to an outer face 106 of the base layer 104 wherein the holster 108 is further comprised of: an inner pocket layer 110 where the inner pocket layer 110 is curved such that it creates a channel 112 between the inner pocket layer 110 and the outer face 106 of the base layer 104, wherein the channel 112 has an entry aperture 114 and exit aperture 116, and wherein the entry aperture 114 is configured to be wider than the exit aperture 116, an outer pocket layer 118 coupled to the inner pocket layer 110, and an internal layer 120 woven between the inner pocket layer 110 and outer pocket layer 118.

In some embodiments, the device 100 further comprises a securing strap 122 configured to prevent the firearm or similar equipment from leaving the holster 108 when not desired by the wearer. The securing strap 122 component typically is comprised of a length of material 124 that may be in the form of a ribbon, strip, band, or such other material configured to wrap around the firearm or similar equipment when it is placed in the holster 108 of the device 100. The securing strap 122 is further comprised of a fastener 126, configured to secure the strap to prevent the firearm or similar equipment from moving while allowing a wearer to remove the securing strap 122 when they are ready to release the firearm. The fastener 126 may be a variety of components, including, but not limited to, a latch, a hook and clasp, a connector 128, a looped length of cord, a buckle, clip, button, fixture, or such other mechanism capable of removably coupling the securing strap 122. In some configurations the fastener 126 is comprised of two components, where one is configured to be attached to the strap itself while the other may be attached to the garment or a portion thereof, such as the outer layer of the holster 108. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of securing straps 122 which may have their own individual fasteners 126 or may share a fastener 126.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A device 100 for the securing of a firearm on the body of a user, the device 100 comprising: a base garment 102 configured to be worn on the body of a user; a base layer 104 comprised of an outer face 106 and an inner face wherein the inner face is coupled to the base garment 102; a holster 108 coupled to an outer face 106 of the base layer 104 wherein the holster 108 is further comprised of: an inner pocket layer 110 where the inner pocket layer 110 is curved such that it creates a channel 112 between the inner pocket layer 110 and the outer face 106 of the base layer 104, wherein the channel 112 has an entry aperture 114 and exit aperture 116, and wherein the entry aperture 114 is configured to be wider than the exit aperture 116, an outer pocket layer 118 coupled to the inner pocket layer 110, and an internal layer 120 woven between the inner pocket layer 110 and outer pocket layer 118. Some embodiments may further feature a securing strap 122 comprised of a length of material 124 and a fastener 126 where the fastener 126 is comprised of a connector 128 and receiver 130 where the connector 128 is coupled to the length of material 124 and the receiver 130 is coupled to the garment. In some embodiments, the internal layer 120 may also be configured to function as a trigger guard layer or may function as both an elastic and trigger guard.

In FIG. 2, the fastener 126 component is engaged with the connector 128 inserted into the receiver 130 to prevent the firearm from leaving the device 100. Depending on the embodiment, the exact configuration of the securing strap 122 may vary; for example for certain pistols the securing strap 122 may be configured to wrap around the rear of the pistol grip, or the hammer. In some examples there may be multiple lengths of material making up the securing strap 122, such that it can secure a plurality of points on the rear of the firearm being secured. If a different device 100 is being secured, such as a construction tool, the securing strap 122 can be adjusted so that the length of material 124 is configured to secure the specific tool in question.

The exact shape of the holster 108 component may vary. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment with the holster 108 in a largely vertical arrangement, but depending on the embodiment the holster 108 may be angled depending on the needs of the wearer and firearm being secured. For example, some embodiments may feature an angled holster 108 to make the firearm easier to draw.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A device 100 for the securing of a firearm on the body of a user, the device 100 comprising: a base garment 102 configured to be worn on the body of a user; a base layer 104 comprised of an outer face 106 and an inner face wherein the inner face is coupled to the base garment 102; a holster 108 coupled to an outer face 106 of the base layer 104 wherein the holster 108 is further comprised of: an inner pocket layer 110 where the inner pocket layer 110 is curved such that it creates a channel 112 between the inner pocket layer 110 and the outer face 106 of the base layer 104, wherein the channel 112 has an entry aperture 114 and exit aperture 116, and wherein the entry aperture 114 is configured to be wider than the exit aperture 116, an outer pocket layer 118 coupled to the inner pocket layer 110, and an internal layer 120 woven between the inner pocket layer 110 and outer pocket layer 118. Some embodiments may further feature a securing strap 122 comprised of a length of material 124 and a fastener 126 where the fastener 126 is comprised of a connector 128 and receiver 130 where the connector 128 is coupled to the length of material 124 and the receiver 130 is coupled to the garment. In some embodiments, the internal layer 120 may also or alternatively be configured to function as a trigger guard layer.

Visible in FIG. 3 is the transition in the size of the pocket of the holster 108 between the entry aperture 114 and exit aperture 116, where the entry aperture 114 is configured to accommodate the trigger guard of the firearm or similar device 100 being secured. Depending on the embodiment, the exact shape the transition takes may vary; as is visible in FIG. 3 the pocket remains a consistent width for a brief distance, then tapers down from one side at an angle to shrink the side of the channel 112 prior to the exit aperture 116. The exact shape it takes may vary to better accommodate a specific firearm or device 100, or the needs of the specific user. For example the transition in size of the channel 112 may occur immediately following the entry aperture 114, or it may be further delayed until further inside. The exact size and shape of the entry aperture 114 and exit aperture 116 may also vary to accommodate different firearm or device 100 shapes or special features, such as, but not limited to, barrel attachments, top or side rail attachments, unique barrel or trigger geometry, or other similar issues.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A device 100 for the securing of a firearm on the body of a user, the device 100 comprising: a base garment 102 configured to be worn on the body of a user; a base layer 104 comprised of an outer face 106 and an inner face wherein the inner face is coupled to the base garment 102; a holster 108 coupled to an outer face 106 of the base layer 104 wherein the holster 108 is further comprised of: an inner pocket layer 110 where the inner pocket layer 110 is curved such that it creates a channel 112 between the inner pocket layer 110 and the outer face 106 of the base layer 104, wherein the channel 112 has an entry aperture 114 and exit aperture 116, and wherein the entry aperture 114 is configured to be wider than the exit aperture 116, an outer pocket layer 118 coupled to the inner pocket layer 110, and an internal layer 120 woven between the inner pocket layer 110 and outer pocket layer 118. Some embodiments may further feature a securing strap 122 comprised of a length of material 124 and a fastener 126 where the fastener 126 is comprised of a connector 128 and receiver 130 where the connector 128 is coupled to the length of material 124 and the receiver 130 is coupled to the garment. In some embodiments, the internal layer 120 may also or alternatively be configured to function as a trigger guard layer.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a firearm securing garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A device 100 for the securing of a firearm on the body of a user, the device 100 comprising: a base garment 102 configured to be worn on the body of a user; a base layer 104 comprised of an outer face 106 and an inner face wherein the inner face is coupled to the base garment 102; a holster 108 coupled to an outer face 106 of the base layer 104 wherein the holster 108 is further comprised of: an inner pocket layer 110 where the inner pocket layer 110 is curved such that it creates a channel 112 between the inner pocket layer 110 and the outer face 106 of the base layer 104, wherein the channel 112 has an entry aperture 114 and exit aperture 116, and wherein the entry aperture 114 is configured to be wider than the exit aperture 116, an outer pocket layer 118 coupled to the inner pocket layer 110, and an internal layer 120 woven between the inner pocket layer 110 and outer pocket layer 118. Some embodiments may further feature a securing strap 122 comprised of a length of material 124 and a fastener 126 where the fastener 126 is comprised of a connector 128 and receiver 130 where the connector 128 is coupled to the length of material 124 and the receiver 130 is coupled to the garment. In some embodiments, the internal layer 120 may also be configured to function as a trigger guard layer, while in other embodiments the internal layer 120 may be replaced with a or additionally function as a trigger guard layer, or there may be both an internal layer 120 and a trigger guard layer which may be in varying order of which is closer to the user versus which is outer.

For embodiments of the device 100 where the internal layer 120 functions as a trigger guard layer, the internal layer 120 may take on a variety of configurations and shapes. For example, in some cases the trigger guard layer may be substantially the same shape as the pocket itself, potentially slightly smaller or larger if needed to ensure the stitching and assembly is feasible. In other examples, the trigger guard layer may be smaller, such as only covering a portion of the outer surface of the pocket or the trigger itself. Like the pocket shape, the trigger guard layer may be altered depending on the needs of the wearer and the specific firearm or device 100 that is being stored. The material of the trigger guard layer may also vary, and it may be comprised of fabrics, leathers, composites, hybrid materials, a weave of links, or other material capable of reducing the likelihood of the trigger being accidentally discharged during wear. In some embodiments, the trigger guard layer may be comprised of a plurality of layers of material, which material may be the same as the other, or some of the other where the layers are different, layers of the device 100.

The internal layer 120, for embodiments featuring it, may be comprised of a variety of materials, such as an elastic, a band, rubberized fabrics, composites, hybrid fabrics, or such other materials as desired by the wearer. The internal layer 120 may be configured to compress the area of the holster 108 to assist in securing the firearm or other device 100 to the holster 108. In some embodiments, the internal layer 120 may be configured to shrink the entry aperture 114 and/or exit aperture 116 of the holster 108 to help compress against the firearm or device 100 to improve the fit in the holster 108 and reduce the likelihood of it leaving the holster 108. The compression provided by the internal layer 120, as well as the composition of the inner layer, may increase the friction between the holster 108 and the firearm, further reducing the likelihood of it leaving the holster 108. In some embodiments, the invention may feature an elastic or similar cinching mechanism cord inserted into the entry aperture 114 and/or exit aperture 116.

FIGS. 6A-B are perspective views of a firearm securing garment with a firearm being inserted, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A device 100 for the securing of a firearm 600 on the body of a user, the device 100 comprising: a base garment 102 configured to be worn on the body of a user; a base layer 104 comprised of an outer face 106 and an inner face wherein the inner face is coupled to the base garment 102; a holster 108 coupled to an outer face 106 of the base layer 104 wherein the holster 108 is further comprised of: an inner pocket layer 110 where the inner pocket layer 110 is curved such that it creates a channel 112 between the inner pocket layer 110 and the outer face 106 of the base layer 104, wherein the channel 112 has an entry aperture 114 and exit aperture 116, and wherein the entry aperture 114 is configured to be wider than the exit aperture 116, an outer pocket layer 118 coupled to the inner pocket layer 110, and an internal layer 120 woven between the inner pocket layer 110 and outer pocket layer 118. Some embodiments may further feature a securing strap 122 comprised of a length of material 124 and a fastener 126 where the fastener 126 is comprised of a connector 128 and receiver 130 where the connector 128 is coupled to the length of material 124 and the receiver 130 is coupled to the garment. In some embodiments, the internal layer 120 may also or alternatively be configured to function as a trigger guard layer.

Depending on the embodiment, the securing strap 122 may be comprised of one or more lengths of material 124, which may take on a variety of shapes. As shown in FIG. 6A, one shape may be a substantially rectangular one, but other shapes may be utilized depending on the equipment being stored. For example, some firearms 600 may require a more triangular, circular, or other shaped polygonal strip of material to properly hold them. In other embodiments, the securing strap 122 may have several lengths of material 124 connected to the fastener 126, such as, by way of example, if the user wanted to secure behind the hammer and grip of a firearm.

As shown in FIG. 6A, to insert a firearm 600 the securing strap 122, if present in the embodiment, is first released. The firearm 600 is then inserted into the entry aperture 114 of the holster 108, and its barrel, in some embodiments, sits in the exit aperture 116 as shown in FIG. 6B. The transition in size of the channel 112 between the apertures serves to hold the firearm 600 in place as is visible in FIG. 6B. The securing strap 122 is then fastened around the grip of the firearm 600 to prevent it from exiting the holster 108 unless intended by the wearer.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an” are taken to mean “one”, “at least one” or “one or more”. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined by reference to the claims that follow.