US20120187164A1

US20120187164A1 - Holster

Info

Publication number: US20120187164A1
Application number: US13/357,433
Authority: US
Inventors: Lisa Looper; Bart Looper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-24
Filing date: 2012-01-24
Publication date: 2012-07-26

Abstract

The present invention is a molded weapon holster device for concealing a weapon beneath the clothing of a user. The molded holster is designed to attach to the user's undergarments, such as a brassiere, with a strap and closing mechanism that are positioned around the material running between the bra cups. The holster and the barrel portion of the weapon lie between the bra cup and the user's breast. The holster device is additionally secured by its placement underneath the material connecting the bra cups and by the friction between the interior of the bra cup and the textured surface of the barrel portion of the holster device as the holster device sits within the user's brassiere. The holster device secures the weapon underneath the clothing such that it is invisible outside the clothing yet readily accessible when needed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of provisional application 61/435,535, which was filed on Jan. 24, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying a concealed weapon attached to the user's undergarments such that the weapon is sufficiently hidden to prevent detection yet readily available for protection.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Commonly, people desire to carry weapons on their body in a concealed manner. A holster allows a user to carry a weapon, securely attached to the body, and still maintain the use of both hands. Police and military users may use visible holsters. But for civilians, a concealed holster is beneficial. A concealed holster gives the user several advantages. Members of the public will not know the user is carrying a weapon and the user can maintain the element of surprise against any attacks. In addition, other people will not be unnecessarily preoccupied by the weapon's presence since they are unaware of it. Many holsters are hidden from view yet still accessible should the user feel threatened or encounter a dangerous situation.
Typically holsters are worn at the waist. Holsters are also available for the ankle, thigh, or shoulder. These types of holsters are commonly worn under loose clothing, so as to conceal their presence from the general public. However the shoulder and waist versions are commonly worn over the clothing and concealed by a sports coat. The majority of women do not wear sports coats and many women's garments are more fitted and would not adequately conceal a weapon. Much of the prior art, although designed for men, can be used by woman as well. However, the majority of holsters aren't, designed specifically for women and do not accommodate the woman's curvier body or her typically more fitted clothing.
Women also have the option of holsters built into purses or handbags. Purse holsters present a challenge when the woman needs to quickly draw the weapon. If the holster is not secured to the side of the bag, it can get misplaced amongst the many items stored in the woman's purse. Also, the woman will have to open the purse before gaining access to the weapon. In situations, of potential grave danger, time is of the essence and any seconds lost could result in death or injury. In addition, there is also a safety issue, if the woman ever leaves her purse unattended, as if during a meal, at work, driving or shopping. The weapon would become accessible to passersby or innocent children. Both of these situations would be dangerous to all nearby persons. Also, these types of purse holsters are of no use to a woman whose purse has been stolen or snatched. In that instance, the criminal not only has the woman's valuables but he has also gained a weapon to use against the woman.
A woman also has the option of a holster that is designed to wrap around her torso and holds the gun at the front-or back of, her body. This type of holster is often constricting on the body and uncomfortable due to the rigid nature of the device. The women's torso holsters commonly include straps similar to bra straps for securing and keeping the device in place. The user of this torso holster will now have an excessive number of straps under her clothing (two for bra and two for holster).
The present invention is an improvement because it is specially designed for and accommodating of the female body. Typical holsters are designed mainly for male users although they can be used by females. The present invention uses the natural contours of the female physique to aid in concealing and securing the weapon. The firearm barrel and holster is partly positioned between the breast and the bra cup of the user. In addition, a portion of the gun is positioned beneath the length of material that connects the bra cups.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to conceal a weapon in the undergarments of the user, such that the barrel of the firearm rests both between the breast and the user's brassiere as well as underneath the material that connects the cups of the brassiere.
It is an object of the present invention to securely conceal a weapon underneath the clothing of the user such that the weapon cannot be forcibly removed or knocked loose or out of place.
It is an object of the present invention to attach a weapon to the brassiere of the user such that the weapon will be concealed beneath the clothing of the user.
It is an object of the present invention to securely hold a weapon next to a person's body such that both hands are free for other tasks.
It is an object of the present invention to describe a method for securing the weapon and holster device to the brassiere of the user.
It is an object of the present invention to describe a method for removing the weapon from the holster device while leaving the holster device attached to the undergarment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The holster is configured to be removably attached to an undergarment, such as a bra. The holster device is constructed of a thermo plastic molded clamshell. The holster portion of the device snaps in place over the barrel/slide and trigger guard of a weapon. The holster, device is appropriate for use with 380 pistols, j-frame revolvers, and other small weapons. The holster device is molded to accommodate the exterior shape of the weapon. In the present embodiment, the front panel is molded into the shape of the front side of a revolver and the back panel is molded into the shape of the backside of a revolver. The front and back panels together form a molded clamshell holster which securely holds the revolver until it is removed by the user. The weapon may also be a canister of pepper spray, a knife, a laser or any other similarly shaped weapon. The holster device is closed on the top portion and opens on the bottom and sides to allow the firearm to be inserted and later released when the user pulls it in a downward motion to break it away from the holster device.
Attached to the front portion of the holster is a strap that includes a one-way snap. The strap includes precut holes on one end and no holes on the opposite end. This embodiment uses a suede strap; however the strap can be made of different materials such as leather, plastic, nylon, as well as numerous other materials. The precut holes on the strap are similar in appearance and function to the holes one would find on a traditional belt. The holes on one end of the strap serve to adjust the position of the holster in position on the user's undergarments. (The 9 cm strap has 2 holes, 14 cm strap has 3 holes, 22 cm, strap has 4 holes, and 23.5 cm strap has 7 holes in this embodiment) In the embodiment that utilizes the one way snap, the male portion of the one-way snap is secured, through the precut holes, to the front panel of the holster device with a screw. In the instance where the user desires to alter the position of the holster device or the length of a particular strap, the user would loosen the screw attaching the male portion of the closing mechanism to the end of the strap with precut holes. The user would then reposition the male portion of the one-way snap over the precut hole that would best accommodate the user's needs and proceed to secure the male portion of the one-way snap to the strap and front panel of the holster device by tightening the screw. The female portion of the one-way snap is positioned at the end of the strap that does not contain any precut holes.
The holster device is secured to the undergarment of the user in multiple ways. The holster device is positioned between the user's chest and the material that connects the two cups of the user's bra. The strap is snapped in place around the material connecting the bra cups to secure the holster to the undergarment. The barrel/slide and trigger of the weapon are positioned inside the shell portion of the holster device. The holster device is secured by not only the material connecting the bra cups but also by the combination of the bra cup and user's breast. The holster device enclosing the weapon is secured between the cup portion of the user's brassiere and the breast. The holster device is additionally secured by the textured surface of the holster. The textured side of the holster is positioned against the inside of the bra cup to prevent slippage and further secure the holster device. In addition, the consumer of the holster device is provided with additional straps of varying lengths (9 cm, 14 cm, 22 cm and 23.5 cm in this embodiment) to accommodate a majority of the bras available to consumers. Each strap has a one-way or directional snap that prevents the holster from being forcibly removed or knocked loose accidentally. One-way snaps prevent the snap from inadvertently unclasping on the side permanently attached to the holster (the male side in this embodiment). The design of the one-way or directional snap ensures that the closed snap can only be undone on the side of the snap that is on the exterior of the holster (the female side in this embodiment) and not on the side of the snap attached to the holster with the screw (the male side in this embodiment).
Once the holster device is positioned it can be secured by closing the closing mechanism attached to the strap. The one-way snap secures the holster device in position between the user's skin and the undergarment, while the firearm is in position inside the holster device. Once the user removes the firearm by pulling the weapon downward, the one-way snap continues to secure the empty holster in place. Naturally, a variety of other closing mechanism configurations are also contemplated, such as Velcro, hooks, and so on.
Once the user has properly positioned the holster device resting inside the bra cup, only the, grip portion of the firearm should be visible. The weapon will be totally concealed since the grip portion will be covered by the user's clothing. In addition, the breasts of the user will raise the shirt a small distance from the skin, helping to further conceal the weapon tucked beneath the user's bra. The larger a user's breasts, the more concealed the weapon will be. However, a user with smaller breasts would only need to wear a shirt with a pattern, ruching, or fullness, to further conceal the weapon.
When the time comes for the user to draw the weapon from the holster device, the user will reach under the shirt to gain access to the weapon and then pull the weapon straight down with her shooting hand to release it from the holster portion of the holster device. In cases where time is of the essence, the user can also fire the weapon through the shirt. The design of the holster device ensures that the trigger guard is fully covered until the gun is pulled away from the body while at the same time allowing the user to have a full combat grip on the weapon. As the gun is pulled downward, the holster will flex thereby releasing the gun from the holster.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the holster, holding a firearm, in position on the user's undergarment with the closing mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 1A is a view of the user's undergarment, a brassiere in this embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a view of the material that runs between and connects the brassiere cups.

FIG. 1C is a view of the top portion of the holster, which is positioned adjacent to the interior of the user's undergarment.

FIG. 1D is a view of the bottom portion of the holster, which is positioned adjacent to the interior of the user's undergarment.

FIG. 1E is a view of the closing mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 1F is a view of the strap, connected to the closing mechanism, which secures the holster to the user's undergarment.

FIG. 1G is a view of the handle of the firearm that is positioned inside the holster.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the holster, holding a firearm, in position on the user's undergarment with the closing mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 2A is a view of the user's undergarment, a brassiere in this embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a view of the top portion of the holster, which is positioned adjacent to the interior of the user's undergarment.

FIG. 2C is a view of the female portion of the closing mechanism.

FIG. 2D is a concealed view of the muzzle of the gun, inside the holster, beneath the user's undergarment.

FIG. 2E is a view of the bottom portion of the holster, which is positioned adjacent to the. interior of the user's undergarment.

FIG. 2F is a view of the male portion. of the closing mechanism.

FIG. 2G is a view of the closing mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 2H is a view of the precut hole that is used to adjust the length and position of the strap.

FIG. 2I is a view of the handle of the firearm that is positioned inside the holster.

FIG. 2J is a view of the strap, connected to the closing mechanism, which secures the holster to the user's undergarment.

FIG. 2K is a view of the material that runs between and connects the: brassiere cups.

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the empty holster with the closing mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 3A is a view of the top portion of the holster, which is permanently closed.

FIG. 3B is a view of textured exterior of the front end portion of the holster, designed to prevent slippage and secure the position of the holster within the brassiere.

FIG. 3C is a view of the open front end portion of the holster which holds the muzzle of the gun, the exterior of which is textured.

FIG. 3D is a view of the bottom portion of the holster, which is permanently open to receive a firearm or other weapon.

FIG. 3E is a view of the open rear end portion of the holster, which holds the handle of the gun.

FIG. 3F is a view of the closing mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 3G is a view of the strap, connected to the closing mechanism, which secures the holster to the user's undergarment.

FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the holster, holding a firearm, with the closing mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 4A is a view of the handle of the firearm that is positioned inside the holster.

FIG. 4B is a view of the closing mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 4C is a view of the strap, connected to the closing mechanism, which secures the holster to the user's undergarment.

FIG. 4D is a view of the top portion of the holster, which is permanently closed.

FIG. 4E is a view of textured exterior of the front end portion of the holster, designed to prevent slippage and secure the position of the holster within the brassiere.

FIG. 4F is a view of the open front end portion of the holster which holds the muzzle of the gun, the exterior of which is textured to prevent slippage and secure the position of the holster within the brassiere.

FIG. 4G is a view of the bottom portion of the holster, which is permanently open to receive a firearm or other weapon.

FIG. 5 is a back view of the empty holster.

FIG. 5A is a back view of the open front end portion of the holster, which holds the muzzle of the gun.

FIG. 5B is a back view of the top portion of the holster, which is permanently closed.

FIG. 5C is a back view of the open rear end portion of the holster, which holds the handle of the gun.

FIG. 5D is a back view of the bottom portion of the holster, which is permanently open to receive a firearm or other weapon.

FIG. 6 is a back view of the empty holster positioned to show the open bottom portion of the holster.

FIG. 6A is a back view of the open front end portion of the holster, which holds the muzzle of the gun.

FIG. 6B is a back view of the top portion of the holster, which is permanently closed.

FIG. 6C is a back view of the open rear end portion of the holster, which holds the handle of the gun.

FIG. 6D is a back view of the bottom portion of the holster, which is permanently open to receive a firearm or other weapon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the above description is of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the invention may be modified, altered, or varied without deviating from the scope and fair meaning of the following claims.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-6, the holster, device is designed for use with articles of clothing such that the holster device is concealed beneath the undergarments and clothing of the user. The holster device is composed of a plastic clamshell, a strap and a closing mechanism. The holster device is shaped to secure an item such as a pistol, taser, knife, or pepper spray. The holster device is comprised of a back panel and a front panel formed of a molded rigid plastic. The front, and back panels are connected-at: the top of the panels by :a section of molded rigid plastic. These sections of molded rigid plastic comprise the plastic clamshell which allows the holster to secure the weapon. The sides and bottom of the holster device remain open to allow for the insertion and removal of the item to be secured by the holster. The strap is attached to the front panel of the holster device with a closing mechanism. In the present embodiment, the male side of the one-way snap is positioned on the side of the strap with precut holes for adjusting the position of the holster device. The female side of the one-way snap is attached to the opposite side of the strap, the side that does not have precut holes.
With reference to FIG. 1, this view is a frontal view of the holster, holding a firearm, in position on the user's undergarment with the closing mechanism in a closed position. FIG. 1A, is the user's undergarment, a brassiere in this particular embodiment. In this embodiment, the holster strap (1F) would be positioned to surround the material that connects the cups of the brassiere (1B) and secured in place with a closing, mechanism (1E) such as a one-way snap in this embodiment. FIG. 1C is the top of the holster device. The top portion of the holster device is closed and is positioned behind both the. material that, connects the cups of the brassiere (1B), and behind a single cup of the brassiere. This position helps secure the holster mechanism to the user's body. FIG. 1D is the bottom of the holster, which is permanently open such that a firearm or other weapon can be inserted into the holster device. The bottom of the holster is positioned behind the strap (1F) and the one-way snap (1E) and is positioned behind both the material that connects the cups of the brassiere (1B) and behind a single cup of the brassiere. FIG. 1E is a view of the closing mechanism, a one-way snap (1E) in this embodiment, in a closed position. It is to be understood that other closing mechanisms could serve a similar function in this disclosure such as a button, Velcro, magnet, to name a few. FIG. 1F is a view of the holster strap which surrounds the material that connects the cups of the brassiere (1B) and is secured to the brassiere by the closing, of the closing mechanism (1E) attached to the strap (1F). In this embodiment, the strap (1F) is made of suede but it is to be understood that the strap could be constructed from a variety of materials such as nylon, leather, or plastic, to name a few. In addition, the strap is available in varying lengths to accommodate the different brassiere types and designs of the user.
With reference to FIG. 2, this view is a frontal view of the holster, holding a firearm (2I is the firearm handle), in position on the user's undergarment with the closing mechanism in an open position. FIG. 2 is the same as FIG. 1 except that the closing mechanism is viewed in an open position in FIG. 2 and the position of the holster device holding the firearm is visible within the brassiere cup. FIG. 2A, is the user's undergarment, a brassiere in this particular embodiment. FIG. 2B is the top of the holster device. The top portion of the holster device is closed and is positioned behind both the material that connects the cups of the brassiere (2K) and behind a single cup of the brassiere. This position helps secure the holster mechanism to the user's body. FIG. 2D is a concealed view of the portion of the holster which holds the muzzle of the firearm, which is hidden from view behind the cup of the user's brassiere. FIG. 2E is the bottom of the holster, which is permanently open such that a firearm or other weapon can he inserted into the holster device. The bottom of the holster is positioned behind the strap (2J) and the one-way snap (2G) and is positioned behind both the material that connects the cups of the brassiere (2K) and behind a single cup of the brassiere. FIG. 2G is a view of the closing mechanism, a one-way snap in this embodiment, in an open position. The one way snap is designed to only release when pulled from one side, the female side (2C) in this embodiment. The male side of the one-way snap (2G) is attached to the strap (2J) through a precut hole on the strap (similar to the precut hole (2H) pictured but not visible in FIG. 2). FIG. 2J is a view of the holster strap (2J) which surrounds the material that connects the cups of the brassiere (2K) and is secured to the brassiere by the closing of the closing mechanism (2G) attached to the strap (2J). In addition, the strap is available in varying lengths to accommodate the different brassiere types and designs of the user.
With reference to FIG. 3, this view is a frontal view of the empty holster with the closing mechanism in a closed position. FIG. 3A is the top of the holster device. The top portion of the holster device is closed and is positioned behind both the material that connects the cups of the brassiere and behind a single cup of the brassiere. This position helps secure the holster mechanism to the user's body and to help ensure that the holster remains closed around the weapon. FIG. 3B is the textured surface of the holster. The texturing serves to provide friction that helps secure the device within the undergarment. The front end of the holster (3C) is permanently open to accommodate the insertion and removal of the firearm or other weapon from the holster device. The back end of the holster (3E) is also permanently open to accommodate the insertion and removal of the firearm or other weapon from the holster device. A portion of the handle of the firearm will rest within the back end of the holster (3E) while the holster device is in use. FIG. 3D is the bottom of the holster, which is permanently open such that a firearm or other weapon can be inserted into the holster device. FIG. 3F is a view of the closing mechanism, a one-way snap in this embodiment, in a closed position. FIG. 3G is a view of the holster strap which surrounds the material that connects the cups of the brassiere and is secured to the brassiere by the closing of the closing mechanism (3F) attached to the strap (3G).
With reference to FIG. 4, this view is a frontal view of the holster, holding a firearm, with the closing mechanism in a closed position. FIG. 4A is a view of the handle of a firearm, said firearm positioned inside the holster device. FIG. 4B is a view of the closing mechanism, a one-way snap in this embodiment, in a closed position. FIG. 4C is a view of the holster strap which surrounds the material that connects the cups of the brassiere and is secured to the brassiere by the closing of the closing mechanism (4B) attached to the strap. FIG. 4D is a view of the top of the holster device. The top portion of the holster device is closed and is positioned behind both the material that connects the cups of the brassiere and behind a single cup of the brassiere. FIG. 4E is a view of the textured surface of the holster device which provides friction that helps secure the device within the undergarment. FIG. 4F is a view of the portion of the holster which holds the muzzle of the firearm, which portion of the holster device would lay hidden between the skin of the user and the interior of the brassiere cup of the user. Said position serves to additionally secure the holster device to the body of the user and to help ensure that the holster remains closed around the weapon. FIG. 4G is a view of the bottom of the holster, which is permanently open such that a firearm or other weapon can be inserted into the holster device.
With reference to FIG. 5, this view is a back view of the empty holster lying flat. FIG. 5A is a view of the back side of the front portion of the holster which holds the muzzle of the firearm and is shaped to accommodate the firearm. FIG. 5B is a view of the top of the holster device. The top portion of the holster device is closed and is positioned behind both the material that connects the cups of the brassiere and behind a single cup of the brassiere. FIG. 5C is a view of the back side of the end portion of the holster which holds a portion of the handle of the firearm. FIG. 5D is a view of the back side of the open bottom of the holster.
With reference to FIG. 6, this view is a back view of the empty holster tilted to show the open cavity of the holster device. FIG. 6A is a view of the back side of the front portion of the holster which holds the muzzle of the firearm and is shaped to accommodate the firearm. FIG. 6B is a view of the top of the holster device. The top portion of the holster device is closed and is positioned behind both the material that connects the cups of the brassiere and behind a single cup of the brassiere. FIG. 6C is a view of the back side of the end portion of the holster which holds a portion of the handle of the firearm. FIG. 6D is a view of the back side of the open bottom of the holster.

Claims

1. A molded holster device for use with articles of clothing such that said holster device is partially concealed within, said clothing comprising:

said holster device shaped to secure an item;

said holster device including a back panel formed of a molded rigid substance;

said holster device including a front panel formed of a molded rigid substance;

the back and front panels being connected at the top portion of said back and front panels by a connection means to form a closed top of said holster device;

said connection means being molded rigid plastic connecting the top portions of said back and front panels of said holster device;

a length of material attached to said front panel by a closing mechanism;

said closing mechanism attaching said front panel to said length of material;

said closing mechanism attached to said front panel with the male side of the closing mechanism positioned on the side of said length of material with precut holes for adjusting the position of said holster device;

the female side of said closing mechanism attached to the opposite side of said length of material.

2. The holster device according to claim 1, wherein said molded rigid substance is plastic.

3. The holster device according to claim 2, wherein said article of clothing is a brassiere.

4. The holster device according to claim 3, wherein said closing mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a one-way snap, Velcro, and hooks.

5. The holster device according to claim 4, wherein said length of material is a strap.

6. The holster device according to claim 5, wherein said item is a weapon selected from the group consisting of: a firearm, a canister of pepper spray, a knife and a taser.

7. The bolster device according to claim 6, wherein said back, and front panels are shaped to conform to the contours of said weapon selected.

8. A method comprising:

a) Placing a weapon within the panels of a holster device with the closed end of said holster device in an upright position;

b) Placing said holster with an enclosed weapon between a bra cup and a breast of the user;

c) Opening a closing mechanism of said holster device;

d) Placing a length of material attached to said closing device around said material connecting the bra cups;

e) Securing said closing mechanism;

9. A method comprising:

c) Opening a closing mechanism of said holster device;

e) Reaching beneath an outer garment concealing said holster device;

f) Grasping a grip portion of said weapon;

g) Pulling said weapon in a downward motion to release said weapon from the grasp of said holster device wherein said holster device remains in place.