Concealable Gun Holster

Abstract

A concealable handgun holster having a molded cavity with a raised outer surface to resemble a popular cell phone when stowed within a garment pocket. The holster may include a stabilizer which is preferably detachable to allow the holster to be configured for right-handed use and left-handed use.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to concealable holsters for handguns. Specifically, the invention relates to a holster carried within a user's pocket, such as pants, jacket or the like, which disguises the presence of the handgun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the gun laws of the United States and its territories begin to catch up with the 21^st century, more and more state and local governments are adopting “concealed carry” as an option for its citizens. All states already have laws which permit concealed carry of a handgun by qualified individuals. However, concealed carry is not without its drawbacks.

Due to having a very recognizable outline, the presence of a handgun within one's coat or pants pocket can be easily identified in public. While lawful and often prudent, in some settings the identification of a firearm can lead to public uneasiness and, in some cases, public panic. Further, the inability to properly conceal a weapon by law enforcement personnel may tip-off criminals to police presence, leading such criminals to seek less protected locations for their illegal activity. The identification of a handgun being lawfully conceal carried by an individual may also make them a target for criminals.

Until the invention of the present application, these and other problems in the prior art went either unnoticed or unsolved by those skilled in the art. Clearly, for at least the above reasons, the need to disguise a concealed carry weapon, such as a handgun, is of great importance. The present invention solves these and other problems by providing a handgun holster which is not only easy to carry in a garment pocket, but also masks the presence of the holster and gun to the public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein an improved handgun holster which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional structural and operating advantages.

Generally speaking, the disclosed concealable handgun holster is made for carrying in a pocket of a garment, such as pants, shorts, coat, or the like. The holster comprises first and second panels connected together in a spaced relationship by a sidewall to form a cavity having a volume sufficient for containment of at least a substantial portion of a handgun therein, and a raised surface on the first panel, the raised surface having a width and length configured to resemble a cell phone. When the holster is placed in the garment pocket the raised surface creates a bulge in the garment resembling a cell phone to disguise the holster.

In an embodiment of the concealable handgun holster, the cavity volume is less than the size of a handgun for which it is designed to contain. This allows the holster to maintain a lightweight as well as break up the distinct outline of the handgun.

Further, in another embodiment, a stabilizer may be connected to an exterior of the compartment to stabilize the holster within a garment pocket. The stabilizer may be connected proximate a first area of the sidewall of the cavity for right-handed use or proximate a second area of the sidewall for left-handed use. Alternately, the stabilizer is detachably connectable proximate one of either area of the sidewall of the cavity to provide removal of the stabilizer and alteration of the holster between left-handed and right-handed use.

In an embodiment of the removable stabilizer, the stabilizer comprises a male connector and the first and second areas of the sidewall each comprises a corresponding female connector, allowing the stabilizer to be connected to either the first or second area. In a specific embodiment, the male connector is a T-flange and the female connector of each area of the sidewall is a T-channel.

A method for concealing a handgun in a pocket of a garment is also disclosed as an invention. The method comprises securing the handgun within a holster having a molded cavity defined by first and second panels and a sidewall, wherein the first panel comprises a raised surface having a width and length configured to resemble a cell phone, placing the holster into a pocket of a garment in an accessible position with a grip of the handgun proximate a pocket opening, wherein the raised surface imparts a bulge in the garment to resemble a cell phone, and stabilizing the holster within the pocket to maintain the handgun in the accessible position.

These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a concealable handgun holster;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the holster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the holster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a concealable handgun holster;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the holster of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the holster of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is front perspective view of a third embodiment of a concealable handgun holster;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the holster of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the holster of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a concealable handgun holster;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the holster of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the holster of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating acceptable aspect ratios of the raised surface for the disclosed concealable handgun holster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to any of the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1-12, there is illustrated a concealable handgun holster, generally designated by the numeral 10. The particular illustrated holster 10 is for a small handgun (H), particularly a small pistol, but larger handguns may also be concealed and masked by embodiments of the present device. In fact, while all the embodiments illustrated are directed to a small pistol, it should be understood that the principles of the invention can be more broadly applied to other weapons, as well as other types of handguns such as revolvers, as long as such weapons are lawful for concealed carry. However, the handgun (H) is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the invention as set forth in the claims.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-9, the holster 10 is comprised of a molded cavity 12 into which a specific handgun (H) is secured. The cavity 12 is defined by two panels 14 joined together along sidewalls 16 and closed at one end by bottom 18. The cavity 12 is preferably custom-sized for a particular handgun to provide an optimal fit. However, it can be constructed to a general size to permit a more extensive range of possible handguns.

The panels 14, sidewalls 16 and bottom 18 of the cavity 12 are preferably comprised of a molded plastic, such as a high-impact ABS. The components can be molded together in a single piece or welded together by known methods to form the cavity 12. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 8, the second panel 14b is preferably shorter than the first panel 14a to provide an adequate opening for the insertion and retrieval of handgun (H).

The first panel 14a includes a raised outer surface 20 which has dimensions (H×W×D) similar, if not identical to that of a popular cell phone, e.g., an Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. For example, an Apple iPhone 6 (manufactured and sold by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.) has the approximate dimensions of 5.5 inches (H)×2.75 inches (W)×0.38 inches (D) (about 14.0 cm×7.0 cm×1.0 cm). Such dimensions exhibit an aspect ratio (H:W) of 2:1. Alternate dimensions for other popular cell phones would be suitable. However, with reference to FIG. 13, the preferred raised surface 20 should have an aspect ratio which falls within the range of 2.5:1 to 1.5:1, with a height falling within the range of 4.0 inches (about 10.2 cm) to about 6.5 inches (about 16.5 cm).

The raised surface 20 is intended to be a forward and outward facing surface when placed into the pocket of a garment (not shown). The raised surface 20 then creates a distinct outline in the material of the garment which resembles a cell phone instead of a handgun or handgun holster.

As shown in the various embodiments, the raised surface 20 may be configured in numerous ways. The raised surface 20 may have a smaller surface area than the first panel 14a (see FIGS. 1-3) or the raised surface 20 may be an extension of the entire outer surface of first panel 14a (see embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 7). In the latter example, the first panel 14a is shown to have a consistent width along its height in the embodiment of FIG. 3, while the panel 14a tapers from the width of the cavity 12 to the width of the raised surface 20 in the embodiment of FIG. 7. Other suitable configurations for the raised surface 20 and first panel 14a may also be possible without undue experimentation by those of skill in the art. To the extent that such configurations are readily discernible by those of skill in the art from a review of the present information, such configurations should be considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, as an optional feature, the holster 10 may include means for keeping the holster properly oriented within the pocket. For this stability, a stabilizer 22 may be attached proximate the bottom 18, preferably along the first or second sidewall 16. The stabilizer 22 could be a sizeable extension from the holster 10 which keeps it from rotating within the user's pocket. This feature ensures that the holster 10 is in an optimal position (i.e., upright) for accessing a holstered handgun or easily holstering a drawn handgun. The stabilizer may be a curved flange (as shown), a hollow, molded extension, a weighted extension or any other reasonable variation which serves to offset the mass of the handgun and stabilize the holster 10 within a user's pocket.

The stabilizer 22 can be positioned along either side of the holster 10, depending on whether it is to be for left-handed or right-handed use. The attachment of the stabilizer 22 may be permanent, in which case individual holsters would be designated exclusively for one of either left-handed or right-handed use, or the stabilizer 22 may be removable to allow each holster 10 to be converted between left-handed and right-handed use. The latter is preferred, as it allows the holster to be more versatile.

As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the holster 10 is configured with a removable stabilizer 22 in a right-handed use configuration—i.e., the holster 10 is placed in a user's right side pocket and is retrieved with the user's right hand. That is, when placed into a pocket the raised surface 20 faces forward and the stabilizer 22 will be positioned along the sidewall closest to the dominant right-hand of the user. This allows the user to extract from and return the handgun to the holster 10 using only the right hand. A left-handed configuration would be a mirror image of the holster 10 in any of FIGS. 1, 4 and 7.

Further, the left handed configuration, which is merely a mirror image of the holster 10 illustrated, can be achieved by removing the stabilizer 22 from the first side and attaching it to the second side. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 9, this is accomplished by using a T-flange 24 on the stabilizer and a T-channel 26 on each side of the holster 10. The T-flange 24 can be slid into either channel 26 to alter the holster 10 for right-handed or left-handed use. The T-flange 24 may be configured to friction fit, snap, or otherwise lock into place within the channel 26 to prevent accidental removal of the stabilizer 22.

The T-flange and channel configuration is only one of a myriad of ways in which the stabilizer may be made removable. Other such suitable means for removing and attaching the stabilizer 22, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, may be used and should be considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12, the stabilizer 22 is shown to be permanently attached in a left-handed use configuration. The stabilizer 22 is a closed structure which cannot be moved as illustrated in previous embodiments.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A concealable handgun holster for carrying in a pocket of a garment, the holster comprising:

first and second panels connected together in a spaced relationship by a sidewall to form a cavity having a volume sufficient for containment of at least a substantial portion of a handgun therein; and

a raised surface on the first panel, the raised surface having a width and length configured to resemble a cell phone.

2. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, further comprising a stabilizer connected to an exterior of the compartment to stabilize the holster within a garment pocket.

3. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the cavity volume is less than the size of a handgun for which it is designed to contain.

4. The concealable handgun holster of claim 2, wherein the stabilizer is connected proximate a first area of the sidewall of the cavity for right-handed use.

5. The concealable handgun holster of claim 2, wherein the stabilizer is connected proximate a second area of the sidewall of the cavity for left-handed use.

6. The concealable handgun holster of claim 2, wherein the stabilizer is detachably connectable proximate one of a first area of the sidewall and a second area of the sidewall.

7. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the second panel has a height less than a height of the first panel.

8. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels and the sidewall are molded.

9. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the raised surface has an area less than an area of an outer surface of the first panel.

10. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the raised surface comprises an area substantially equal to an area of an outer surface of the first panel.

11. The concealable handgun holster of claim 6, wherein the stabilizer comprises a male connector and the first and second areas of the sidewall each comprise a corresponding female connector, allowing the stabilizer to be connected to either the first or second area of the sidewall.

12. The concealable handgun holster of claim 11, wherein the male connector is a T-flange and the female connector of each area of the sidewall is a T-channel.

13. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the raised surface has an aspect ratio in the range of from 2.5:1 to 1.5:1.

14. The concealable handgun holster of claim 13, wherein the raised surface has a height in the range of from 4 inches to 6.5 inches.

15. A method for concealing a handgun in a pocket of a garment, the method comprising:

securing the handgun within a holster having a molded cavity defined by first and second panels and a sidewall, wherein the first panel comprises a raised surface having a width and length configured to resemble a cell phone; and

placing the holster into a pocket of a garment in an accessible position with a grip of the handgun proximate a pocket opening, wherein the raised surface imparts a bulge in the garment to resemble a cell phone.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of stabilizing the holster within the pocket to maintain the handgun in the accessible position.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of configuring the holster for one of either left-handed or right-handed use.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of configuring the holster comprises the step of attaching the stabilizer on one side or the other of the cavity.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the holster comprises a detachable stabilizer connectable to a base of the cavity.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the detachable stabilizer comprises one of either a male connector or a female connector and the base of the cavity comprise at least two of the alternately corresponding male connector or female connector, allowing the stabilizer to be optionally connected to at least two different positions on the base.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of locking the handgun into the cavity.