HANGER AND ADAPTER TO SUPPORT A GUN HOLSTER

Abstract

A clothes hanger made to support a gun holster and an adapter for use with a clothes hanger to support the same. In one form, the hanger generally includes a standard clothes hanger having a center panel for supporting the gun holster. The center panel can be integral with the hanger or separable (e.g., an adapter) to provide for removing the same therefrom.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/752,014, filed Jan. 14, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various types of holsters, carrying clips, and the like are known in the prior art for storing and carrying firearms. Typically, these types of holsters and clips are useful for arming an individual in environments outside of their home. In contrast, when considering home defense, the individual typically has to store the firearm in a concealed area such as an existing drawer or cabinet that is generally out of touch and sight from children or others who may be inexperienced with firearms.

Accordingly, needs exist for improved devices for supporting and storing firearms. It is to the provision of a hanger and adapter to support a gun holster meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the present invention provides a clothes hanger made to support a gun holster and to an adapter for use with a clothes hanger to support the same. In one example embodiment, the hanger generally comprises a standard clothes hanger having a center panel for supporting the gun holster. The center panel can be integral with the hanger or separable (e.g., an adapter) to provide for removing the same therefrom. In example forms, the hanger generally includes a hook, two side arms supported by the hook, and a cross-rod extending between distal ends of the side arms. With the hook supporting the hanger, a gun holster can be supported by the panel. Advantageously, while supporting the gun holster, garments or other forms of clothing can be hung on the hanger to partially or completely conceal the holster.

Optionally, a securing strap can be provided on the center panel for securing the gun holster thereto.

In another example form, the invention relates to an adapter panel to be added to a clothes hanger for supporting a firearm holster, the clothes hanger having side arms and a cross-rod. The adapter panel includes an upper portion having first and second engagement portions for engaging the sidearms, a lower portion including third and fourth engagement portions for engaging the cross-rod, and a body portion extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and adapted to bear a firearm holster thereon. The adapter panel is configured to be slipped onto and straddle the cross-rod of the hanger and to be fastened to the side arms of the hanger.

Optionally, the adapter panel can include a securing strap for securing the firearm holster thereto.

In another example form, the invention relates to an adapter panel to be mounted to a clothes hanger. The clothes hanger includes side arms, a cross-rod and a hook. The adapter panel includes an upper portion having a yoke adapted to be slipped over the hook and supported therein, a lower portion, and a body portion extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and adapted to bear a holster thereon. The adapter panel is configured to straddle the cross-rod.

Optionally, the adapter panel can include a securing strap for securing the firearm holster thereto.

In another example form, the invention relates to an adapter panel to be mounted to a clothes hanger for supporting a holster. The clothes hanger is of the type having a hook, two side arms and a cross-rod. The adapter panel includes an upper portion having a loop for slipped over the hook, a lower portion shaped to rest against a side of the cross-rod of the hanger, and a body portion extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and adapted to bear a holster thereon. The adapter panel is configured to be slipped over the hook of the hanger and to abut against one side of the cross-rod.

Optionally, the adapter panel can include a securing strap for securing the firearm holster thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a holster support according to a first example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a holster support according to a second example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an adapter panel of the holster support of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of the holster support of FIG. 2 and showing the adapter panel comprising eyelet-and-post interengagement features according to a third example embodiment of the present invention, and wherein the eyelet and post features are disengaged from one other.

FIG. 4B is the rear perspective view of the holster support of FIG. 4A, showing the eyelet and post features engaged with each other.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a holster support according to a fourth example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an adapter panel of the holster support of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a holster support according to a fifth example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an adapter panel of the holster support of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a holster support according to a sixth example embodiment of the present invention, showing a holster having a firearm therein secured to an adapter panel with a securing strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a clothes hanger made to support a gun holster and to an adapter for use with a clothes hanger to support the same. In one example embodiment, the hanger generally comprises a standard clothes hanger having a center panel for supporting the gun holster. The center panel can be integral with the hanger or separable (e.g., an adapter) to provide for removing the same therefrom. In example forms, the hanger generally includes a hook, two side arms supported by the hook, and a cross-rod extending between distal ends of the side arms. With the hook supporting the hanger, a gun holster can be supported by the panel. Advantageously, while supporting the gun holster, garments or other forms of clothing can be hung on the hanger to partially or completely conceal the holster.

In one aspect, the center panel is integral with the hanger and extends between the upper side arms and cross-rod of the hanger. The holster generally mounts directly to the center panel in a desired orientation wherein a pistol can be supported therein. In one form, a strap having a snap-like engagement feature is provided on the center panel to secure the pistol holster thereto.

In another aspect, the center panel is in the form of an adapter panel (e.g., separable) to be added to a standard hanger. The adapter panel generally comprises at least one engagement portion and a panel portion. The at least one engagement portion allows for the adapter panel to engage portions of the hanger, and the panel portion is provided for supporting the pistol holster. Generally, the at least one engagement portion of the adapter panel can be permanently or removably engaged to portions of the hanger. In some forms, the panel portion generally comprises a securing strap to secure the holster thereto.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a hanger support 10 according to a first example embodiment of the present invention. In this example embodiment, the hanger 10 generally comprises a hanger body 20 having an integral center panel 40 for supporting a gun holster (unshown). The hanger generally comprises a hook 22, two side arms 24, 25, extending from and supported by the hook 22, and a cross-rod 26 extending between distal ends of the side arms 24, 25. The integral center panel 40 is generally configured to be shaped and sized to accommodate supporting the gun holster. In example forms, the integral center panel 40 comprises a box-like outer periphery wherein top corners and one edge are integral with the hanger 20. Optionally, other shaped panels 40 may be provided as desired.

In example forms, the pistol holster can be secured to the center panel 40 with a securing strap 60. For example, in one example form, the strap 60 comprises a first or fixed end 62, a second or free end 64, and snaps or interengagement features 66, 67. The first end 62 is generally fixed to the panel 40 and the second end 64 includes the snap 66. As such, the second end 64 is free to engage or feed through a portion of the gun holster (e.g., belt loop or the like) wherein the snap 66 further secures to the snap 67 (which in turn, is secured to the panel). Preferably, the securing strap 60 can be configured to support the pistol holster in a plurality of orientations. For example, in some forms, it may be desired to configure the strap 60 secure the holster to the panel 40 so that the pistol (unshown) points in an upward direction when engaged with the holster. In other forms, a downward orientation or other orientation may be desired. Optionally, other forms of straps or securing features may be provided as desired.

Preferably, with the center panel supporting the pistol holster, and with or without the pistol inserted therein, the hanger 10 can still be utilized to hang garments or other forms of clothing. As such, the hanger 10 provides good accessibility when a pistol is present in the holster.

FIG. 2 shows a holster support 100 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the holster support 100 is adapted to work with and attach to a conventional hanger 120 and comprises an adapter panel 140. The adapter panel 140 is separable from the hanger 120 to provide for removable engagement therewith. As similarly described above, the adapter panel 140 supports the holster so that a firearm can be supported thereby.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the adapter panel 140 comprises an upper portion 142, a lower portion 150, and a body portion 156. In example embodiments, the upper portion 142 comprises first and second engagement portions or bosses 144, 145 that fasten to the side arms 124, 125 (as by screws). In this regard, screw holes 144a, 145a can be provided. The lower portion 150 comprises third and fourth engagement portions 152, 153 defining an opening formed therein for slipping onto and straddling the cross-rod 126. These lower portions are U-shaped feet sized to straddle the cross-rod 126. With the upper and lower portions engaged with portions of the hanger 120, the body portion 156 can provide support for the firearm holster (and firearm). Optionally, other forms or fasteners, clips, etc. can be used as desired. Also, as similarly described above, the adapter panel 140 can comprise a securing strap 160 having a first or fixed end 162, a second or free end 164, and snaps or interengagement features 166, 167. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B, the securing strap 160 comprises eyelet-and-post interengagement features wherein an eyelet feature 176 is formed with the free end 164 of the strap 160 and a post feature 177 generally projects from the adapter panel 140. Thus, as desired, the eyelet feature 176 and the post feature 177 can be engaged with each other (see FIG. 4B) to provide support for the firearm holster (and firearm).

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a holster support 200 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the holster support 200 is generally similar to the holster support 100 wherein engagement portions are provided at the upper and lower portions 242, 250 of the adapter panel 240. The upper portion 242 is provided with a first engagement portion or yoke or loop-like feature 244, and the lower portion 250 comprises second and third engagement portions 252, 253. The yoke 244 is provided for slipping over the hook 222, and the second and third engagement portions 252, 253 (having an opening formed therein as similarly described above) are provided for slipping onto and straddling the cross-rod 226. With the upper and lower portions 242, 250 engaged with portions of the hanger 220, the body portion 256 can provide support for the holster (and firearm) as desired. Advantageously, the adapter panel 240 can be attached and/or removed from the hanger 220 easily and quickly. Further, as similarly described above, the adapter panel 240 can comprise a securing strap 260 having a first or fixed end 262, a second or free end 264, and snaps or interengagement features 266, 267. Optionally, a generally central engagement portion (unshown) can be provided rather than the two engagement portions 252, 253.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show another holster support 300 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The holster support 300 is adapted to work with standard hanger 320 and includes an adapter panel 340. The adapter panel 340 is generally S-shaped and comprises one engagement portion and one elongate panel portion. The upper portion 342 of the panel 340 comprises a first engagement portion or loop-like feature or yoke 344, and the lower portion 350 is generally shaped to simply rest or abut against a side of the cross-rod 326. As similarly described above, the yoke 344 is provided for slipping over the hook 322. Thus, with the yoke 342 engaged with the hook 322 of the hanger 320, and the lower portion 350 resting against a side of the cross-rod 326, the body portion 356 can provide support for the holster (and firearm, such as a pistol) as desired. Additionally, as similarly described above, the adapter panel 340 can comprise a securing strap 360 (unshown) having a first or fixed end 362, a second or free end 364, and snaps or interengagement features 366, 367.

FIG. 9 shows another holster support 400 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The holster support 400 is adapted to work with a standard hanger 420 and includes an adapter panel 440. The adapter panel 440 comprises a securing strap 460 that is engaged with loops of a holster 470. The securing strap 460 secures the holster 470 to the adapter panel 440 wherein a firearm 480 is inserted therein.

In commercial embodiments, the hanger-mounted gun holster supports and/or adapter panels and/or hangers of the present invention can be constructed from a variety of materials including but not limited to metals, plastics, composites, wood, or other available materials as desired. The securing strap can be formed from a variety of materials including but not limited to textiles, plastics, nylons, natural or other synthetic materials, and other materials as desired. Optionally, other forms of interengagement features and/or securing features may be provided to secure the gun holster to the panel.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. For example, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “one” include the plural, the term “or” means “and/or,” and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

While the invention has been shown and described in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A clothes hanger for supporting a gun holster thereon and comprising:

a hanger body comprising a hook, two side arms supported by the hook, and a cross-rod extending between distal ends of the side arms; and

a center panel extending between the side arms and the cross-rod for supporting a gun holster thereon.

2. The clothes hanger of claim 1, further comprising a securing strap provided on the center panel for securing the gun holster thereto.

3. An adapter panel to be added to a clothes hanger for supporting a firearm holster, the clothes hanger having side arms and a cross-rod, the adapter panel comprising:

an upper portion comprising first and second engagement portions for engaging the sidearms;

a lower portion comprising third and fourth engagement portions for engaging the cross-rod; and

a body portion extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and adapted to bear a firearm holster thereon, and wherein the adapter panel is configured to be slipped onto and straddle the cross-rod of the hanger and to be fastened to the side arms of the hanger.

4. The adapter panel of claim 3, further comprising a securing strap provided thereon for securing the firearm holster thereto.

5. An adapter panel to be mounted to a clothes hanger for supporting a holster, the clothes hanger having side arms, a cross-rod and a hook, the adapter panel comprising:

an upper portion comprising a yoke adapted to be slipped over the hook and supported thereon;

a lower portion; and

a body portion extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and adapted to bear a holster thereon, and wherein the adapter panel is configured to straddle the cross-rod.

6. The adapter panel of claim 5, further comprising a securing strap provided thereon for securing the gun holster thereto.

7. An adapter panel to be mounted to a clothes hanger for supporting a holster, the hanger of the type having a hook, two side arms, and a cross-rod, the adapter panel comprising:

an upper portion comprising a loop for slipping over the hook;

a lower portion shaped to rest against a side of the cross-rod of the hanger; and

a body portion extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and adapted to bear a holster thereon, and wherein the adapter panel is configured to be slipped over the hook of the hanger and to abut against one side of cross-rod.

8. The adapter panel of claim 7, further comprising a securing strap provided thereon for securing the gun holster thereto.