BOOT WITH INTERNAL FIREARM HOLSTER

Abstract

A footwear article having a permanent interior holster, the footwear article configured to secure a firearm to an interior shaft of a boot. The holster includes a sleeve having a plurality of slits disposed through the sleeve, the plurality of slits approximately parallel with a centerline of the interior shaft. The holster further includes a flexible backing connected to the sleeve, whereby insertion of the firearm between the flexible backing and interior shaft creates a compressive force to secure the firearm between the flexible backing and interior shaft. The footwear article further includes a band connected between the holster and an exterior shaft of the boot, whereby the firearm is further secured between the band and the holster.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. non-provisional patent application is related to and claims priority benefit to an earlier-filed provisional patent application titled BOOT WITH INTERNAL FIREARM HOLSTER, Ser. No. 62/515,875, filed Jun. 6, 2017. The identified earlier-filed application is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application as though fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosed subject matter relates generally to a firearm holster and more particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, to a permanent firearm holster internal to a boot.

BACKGROUND

A majority of concealed firearm holsters are strapped to a person's upper, mid, or lower torso for ease of access and/or concealment. All concealed carry firearm holsters are worn under or between layers of clothing to which the holsters are temporary and removable. Some holsters can be prone to slippage and awkward to carry. It is desirable to conceal a firearm within a boot for both comfort and security.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosed subject matter is directed to an article of manufacture that secures a firearm to an interior shaft of a boot. The article of manufacture comprises: a boot having an interior shaft; and a holster being configured to secure a firearm to the interior shaft comprising: a sleeve having a top edge and a bottom edge, the sleeve connected to the interior shaft, the sleeve comprising: a top opening formed between the top edge and the interior shaft; and a plurality of slits disposed through the sleeve, the plurality of slits approximately parallel with a centerline of the interior shaft; and a flexible backing attached to an interior side of the sleeve, the flexible backing configured to compress the firearm against the interior shaft.

In another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a bottom opening is formed between the bottom edge and the interior shaft in order for a portion of a barrel of the firearm to extend through the bottom opening. In this aspect, the holster may be utilized for firearms of varying sized barrels.

In one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the plurality of slits are evenly disposed between an anterior edge of the sleeve a posterior edge of the sleeve. In another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the plurality of slits may extend through the top edge of the sleeve to allow additional expansion of the top opening in order to accept larger sized firearms. The slits do not impact the ability of the flexible backing to accept larger sized firearms.

In one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a band may be configured to secure a grip of the firearm into the holster so the firearm does not accidentally fall out of the boot. The band may comprise a flexible strap connected to the top edge of the sleeve at a first end and demountably connected to an exterior shaft of the boot at a second end. In some embodiments, a snap mechanism is connected between the second end and the exterior shaft. In still another embodiment, the snap mechanism is connected to a pull loop affixed to a cuff of the boot.

In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the flexible backing comprises an elastic fabric configured to expand upon insertion of the firearm within the holster and compress the firearm to the interior shaft. The flexible backing is further configured to expand between the plurality of slits when a spacing between the slits increases upon insertion of the firearm within the holster.

In another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the top edge of the sleeve slopes downwardly from an anterior edge of the sleeve to a posterior edge of the sleeve. This downward slope provides more accessibility to the grip of the firearm. In another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the bottom edge of the sleeve slopes upwardly from the anterior edge to the posterior edge.

In another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the components of holster are joined together using standard sewing techniques. In an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the holster is connected to the interior shaft of the boot using standard sewing techniques.

In some aspects of the disclosed subject matter, the holster may be connected to the interior shaft on either the lateral side of the boot, the medial side of the boot, or both the lateral side and medial side of the boot. In other embodiments, an expandable pocket may be connected to the interior shaft opposite the holster. The expandable pocket may also be configured to secure firearm accessories, such as ammunition, or personal possessions, such a cell phone.

In other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a method for securing a firearm to an interior shaft of a boot may comprise the steps of: (1) providing a boot having an interior shaft; (2) providing a flexible backing configured to secure the firearm to the interior shaft, the flexible backing attached to the interior shaft; (3) inserting a firearm into a pocket formed between the flexible backing and the interior shaft; (4) securing a firearm in the pocket by a compressive force created between the flexible backing and interior shaft.

In other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a method for securing a firearm to an interior shaft of a boot may comprise the steps of: (1) providing a holster comprising: a sleeve having a top edge, the sleeve connected to the interior shaft, the sleeve comprising: a top opening formed between the top edge and the interior shaft; and a plurality of slits disposed through the sleeve, the plurality of slits approximately parallel with a centerline of the interior shaft; and a flexible backing attached to an interior side of the sleeve, the flexible backing configured to compress the firearm against the interior shaft; (2) providing a band having a first end and a second end; the first end connected to the top edge; the second end configured to demountably connect to an exterior shaft of the boot opposite the interior shaft; (3) inserting a firearm into the top opening; whereby a grip of the firearm abuts the top opening; (4) inserting a portion of a barrel of the firearm through a bottom opening formed between a bottom edge of the sleeve and the interior shaft; (5) connecting the second end to the exterior shaft; whereby a grip of the firearm is secured between the band and the holster; (6) expanding the flexible backing between the plurality of slits; and (7) compressing the firearm against the interior shaft.

These and other features of the present invention are described in greater detail below in the section titled DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of an embodiment of the sleeve.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is flow chart of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is flow chart of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed aspects of the disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the disclosed subject matter, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the disclosed technology in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description, and are shown in the drawings, and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the disclosed subject matter as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. The words “anterior” and “posterior” refer to the front and rear end, respectively, of a body part. The words “medial” and “lateral” refer to the inward side and outward side, respectively, of a body part. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter comprising a footwear article 100, preferably a boot 102, having an interior shaft 104 and exterior shaft 106 in which a firearm 300 may be secured and concealed by means of a holster 200 attached to the interior shaft 104 of the boot 102. The holster 200 comprises a pocket 218 formed between a flexible backing 204 that is capable of expanding upon insertion of the firearm 300 into the pocket 218. In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a sleeve 202 is permanently attached to the inward side of the flexible backing 204 with respect to the interior of the boot 102 by means of stitching 220 between the flexible backing 204 and the sleeve 202. Other means of attachment may be provided such as rivets, glue, or other suitable means of attachment. In other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the holster 200 comprises solely of the flexible backing 204 without the sleeve 202 attached.

In some embodiments, the holster 200 may be attached to the interior shaft 104 on the lateral side, medial side, or both the later side and medial side of the boot 102. In other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, a second holster 202 may be provided on the opposite side of the interior shaft 104 of the holster 200, as shown in FIG. 1. The holster 200 is preferable positioned on the interior shaft 104 in order that a grip 304 of the firearm 300 extends outwardly and rearwardly from a cuff 108 of the boot 102, but the location of the holster 200 may vary depending on the style and dimensions of the boot 102 and firearm 300. In some embodiments, the holster 200 is positioned within the boot 102 so that the barrel of the firearm 300 is aligned approximately vertically with a pull loop 110 of the boot 102. The pull loop may be aligned with the centerline (CL) of the interior shaft 104.

In some embodiments, a band having a first end and second end is provided to further secure the firearm 300 to the holster 200. The first end 402 is connected to the top edge, preferably near the midpoint of the top edge 210. The second end is demountably connected to the exterior shaft 106 near the cuff 108. The band is configured to secure the grip 304 between the band 400 and the holster 200. In some embodiments the band comprises a flexible strap configured to stretch over the grip 304; whereby the grip 304 is urged downwardly towards the holster 200. In some embodiments, the band may be constructed of elastic or rubber. A snap mechanism 406 may be connected between the second end 404 and the exterior shaft 106. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a male snap member 408 may be provided on the exterior shaft 106 to receive and secure the snap mechanism 406 to the exterior shaft 106. In a preferred embodiment, the male snap member is disposed on the pull loop 110.

In an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 3, the holster 200 comprises a sleeve 202 made of durable material such as leather, synthetic material, rubber, plastic, fiberglass, or other suitable material. The sleeve 202 comprises a plurality of slits 206 disposed through the sleeve 202. In some embodiments, the plurality of slits 206 are approximately parallel with the centerline CL of the interior shaft 104. The plurality of slits 206 may be evenly disposed between the anterior edge 214 and the posterior edge 216 of the sleeve 202.

In an embodiment, the flexible backing 204 may comprise an elastic fabric configured to expand upon insertion of the firearm 300 within the holster 200 and compress the firearm 300 to the interior shaft 104. The flexible backing 204 may be further configured to expand between the plurality of slits 206 when the space between the plurality of slits increases upon insertion of the firearm 300 within the holster 200.

In some embodiments, and referring to FIG. 3, the flexible backing 204 and the sleeve 202 are attached to the interior shaft 104 of the boot 102. It is appreciated that the number of slits 206 depends on the dimensions of the holster 200 and the firearm 300. In some embodiments, the sleeve 202 includes seven slits 206 resulting in eight strips 208.

In some embodiments, and referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the holster 200 is connected to the interior shaft 104 by traditional sewing techniques. A stitching 215 connects the sleeve 202 to the interior shaft 104. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible backing 204 is connected between the sleeve 202 and the interior shaft 104 via the stitching 215.

In some embodiments, the flexible backing 204 and the sleeve 202 are attached to the interior shaft 104 along the anterior edge 214, bottom edge 212, and posterior edge 216. In this arrangement, a bottom opening is not present in the holster 200.

In some embodiments, and referring to FIG. 4, the sleeve 202 comprises a plurality of slits 206 extending from a top edge 210 of the sleeve 202 to positions near a bottom edge 212 of the sleeve 202 resulting in a plurality of parallel strips 208. The portion of the sleeve 202 below the bottom of the plurality of slits 206 forms a continuous bottom strip 224 extending the length of the bottom edge 212. In this configuration, top edge 210 is configured to expand to the extent the flexible backing 204 will allow and such expansion is not limited by the length of the top edge 210.

In some embodiments, the sleeve 202 comprises a top opening formed between the top edge 210 and the interior shaft 104. The top opening is bounded by the stitching 215 at each end. In some embodiments, the sleeve 202 comprises a bottom opening formed between the bottom edge 212 and the interior shaft 104. The bottom opening is bounded the stitching 215 at each end. The barrel of the firearm may pass through the top opening and the bottom opening to a position where the grip 304 rests on the top edge 210 of the holster 200.

In some embodiments, the flexible backing 204 is capable of expanding towards the center of the boot 102 when the firearm 300 is inserted between the flexible backing 204 and interior shaft 104. The expansion of the flexible backing 204 results in the expansion of the spacing between the strips 208, further resulting in a compressive force to secure the firearm 300 within the pocket 218.

In some embodiments, and referring to FIG. 3, the top edge 210 slopes downwardly from the anterior edge 214 to the posterior edge 216. In some embodiments, the bottom edge 212 slopes upwardly from the anterior edge 214 to the posterior edge 216. In some embodiments, the posterior edge 216 and bottom edge form a curved corner 222. The flexible backing 204 has the same exterior dimensions as the sleeve 202, so when the flexible backing 204 and sleeve 202 are attached to the interior shaft 104, the flexible backing 204 is completely covered by the sleeve 202.

In some embodiments, flexible backing 204 may be an elastic fabric or other suitable elastic material to allow for expansion and contraction of the holster 200. The flexible backing 204 configured to provide a compressive force against the firearm 300 in order to secure the firearm 300 to the interior shaft 104 of the boot 102. The compressive force generated between the flexible backing 204 and the interior shaft 104 may be sufficient to secure the firearm 300 within the holster 200 when the boot 102 is turned upside down.

In other embodiments, and referring to FIG. 6, an expandable pocket 600 may be connected to the interior shaft 104 opposite the holster 200. The pocket 600 configured to secure firearm accessories such as bullets, ammunition and/or clips, or personal possessions such a pocket knives, cell phone, cash, identification and/or credit cards. The expandable pocket 600 comprising a top pocket edge 602, side pocket edges 604a,604b and a bottom pocket edge 608. The expandable pocket 600 may be connected to the interior shaft 104 along the side pocket edges 604a,604b and bottom pocket edge 606 to form an pocket access 608 between the top pocket edge 602 and interior shaft 104.

In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and referring to flow chart 700 of FIG. 7, a method for securing a firearm to an interior shaft of a boot is provided. The method includes, at block 702, providing a boot having an interior shaft. The method further includes, at block 704, providing a flexible backing configured to secure the firearm to the interior shaft, the flexible backing attached to the interior shaft. The method further includes, at block 706, inserting a firearm into a pocket formed between the flexible backing and interior shaft. At block 708, the method further includes securing a firearm in the pocket by a compressive force created between the flexible backing and interior shaft

In another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, and referring flow chart 800 of FIG. 8, a method for securing a firearm to an interior shaft of a boot is provided. The method includes, at block 802, providing a holster comprising: a sleeve having a top edge, the sleeve connected to the interior shaft, the sleeve comprising: a top opening formed between the top edge and the interior shaft; and a plurality of slits disposed through the sleeve, the plurality of slits approximately parallel with a centerline of the interior shaft; and a flexible backing attached to an interior side of the sleeve, the flexible backing configured to compress the firearm against the interior shaft. The method further includes, at block 804, providing a band having a first end and a second end; the first end connected to the top edge; the second end configured to demountably connect to an exterior shaft of the boot opposite the interior shaft. The method further includes, at block 806, inserting a firearm into the top opening; whereby a grip of the firearm abuts the top opening. The method further includes, at block 808, inserting a portion of a barrel of the firearm through a bottom opening formed between a bottom edge of the sleeve and the interior shaft. At block 810, the method further includes, connecting the second end to the exterior shaft; whereby a grip of the firearm is secured between the band and the holster. The method further includes, at block 812, expanding the flexible backing between the plurality of slits. At the block 814, the method further includes, compressing the firearm against the interior shaft.

It is to be understood that while certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the single claim below, the disclosed subject matter is not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.

Claims

1. A footwear article, comprising:

a boot having an interior shaft; and

a holster configured to secure a firearm to the interior shaft comprising: a sleeve having a top edge and a bottom edge, the sleeve connected to the interior shaft, the sleeve comprising: a top opening formed between the top edge and the interior shaft; and a plurality of slits disposed through the sleeve, the plurality of slits approximately parallel with a centerline of the interior shaft; and a flexible backing attached to an interior side of the sleeve, the flexible backing configured to compress the firearm against the interior shaft.

2. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits are disposed between an anterior edge of the sleeve and a posterior edge of the sleeve.

3. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits extend through the top edge of the sleeve.

4. The footwear article of claim 1, further comprising a band having a first end and a second end, the first end connected the top edge, the second end demountably connected to an exterior shaft opposite the interior shaft; whereby a grip of the firearm is secured between the band and the holster.

5. The footwear article of claim 4, wherein the band comprises a flexible strap.

6. The footwear article of claim 5, wherein a snap mechanism is connected between the second end and the exterior shaft.

7. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the flexible backing comprises an elastic fabric.

8. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the sleeve further comprises a bottom opening formed between a bottom edge of the sleeve and the interior shaft; whereby a portion of a barrel of the firearm may extend through the bottom opening.

9. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the top edge slopes downwardly from an anterior edge of the sleeve to a posterior edge of the sleeve.

10. The footwear article of claim 9, wherein the bottom edge slopes upwardly from the anterior edge to the posterior edge.

11. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein a stitching connects the sleeve to the interior shaft.

12. The footwear article of claim 11, wherein the stitching further connects the flexible backing to an interior side of the sleeve.

13. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the holster is connected to a medial side of the interior shaft.

14. The footwear article of claim 13, further comprising a second holster connected to the lateral side of the interior shaft.

15. The footwear article of claim 13, further comprises an expandable pocket connected to the lateral side of the interior shaft.

16. A footwear article, comprising:

a boot having an interior shaft;

a holster connected to a medial side of the interior shaft comprising: a sleeve connected to the interior shaft comprising: a top edge; a bottom edge; an anterior edge; a posterior edge; wherein the top edge slopes downwardly from the anterior edge to the posterior edge; wherein the bottom edge slopes upwardly from the anterior edge to the posterior edge; a top opening formed between the top edge and the interior shaft; a bottom opening formed between the bottom edge and the interior shaft; and a plurality of slits disposed through the sleeve; the plurality of slits approximately parallel with a centerline of the interior shaft; the plurality of slits disposed between the anterior edge and the posterior edge; and an elastic fabric attached to an interior side of the sleeve, the elastic fabric configured to compress the firearm against the interior shaft; a flexible strap having a first end and a second end; the first end connected to the top edge; the second end demountably connected to an exterior shaft opposite the interior shaft;

a snap mechanism connected between the second end and the flexible strap; and

an expandable pocket connected to a lateral side of the interior shaft.

17. A method of securing a firearm to an interior shaft of a boot, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a holster comprising: a sleeve having a top edge, the sleeve connected to the interior shaft, the sleeve comprising: a top opening formed between the top edge and the interior shaft; and a plurality of slits disposed through the sleeve, the plurality of slits approximately parallel with a centerline of the interior shaft; and a flexible backing attached to an interior side of the sleeve, the flexible backing configured to compress the firearm against the interior shaft;

inserting a firearm into the top opening; whereby a grip of the firearm abuts the top opening;

expanding the flexible backing between the plurality of slits; and

compressing the firearm against the interior shaft.

18. The method of the claim 17, further comprising the step of inserting a portion of a barrel of the firearm through a bottom opening formed between a bottom edge of the sleeve and the interior shaft.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:

providing a band having a first end and a second end; the first end connected to the top edge; the second end configured to demountably connect to an exterior shaft of the boot opposite the interior shaft; and

connecting the second end to the exterior shaft after the step of inserting the firearm through the bottom opening; whereby a grip of the firearm is secured between the band and the holster.