NON-PATTERNING CONCEALED CARRY

Abstract

An imperceptible strap includes an inside surface and an outside surface. The inside and outside surfaces have a length and a width configured to eliminate visible line patterning. A thickness defined between the inside and outside surfaces is configured to tent fabric along the length and eliminate visible line patterning. Edges at width boundaries of the inside and outside surface are configured to eliminate visible line patterning.

Description

BACKGROUND

Carrying cases suspended or supported by slings or belts enable conveying any of a variety of objects on the body of a user. In some cases, a user carrying one or more objects prefers the carrying be inconspicuous underneath clothing.

SUMMARY

The disclosure describes an imperceptible strap. The imperceptible strap includes an inside surface and an outside surface. The inside and outside surfaces have a length and a width configured to eliminate visible line patterning. A thickness defined between the inside and outside surfaces is configured to tent fabric along the length and eliminate visible line patterning. Edges at width boundaries of the inside and outside surface are configured to eliminate visible line patterning.

Further, the disclosure describes a reduced-impression strap. The reduced-impression strap includes an inside surface and an outside surface opposite the inside surface. The inside and outside surfaces have a length and a width. The outside surface has a profile along the length which defines a series of peaks and valleys with smooth transitions therebetween. At boundaries of the width are rounded edges. Between the peaks and the rounded edges is a smooth transition.

Further still, the disclosure describes a reduced-visibility strap. The reduced-visibility strap includes outside and inside surfaces having a length and a width. The width has a shape configured to eliminate visible line patterning. A variable thickness is defined between the inside and outside surfaces. At width boundaries of the inside and outside surfaces are rounded edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, example constructions are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an example strap in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the example strap of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the example strap of FIGS. 1 & 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of the example strap of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 illustrates example straps of the disclosure in use.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another example strap in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the example strap of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the example strap of FIGS. 6 & 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an end view of the example strap of FIGS. 6-8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left-side view of an example carrying case.

FIG. 11 illustrates a right-side view of the example carrying case of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the example carrying case of FIGS. 10 & 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a first sectional view through the example carrying case of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a second sectional view through the example carrying case of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 illustrates a third sectional view through the example carrying case of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although the preferred mode of carrying out disclosed systems, apparatus and methods has been described, those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing disclosed systems, apparatus and methods are also possible.

It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Wearing a strap against one's body may impart a visible pattern onto overlying fabric. This patterning may be most noticeable in the case of straps exhibiting patterns not exhibited by the human body such as straight lines. Similar challenges arise with carrying cases such as holsters.

People carrying concealed weapons or needing to wear technological devices or medical devices such as prosthetics may wish to eliminate patterning. Fashion designers and/or clothing manufacturers may also wish to eliminate patterning resulting from undergarment bands and straps.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a strap profile that reduces or eliminates detectable outlines and patterns known straps create when underneath fabric, such as clothing. Embodiments of the disclosure also provide a holster profile that reduces or eliminates detectable outlines and patterns when underneath fabric. Embodiments of the disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, enabling concealment, under a user's clothing, of carrying cases as well as their supporting or suspending structures.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the disclosure will be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that described features are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an example reduced-visibility or reduced-impression strap 100 which, to observers, may be imperceptible under the clothing of a wearer. Strap 100 includes an inside surface 110 and an outside surface 120 opposite the inside surface. The inside and outside surfaces have a length, a width, a thickness defined between the inside and outside surfaces and edges 130 at the width boundaries of the inside and outside surfaces.

The width is configured to eliminate visible line patterning and may vary or undulate along the length between narrow 121 and wide 122 points or regions. While eight narrow points 121 are shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 & 3, any number of narrow points may be provided to outside surface 120. Similarly, while nine wide points 122 are shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 & 3, any number of wide points may be provided to outside surface 120.

The thickness is configured to tent fabric along the length and eliminate visible line patterning. The configuration may mimic human forms such as skin, muscle and bone. In an example, the thickness varies or undulates along the length. Outside surface 120 may define alternating high 125 and low 126 points along the length with smooth transitions therebetween. For example, a profile of the outside surface along the length defines a series of peaks 125 and valleys 126 and smooth transitions therebetween. In a further example, the peaks and valleys are rounded. While eight high points 125 are shown by way of example in FIG. 2, any number of high points may be provided to outside surface 120. Similarly, while seven low points 126 are shown by way of example in FIG. 2, any number of low points may be provided to outside surface 120.

The thickness may also vary or undulate across the width at one or more regions along the length, for example, at the high points 125 where the thickness may be greatest at a center of the width. In an example, the high points 125 may take the form of domes spaced along the length. The thickness may smoothly transition between high points 125 and edges 130.

Edges 130 are also configured to eliminate visible line patterning by, for example, smoothly or gradually spacing overlying fabric from a wearer. In a further example, edges 130 are rounded (FIG. 4). Edges 130 may be further configured to eliminate fabric catch points, to eliminate digging into skin and to facilitate shifting on human body/skin.

Inside and outside surfaces 110 and 120 may be configured to transfer heat and moisture away from a user and for coupling to other straps and accessories. For example, strap 100 may include perforations 140 extending through the thickness between outside surface 120 and inside surface 110. Perforations 140 may be aligned face-to-face so that a fastener may be inserted through aligned perforations to selectively secure a strap to itself, two straps to one another and/or accessories to one or more straps. While twenty-four perforations are show by way of example in FIGS. 1 & 3, any number of perforations may be provided to strap 100 or perforations may be omitted. Perforations 140 of the straps may take any of a variety of configurations including but not limited to aligned along a straight path. Further, perforations 140 may exhibit any of a variety of shapes including but not limited to oval, tear drop and square.

In an example, the inside and outside surfaces as well as the thickness therebetween and/or the entire strap 100 are translucent to transparent and/or have high visible light transmittance to further reduce visibility of the straps. For example, straps 100 may have a visible light transmittance of at least 10% and/or include a material produced so as to have a visible light transmittance of at least 10%. In another example, the straps may have a visible light transmittance of more than 40% and/or include a material produced so as to have a visible light transmittance of more than 40%. With this characteristic, a variety of skin colors and/or tones show through, making the straps substantially or practically invisible even through a white shirt and irrespective of the environment of the user or wearer. As such, the straps are effectively invisible whether the user is outdoors on a sunny day, or in an indoor, well-lit environment such as office buildings/conference rooms, etc.

In another example, the inside and outside surfaces as well as the thickness therebetween and/or the entire strap 100 are partially opaque and exhibit any of a variety of colors including but not limited to skin tones in a range of shades.

Strap 100 may be formed from any of a variety of solid, flexible, durable materials including but not limited to thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyethylene, thermoset materials, leather, rubber, fabric, fibers and combinations thereof and may be produced by any of a variety of techniques including but not limited to injection molding, over molding, cast molding, weaving, subtractive manufacturing and combinations thereof. In a still further example, strap 100 could be extruded.

FIG. 5 illustrates example use of straps of the disclosure. A first strap 101 may encircle the torso of a user with the inside surface against the user's skin or undergarment and the outside surface facing away from the user's skin. First strap 101 may be suspended or secured from the user's shoulder by a second strap 102 having its inside surface against the user's skin or undergarment. Second strap 102 may be coupled at one end with first strap 101 at a point in front of the user near the waistline and at another end with first strap 101 at a point behind the user's back near the waistline. Straps 101 and 102 may be coupled by one or more pins, buttons, plugs or snaps inserted through the perforations.

While one surface of the straps has been referred to above as an inside surface and the opposite surface has been referred to as an outside surface a user may prefer to reverse the straps such that the outside surface is against or towards the user's skin while the inside surface faces away from the user's skin.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate another example reduced-visibility or reduced-impression strap 200 which, to observers, may be imperceptible under the clothing of a wearer. Strap 200 includes an inside surface 210 and an outside surface 220 opposite the inside surface. The inside and outside surfaces have a length, a width, a thickness defined between the inside and outside surfaces and edges 230 at the width boundaries of the inside and outside surfaces.

The width is configured to eliminate visible line patterning and may vary or undulate along the length between narrow 221 and wide points 222 (FIGS. 6, 8). While eight narrow points 221 are shown by way of example in FIGS. 6 & 8, any number of narrow points may be provided to outside surface 220. Similarly, while nine wide points 222 are shown by way of example in FIGS. 6 & 8, any number of wide points may be provided to outside surface 220.

The thickness is configured to tent fabric along the length and eliminate visible line patterning. The configuration may mimic human flesh. The thickness varies or undulates along the length. Both inside and outside surfaces 210 and 220 may define alternating high points 225 and 227 and low points 226 and 228 along the length with smooth transitions therebetween. For example, a profile of the surfaces along the length defines a series of peaks 225 and valleys 226 on the outside with smooth transitions therebetween (FIG. 7) as well as a series of peaks 227 and valleys 228 on the inside with smooth transitions therebetween. In a further example, the peaks and valleys are rounded. While eight high points 225 and eight high points 227 are shown by way of example in FIG. 7, any number of high points may be provided to inside and outside surfaces 210 and 220. Similarly, while seven low points 226 and seven low points 229 are shown by way of example in FIG. 7, any number of low points may be provided to inside and outside surfaces 210 and 220.

The thickness may vary or undulate across the width at one or more regions along the length, for example, at the high points where the thickness may be greatest at a center of the width. In an example, the high points 225 and 227 may take the form of domes spaced along the length. The thickness may smoothly transition between the high points and the edges 230 (FIG. 9).

Edges 230 are also configured to eliminate visible line patterning by, for example, smoothly or gradually spacing overlying fabric from a wearer. In a further example, edges 230 are rounded (FIG. 9). Edges 230 may be further configured to eliminate fabric catch points, to eliminate digging into skin and to facilitate shifting on human body/skin.

The inside and outside surfaces 210 and 220 may be configured to transfer heat and moisture away from a user and for coupling to other straps and accessories. For example, the reduced-impression strap 200 may include perforations 240 extending through the thickness between the outside and inside surfaces. Perforations 240 may be aligned so that a fastener may be inserted through aligned perforations to selectively secure a strap to itself, two straps to one another and/or accessories to one or more straps. While twenty-four perforations are show by way of example in FIGS. 6 & 8, any number of perforations may be provided to strap 100 or perforations may be omitted. Perforations 240 of the straps may take any of a variety of configurations including but not limited to aligned along a straight path.

As with strap 100, the inside and outside surfaces as well as the thickness therebetween and the entire strap 200 may be translucent to transparent and/or have high visible light transmittance to further reduce visibility of the straps. For example, straps 200 may have a visible light transmittance of at least 10% and/or include a material produced so as to have a visible light transmittance of at least 10%. In another example, the straps may have a visible light transmittance of more than 40% and/or include a material produced so as to have a visible light transmittance of more than 40%. With this characteristic, a variety of skin colors and/or tones show through, making the straps substantially or practically invisible even through a white shirt and irrespective of the environment of the user or wearer. As such, the straps are effectively invisible whether the user is outdoors on a sunny day, or in an indoor, well-lit environment such as office buildings/conference rooms, etc.

As with strap 100, strap 200 may be formed from any of a variety of solid, flexible, durable materials including but not limited to thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyethylene, thermoset materials, leather, rubber and combinations thereof and may be produced by any of a variety of techniques including but not limited to injection molding, over molding, cast molding, weaving, subtractive manufacturing and combinations thereof. In a still further example, strap 200 could be extruded. Strap 200 may be used in a manner similar to strap 100 as described by way of example with reference to FIG. 5.

FIGS. 10-15 illustrate a carrying case in the form of a holster 300 useable in association with above-disclosed straps 100 and/or straps 200. Holster 300 is a reduced-visibility or reduced-impression holster which, to observers, may be imperceptible under the clothing of a wearer. Holster 300 includes a body portion 350 and a shroud portion 330 covering body portion 350.

Body portion 350 has a width between muzzle and handle sides, a height between top and bottom edges, a depth between outside 320 and inside 310 surfaces and an interior chamber 360 within the width, height and depth. Interior chamber 360 is configured to receive a muzzle, for example, of a firearm, at a muzzle end and a butt, for example, of a firearm, at a butt end. As a shell, body portion 350 may have an example thickness which varies between 0.09375″ and 0.3125″.

Shroud portion 330 includes a first wing 332 extending in a direction of the height away from the body portion and a second wing 336 extending from the body portion in a direction opposite first wing 332. Shroud portion 330 defines a height between the extents/limits/edges of first and second wings 332 and 336 that varies or undulates along the width. The shroud may also include a muzzle flap or wing 372 at least partially covering the muzzle end of the interior chamber. Two or more slits 374 and 376 delineate or separate muzzle wing from the rest of shroud portion 330. In an example, the shroud portion 330 has a thickness which varies between 0.09375″ and 0.125″.

The extents of the first and second wings define rounded edges 333 and 337. A series of ribs 325 and valleys 326 (FIG. 13) with smooth transitions therebetween are provided at an outside surface 320 of shroud portion 330 directed away from body portion 350. A smooth transition is formed between ribs 325 and rounded edges 333 and 337. When holster 300 is worn on the torso, for example, under the arm, ribs 325 may resemble the ribs of the wearer. When holster 300 is worn in other locations on the body, ribs 325 may resemble other organic forms such as bone or muscle patterns. Ribs 325 may resemble a tibia, latissimus dorsi, abdominal muscle or calf muscle. While FIG. 13 illustrates two ribs 325, holster 300 may include any number of ribs suitable for eliminating visible line patterning on clothing worn over the holster.

Reduced-impression holster 300 may further include reinforcing legs 352, 354 and 356 projecting away from the body portion 350 in the height direction and each including at least one perforation 353, 354 or 357. While FIGS. 10 & 11 illustrate three reinforcing legs, any number of legs suitable for reinforcing the first and second wings and providing fastener receptacles may be provided. Perforations 353, 354 and 357, which are configured to receive fasteners for selectively coupling holster 300 to, for example, accessories, straps 100 and/or straps 200, may be counter-sunk holes (FIGS. 14 & 15). In a further example, perforations 353, 354 and 357 provide 0.25″ of screw-attaching thickness.

Holster 300 defines several pockets or voids 340 between reinforcing legs 352, 354 and 356, body portion 350 and shroud portion 330.

In an example, an outer thickness of body portion 350 defined between internal chamber 360 and outside surface 320 varies from 0.1875″ between ribs 325 to 0.25″ at the ribs. An inner thickness of body portion 350 defined between internal chamber 360 and inside surface 310 of the body portion varies from 0.09375″ at a grip side of the holster to 0.3125″ at a muzzle side of the holster.

Holster 300 may be thickest along a line between the muzzle and butt end portions of interior chamber 360 and gradually thin towards the rounded edges 333 and 337 (FIG. 12). For example, at a point along the line between the muzzle and butt end portions of interior chamber 360 which is on a rib 325, holster 300 may be 0.25″ thick whereas at a point near one of rounded edges 333 or 337, where wings 332 and 336 extend from body portion 350, holster 300 may be just 0.09375″ thick. In another example, at a point along the line between the muzzle and butt end portions of interior chamber 360 which is in a valley 326, holster 300 may be 0.1875″ thick whereas at a point near one of rounded edges 333 or 337, where wings 332 and 336 extend from body portion 350, holster 300 may be just 0.09375″ thick.

Body portion 350 may be formed from any of a variety of breathable materials with low risk for any chemical absorption through the skin of the user. Body portion 350 may be formed from a lower durometer material. Example materials for body portion 350 exhibit Shore A durometer of from about 40 to about 60. Example materials include but are not limited to heat-curable or cold-curable elastomers, and/or medical-grade rubber materials such as silicone, TPE or polyurethane. Body portion 350 may be offered in a variety of colors suitable for matching skin tones of users.

Shroud portion 330 may be formed from any of a variety of breathable materials with low risk for any chemical absorption through the skin of the user. Shroud portion 330 may be formed from a higher durometer material. Example materials for shroud portion exhibit Shore A durometer of about 50. Example materials include but are not limited to heat-curable or cold-curable elastomers, and/or medical-grade rubber materials such as silicone, TPE or polyurethane. Shroud portion 330 may be offered in a variety of colors suitable for matching skin tones of users.

Body portion 350 and shroud portion 330 may be separately formed and temporarily or permanently coupled together or may be integrally formed.

Fasteners suitable for use with disclosed straps and holsters include but are not limited to pins, rivets, buttons, plugs, snaps and Chicago screws. The fasteners may similarly be formed from any of a variety of breathable, translucent to transparent materials, with low risk for any chemical absorption through the skin of the user. In an example, the material exhibits Shore A durometer of about 20 to about 80. Example materials include but are not limited to heat-curable or cold-curable elastomers, and/or medical-grade rubber materials such as silicone, TPE, polyurethane, and/or TPU.

Embodiments of the disclosure are susceptible to being used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, enabling users to support technological equipment, medical devices or weapons underneath clothing in a concealed way.

Modifications to embodiments of the disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim disclosed features are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. An imperceptible strap, comprising:

an inside surface having a length and a width configured to eliminate visible line patterning;

an outside surface having the length and the width;

defined between the inside surface and the outside surface, a thickness configured to tent fabric along the length and eliminate visible line patterning; and

at width boundaries of the inside and outside surface, edges configured to eliminate visible line patterning.

2. The strap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the edges are further configured to smoothly or gradually space overlying fabric from a wearer.

3. The strap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the thickness varies along the length.

4. The strap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the thickness defines a series of domes spaced along the length.

5. The strap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the thickness defines alternating high and low points along the length.

6. The strap as set forth in claim 5, wherein the thickness transitions smoothly between the alternating high and low points.

7. The strap as set forth in claim 5, wherein the thickness varies across the width at the high points.

8. The strap as set forth in claim 5, wherein the thickness smoothly transitions between the high points and the edges.

9. The strap as set forth in claim 5, wherein the thickness at the high points is greatest at a center of the width.

10. The strap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the edges are further configured to eliminate fabric catch points.

11. The strap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the inside and outside surfaces are configured to transfer heat away from a user.

12. The strap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the inside and outside surfaces are configured to transfer moisture away from a user.

13. The strap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the inside and outside surfaces are configured for coupling to other straps and accessories.

14. A reduced-impression strap, comprising:

an inside surface having a length and a width;

opposite the inside surface, an outside surface having the length, the width and a profile along the length which defines a series of peaks and valleys with smooth transitions therebetween;

rounded edges at boundaries of the width; and

a smooth transition between the peaks and the rounded edges.

15. The reduced-impression strap as set forth in claim 14, wherein the peaks and valleys are rounded.

16. The reduced-impression strap as set forth in claim 14, wherein the width varies along the length.

17. The reduced-impression strap as set forth in claim 14, wherein the width undulates along the length.

18. A reduced-visibility strap, comprising:

an outside surface having a length and a width with a shape configured to eliminate visible line patterning;

an inside surface having the length and the width;

defined between the inside surface and the outside surface, a variable thickness; and

at width boundaries of the inside and outside surfaces, rounded edges.

19. The reduced-visibility strap as set forth in claim 18, wherein the thickness undulates along the length.

20. The reduced-visibility strap as set forth in claim 18, wherein the thickness undulates across the width at one or more regions along the length.