Integrated defense garment

An integrated defense garment may have an undergarment and may have a holster. The holster may have an affixment apparatus and a defensive device retention apparatus. The affixment apparatus may be connected in mechanical communication with the undergarment and the defensive device retention apparatus may be in mechanical communication with the affixment apparatus. In this manner, a defensive device may be concealed under clothing in a holster of an integrated defense garment.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of clothing. More particularly, the present invention relates to clothing having an integrated holster.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Holsters are often worn to hold a weapon, such as a firearm, electrical stun device, or chemical dispensing device. Moreover, holsters are often worn to hold electronic devices, such as cell phones. Holsters are typically worn inside or outside of the clothing. Frequently, an individual desires to wear undergarments beneath his or her clothing as well as a holster inside of the clothing. However, clothing is often too tight to permit discrete concealment of a separate holster. Thus, there is a need for an undergarment having an integrated holster.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An integrated defense garment is disclosed. The garment may include a holster. The holster may include an affixment apparatus, and a defensive device retention apparatus. The defensive device retention apparatus may be connected to the affixment apparatus, and the affixment apparatus may be configured to retain the integrated defense garment in mechanical connection to an undergarment. The undergarment may include shapewear. The shapewear may include a first layer and a second layer. The defensive device retention apparatus may be disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

The holster may include a flat-mount holster having an inner layer and an outer layer. The flat-mount holster may also have a layer seam including stitching joining the inner layer and the outer layer together.

In various embodiments, the affixment apparatus includes a boundary seam disposed proximate to the edge of at least one of the outer layer and the inner layer. The boundary seam may follow a path forming a zig-zag extending across the edge of at least one of the outer layer and the inner layer. The path may be bounded by a holster attachment line and an undergarment attachment line. The holster attachment line may transit the surface of the outer layer, and the undergarment attachment line may transit the surface of the undergarment. The undergarment attachment line and the holster attachment line may include parallel lines. The undergarment attachment line and the holster attachment line may include arcuate lines. The affixment apparatus may include a glue layer disposed between the defensive device retention apparatus and the undergarment. The flat-mount holster may include a glue layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and joining the inner layer and the outer layer together. In various embodiments, the path is configured to provide a tension distribution pattern. The tension distribution pattern may ameliorate tension concentrations in the boundary seam.

An integrated defense garment is provided. The integrated defense garment may include an undergarment including shapewear having a first layer and a second layer, and a holster having an affixment apparatus and a defensive device retention apparatus. The affixment apparatus may be mechanically connected to at least one of the first layer and the second layer, and the defensive device retention apparatus may be connected to the affixment apparatus. In various embodiments, the affixment apparatus is disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

A method of making an integrated defense garment is disclosed. The method may include joining a holster having an affixment apparatus and a defensive device retention apparatus to an undergarment including shapewear. The method may include bonding the affixment apparatus to the undergarment, and retaining a defensive device retention apparatus in connection with the affixment apparatus. In various embodiments of the method, the shapewear has a first layer and a second layer. In such embodiments, the joining may include inserting the affixment apparatus between the first layer and the second layer. In various embodiments of the method, the bonding includes at least one of gluing and sewing.

Moreover, the method may include stitching a layer seam to join an inner layer and an outer layer of the holster together, wherein the holster is a flat-mount holster including the inner layer and the outer layer. The joining may include stitching a boundary seam disposed proximate to the edge of at least one of the outer layer and the inner layer.

In various embodiments, the boundary seam follows a path including a zig-zag extending across the edge of at least one of the outer layer and the inner layer. The path may be bounded by a holster attachment line and an undergarment attachment line. The holster attachment line may transit the surface of the outer layer, and the undergarment attachment line may transit the surface of the undergarment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of various exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments including the best mode. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques for manufacturing and construction may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical method of construction. As used herein, mechanical communication means any joint, connection, bond, or arrangement whereby an article is held, retained, or fixed in relatively static spatial relationship to another article.

Now, with reference toFIG. 1, a block diagram of an example integrated defense garment2is provided. An integrated defense garment2may comprise an undergarment4, and a holster12. The holster12may be in mechanical communication with the undergarment4. For example, the holster may be sewed, glued, woven, snapped, zippered, integrated or otherwise attached or connected to the undergarment4.

An integrated defense garment2may comprise an undergarment4. For example, in some embodiments, the undergarment4may be shapewear. In other embodiments, the undergarment4may be underwear. Moreover, the undergarment4may be any article of clothing, for example, clothing worn beneath at least one other article of apparel. In various embodiments, the undergarment4may comprise a portion of another garment, such as a dress, a slip, athletic shorts, including running shorts, bicycle shorts, and/or the like. The undergarment4may comprise a compressive material and/or an elastic material, such as a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, for example, spandex, and/or, plastic, elastic, rubber, synthetic materials, natural materials, and/or blended materials. The undergarment4may comprise one or more materials, or may comprise a mixture of materials or types of material or layers of material. Thus, while it may be said that the undergarment4may comprise shapewear, it may also be said that an undergarment4may comprise underwear, for example, panties, boxers, briefs, slips, and/or the like.

An integrated defense garment2may comprise a holster12. A holster12may comprise a same material as an undergarment4, or may comprise a different material. The holster12may comprise durable materials configured to retain a defensive device. For example, a holster may comprise a compressive material and/or an elastic material, such as a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, for example, spandex, and/or, plastic, elastic, rubber, synthetic materials, natural materials, and/or blended materials. The holster may cover all or part of a defensive device; for example, the holster may retain a firearm, yet permit a sufficient portion of the firearm to be uncovered so that the firearm may be removed. The holster may further have flaps, tabs, snaps, zippers, and/or the like. In this manner, the holster may permit a defensive device to be selectively retained, and to be selectively removed from the holster12.

Having discussed an integrated defense garment2generally, attention is directed to various aspects of an undergarment4. With reference toFIGS. 1-14, an undergarment4may comprise a first layer14and a second layer16. A first layer14may comprise a piece of fabric, or other material. Similarly, a second layer16may comprise a piece of fabric, or other material. A layer may have other elements integrated into it, for example, snaps, zippers, tabs, buttons, and/or the like.

Having discussed an undergarment4, attention is directed in detail to various aspects of a holster12. A holster12may comprise one or more pieces integrated with the undergarment4. Alternatively, a holster12may be made separately from the undergarment4and attached thereto. As previously referenced, a holster12may comprise an affixment apparatus6, and a defensive device retention apparatus8. Moreover, the holster12in some embodiments may comprise a smoothing apparatus10. The affixment apparatus6may connect the holster12to the undergarment4, maintaining mechanical communication between the holster12and the undergarment4. The defensive device retention apparatus8may comprise an apparatus configured to retain a defensive device or weapon, such as a firearm, a baton, a stun gun, chemical dispensing device such as pepper spray, an alarm, a knife, or another defensive device or weapon. The smoothing apparatus10may be disposed over a defensive device to conceal its presence or its characteristics. In various embodiments, the holster12may also comprise a holster location, as will be discussed further herein with respect toFIGS. 6-7.

An affixment apparatus6may comprise any mechanism by which the holster12is retained in connection to the undergarment4. For example, the affixment apparatus6may comprise tabs and slots, or may comprise stitches, glue, weaving, snaps, zippers, or may comprise an integrated material layer disposed within or between portions of an undergarment4. For example,FIGS. 1-5, 11A, and 12-14disclose various example embodiments of affixment apparatuses6as will be discussed further herein. Moreover, an affixment apparatus6may be selectably affixable, such as comprising buttons and button holes, or hook and loop fasteners, or snaps, and/or the like.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 3-5, a defensive device retention apparatus8may comprise any mechanism by which a defensive device is retained in connection to the holster12. For example, a defensive device retention apparatus8may comprise a sewn tube, or a shaped rigid or semi-rigid member, such as a polycarbonate sheath shaped to receive a defensive device. A defensive device retention apparatus8may comprise sewn layers, or may comprise an integrated pocket layered within other elements of an integrated defense garment2. A defensive device retention apparatus8may further comprise flaps, closures, and/or other mechanisms whereby at least a portion of the holster12may be selectably closable. For instance, a flap having a snap may be disposed to cover an opening of the holster12.

With reference toFIGS. 1, 3, 4, 10, and 11, a smoothing apparatus10may comprise any mechanism by which the presence or characteristics of the defensive device may be concealed. Thus, as one may appreciate, a smoothing apparatus10(as well as a defensive device retention apparatus8and/or an affixment apparatus6and/or a holster12) may not comprise separate components, but may be combined, or may be made of shared components, such as shared layers of fabric. For example, a holster12may comprise a defensive device retention apparatus8comprising elastic cloth and the smoothing apparatus10may comprise the same piece of elastic cloth, thus the same component may serve multiple functions, such as smoothing and also retention. In further embodiments, a smoothing apparatus10may comprise a stiffening layer and/or a thickening layer, for example, a piece of plastic, rubber, fabric, and/or any other apparatus by which the presence or characteristics of the defensive device may be concealed.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, in various embodiments, an integrated defense garment2may comprise various arrangements of undergarment4, the first layer14and the second layer16of the undergarment4and the holster12. For example, a holster12may be disposed between the first layer14and the second layer16of the undergarment4. Because the first layer14and the second layer16may be connected at various points, this arrangement retains the holster in mechanical communication with the undergarment4. An affixment apparatus6may be disposed between and/or about a portion of the holster12and may further improve the retention of the holster12to the undergarment4. For example, an affixment apparatus6may comprise a stiffening layer of material, or may comprise a glue, or may comprise stitching, or may comprise any other apparatus having a bond or connection to both the undergarment4and the holster12and/or otherwise increasing the frictional interaction between the undergarment4and the holster12.

With reference toFIG. 1, 3, 11A-B, in various embodiments, an integrated defense garment2may comprise various arrangements of undergarment4, and the affixment apparatus6, the defensive device retention apparatus8, and optionally, the smoothing apparatus10of the holster12. For example, the defensive device retention apparatus8may be connected, bonded, or otherwise in mechanical communication with the affixment apparatus6. The affixment apparatus6may comprise a layer between the defensive device retention apparatus8and the undergarment4. For instance, the affixment apparatus6may comprise a boundary seam11(FIG. 11B) around the boundary of the defensive device retention apparatus8and holding it to the undergarment4. The boundary seam11may comprise a straight stitch, or a zig-zag stitch, or a plurality of stitches, and/or the like. The boundary seam11may overlap the edge of the defensive device retention apparatus8, such as a zig-zag stitch with each side of the zig-zag overlapping the edge of the defensive device retention apparatus8so that the stitch alternately penetrates the undergarment4, and the undergarment4plus defensive device retention apparatus8. In this manner, the edge of the defensive device retention apparatus8may be more smoothly pressed against the undergarment4. Furthermore, the affixment apparatus6may comprise an edge portion of the defensive device retention apparatus8which penetrates into the undergarment4or connects thereto. The affixment apparatus6may comprise a glue layer, such as a first glue layer45-1(FIG. 11B) or any other layer positioned between the undergarment4and the defensive device retention apparatus8. In various embodiments, a smoothing apparatus10may be disposed at or proximate to the outermost portions of the defensive device retention apparatus8.

With particular focus onFIG. 4, in various embodiments, an integrated defense garment2may comprise various arrangements of undergarment4, and the affixment apparatus6, the defensive device retention apparatus8, and optionally the smoothing apparatus10of the holster12. For example, the defensive device retention apparatus8may be connected, bonded, or otherwise in mechanical communication with the affixment apparatus6. The affixment apparatus6may penetrate through an aperture in the undergarment4and may comprise an enlarged portion disposed inside of the undergarment4whereby the affixment apparatus6cannot be pulled through the aperture in the undergarment4. In other embodiments, the affixment apparatus6may comprise a button which may extend through an opening in the undergarment4, but may be twisted to enable it to be pulled through the aperture in the undergarment4. In various embodiments, the affixment apparatus6may also comprise a boundary seam11(FIG. 11B) around the boundary of the defensive device retention apparatus8and holding it to the undergarment4. The boundary seam11(FIG. 11B) may comprise a straight stitch, or a zig-zag stitch, or a plurality of stitches, and/or the like. The boundary seam11(FIG. 11B) may overlap the edge of the defensive device retention apparatus8, such as a zig-zag stitch with each side of the zig-zag overlapping the edge of the defensive device retention apparatus8so that the stitch alternately penetrates the undergarment4, and the undergarment4plus defensive device retention apparatus8. In this manner, the edge of the defensive device retention apparatus8may be more smoothly pressed against the undergarment4. Furthermore, the affixment apparatus6may also comprise an edge portion of the defensive device retention apparatus8which penetrates into the undergarment4or connects thereto. The affixment apparatus6may also comprise a glue layer, such as a first glue layer45-1(FIG. 11B) or any other layer positioned between the undergarment4and the defensive device retention apparatus8. In various embodiments, a smoothing apparatus10may be disposed at the outermost portion of the defensive device retention apparatus8.

Turning now toFIG. 5, in various embodiments, an integrated defense garment2may comprise various arrangements of undergarment4comprising a first layer14and a second layer16, the affixment apparatus6, the defensive device retention apparatus8, and optionally, the smoothing apparatus10of the holster12. For example, the defensive device retention apparatus8may be inserted between the first layer14and the second layer16of the undergarment4. An affixment apparatus6may comprise the frictional interlock occurring between first layer14and the defensive device retention apparatus8and between the second layer16and the defensive device retention apparatus8. However, the affixment apparatus6may also comprise any connection, bonding, stitching, gluing, or other joining device holding the defensive device retention apparatus8in mechanical communication with the undergarment4. In various embodiments, only a portion of the defensive device retention apparatus8extends between the first layer14and the second layer16, for example, an edge portion of the defensive device retention apparatus8may penetrate into the undergarment4or connect thereto.

Turning now toFIG. 6, a holster12may be disposed at various locations on a back of an undergarment4. For example, a holster12may be positioned at a location comprising a left hip42. A holster12may be positioned at a location comprising a right hip40. A holster12may be positioned on an upper (in the positive-X direction) backside (in the negative-Z direction) portion of an undergarment4, for example, a holster at the small of a user's back. A holster12may be disposed on a location comprising a left side area18and/or a right side area20.

Turning now toFIG. 7, a holster12may be positioned at various locations on the front of an undergarment4. For instance, a holster12may be positioned on a left crotch area22. A holster12may be positioned on a right crotch area24. A holster12may be positioned on an upper (in the positive-X direction) portion of a user's thigh, such as left upper thigh area28and/or right upper thigh area26. A holster12may be positioned on a lower (in the negative-X direction) portion of a user's thigh, such as left lower thigh area32and/or right lower thigh area30.

Moreover, a holster12may be positioned on the sides of an undergarment4. For example, a holster12may be positioned on a left side area18, or on a right side area20of an undergarment4.

As one may appreciate, a holster12may be positioned on any portion of an undergarment4arranged to permit a wearer to reach a defensive device disposed in the holster12. Moreover, an integrated defense garment2may comprise more than one holster. For example, holsters may be located at corresponding left and right side areas, for example, to permit ambidextrous use, or holsters may be located at various different areas to permit greater versatility and permit a user to carry multiple defensive devices or to select from among different locations, for example, depending on the convenience of access and degree of concealment desired in view of the other articles of clothing a user may be wearing. Moreover, a holster12may be selectably removable and refixable in different locations, such as by hook and loop fasteners, buttons and button holes, zippers, snaps, and/or the like.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 8, a holster may comprise a tabbed holster80. A tabbed holster80may comprise a barrel pocket37, a trigger pocket38, and a layer seam9. Thus, the tabbed holster80may be shaped to conform to the profile of a firearm. The holster may further comprise an affixment apparatus6comprising a first tab7-1, a second tab7-2, a third tab7-3, and a forth tab7-4. These tabs7-1,7-2,7-3,7-4may interface with the undergarment4in the same way, or in different ways, in accordance with the prior discussion herein. In various embodiments, each tab is sewed or glued to the undergarment4, or is inserted between layers thereof.

The barrel pocket37may comprise a portion of the holster having an opening shaped to permit the barrel portion of a defensive device100such as a firearm to fit therein and shaped to generally conform to the profile of the barrel to enhance the frictional retention of the defensive device100and to keep the defensive device100at a substantially fixed orientation within the holster.

The trigger pocket38may comprise a portion of the holster having an opening shaped to permit the trigger guard portion of a defensive device100, such as a firearm to fit therein and shaped to generally conform to the profile of the trigger guard to enhance the frictional retention of the defensive device100and to keep the defensive device100at a substantially fixed orientation within the holster.

The barrel pocket37and the trigger pocket38may be formed from an outer layer34of holster material and an inner layer36of holster material. Holster material may comprise fabric, plastic, or any other material. Thus, the barrel pocket37may be formed from two pieces of material stitched together. Alternatively, a single piece of material may be folded to form an outer layer34and an inner layer36and stitched together. The outer layer34and the inner layer36may be stitched along a layer seam9. The layer seam9may comprise a profile of the defensive device100desired to be retained in the holster, for example, a firearm. The layer seam9may comprise an enlarged profile of the defensive device100, or a profile enlarged in one direction, or in multiple directions as desired to retain a defensive device100in view of the stretch, elasticity, and/or other material properties of the holster material and material of the undergarment. The layer seam9may coincide with an affixment apparatus6so as to also comprise a boundary seam11(FIG. 11B) of an affixment apparatus6, or may be set inward (e.g., closer to defensive device100) or may be set outward (e.g., farther from defensive device100) of the boundary seam11(FIG. 11B) of the affixment apparatus6. Furthermore, the layer seam9may be supplemented or supplanted by a glue layer such as second glue layer45-2disposed between the outer layer34and the inner layer36. Moreover, the layer seam9(and/or boundary seam11(FIG. 11B)) may have a seam pattern, such as straight, or zig-zag, and may be augmented and/or supplanted by glue layers45-1,45-2and/or the like. Thus, with momentary reference toFIGS. 11A-B, an inner layer36and outer layer34may be stitched together at a layer seam9, (and/or glued by second glue layer45-2) and jointly stitched to an undergarment4by at least one of a boundary seam11comprising a path48and/or a first glue layer45-1.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 9, a holster may comprise an integrated holster90. An integrated holster90may comprise a barrel pocket37, a trigger pocket38, and a layer seam9. The integrated holster90may be made integrally with undergarment4. For instance, an undergarment4may comprise a first layer14and a second layer16. A slit may be cut in the second layer16so that a defensive device100may be inserted into an opening between the first layer14and the second layer16.

The barrel pocket37may comprise a portion of the holster having an opening shaped to permit the barrel portion of a defensive device100, such as a firearm, to fit therein and shaped to generally conform to the profile of the barrel to enhance the frictional retention of the defensive device100and to keep the defensive device100at a substantially fixed orientation within the holster.

The trigger pocket38may comprise a portion of the holster having an opening shaped to permit the trigger guard portion of a defensive device100, such as a firearm, to fit therein and shaped to generally conform to the profile of the barrel to enhance the frictional retention of the defensive device100and to keep the defensive device100at a substantially fixed orientation within the holster.

The second layer16and the first layer14of the undergarment4may be stitched along a layer seam9. The layer seam9may comprise a profile of the defensive device100desired to be retained in the holster.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 10, a holster may comprise a sandwich holster110. A sandwich holster may be configured to completely cover a defensive device100. In this manner, it may be said that the holster sandwiches the defensive device100. For example a holster may be shaped to permit the entirety of the defensive device100, such as a firearm, to reside within the holster, so that no portion sticks out. Thus, in this manner, the holster may comprise a smoothing apparatus10that completely covers and smoothes the profile of the entirety of the defensive device100, such as a firearm. Moreover, a holster may be connected to the undergarment4by an affixment apparatus6comprising tabs13-1through13-7. Thus, as one will appreciate, an affixment apparatus6may comprise any number of tabs. As shown inFIG. 10, each tab comprises distal convex curved edges curving away from corresponding distal convex curved edges of adjacent tabs.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 11A-B, a holster may comprise a flat-mounted holster120. A flat-mounted holster120may be configured to mount on top of the undergarment4. Thus, one may appreciate that a flat-mounted holster may comprise an affixment apparatus6comprising a continuous tab. Moreover, a flat-mounted holster may comprise an affixment apparatus6comprising a hook and loop fasteners, or snaps, or buttons or any other affixment apparatus6. One may appreciate that a flat-mounted holster may be easy to reconfigure, for example, to remove and replace.

Flat-mounted holster may comprise an inner layer36and an outer layer34of holster material, or in various embodiments may comprise a single layer of holster material. Holster material may comprise fabric, plastic, or any other material. The outer layer34and the inner layer36may be stitched along a layer seam9. The layer seam9may comprise a profile of the defensive device100desired to be retained in the holster, for example, a firearm. The layer seam9may coincide with a boundary seam11of an affixment apparatus6, so that shared thread forms both features. In further embodiments, the layer seam9may be set inward (e.g., closer to defensive device100) or may be set outward (e.g., farther from defensive device100) of the boundary seam11. Moreover, the layer seam9(and/or boundary seam11) may have a path48, such as straight, or zig-zag, and may be augmented and/or supplanted by glue layer45-1,45-2and/or the like. Thus, an inner layer36and outer layer34may be stitched together at a layer seam9and jointly stitched to an undergarment4by at least one of a boundary seam11comprising a path48and optionally a first glue layer45-1, and/or a second glue layer45-2. The inner layer36may comprise a flap, such as may selectably cover an opening between the inner layer36and the outer layer34and may be at least one of snapped, hook and loop fastened, zippered, clipped, buttoned and/or the like to the outer layer34, such as to provide a closure whereby a defensive device100may be substantially enclosed within the flat-mounted holster.

First glue layer45-1may occupy the entire contact surface of the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120to the undergarment4. In further embodiments, first glue layer45-1only occupies a portion of the contact surface, such as that portion proximate to the edge of the contact surface, and/or that portion proximate to the boundary seam11. Moreover, first glue layer45-1may only occupy a portion of the contact surface, such as that portion outward (relative to a defensive device100) of the boundary seam11. Second glue layer45-2may occupy the entire contact surface of the inner layer36and the outer layer34. In further embodiments, second glue layer45-2only occupies a portion of the contact surface, such as that portion proximate to the edge of the contact surface, and/or that portion proximate to the layer seam9. Moreover, second glue layer45-2may only occupy a portion of the contact surface, such as that portion outward (relative to a defensive device100) of the layer seam9.

Path48may comprise a zig-zag. For instance, path48may comprise a zig-zag bounded by a holster attachment line44and an undergarment attachment line46. The holster attachment line44may be a line transiting the surface of the flat-mounted holster120while the undergarment attachment line46may transit a surface of the undergarment4. The path48may comprise diagonal (or other) lines alternating between the holster attachment line44and the undergarment attachment line46so that the path48exhibits a point of inflection at each of the holster attachment line44and of the undergarment attachment line46. Thus, a thread following the path48may form a seam that overlaps the outer edge of the holster12. In this manner, the holster may be permitted to stretch and to exhibit differential motion such as differential stretching relative to the undergarment4. Moreover, the edge of the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120may be pressed against the undergarment4, smoothing the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120. As such, the smoothing apparatus10(FIG. 1) may comprise the boundary seam11. The undergarment attachment line46and the holster attachment line44may be parallel lines comprising one of same and different tension distribution patterns. The undergarment attachment line46and the holster attachment line44may be arcuate lines comprising one of same and different tension distribution patterns. The undergarment attachment line46and the holster attachment line44may be a combination of parallel and/or arcuate lines comprising a combination of same and/or different tension distribution patterns.

The path48may follow the edge of the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120. The path48may also comprise reinforcement sections such as may not follow the edge of the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120but may extend through portions of the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120and not transit between holster attachment line44and undergarment attachment line46, but form reinforcing stitches. The path48may follow the edge of the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120and may comprise alternating diagonal lines extending between the holster attachment line44and the undergarment attachment line46that are uniform reflections of one another. In various embodiments, the path48may follow the edge of the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120and may comprise line extending in generally alternating directions, but which are oriented to permit differential motion of the holster such as a flat-mounted holster120relative to the undergarment4along directions configured to distribute tension along the boundary seam11according to a tension distribution pattern, such as during usage, exercise, vigorous activity, and/or insertion of defensive devices100, such as firearms, of various sizes. Moreover, the holster attachment line44and/or the undergarment attachment line46may comprise parallel lines, or may comprise non-parallel lines, or may comprise lines having a relative angle, or may comprise arcuate lines and/or the like. In this manner, the boundary seam11may be configured to distribute tension according to a tension distribution pattern. The tension distribution pattern may comprise an equal tension distribution, or may comprise the amelioration of tension concentrations, or may comprise the concentration of tension along the longer and/or more linear portions of the boundary seam11, and/or any pattern or combination of patterns, and/or combination of patterns during different types of use, as desired. For example, with reference toFIGS. 15A-C, a tension distribution pattern200may comprise regions of different shear and strain reaction forces and differential stretching limits. For instance, there may be regions of greater reaction force to differential stretch203and regions of lesser reaction force to differential stretch205. In various embodiments the seam may provide a reaction force countering differential stretch of the material joined by the stitch, and the control of this reaction force may enhance the tendency of the garment to lie flat under clothing, to endure motion, to securely retain defensive devices of differing sizes, and/or the like. Moreover, the seam may comprise regions of lesser ultimate stretch207and regions of greater ultimate stretch209. Ultimate stretch may be the ability of the seam to withstand differential stretch without ceasing to behave elastically. For instance, upon reaching ultimate stretch, the seam may cause differential stretching to cease and the materials joined at the seam may remain relatively static. Moreover, regions of greater/lesser reaction force to differential stretch and greater/lesser ultimate stretch may have an orientation. For instance, behavior may differ along orthogonal directions, and behavior in orthogonal relations may be interrelated, such as along the length and width of a zig-zag seam. For instance, the closer stitches are in the length direction, the less ultimate stretch available in the width direction (and vis-a-versa). Similarly, the longer distance in the width direction between the terminal ends of stitches, the less reaction force (but greater ultimate stretch) available in the length direction (and vis-a-versa). In various embodiments, with reference toFIG. 15C, regions of greater reaction force203and/or greater ultimate stretch209may be coincident with corners213in the seam, such as arcuate bends, whereas regions of lesser reaction force205and/or lesser ultimate stretch207may be coincident with sides211of the seam. In various embodiments, with reference toFIG. 15A, regions of greater reaction force203and/or greater ultimate stretch209(lengthwise) may be coincident with closer (lengthwise) stitches in the seam, whereas regions of lesser reaction force205and/or lesser ultimate stretch207(lengthwise) may be coincident with longer stitches (lengthwise) of the seam. In various embodiments, with reference toFIG. 15B, regions of greater reaction force203and/or lesser ultimate stretch207(heightwise) may be coincident with shorter stitches (heightwise) in the seam, whereas regions of lesser reaction force205and/or greater ultimate stretch209(heightwise) may be coincident with taller stitches (heightwise) of the seam. Additionally, regions of greater reaction force203and/or greater ultimate stretch209(lengthwise) may be coincident with taller stitches (heightwise) and regions of lesser reaction force205and/or lesser ultimate stretch207(lengthwise) may be coincident with shorter stitches (heightwise) of the seam.

With reference toFIGS. 12-14, various views of various affixment apparatuses6are illustrated. While with reference toFIGS. 11A-B, an affixment apparatus6may comprise a continuous tab edging the flat-mount holster, an affixment apparatus6may comprise various configurations, or combinations of any configurations disclosed herein. For example, an affixment apparatus6may comprise a tab disposed between the first layer14and the second layer16. The first layer14may be cut to permit a flap15to overlap the affixment apparatus6. The flap15may be laid back over the affixment apparatus6(FIG. 13) and may be sewed, glued, or frictionally retained. For example, with reference toFIG. 14, the flap15, the first layer14, and the affixment apparatus6may be sewed along line17. In this manner, the holster12may be connected to the undergarment4.

An integrated defense garment2has been discussed herein with respect to shapewear for a user's lower body, such as shapewear, underwear, running shorts, athletic shorts, bicycle shorts, and/or the like. However, an integrated defense garment2may comprise shapewear, underwear, or other apparel for a user's upper body, for example, an undershirt, a bra, or a compression garment. Moreover, an integrated defense garment2may comprise an elastic band, or a belly band or any other garment configured to support a holster.

With reference toFIG. 16, an integrated defense garment2may be manufactured according to various methods. For example, a method150may include joining a holster to an undergarment (Step152). The holster may comprise an affixment apparatus and a defensive device retention apparatus, and the undergarment may comprise shapewear. The undergarment (such as shapewear) may comprise a first layer and a second layer or may comprise a single layer. The joining may comprise inserting the affixment apparatus between the first layer and the second layer and/or atop/under the undergarment (as applicable). The method may further include bonding the affixment apparatus to undergarment (Step154). For instance, the affixment apparatus may be bonded to the first layer and/or the second layer, or the single layer (as applicable). The bonding may comprise at least one of gluing and sewing. Finally, the method150may include retaining a defensive device retention apparatus in connection with the affixment apparatus (Step156).

Now, having described various components of various exemplary integrated defense garments, an integrated defense garment may be manufactured from various materials. In one exemplary embodiment, an integrated defense garment may comprise fabric. For example, an integrated defense garment may comprise fabric, such as cotton cloth, polyester cloth, a compressive material and/or an elastic material, such as a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, for example, spandex, and/or plastic, elastic, rubber, synthetic materials, natural materials, blended materials, synthetic fiber cloth, natural fiber cloth, mixed fiber cloth, though it may alternatively comprise numerous other materials configured to provide support, such as, for example, composite, ceramic, plastics, polymers, alloys, glass, binder, epoxy, polyester, acrylic, or any material or combination of materials having a desired strength, stiffness, stretch characteristics, and/or flexibility sufficient to maintain resiliency and comfort during use. In various embodiments, various portions of integrated defense garments as disclosed herein are made of different materials or combinations of materials, and/or may comprise coatings. For example, with reference toFIG. 1, an undergarment4and a holster12may comprise different materials.

In various embodiments, an integrated defense garment may comprise multiple materials, or any material configuration suitable to enhance or reinforce the resiliency and/or support of the integrated defense garment when subjected to wear in a use environment or to satisfy other desired biological, chemical, or physical properties, for example sweat wicking, speed of drying, elasticity, load capacity, rigidity, heat tolerance, size, antibacterial characteristics, antimicrobial characteristics, spring constant, or stretch length.

The present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, features of different embodiments may be combined. For example, different affixment apparatuses may be combined, multiple holsters may be incorporated into a single integrated defense garment, and holsters having different layer seams, different smoothing apparatuses, and various different elements may be implemented. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to various embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the invention. Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims or specification, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion.