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.

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.

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.

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.

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.1-4illustrate an example reduced-visibility or reduced-impression strap100which, to observers, may be imperceptible under the clothing of a wearer. Strap100includes an inside surface110and an outside surface120opposite the inside surface. The inside and outside surfaces have a length, a width, a thickness defined between the inside and outside surfaces and edges130at 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 narrow121and wide122points or regions. While eight narrow points121are shown by way of example inFIGS.1&3, any number of narrow points may be provided to outside surface120. Similarly, while nine wide points122are shown by way of example inFIGS.1&3, any number of wide points may be provided to outside surface120.

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 surface120may define alternating high125and low126points along the length with smooth transitions therebetween. For example, a profile of the outside surface along the length defines a series of peaks125and valleys126and smooth transitions therebetween. In a further example, the peaks and valleys are rounded. While eight high points125are shown by way of example inFIG.2, any number of high points may be provided to outside surface120. Similarly, while seven low points126are shown by way of example inFIG.2, any number of low points may be provided to outside surface120.

The thickness may also vary or undulate across the width at one or more regions along the length, for example, at the high points125where the thickness may be greatest at a center of the width. In an example, the high points125may take the form of domes spaced along the length. The thickness may smoothly transition between high points125and edges130.

Edges130are also configured to eliminate visible line patterning by, for example, smoothly or gradually spacing overlying fabric from a wearer. In a further example, edges130are rounded (FIG.4). Edges130may be further configured to eliminate fabric catch points, to eliminate digging into skin and to facilitate shifting on human body/skin.

Inside and outside surfaces110and120may be configured to transfer heat and moisture away from a user and for coupling to other straps and accessories. For example, strap100may include perforations140extending through the thickness between outside surface120and inside surface110. Perforations140may 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 inFIGS.1&3, any number of perforations may be provided to strap100or perforations may be omitted. Perforations140of the straps may take any of a variety of configurations including but not limited to aligned along a straight path. Further, perforations140may 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 strap100are translucent to transparent and/or have high visible light transmittance to further reduce visibility of the straps. For example, straps100may 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 strap100are partially opaque and exhibit any of a variety of colors including but not limited to skin tones in a range of shades.

Strap100may 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, strap100could be extruded.

FIG.5illustrates example use of straps of the disclosure. A first strap101may 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 strap101may be suspended or secured from the user's shoulder by a second strap102having its inside surface against the user's skin or undergarment. Second strap102may be coupled at one end with first strap101at a point in front of the user near the waistline and at another end with first strap101at a point behind the user's back near the waistline. Straps101and102may 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.6-9illustrate another example reduced-visibility or reduced-impression strap200which, to observers, may be imperceptible under the clothing of a wearer. Strap200includes an inside surface210and an outside surface220opposite the inside surface. The inside and outside surfaces have a length, a width, a thickness defined between the inside and outside surfaces and edges230at 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 narrow221and wide points222(FIGS.6,8). While eight narrow points221are shown by way of example inFIGS.6&8, any number of narrow points may be provided to outside surface220. Similarly, while nine wide points222are shown by way of example inFIGS.6&8, any number of wide points may be provided to outside surface220.

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 surfaces210and220may define alternating high points225and227and low points226and228along the length with smooth transitions therebetween. For example, a profile of the surfaces along the length defines a series of peaks225and valleys226on the outside with smooth transitions therebetween (FIG.7) as well as a series of peaks227and valleys228on the inside with smooth transitions therebetween. In a further example, the peaks and valleys are rounded. While eight high points225and eight high points227are shown by way of example inFIG.7, any number of high points may be provided to inside and outside surfaces210and220. Similarly, while seven low points226and seven low points229are shown by way of example inFIG.7, any number of low points may be provided to inside and outside surfaces210and220.

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 points225and227may take the form of domes spaced along the length. The thickness may smoothly transition between the high points and the edges230(FIG.9).

Edges230are also configured to eliminate visible line patterning by, for example, smoothly or gradually spacing overlying fabric from a wearer. In a further example, edges230are rounded (FIG.9). Edges230may 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 surfaces210and220may be configured to transfer heat and moisture away from a user and for coupling to other straps and accessories. For example, the reduced-impression strap200may include perforations240extending through the thickness between the outside and inside surfaces. Perforations240may 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 strap100or perforations may be omitted. Perforations240of the straps may take any of a variety of configurations including but not limited to aligned along a straight path.

As with strap100, the inside and outside surfaces as well as the thickness therebetween and the entire strap200may be translucent to transparent and/or have high visible light transmittance to further reduce visibility of the straps. For example, straps200may 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 strap100, strap200may 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, strap200could be extruded. Strap200may be used in a manner similar to strap100as described by way of example with reference toFIG.5.

FIGS.10-15illustrate a carrying case in the form of a holster300useable in association with above-disclosed straps100and/or straps200. Holster300is a reduced-visibility or reduced-impression holster which, to observers, may be imperceptible under the clothing of a wearer. Holster300includes a body portion350and a shroud portion330covering body portion350.

Body portion350has a width between muzzle and handle sides, a height between top and bottom edges, a depth between outside320and inside310surfaces and an interior chamber360within the width, height and depth. Interior chamber360is 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 portion350may have an example thickness which varies between 0.09375″ and 0.3125″.

Shroud portion330includes a first wing332extending in a direction of the height away from the body portion and a second wing336extending from the body portion in a direction opposite first wing332. Shroud portion330defines a height between the extents/limits/edges of first and second wings332and336that varies or undulates along the width. The shroud may also include a muzzle flap or wing372at least partially covering the muzzle end of the interior chamber. Two or more slits374and376delineate or separate muzzle wing from the rest of shroud portion330. In an example, the shroud portion330has a thickness which varies between 0.09375″ and 0.125″.

The extents of the first and second wings define rounded edges333and337. A series of ribs325and valleys326(FIG.13) with smooth transitions therebetween are provided at an outside surface320of shroud portion330directed away from body portion350. A smooth transition is formed between ribs325and rounded edges333and337. When holster300is worn on the torso, for example, under the arm, ribs325may resemble the ribs of the wearer. When holster300is worn in other locations on the body, ribs325may resemble other organic forms such as bone or muscle patterns. Ribs325may resemble a tibia, latissimus dorsi, abdominal muscle or calf muscle. WhileFIG.13illustrates two ribs325, holster300may include any number of ribs suitable for eliminating visible line patterning on clothing worn over the holster.

Reduced-impression holster300may further include reinforcing legs352,354and356projecting away from the body portion350in the height direction and each including at least one perforation353,354or357. WhileFIGS.10&11illustrate three reinforcing legs, any number of legs suitable for reinforcing the first and second wings and providing fastener receptacles may be provided. Perforations353,354and357, which are configured to receive fasteners for selectively coupling holster300to, for example, accessories, straps100and/or straps200, may be counter-sunk holes (FIGS.14&15). In a further example, perforations353,354and357provide 0.25″ of screw-attaching thickness.

In an example, an outer thickness of body portion350defined between internal chamber360and outside surface320varies from 0.1875″ between ribs325to 0.25″ at the ribs. An inner thickness of body portion350defined between internal chamber360and inside surface310of the body portion varies from 0.09375″ at a grip side of the holster to 0.3125″ at a muzzle side of the holster.

Holster300may be thickest along a line between the muzzle and butt end portions of interior chamber360and gradually thin towards the rounded edges333and337(FIG.12). For example, at a point along the line between the muzzle and butt end portions of interior chamber360which is on a rib325, holster300may be 0.25″ thick whereas at a point near one of rounded edges333or337, where wings332and336extend from body portion350, holster300may be just 0.09375″ thick. In another example, at a point along the line between the muzzle and butt end portions of interior chamber360which is in a valley326, holster300may be 0.1875″ thick whereas at a point near one of rounded edges333or337, where wings332and336extend from body portion350, holster300may be just 0.09375″ thick.

Body portion350may be formed from any of a variety of breathable materials with low risk for any chemical absorption through the skin of the user. Body portion350may be formed from a lower durometer material. Example materials for body portion350exhibit 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 portion350may be offered in a variety of colors suitable for matching skin tones of users.

Shroud portion330may be formed from any of a variety of breathable materials with low risk for any chemical absorption through the skin of the user. Shroud portion330may 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 portion330may be offered in a variety of colors suitable for matching skin tones of users.

Body portion350and shroud portion330may 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.