Abstract:
A holster assembly including a holster defining a receiving cavity and a strap extending between first and second ends. The first end of the strap is connected to the holster and the second end of the strap is adjustably connectable relative to the holster. The strap is manufactured from an elastic material.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application No. 14/470,210, filed on Aug. 27, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a concealed holster assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to a concealed holster assembly configured for securing a firearm, magazine, handcuffs and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are many situations when a police officer, other law enforcement officer or the like may have need for a backup firearm. One scenario occurs when the officer is subjected to a “gun grab”, wherein an individual physically grabs the officer and then tries to take the officer&#39;s primary gun from the officer&#39;s hip holster. As the officer and the individual wrestle for the primary gun, the officer typically utilizes their dominant hand to block the individual&#39;s access to the primary gun. During the altercation, the individual may be on top of the officer or otherwise limiting the officer&#39;s movement. If the officer has easy access to a backup firearm with their off hand, they will have a better chance of safely resolving the situation. 
         [0004]    Unfortunately, officers do not have an adequate means to carry a backup firearm, and therefore, many officers do not carry a backup firearm. Those that do are limited to carry a small caliber gun, typically on their ankle “Ankle carry” is largely ineffective in many situations where a backup firearm would most likely be used, for example, the scenario described above. If the individual is on top of the officer or otherwise restricting the movement of the officer, it is very difficult for the officer to quickly reach an ankle carried backup gun, particularly with their non-dominant hand. 
         [0005]    Such ineffectiveness often causes an officer not to carry a back-up firearm. 
         [0006]    Additionally, the law enforcement officer may also require additional items, such as handcuffs or magazines, whether backup or primary, that need to be retained in a concealed manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In at least one aspect, the present invention provides a holster system that allows an officer to carry a back-up gun which is readily accessed by their off hand, stays in place during rigorous physical activity, and is both “comfortable” and “comforting.” 
         [0008]    In at least one embodiment, the invention provides a holster assembly including a holster defining a receiving cavity and a strap extending between first and second ends. The first end of the strap is connected to the holster and the second end of the strap is adjustably connectable relative to the holster. The strap is manufactured from an elastic material. 
         [0009]    In at least one embodiment, the invention provides a garment having a pocket with a passage therethrough and a holster assembly including a holster defining a receiving cavity and a strap extending between first and second ends. The first end of the strap is connected to the holster and the second end of the strap is adjustably connectable relative to the holster. The strap is manufactured from an elastic material. In at least one embodiment the passage is a sealable passage. 
         [0010]    In at least one embodiment, the invention provides a holster assembly including a holster pad having a front surface and a rear surface; a receiving cavity secured to the front surface of the holster pad; and a connector assembly extending along at least a portion of the rear surface of the holster pad, the connector assembly configured for secured engagement with a complementary connector assembly in a concealed location. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of an exemplary holster assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a preattached condition. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is front elevation view of an exemplary holster utilized in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the exemplary holster of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the holster assembly of  FIG. 1  in an attached condition. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of another exemplary holster assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a preattached condition. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a rear elevation view of the holster assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the holster assembly of  FIG. 1  in use. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an elevation view of an exemplary sealable passage within a pocket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view along the line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0021]      FIGS. 10 and 11  are elevation views illustrating an exemplary retro-fit sealable passage kit in a non-assembled and assembled condition, respectively. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is front elevation view of another exemplary holster utilized in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is front elevation view of another exemplary holster utilized in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a rear elevation view of the holster of  FIG. 12  or  FIG. 13 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that the invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments described herein. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , an exemplary holster assembly  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described. The holster assembly  10  generally comprises a holster  20  and a securing strap  40 . With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the exemplary holster  20  includes a flexible backing pad  22  with a main pad section  24  and opposed extensions  26 . The backing pad  22  may be manufactured from any natural or synthetic flexible material such that it may shape to the user&#39;s leg  12  when attached thereto, but has sufficient tensile strength that it does not substantially deform under the tension of the strap  40  when attached to the user. An exemplary material is leather. In the illustrated embodiment, the back surface  23  of the pad  22  has a gel pocket  25  which provides added comfort to the user. 
         [0027]    A holster shell  30  is attached to the front surface  21  of the pad  22  via screws  34  or the like as is known in the art. The shell  30  has a contoured body  32  such that a firearm receiving pocket  36  is defined between the shell body  32  and the backing pad  22 . The shell body  32  can have various configurations corresponding to different firearms and may include portions to ensure the firearm remains in the holster  20  even during significant activity of the user. 
         [0028]    In the illustrated embodiment, the shell  30  is manufactured from a rigid material, for example, Kydex™. The shell  30  is preferably constructed of the thin material to allow for best concealment. The shell  30  may be made from other rigid and non-rigid materials. With a rigid configuration, the holster  20  allows for easy re-holstering of the firearm, for example, re-holstering after leaving a secure building which requires the removal of all firearms. This may be particularly advantageous since the holster assembly  10  will be concealed and not amenable to visual re-holstering. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , exemplary holsters  20 ′ and  20 ″ will be described. The front of the holster  20 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 12  is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment except that the holster shell  30 ′ has a contoured body  32 ′ such that a handcuff receiving pocket  36 ′ is defined between the shell body  32 ′ and the backing pad  22  to receive handcuffs  37 . The front of the holster  20 ″ illustrated in  FIG. 13  is substantially the same as in the previous embodiments except that the holster shell  30 ″ has a contoured body  32 ″ such that a pair of magazine receiving pockets  36 ″ are defined between the shell body  32 ″ and the backing pad  22  to receive ammunition magazines  39 . The receiving pockets  36 ,  36 ′,  36 ″ may configured to receive any firearms and other accessories. The illustrated firearms, handcuffs and magazines are for illustration purposes only. Furthermore, one or more holsters  20 ,  20 ′,  20 ″ may be attached to a single strap  40  via the slots  28   a,    28   b.    
         [0030]    Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a rear surface of the holster  20 ′,  20 ″ may be provided with a connector assembly  38  for securing the holster  20 ′,  20 ″ in another concealed location. For example, the connector assembly  38  may have a hook and loop configuration whereby the holster  20 ′,  20 ″ may be secured to complementary hook and loop fastener on a bullet proof vest. The connector assembly is not limited to hook and loop fasteners, but may be other forms of fasteners, for example, snaps, clips or the like. Similarly, the holster  20 ′,  20 ″ is not limited to concealment on the bullet proof vest, but may be secured in other concealed locations. 
         [0031]    In the illustrated embodiments, each of the extensions  26  defines a respective slot  28   a ,  28   b  for attachment of the securing strap  40 . The strap  40  has a body  42  extending between opposed ends  44  and  46  with a length greater than its width. The length may be any desired length such that the strap  40  is sufficiently long to wrap around the user&#39;s thigh. The width may be any desired width, but is preferably of a relatively significant width, for example, 5 inches, to provide good weight distribution of the holstered firearm and comfort to the wearer. 
         [0032]    In the illustrated embodiment, one end  44  of the strap  40  is permanently connected to the holster  20  by extending through the slot  28   a  and stitched upon itself at  45 . Other permanent and non-permanent methods may be utilized for attaching the end  44  of the strap to the holster  20 . The opposite end  46  of the strap  40  is configured to be adjustably connected to the holster  20  via the other slot  26   a.  With reference to  FIG. 4 , the holster pad  22  is positioned against the user&#39;s leg  12  and the strap free end  46  is extended around the leg and through the slot  28   b.  The free end  46  is then folded back against and attached to the strap body  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outside surface of the strap body  42  has a series of loops  43  while the free end  46  has a series of hooks  47 . The hooks  47  engage the loops  43  to secure the free end  46  of the strap  40  to the strap body  42  to secure the holster assembly  10  on the user&#39;s leg  12 . While the illustrated embodiment shows loops  43  along substantially the entire length of the body  42 , such is not required and the loops may be provided only in designated areas. It is also understood that the hooks and loops may be reversed and that other removably securable fasteners may be utilized, for example, hook and eyes or reuseable adhesive. Additionally, while the illustrated strap  40  generally does not cover the holster pad  22  or shell  30 , the strap  40  may be otherwise routed such that it extends across the holster shell  30 , for example, to further retain the firearm and/or cover the holster  20  to reduce the chance of the shell or firearm “printing” through the user&#39;s clothes, ie an outline showing through the clothes. 
         [0033]    To ensure a secure, stable attachment of the holster assembly  10 , the strap body  42  is made from an elastic material such that the strap  40  may pulled tight about the user&#39;s leg before securing the free end  46 . The elastic tensile force of the strap  40  will cause the strap  40  to compress about the user&#39;s leg. The adjustable nature of the strap  40  allows the user to find a tension/compression that is comfortable for the user while maintaining the holster  20  in a stable position. 
         [0034]    In a preferred embodiment, the strap body  42  is manufactured from a blend of polychloroprene and spandex, however, other materials may be utilized. The spandex provides the desired elasticity. The polychloroprene causes the strap body  42  to have a tackiness which helps prevent the holster assembly  10  from slipping down the leg of the user and it also helps to disperse perspiration which adds to comfort and helps reduce potential rusting of the firearm. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an alternative holster assembly  10 ′ in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described. The holster assembly  10 ′ is similar to the previous embodiment and only the differences will be described. The holster assembly  10 ′ includes a soft shell holster  20 ′ which is defined by a flexible pad  22 ′ that has a front portion  21 ′ folded upon a rear portion  23 ′ and secured thereto, for example via stitching (not shown), to define the firearm receiving pocket  36 ′. The holster  20 ′ may be manufactured from, for example, leather. 
         [0036]    The holster  20 ′ does not include extensions as in the previous embodiment. Instead, the first end  44 ′ of the strap body  42 ′ is secured directly to the rear portion  23 ′ of the holster  20 ′ via stitching  49  or the like. To secure the free end  46 ′ of the strap  40 ′, an attachment pad  48  is provided on the front portion  21 ′. The inward facing surface of the strap body  42 ′ includes a series of loops  43  while the attachment pad  48  includes complimentary hooks  47 . To secure the holster assembly  10 ′, the holster  20 ′ is positioned against the user&#39;s leg and the strap  40 ′ is wrapped around the leg and the loops  43  of the body  42 ′ connected to the hooks  47  of the attachment pad  48 . The strap  40 ′ again is made from an elastic material such that it may be tensioned and secured to provide a compressed fit about the user&#39;s leg. The strap  40 ′ may also be wrapped such that it covers a portion of the firearm  50 , to help maintain the firearm  50  in the holster receiving pocket  36 ′. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a preferred method of use of the holster assemblies  10 ,  10 ′ of the present invention will be described. The holster assembly  10  is secured to the user&#39;s leg  12  such that the firearm  50  is aligned with a pocket  62  of the user&#39;s pants  60 . While pants are described herein, it is understood that the garment may take other forms, for example, shorts, jeans, trousers, etc. The pocket  62  will have a standard upper opening  64  such that the user may extend their hand into the pocket  62 . An inner portion  65  of the pocket  62  will define a passage  66  which is sufficiently large to allow the user to reach through the passage, grab the firearm  50  from the holster  20  and remove their hand with the firearm  50  positioned therein. As described hereinafter, it is preferable that the passage  66  is a sealable passage; however, it is contemplated that the user&#39;s pocket  62  can be manufactured with a permanent passage  66 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an exemplary sealable passage  66 ′ which is formed integrally within a pocket  62  will be described. The pocket  62  is formed by opposed sidewalls  63  which are secured in a standard manner to define the pocket  62  with a standard opening  64 . The sealable passage  66 ′ is formed along an inner portion  65  of the pocket  62 . The sealable passage  66 ′ is preferably along a lower most portion of the pocket  62 , but may be otherwise positioned. The sealable passage  66 ′ includes a pair of opposed connectors  68 , with each connector secured to a respective wall  63  of the pocket  62 . The connectors  68  may have various configurations, for example, complementary magnets, complementary hook and loop fasteners, or complementary plastic zipper seals. The connectors  68  are preferably strong enough to support the weight of common items in the pocket  62 , e.g. a set of house keys, loose change and paper money, but no so strong to inhibit the immediate access to the firearm  50 . 
         [0039]    To allow the user to easily separate the connectors  68  and reach through the passage  66 ′, each connector preferably has an engaging member  70  extending therefrom into the pocket  62 . In the illustrated embodiment, each engaging member  70  extends from a connection end  72  and tapers outward to a free end  74  such that a tapered groove  76  is defined between the two engaging members  70 . To open the sealable passage  66 ′, the user urges their fingers (not shown) into the tapered groove  76  such that the engaging members  70 , and thereby the connectors  68 , are urged apart. After the firearm  50  has been removed, the connectors  68  can be reconnected such that the pocket  62  resumes its normal functionality. The sealable passage  66 ′ is not limited to the configuration illustrated herein. For example, more or fewer than two engaging members may be utilized. Additionally, as described above, the location of the sealable passage may be otherwise provided, for example, at a midpoint along one wall  63  of the pocket  62 . In such an embodiment, the connectors  68  would both be connected to the same wall  63 , but still separate to define the passage. Other modifications may also be incorporated without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , an exemplary retro-fit sealable passage kit  80  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described. The kit  80  allows an officer to retro-fit existing garments to include a sealable passage  66 ′. The kit  80  includes a side wall  82  with an open end  84  and a sealable passage  66 ′, similar to that described above, extending between the opposed side walls  82  opposite the open end  84 . To retro-fit an existing pocket  62 ′, a hole  67  is created in a desired area of the pocket  62 ′ and the kit  80  is positioned such that the open end  84  of the wall  82  is within the hole  67 , or alternatively, the hole  67  of the pocket  62 ′ is positioned within the open end  84  of the kit  80  and then the wall  82  is secured to the pocket  62 ′, for example, via stitching  86  or the like. It is also contemplated that the side wall  82  may have a length substantially equal to the length of the existing pocket  62 ′, whereby the pocket  62 ′ is retro-fit by removing the pocket  62 ′ in its substantial entirety and replacing it with the kit  80 . 
         [0041]    These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.