Patent Publication Number: US-2020275765-A1

Title: Retention accessory

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/041,099, filed Jul. 20, 2018, entitled “Retention Accessory,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,653,231, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/604,836, entitled “RETENTION ACCESSORY FOR HOLSTERS AND FIREARMS,” filed Jul. 24, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to retention systems for concealing firearms or other weapons, and more specifically, to retention systems for concealing firearms, firearms holsters, or other carrying systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is becoming increasingly common for U.S. citizens to own, openly carry and concealed carry firearms for personal protection. Many individuals rely on handguns and nonlethal self-defense products holstered on their body or in an apparatus to provide personal protection for themselves and others. Several states have updated laws to permit conceal carry in an increased number of public places and have issued an increased number of new permits. For example, women and members of the LGBTQ community, who have historically been highly targeted for hate crimes, are increasingly carrying firearms for personal protection. 
     In order to be effective, a concealed carry system must provide the ability to effectively and conveniently conceal the firearm and the ability to rapidly access the concealed firearm in response to a threat. Current systems exist for concealment and access of firearms for both on-body (i.e., on a person&#39;s body) and off-body (i.e., in a bag or other container) carry, including off-body containers (such as backpacks, briefcases, fanny packs, etc.), pass-through compartments within clothing to access outside-the-waist-band (OWB) holster, belly bands, and inside-the-waist-band (IWB) holsters. Each of the existing solutions create complications and require varying systems for different weapons and different scenarios to be used, requiring additional training and thought to be effective in life-threatening situations. 
     SUMMARY 
     In various embodiments, a retention device is disclosed. The retention device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface and is defined by a perimeter wall. The second surface is configured to be coupled to an article of clothing. A first retention element is releasably coupled to the body and is configured to be coupled to a weapon system to maintain the weapon system in a fixed position with respect to the body. 
     In various embodiments, a system including an article of clothing having a retention device coupled thereto is disclosed. The retention system includes a body having a first surface and a second surface and is defined by a perimeter wall. The second surface is configured to be coupled to an article of clothing. A first retention element is releasably coupled to the body and is configured to be coupled to a weapon system to maintain the weapon system in a fixed position with respect to the body. 
     In various embodiments, a method is disclosed. The method includes a step of transitioning a concealment feature of an article of clothing from a first position to a second position to expose a retention system coupled to the article of clothing. A weapon system is coupled to the retention system. The retention system includes a body including a first surface and a second surface and is defined by a perimeter wall. A first retention element is releasably coupled to the body and the second surface is coupled to the article of clothing. The first retention element is configured to be coupled to the weapon system to maintain the weapon system in a fixed position with respect to the body. The concealment feature is transitioned from the second position to the first position to conceal the retention system and the weapons system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a retention system configured to maintain a weapon and/or a holster in a fixed position with respect to an article of clothing, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the retention system of  FIG. 1  having a removable retention element in a retaining position, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the retention system of  FIG. 1  having first and second fixed retention elements in a retaining position, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a rear view of the retention system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the retention system of  FIG. 1  having the removable retention element removed therefrom, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a removable retention element of the retention system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of the removable retention element of  FIG. 6 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the retention system of  FIG. 1  having a holster and a firearm retained therein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the retention system of  FIG. 8  including having a fixed retention element in a retaining position with respect to a firearm retained therein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the retention system of  FIG. 1  having an aerosol self-defense spray retained therein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an article of clothing including a retention system coupled thereto, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the article of clothing of  FIG. 11  in a concealed carry configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a method of forming an article of clothing with an integrated retention system, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a method of using an article of clothing including an integrated retention system, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a retention system coupled to a surface of an item of furniture, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a retention system coupled to an inner surface of a container, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In this description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively coupled” is such an attachment, coupling, or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. 
     In various embodiments, a retention system for maintaining a weapon and/or a holster for a weapon at a fixed location with respect to an article of clothing is disclosed. The retention system includes a body defined by a perimeter wall and extending between a first side and a second side. A first side of the body defines a garment coupling feature and the second side of the body defines a retention feature. The garment coupling feature includes one or more elements configured to couple the retention system to a garment in a fixed position. The retention feature includes one or more elements configured to couple to and retain a weapon or weapon holster in a fixed position with respect to the body. The retention feature can include a removable retention element, non-removable retention elements, and/or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the garment coupling feature and/or the retention features are selectively releasable to allow the retention system to be relocated and/or for two or more holsters to be used with a single retention system. 
     In various embodiments, an article of clothing (or garment) including an integrated retention system is disclosed. The article of clothing can be any suitable article of clothing, such as a shirt, pants, outerwear (e.g., jacket, sweatshirt, hoodie, etc.), underwear, and/or any other suitable article of clothing. A retention system is coupled to the article of clothing, for example, using an attachment mechanism such as threads or glue. In some embodiments, the article of clothing includes a concealment feature configured to conceal the retention system and any weapon and/or holster contained therein. In some embodiments, the concealment feature is a selectively releasable fabric flap. 
       FIGS. 1-7  illustrate a retention system  2  configured to maintain a weapon and/or a holster in a fixed position with respect to an article of clothing, in accordance with some embodiments. The retention system  2  includes a body  4  including a first surface  6   a  and a second surface  6   b  and defined by a perimeter wall  8 . In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeter wall  8  includes a generally rectangular shape defined by a first pair of parallel sides  10   a ,  10   b  and a second pair of parallel sides  12   a ,  12   b , although it will be appreciated that the body  4  can have any suitable shape. For example, in various embodiments, the body  4  can include any suitable shape such as a regular geometric shape (e.g., square, rectangular, circular, hexagonal, trapezoidal, etc.), non-regular geometric shape, and/or any other suitable shape. 
     The body  4  includes one or more retention elements  14   a ,  14   b ,  16  formed integrally with and/or coupled thereto. In some embodiments, one or more retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  are fixedly coupled to the body  4 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first fixed retention element  14   a  and the second fixed retention element  14   b  extend from an upper surface  10   a  of the body  4 . The fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  can be fixedly coupled to the body  4  by any suitable mechanism at a first end  15   a . For example, in some embodiments, the fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  can coupled to the body  4  using one or more of a thread (i.e., sewn to the body  4 ) and/or an adhesive (i.e., glued to the body  4 ), formed integrally with the body  4 , and/or otherwise fixedly (or permanently) coupled to the body  4 . 
     In some embodiments, the first and second fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  include flexible straps extending from the upper edge  10   a  of the body  4 . The fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  are configured to be folded over a weapon and/or a holster to apply a retention force to the weapon and/or the holster. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  extend a predetermined distance from the upper edge  10   a  of the body  4  such that the fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  can be folded or looped over an item, such as a weapon or holster, positioned between the body  4  and the fixed retention element  14   a ,  14   b . In some embodiments, the fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  each include a fixation element  18   a ,  18   b  positioned at a second end  15   b  of the fixed retention element  14   a ,  14   b . A complimentary fixation element  20   a ,  20   b  is coupled to the body  4  and is configured to retain the fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  in a folded (or retention) position when the fixation element  18   a ,  18   b  is coupled to a respective complimentary fixation element  20   a ,  20   b.    
     The fixation element  18   a ,  18   b  and the complimentary fixation element  20   a ,  20   b  can include any suitable fixation elements. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixation element  18   a ,  18   b  includes a snap or button and the complimentary fixation element  20   a ,  20   b  includes a lock configured to releasably couple to the snap (or button). In other embodiments, the fixation elements  18   a ,  18   b  and/or the complimentary fixation elements  20   a ,  20   b  can include any suitable fixation element, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, stud fasteners, button fasteners, zipper fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastener. In some embodiments, the position of the fixation element  18   a ,  18   b  and the complimentary fixation element  20   a ,  20   b  are fixed on respective retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  and the body  4 , although it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the fixation elements  18   a ,  18   b  and/or the complimentary fixation elements  20   a ,  20   b  can be releasably coupled such that a respective position of the fixation elements  18   a ,  18   b  on the respective retention element and/or the complimentary fixation elements  20   a ,  20   b  on the body  4  can be adjusted. 
     In some embodiments, retention system  2  includes a removable fixation element  16  configured to be releasably coupled to the body  4  and to retain a weapon and/or a holster therein. In some embodiments, the removable fixation element  16  includes a flexible strap  30  extending substantially along a longitudinal axis  32  from a first end  30   a  to a second end  30   b  and having thickness extending between a first sidewall  34   a  and a second sidewall  34   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible strap  30  has a substantially rectangular shape, although it will be appreciated that the flexible strap  30  can include any suitable shape, such as a regular and/or irregular geometric shape. 
     The flexible strap  30  is configured to be wrapped about and/or otherwise coupled to a holster retention element formed on a weapon holster, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 . In some embodiments, the flexible strap  30  extends a predetermined length from the first end  30   a  to the second end  30   b  to be wrapped and/or looped around the holster retention element at least once. The flexible strap  30  can be tightened (e.g., wrapped multiple times) and/or shortened to increase a retention force applied by the flexible strap  30  to the holster retention element. 
     In some embodiments, the flexible strap  30  includes a fixation element configured to maintain the flexible strap  30  in a wrapped (or retention) configuration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first surface  36   a  of the flexible strap  30  defines a plurality of hooks and a second surface  36   b  of the flexible strap  30  defines a plurality of loops that are complimentary to the plurality of hooks to define hook-and-loop fasteners. In some embodiments, the flexible strap  30  can include an alternative and/or additional fixation element, such as, for example, a snap, button, zipper, adhesive, elastic, etc. The flexible strap  30  applies a retention force to the holster retention element to prevent movement of the holster retention element (and therefore the holster) with respect to the flexible strap  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the removable fixation element  16  includes a releasable coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the removable fixation element  16  to the body  4 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the releasable coupling mechanism includes a material strip  38  extending from a first end  40   a  to a second end  40   b  generally along a longitudinal axis  42  and including one half of a hook-and-loop fastener  46   a  (with a complimentary portion of the hook-and-loop fastener being disposed on the body  4  as discussed below) disposed on a first surface  44   a  of the material strip  38 . In some embodiments, the releasable coupling mechanism includes an alternative and/or additional coupling mechanism, such as one or more snaps, buttons, zippers, adhesives, etc. configured to couple the flexible strap  30  to the body  4 . 
     In some embodiments, the material strip  38  including the releasable coupling mechanism is coupled to the flexible strap  30  such that the longitudinal axis of the material strip  38  is orthogonal to the flexible strap  30 , although it will be appreciated that the material strip  38  and the flexible strap  30  can define any suitable angle therebetween. In some embodiments, the material strip  38  is omitted and the releasable coupling mechanism is formed integrally with and/or coupled directly to the flexible strap  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the body  4  includes a complimentary coupling mechanism configured to couple to the releasable coupling mechanism formed integrally with the removable fixation element  16 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body  4  includes a complimentary half  46   b  of a hook-and-loop fastener that is complimentary to the releasable coupling mechanism of the removable fixation element  16 . In some embodiments, the body  4  can include an additional and/or alternative coupling mechanism configured to couple the removeable fixation element  16  to the body  4 , such as, for example, one or more snaps, buttons, zippers, adhesives, etc. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  and/or the removable retention element  16  can include an elastic strap or other deformable material. The elastic strap can define a closed shape (such as an elastic loop) or an open shape (such as a longitudinal elastic strap) configured to be deformed (e.g., stretched) around an item, such as a holster and/or weapon coupled to the retention system  2 . After being deformed around (e.g., wrapped or stretched around) the holster and/or weapon, the elastic strap attempts to return to its original shape, applying a retention force to the holster and/or weapon. It will be appreciated that any of the retention mechanisms disclosed herein can alternatively and/or additionally include an elastic strap and/or portion configured to apply a retention force. 
     In some embodiments, the second surface  6   b  of the body  4  is configured to be coupled to a surface, such as an article of clothing, a fabric surface, etc. The second surface  6   b  can include any suitable coupling mechanism, such as, for example, an adhesive  50  disposed over a portion of the second surface  6   b . The adhesive  50  can include a permanent and/or releasable adhesive. In some embodiments, the second surface  6   b  of the body  4  is sewn to and/or otherwise coupled to the surface using a thread. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, a holster  80  (or other weapon container) can be retained by the retention system  2  to maintain a fixed position between the holster  80  and body  4  of the retention system  2 . In some embodiments, the holster  80  includes a holster retention mechanism  82 , such as a standard clip, C-clip, J-clip, loop, and/or any other holster retention mechanism  82 . The holster retention mechanism  82  can be configured to maintain the holster  80  in a semi-fixed position with respect to a user, for example, a retention clip formed on an outside-the-waist-band holster. 
     In use, the removable retention mechanism  16  can be wrapped around (or otherwise coupled to) the holster retention mechanism  82 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the flexible strap  30  of the retention mechanism  16  is wrapped around a holster retention mechanism  82  of a holster  80  multiple times to apply a retention force to the holster retention mechanism  82 . The removable retention mechanism  16  be coupled to the holster retention mechanism  82  prior to and/or after being coupled to the body  4  of the retention system  2 . In some embodiments, the removable retention mechanism  16  is permanently and/or releasably fixed to maintain the retention force on the holster retention mechanism  82 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the removable retention mechanism  16  includes a hook-and-loop fastener configured to retain the flexible strap  30  in a retention configuration (e.g., wrapped configuration) to maintain the holster  80  in a fixed position with respect to the body  4 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the fixed retention elements  14   a ,  14   b  are configured to provide additional retention to a firearm  90  or other weapon disposed within the holster  80 . In some embodiments, the firearm  90  includes a handle  92 , slide  94 , and/or other portion that extends beyond the holster  80 . The handle  92  and/or the slide  94  may extend, for example, beyond the perimeter wall  8  of the body  4 . In some embodiments, a fixed retention element  14   a  may be coupled to and/or looped around a portion of the firearm  90  extending beyond the body  4 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixed retention element  14   a  is looped around (e.g., folded over) a portion of the handle  92  and the slide  94  of the firearm  90 , although it will be appreciated that additional and/or alternative portions of the firearm  90  can be retained by the fixed retention element  14   a.    
     In some embodiments, the fixed retention element  14   a  applies a retention force to the portion of the firearm  90  engaged by the fixed retention element  14   a . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixed retention element  14   a  applies a retention force to a portion of the handle  92  and the slide  94  engaged by the fixed retention element  14   a . A second end  15   a  of the fixed retention element  14   a  is coupled to the body  4  by a fixation element  18   a  and a complimentary fixation element  20   a , as described above. In some embodiments, the force applied by the fixed retention element  14   a  can be increased by looping and/or wrapping the fixed retention element  14   a  around the handle  92  and/or slide  94  of the firearm  90  prior to coupling the fixation element  18   a  to the complimentary fixation element  20   a.    
     In some embodiments, the retention system  2  can be configured to retain a non-firearm weapon, such as an aerosol self-defense spray  96 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, the removable retention element  16  can be directly coupled to (e.g., wrapped around) the aerosol self-defense spray  96  prior to and/or after coupling the removable retention element  16  to the body  4 . In some embodiments, a portion of the aerosol self-defense spray  96  extends beyond and/or overlaps with a side wall  12   a  of the body  4  such that a portion of the aerosol self-defense spray  96  can be engaged by and/or retained by a fixed retention mechanism  14   a.    
       FIGS. 11-12  illustrate an article of clothing  100  including a retention system  2   a  formed integrally therewith, in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the article of clothing  100  includes an outer garment, such as a sweatshirt, although it will be appreciated that the article of clothing  100  can include any suitable garment, such as, for example, an outer garment (e.g., sweatshirt, jacket, sweater, pull-over, coat, etc.), a mid-layer garment (e.g., shirt, pants, etc.), or an undergarment. The article of clothing  100  includes a surface area sufficient to couple to the body  4   a  of the retention system  2   a.    
     In some embodiments, the retention system  2   a  is releasably and/or permanently coupled to the article of clothing  100 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body  4   a  of the retention system  2   a  is permanently coupled to the article of clothing  100  by a thread  102  (i.e., the body  4   a  is sewn to the article of clothing  100 ), although it will be appreciated that any suitable permanent attachment can be used. For example, in various embodiments, the retention system  2   a  can be coupled to the article of clothing  100  using one or more of a thread; permanent adhesive, and/or other permanent attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, the body  4   a  of the retention system  2   a  is formed integrally with and/or is a portion of the article of clothing  100 . For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the surface  104  of the article of clothing  100  functions as the body  4   a  of the retention system  2   a.    
     In some embodiments, the retention system  2   a  is releasably coupled to the article of clothing  100 . For example, in various embodiments, the body  4   a  of the retention system  2   a  can be releasably coupled to the article of clothing  100  by any combination of zippers, buttons, snaps, clips, pins, removeable adhesives, removable thread, and/or any other suitable releasable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the retention system  2   a  can include both a releasable and a permanent attachment mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the retention system  2   a  can include a releasable adhesive configured to allow the retention system  2   a  to be releasably coupled to the article of clothing  100  for temporary positioning and a thread  102  (or other permanent attachment mechanism) can subsequently be added to permanently attach the retention system  2   a  to the selected location on the article of clothing  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the article of clothing  100  includes a concealment feature  110 . The concealment feature  110  is configured to conceal (or hide) the retention system  2   a  and any weapon (or other item) retained therein. For example, in some embodiments, the concealment feature  110  is configured to extend a predetermined distance beyond each edge of the body  4   a  to fully cover the retention system  2   a  and/or any weapon (or other item) retained therein. In the illustrated embodiments, the concealment feature  110  includes a fabric section  112  configured to be placed over the retention system  2   a  to conceal the retention system  2   a  and/or any weapon contained therein, although it will be appreciated that alternative and/or additional concealment features  110  can be used. 
     In some embodiments, a portion of the concealment feature  110  is permanently coupled to and/or formed integrally with the article of clothing  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom edge  114   a  of the concealment feature  110  is permanently coupled to the article of clothing  100  by a threaded (e.g., sewn) coupling. Although embodiments are illustrated including a threaded connection, it will be appreciated that any suitable coupling mechanism can be used to permanently couple a portion of the concealment feature  110  to the article of clothing  100 . For example, in various embodiments, a portion of the concealment feature  110  (such as a bottom edge  114   a ) can be permanently coupled to the article of clothing  100  using one or more of a thread, adhesive, and/or other permanent coupling mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the concealment mechanism  110  includes a releasable coupling mechanism  116  configured to releasably couple a portion of the concealment feature  110  to the article of clothing  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling mechanism  116  is disposed along a top edge  114   b  of the concealment feature  110 , although it will be appreciated that the coupling mechanism  116  can be disposed on any one or more portions of the concealment feature  110 . The releasable coupling mechanism  116  can include any suitable releasable coupling mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable coupling mechanism  116  includes one half  118   a  of a hook-and-loop fastener with the other half  118   b  being fixedly coupled to the article of clothing  100 . The releasable coupling mechanism  116  may include alternative and/or additional coupling mechanisms, such as a releasable thread, releasable adhesive, buttons, snaps, zippers, etc. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 , the concealment feature  110  can be transitioned from a first (or open) position ( FIG. 11 ) to a second (or concealed) position ( FIG. 12 ). A weapon (such as a firearm) or other item (such as a holster) can be coupled to the retention system  2   a  when the concealment feature  110  is in the first position. After coupling the firearm, holster, or other item to the retention system  2   a  (for example as described above), the concealment feature  110  can be transitioned from the first position to the second position to conceal the retention system  2  and the firearm/holster (or other item). In some embodiments, access to the firearm (or other item) is maintained through one or more side openings  120   a ,  120   b  defined between the article of clothing  100  and the concealment feature  110  when the concealment feature  110  is in a second position. 
     In a self-defense scenario, a wearer of the article of clothing  100  may access the stored firearm (or other item) either through a side opening  120   a ,  120   b  and/or by releasing the concealment feature  110  from the article of clothing  100 . For example, in some embodiments, a firearm (or other item) can be accessed by a user through a side opening  120   a . The user may grip the firearm (or other item) and withdraw the firearm through the side opening  120   a . Alternatively and/or additionally, the user may use a second hand to release the concealment feature  110  from the article of clothing  100 , exposing the retention system  2   a  and allowing easier removal of a firearm from a holster retained by the retention system  2   a.    
       FIG. 13  illustrates a method  200  of forming an article of clothing  100  with an integrated retention system, in accordance with some embodiments. At step  202 , an article of clothing, such as an outer garment, mid-layer garment, and/or undergarment, is manufactured and/or obtained. The article of clothing  100  may be produced in conjunction with and/or separate from a retention system  2   a . For example, in some embodiments, the article of clothing  100  is an “off-the-shelf” garment, such as a garment purchased at a retail location. As another example, in some embodiments, the article of clothing  100  is a custom-made garment designed to be coupled to a retention system  2   a.    
     At step  204 , a retention system  2   a  is permanently and/or releaseable coupled to the article of clothing  100 . In some embodiments, the retention system  2   a  is permanently coupled to the article of clothing by one or more permanent attachment mechanisms, such as, for example, thread, permanent adhesive, and/or any other suitable attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, prior to, alternatively, and/or in addition to being permanently attached, the retention system  2   a  is releasably coupled to the article of clothing  100  by one or more releasable attachment mechanisms, such as, for example, removable thread, removeable adhesive, hook-and-loop, buttons, snaps, and/or any other suitable temporary attachment mechanism. 
     At step  206 , a concealment feature  110  is coupled to the article of clothing  100 . The concealment feature  110  can include any suitable concealment feature, such as, for example, a fabric strip or cloth. The concealment feature  110  can be permanently and/or releasably coupled to the article of the clothing  100 . For example, in some embodiments, a bottom edge of the concealment feature  110  is permanently coupled to the article of clothing  100  by one or more permanent attachment elements, such as, for example, thread, permanent adhesive, and/or any other suitable attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, an upper edge of the concealment feature  110  is releasably coupled to the article of clothing  100  by one or more releasable attachment elements, such as, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, releasable adhesive, removable thread, buttons, snaps, etc. Although step  206  is illustrated after step  204 , it will be appreciated that step  206  can be performed prior to and/or simultaneously with step  204 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a method  300  of using an article of clothing  100  including an integrated retention system  2   a , in accordance with some embodiments. At step  302 , a concealment feature  110  coupled to the article of clothing  100  is transitioned from a concealment position to an open position to expose a retention system  2   a  coupled to and/or formed integrally with the article of clothing  100 . Step  302  may be omitted in embodiments in which the concealment feature  110  begins in an open position. 
     At step  304 , a holster is coupled to the retention system  2   a  by a releasable retention element  16 . For example, in some embodiments, the releasable retention element  16  is removed from the body  4   a  and is wrapped around a holster retention mechanism  82  of a holster  80  to maintain the holster  80  in a fixed position with respect to the releasable retention element  16 . After coupling to the holster retention mechanism  82 , the releasable retention element  16  can be coupled to the body  4   a  to maintain the holster  80  in a fixed position with respect to the body  4   a  and the article of clothing  100 . At step  306 , a weapon or other item can be coupled to the holster  80 . For example, in various embodiments, a firearm  90  can be inserted into and retained by the holster  80 . Although step  306  is illustrated subsequent to step  304 , it will be appreciated that steps  304  and  306  can be performed in any order and/or can be combined into a single step in some embodiments. 
     At step  308 , the concealment feature  110  is transitioned from the open position to a concealed position. In the concealed position, the retention system  2   a , the holster  80 , and the firearm  90  are hidden between the article of clothing  100  and the concealment feature  110  such that no portion of the retention system  2   a , holster  80 , or firearm  90  is visible. The article of clothing  100  can be worn by a user without providing a visual indication that the user is carrying a self-defense weapon. 
     At step  310 , the concealment feature  110  can again be transitioned from the concealed position to the open position to expose the retention system  2   a , the holster  80 , and the firearm  90 . The firearm  90  can be removed from the holster  80 , which is retained by the releasable retention element  16  in a fixed position with respect to the article of clothing  100 . The firearm  90  may be used for self-defense, target, and/or other purposes and/or may be unloaded/stored. In some embodiments, the firearm  90  maybe returned to the holster  80  and maintained in a fixed position with respect to the article of clothing  100 . 
     At step  312 , the holster  80  can be removed from the retention system  2   a . For example, in some embodiments, the releasable retention element  16  is released from the body  4   a . The releasable retention element  16  can be disconnected from and/or unwound from the holster retention mechanism  82  to release the holster  80  from the releasable retention element  16 . After removing the holster  80 , the releasable retention element  16  may be recoupled to the body  4   a  for storage. 
     It will be appreciated that a retention system, such as retention system  2  discussed above, can be coupled to any suitable surface using a permanent and/or releasable attachment mechanism, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive, screws/nails, etc.  FIG. 15  illustrates one embodiment of a retention system  2   b  coupled to a surface of an item of furniture  400  and  FIG. 16  illustrates one embodiment of a retention system  2   c  coupled to an inner surface  502  of a container  500 . Although example embodiments are illustrated, it will be appreciated that a permanent and/or releasable attachment mechanism can be configured to couple a retention system, such as retention systems  2   b ,  2   c , to any suitable surface including, but not limited to, a surface in a home (e.g., furniture surface, wall, door, ceiling, cabinet interior/exterior, etc.), office (e.g., furniture surface wall, door, ceiling, cabinet interior/exterior, desk interior/exterior, etc.), vehicle (e.g., vehicle surface, vehicle seat, vehicle container (e.g., motorcycle saddlebag/container), glove box, etc.), and/or any other suitable location. 
     It will be appreciated that the retention system  2  is configured to allow concealment of a firearm  90  and/or other defensive item on one or more surfaces, such as a surface in a home, office, vehicle, etc. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , a retention system  2   b  can be attached to any suitable surface of an item of furniture  400 , such as an interior surface  402  of cabinet door  404   a , interior surface of a cabinet door  404   b , a bottom surface  406  of the item of furniture  400 , and/or any other suitable surface. Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the retention system  2   c  can be coupled to an inner surface  502  of a container  500 , such as a container contained within and/or attached to a vehicle (e.g., cooler, saddlebag, luggage, etc.). The retention system  2  allows a firearm  90  or other defensive item to be coupled to and/or concealed by any surface having a suitable surface area for attachment of the retention system  2 . Other examples include, but are not limited to, a surface of an interior door having a facing relationship with an interior wall (such that the surface of the door is concealed by the wall when the door is in an open position), beneath one or more surfaces (e.g., attached to a bottom surface of a cabinet, desk, chair, etc.), and/or any other suitable position. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art.