Patent Publication Number: US-2017354197-A1

Title: Footwear with gun holster

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a gun holster and more particularly to a footwear with a gun holster integrally formed therewith. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As is commonly known, a holster is typically employed to carry and conceal a firearm on a person. Particularly, holsters are generally employed for persons serving in the military, law enforcement, other security type professions, and persons with a permit to conceal and carry firearms, for example. For such persons, it may be desired for the firearm to be concealed, easily accessed, comfortable, and sufficiently secured to the person, while minimally compromising or interfering with work or daily activities. As a result, it is convenient to carry the firearm on or near a leg, an ankle, or a foot of the person in order to conceal the firearm by an article of clothing such as a pant leg or a uniform, for example. 
     There exist holsters for carrying the firearm on or near the leg, the ankle, and the foot that are separate or detachable from the leg or footwear. For example, some of the known holsters wrap around or couple to an exterior of the ankle or the footwear of the person. These types of holsters typically couple to the ankle or the footwear of the person by a hook, a strap, a clip, a hook-and-loop attachment, a shoelace, or similar coupling devices. However, due to the detachability, these holsters are typically uncomfortable, inconvenient and not securely fastened to the person, thus creating an unsafe environment for both the person carrying the firearm and those person surrounding the person carrying the firearm. Additionally, opportunities exist for the holster to be forgotten or misplaced because of the detachability and unsecure fastening. Furthermore, because these holsters are typically fastened to an exterior of the footwear or the leg, the firearm may protrude undesirably outwardly effecting a noticeable protuberance in the pant leg or the footwear. As a result of the protuberance, total concealment of the firearm is compromised. 
     It is also known to either freely position the firearm within the footwear between the leg and the interior of the footwear or by other straps, pieces of materials, or fasteners. These designs and methods of positioning the firearm within the footwear are unsafe because the firearm undesireably moves within the footwear due to the minimal securement thereof and lack of the holster conforming to a contour of the firearm. Additionally, minimal space often exists between the leg and the interior of the footwear. Therefore, a placement of the firearm within the footwear likely causes discomfort and burdens efficient access to the firearm. 
     It would therefore be desirable to provide a holster integral with a footwear that allows a wearer of the footwear to comfortably securely and safely conceal carry and easily access a firearm. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance and attuned with the present invention, a holster integral with a footwear that allows a wearer of the footwear to comfortably, securely, and safely conceal carry and easily access a firearm has surprisingly been discovered. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a footwear for carrying a firearm includes an upper and a holster. The upper defines a cavity adapted to receive a foot. The holster is integrally formed with the upper. The holster is adapted to receive the firearm. The holster has a configuration specific to stabilizing the firearm within the holster and to the upper. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a footwear assembly includes an upper defining a cavity adapted to receive a foot. A holster is integrally formed with the upper. The holster has an internal layer and an external layer defining an opening. A firearm is received in the opening. The holster expands bi-directionally from the upper to receive the firearm and stabilize the firearm therein. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a footwear for carrying a firearm comprises the steps of forming a holster integrating portion in an upper of the footwear. Another step includes positioning a holster within the holster integrating portion. The holster has an internal layer and an external layer defining an opening configured to receive the firearm. The method further includes the step of integrally forming the holster with the upper. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawing which: 
         FIG. 1  is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevational view of the footwear of  FIG. 1 , wherein the firearm is positioned within the holster of the footwear; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged fragmentary top perspective view of the footwear of  FIG. 1 , wherein the firearm is positioned within the holster of the footwear; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the footwear of  FIG. 1  without the firearm positioned in the holster; 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged fragmentary right side perspective view of the holster of the footwear of  FIG. 1 , taken from an exterior of the footwear; 
         FIG. 5B  is an enlarged fragmentary left side perspective view of the holster of the footwear of  FIG. 1 , taken from an interior of the footwear; 
         FIG. 5C  is a fragmentary right side perspective view of the footwear of  FIG. 1  without the holster to illustrate a holster integrating portion of the footwear; 
         FIG. 6  is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear; 
         FIG. 7  is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear adjacent a top of the footwear; 
         FIG. 8  is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear intermediate a top of the footwear and a bottom of the footwear; 
         FIG. 9  is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to yet another embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear; and 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the footwear of  FIG. 9  without the firearm positioned within the holster. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “inner,” “outer,” “external,” “internal,” “left,” “right,” and similar terms are used for clarity only in reference to a position of a footwear as typically worn by a wearer of the footwear. 
       FIGS. 1-5C  illustrate a footwear  10  for carrying and concealing a firearm  12  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The footwear  10  illustrated is a footwear configured for a left foot of a right-handed user of the firearm  12 . However, it is understood the footwear  10  can be a footwear configured for a right foot of a left-handed user of the firearm  12 . The features of the footwear configured for the right foot are similar to and are substantially mirror images of the features of the footwear  10  shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-5C . 
     The footwear  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5C  is configured as a utility boot or a work boot. The utility boot represents utility boots commonly employed by enforcement officials or employed for outdoor recreation or work, construction, or other types of activities where the foot or ankle of the user is exposed to prolonged wear, injury, or unsafe environmental conditions. However, the footwear  10  can be configured as other types of footwear. For example, the footwear  10  can be configured as a tactical boot  110  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), an engineer or motorcycle boot  210  (as shown in  FIG. 7-8 ), or a cowboy boot  310  (as shown in  FIGS. 9-10 ). It is understood the footwear  10  can be configured as other types of footwear without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the footwear  10  can be an athletic shoe, a high top shoe, a knee high or thigh-high boot, a shoe with or without raised heels, or any other type of footwear as desired configured to carry and conceal the firearm  12 . The footwear  10  can also include features commonly employed with footwear such as shoelaces, buckles, rivets, snaps, straps, eyelets, a tongue, decorative indicia or other elements and features commonly used to design and manufacture various types of footwear. 
     The footwear  10  includes an upper  14  defining a cavity adapted to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper  14  extends between a bottom  16  and a top  18  of the footwear  10 , a front  20  and a rear  22  of the footwear  10 , and an inner side  24  and an outer side  26  of the footwear  10 . The inner side  24  corresponds to the inner side or medial side of the left foot of the wearer and the outer side  26  corresponds to the outer side or lateral side of the left foot of the wearer. In the footwear configured for the right foot, the inner side  24  and the outer side  26  would be opposite that of the footwear  10  shown in the illustrated embodiments. The upper  14  further includes an internal surface  30  and an external surface  32 . The upper  14  may comprise one or more distinct regions intermediate the front  20  and the rear  22  and/or one or a combination of different materials intermediate the internal surface  30  and the external surface  32 . For example, the upper  14  can include regions commonly included with footwear such as toe cap, vamp, and quarter commonly formed at a front portion, intermediate portion, and rear portion thereof, respectively. The materials can include leather, waterproof leather, synthetic, non-porous fabric or other known materials adapted for footwear uppers, such as suede or canvas, for example. 
     The upper  14  terminates at a collar  28  formed at the top  18  of the footwear  10  and defines an opening to the cavity for the right foot of the wearer. In certain embodiments, the upper  14  includes a shaft  34  and a sole  36 . The shaft  34  is adapted to receive and corresponds to an ankle of the wearer. The sole  36  is disposed at the bottom  16  of the footwear  10 . However, the footwear  10  can be shaftless or soleless, if desired. 
     The upper  14  defines a holster integrating portion  38 . The holster integrating portion  38  includes a window or opening formed in the inner side  24  of the footwear  10  adjacent the top  18  of the footwear  10 . In the embodiment illustrated, the holster integrating portion  38  is formed on the inner side  24  of the footwear  10  and extends from the collar  28  and into and minimally beyond the shaft  34 . However, it is understood the holster integrating portion  38  can be formed in any part of the upper  14  as desired depending on a type and size of the firearm and a convenience of access to the firearm by wearer. 
     The footwear  10  further includes a holster  40  integrally formed with the upper  14 . As used herein with reference to the holster  40 , the term integrally or integral is defined as bound or affixed to, connected together so as to make up a single complete piece or unit, or so as to work together as a single complete piece or unit, and so as to be incapable of being easily dismantled without destroying the integrity of the piece or the unit. As illustrated, the holster  40  is formed adjacent the top  18  of the footwear  10  on the inner side  24  of the footwear  10  to correspond to the holster integrating portion  38 . However, the holster  40  can be formed at any portion of the upper  14  depending on the position of the holster integrating portion  38 . 
     The holster  40  has a configuration specific to stabilizing the firearm  12  within the holster  40  and to the footwear  10 . Such a configuration is described in further detail hereinbelow and is generally defined as effecting minimal movement of the firearm  12  within the holster  40  and with respect to the footwear  10  and the wearer of the footwear  10 . For example, movement of the firearm  12  in a direction from the front  20  of the footwear  10  to the rear  22  of the footwear  10 , from the top  18  of the footwear  10  to the bottom  16  of the footwear  10 , and from the inner side  24  of the footwear  10  to the outer side  26  of the footwear  10  is minimized. 
     The holster  40  is received in the holster integrating portion  38  to be integrally formed with the upper  14 . The holster  40  is integrally formed with the upper  14  by a seam  41  circumscribing and corresponding in shape to the holster  40  and/or the holster integrating portion  38 . The seam  41  is defined by stitching. Although, other seaming means commonly employed with footwear and/or fashionwear to integrally join materials can be contemplated. For example, seaming means can be riveting, stapling, adhering with material grade adhesive, or other commonly employed seaming means. It should be understood that the holster  40  can be seamless, wherein the upper  14  does not include the holster integrating portion  38  and the holster  40  is formed from at least some of the same material as the upper  14 , if desired. 
     The holster  40  is a flexible, elastic receptacle formed by an internal layer  42  and an external layer  44 . The internal layer  42  defines a portion of the internal surface  30  of the upper  14  and the external layer  44  defines a portion of the external surface  32  of the upper  14 . The layers  42 ,  44  cooperate with each other to define an opening  46  configured to receive the firearm  12 . The internal layer  42  is integrally joined with the external layer  44  by a stitching or seaming means, for example. Although, the other integrally joining methods can be contemplated, if desired. 
     The internal layer  42  defines an edge  43  configured to engage the internal surface  30  of the footwear  10  for forming the seam  41 . The seam  41  is formed along the edge  43  of the internal layer  42 . A periphery  45  of the opening  46 , defined by the seam joining the internal layer  42  to the external layer  44 , has a shape corresponding to a shape of the outer contour of at least a portion of the firearm  12  to tightly secure the firearm  12  within the holster  40 . However, in other embodiments, the seam  41  can essentially define the periphery  45  or be spaced from the periphery  45 . The relationship and cooperation of the seam  41  with the periphery  45  depends upon the size and shape of the firearm and footwear  10  and stability of the firearm when being carried in the footwear  10 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the holster  40  includes a detachable strap  48  extending from the internal layer  42  to the external layer  44 . The strap  48  is adjustable and includes a fastener  50  to attach the strap  48  and secure the firearm  12  within the holster  40 . The fastener  50  is a snap. However, the fastener  50  can be any fastener  50  as desired such as a buckle, clasp, hook-and-loop attachment, for example. 
     The internal layer  42  and the external layer  44  are formed from a flexible elastic material configured to easily expand to receive the firearm  12  yet adapt to the contour of the firearm  12  to comfortably grip and secure the firearm  12  within the holster  40 . For example, the internal layer  42  and the external layer  44  can be formed from nylon, cotton, spandex, polyester, or combination thereof, for example. Although, the layers  42 ,  44  can be formed from other elastic materials or combinations thereof for example. In certain embodiments, the external layer  44  includes an inner lining  52  integrally formed therewith and cushioning the internal surface  30  of the footwear  10 . The inner lining  52  provides support and comfort to the wearer of the footwear  10  when the firearm  12  is received in the holster  40 . In an exemplary embodiment, the inner lining  52  is formed from a soft and/or elastic material that is durable for extending wear and or being exposed to harsh environments such as sheepskin, for example. However, the inner lining  52  can be formed from other materials such as memory foam, sorbothane, cotton, any other similar type materials, or any combination thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the holster  40  expands bi-directionally with respect to the upper  14 , as illustrated by the dotted line aligning with the upper  14  and the arrows. The internal layer  42  and the external layer  44  cooperate with each other and the upper  14  to advantageously permit the holster  40  to expand both partially outwardly from the upper  14  and partially inwardly from the upper  14  when receiving the firearm  12 . As a result, the firearm  12  does not cause the upper  14  to protrude entirely outwardly, which is undersireable and more difficult to conceal, or entirely inwardly, which is undesireable, uncomfortable, and difficult to retrieve the firearm  12 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the footwear  110  according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure. Features similar to the features of the footwear  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5C  are denoted with similar reference numerals and a preceding “1” for clarity. The footwear  110  of  FIG. 6  is similar to the footwear  10  of  FIGS. 1-5C  except the footwear  110  is configured as a tactical boot commonly employed by police officers, EMS specialists, firefighters, and tactical operators for example. Although, the footwear  110  is can also be employed for recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and camping, for example. 
       FIGS. 7-8  illustrate the footwear  210  according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure. Features similar to the features of the footwear  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5C  are denoted with similar reference numerals and a preceding “2” for clarity. The footwear  210  of  FIGS. 7-8  are similar to the footwear  10  of  FIGS. 1-5C  except the footwear  210  is configured as an engineer or a motorcycle boot commonly employed by those working in the welding, utilities, and oil field trades as well as motorcycle enthusiasts. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the holster  240  is formed adjacent the top  218  of the footwear  210 . However, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the holster  240  is formed intermediate the top  218  of the footwear  210  and the bottom  216  of the footwear  210 . The holster integrating portion  238  and the holster  240  cooperate to form a cutout  254  to receive a handle end of the firearm  12 . The cutout  254  has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the grip end of the firearm  12 . 
       FIGS. 9-10  illustrates the footwear  310  according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure. Features similar to the features of the footwear  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5C  are denoted with similar reference numerals and a preceding “3” for clarity. The footwear  310  of  FIGS. 8-9  is similar to the footwear  10  of  FIGS. 1-5C  except the footwear  310  is configured as a cowboy boot and the positioning of the holster  340  is different. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the holster  340  is spaced at a distance from the collar  28  and is integrally formed with the footwear  310  at a generally intermediate portion of the upper  314  intermediate the top  18  of the footwear  310  and the bottom  16  of the footwear  10 . The holster integrating portion  338  is configured to receive the holster  340 . The holster integrating portion  338  has a shape corresponding to a shape of the holster  340  and a portion of the firearm  12 . For example, a first portion of the holster integrating portion  338  corresponds in shape to the holster  340  and a second portion of the holster integrating portion  338  substantially corresponds in shape to a portion of the firearm  12  extending outwardly from the holster  340  such as a grip end and a barrel end of the firearm  12 , for example. 
     A cutout  354  is formed by the holster integrating portion  338  and the holster  340  to accommodate the grip end of the firearm  12 . The cutout  354  has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the grip end of the firearm  12 . The cutout  354  permits enhanced alignment of the firearm  12  with the upper  314  to facilitate the bi-directional extension of the holster  340  with respect to the upper  314 . The seam  341  circumscribes the holster integrating portion  338  to both integrally join the holster  340  to the upper  314  and reinforce the edges of the upper  314  defining the holster integrating portion  338 . Advantageously, the positioning of the holster  340  on the footwear  310  militates against interference with ornamental features often positioned adjacent or proximate to the collar  328 . The positioning also further reinforces and supports a weight of the firearm  12 . However, it is understood the holster  340  can be positioned in other portions of the upper  314  as desired. The positioning of the holster  340  may also depend on the structural integrity of the upper  314 . 
     The footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  described herein are exemplary embodiments meant to illustrate varying styles of footwear commonly known or employed. Other styles of footwear can be contemplated without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, footwear having varying shapes, materials, proportions, soles, and/or ornamental features can include the holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340  as shown and described herein. 
     A method of manufacturing the footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  includes the steps of choosing a style of the footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 . In one exemplary embodiment, the holster integrating portion  38 ,  138 ,  238 ,  338  is then formed in the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314  by a cutting, stamping, and/or lasering device after the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314  is formed. In another exemplary embodiment, the holster integrating portion  38 ,  138 ,  238 ,  338  can also be formed prior to forming the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314  by incorporating corresponding portions in a stencil or pattern used to cut the material to form the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314 . The internal layer  42  of the holster  40  is integrally formed with the external layer  44  of the holster  40 . The holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340  is then received in the holster integrating portion  38 ,  138 ,  238 ,  338  and joined with the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314  by the seam  41 ,  141 ,  241 ,  341  to integrally form the holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340  with the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314  into one congruent unit. Although, as mentioned in the disclosure hereinabove, the holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340  can be formed from the same material with same stencil or pattern as the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314 . The external layer  44 ,  144 ,  244 ,  344  can either be joined to the internal layer  42 ,  142 ,  242 ,  342  and/or the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314  prior to or after integrally forming the holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340  with the upper  14 ,  114 ,  214 ,  314 . 
     To use, the foot of the wear is inserted into the footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 . The firearm  12  is positioned in the holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340 , wherein the holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340  conforms to and secures the barrel end of the firearm  12  therein and the grip end of the firearm  12  extends outwardly from the holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340  for easy access to the firearm  12 . The strap  48 ,  148 ,  248 ,  348  is then placed about the grip end of the firearm  12  to further secure the firearm  12  to the holster  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340  and the footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 . 
     Advantageously, the footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  according to the present disclosure maximizes comfort, concealment, and security of the firearm  12  to the wearer. Additionally, the footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  minimizes effort and accessories required to carry and easily retrieve the firearm  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 . Furthermore, the configuration of the footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  maintains an aseptically pleasing overall appearance and quality of the footwear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 . 
     From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.