US20180084844A1

US20180084844A1 - Equipment concealment system

Info

Publication number: US20180084844A1
Application number: US15/716,435
Authority: US
Inventors: Hugo Amezcua
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-26
Filing date: 2017-09-26
Publication date: 2018-03-29

Abstract

A garment includes an outer shell comprising a first side portion, a second side portion, and a back portion, a first reinforcing frame at a junction of the first side portion and the back portion, a second reinforcing frame at an upper side of the first side portion and adjacent an upper end of the first reinforcing frame, a first inner liner attached to the outer shell adjacent the first reinforcing frame and the second reinforcing frame, and a first compartment joined to the first inner liner and adjacent the first reinforcing frame and having an opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/399,843, filed Sep. 26, 2016, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to an equipment concealment system and, more particularly, a garment for carrying concealed equipment.

2. Description of Related Art

In the “concealed carry community” and “law enforcement” field, officers and concealed carry permit holders are limited by how equipment and firearms are concealed. For example, an officer may need to conceal equipment and firearms that should be readily accessible when trying to operate during covert (e.g., off-duty, plainclothes, or undercover) assignments and operations. However, if the equipment is not properly concealed or if outlines of the concealed equipment show through clothing, it is possible for the public to be able to identify law enforcement officers or conceal carry license holders. This may put the law enforcement officer and/or conceal carry license holder at risk.
Most equipment is designed to be carried by attachment to a belt or around a person's waist. These designs are typically made of bulky materials such as canvas, leathers or nylons. Specific carriers are made and sized for various types of equipment (e.g., a gun, a magazine, handcuffs, a handcuff key, a knife, etc.). Carrying bulky equipment often results in the equipment being at least partially uncovered or visible through a garment, which often renders the equipment detectable by an observer.
In addition to the difficulties encountered when carrying concealed equipment, medical issues arise from carrying equipment along the waistline for long periods of time and during prolonged sitting. Various medical research institutions have conducted studies that have shown that law enforcement officers often develop medical issues related to the weight and positioning of the equipment carried on the waist. Therefore, a system for concealing equipment such that it decreases the incidence of medical issues related to carrying heavy equipment while effectively concealing the equipment is desired.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a garment that is configured to provide concealment of a weapon and/or other items, while providing comfort to the wearer.
A garment according to one or more embodiments includes an outer shell including a first side portion, a second side portion, and a back portion, a first reinforcing frame at a junction of the first side portion and the back portion, a second reinforcing frame at an upper side of the first side portion and adjacent an upper end of the first reinforcing frame, a first inner liner attached to the outer shell adjacent the first reinforcing frame and the second reinforcing frame, and a first compartment joined to the first inner liner and adjacent the first reinforcing frame and having an opening.
In some embodiments, the first reinforcing frame includes a twill tape.
In some embodiments, the garment further includes a third reinforcing frame at a junction of the second side portion and the back portion, and a fourth reinforcing frame at an upper end of the third reinforcing frame.
In some embodiments, the garment further includes a second inner liner attached to the outer shell adjacent the third reinforcing frame and the fourth reinforcing frame.
In some embodiments, the garment includes a fifth reinforcing frame at an upper portion of the back portion and extending between the first reinforcing frame and the second reinforcing frame.
In some embodiments, the first side portion comprises a first panel, the second side portion comprises a second panel, and the back portion comprises a back panel.
In some embodiments, the first reinforcing frame is located at a first side seam of the garment, the second reinforcing frame is located at a first shoulder seam of the garment, the third reinforcing frame is located at a second side seam of the garment, and the fourth reinforcing frame is located at a second shoulder seam of the garment.
In some embodiments, the first side seam, the first shoulder seam, the second shoulder seam, and the second side seam are each a double-stitched single seam.
In some embodiments, the first reinforcing frame is located between the outer shell and the first inner liner.
In some embodiments, the first reinforcing frame includes a polyester fabric.
In some embodiments, the first reinforcing frame has a thickness of between about ¼ inch to about 1 inch.
In some embodiments, the first inner liner includes a nylon and/or spandex mesh.
In some embodiments, the first inner liner includes a micromesh.
In some embodiments, the first compartment includes a material having elastic properties.
In some embodiments, the first compartment is spaced from a lower end of the first side portion such that the first compartment does not overlap with at least a lower 20% of the first side portion.
In some embodiments, the opening of the first compartment faces away from the junction of the first side portion and the back portion.
In some embodiments, the first compartment is oriented such that the junction of the first side portion and the back portion and a center-line of the first compartment bisecting the opening of the first compartment form an angle with each other, the angle being between about 60 degrees and about 80 degrees.
In some embodiments, the garment further includes a strap attached to the first inner liner inside a cavity defined by the first compartment and having a free end, and an outer surface of the first compartment and the free end of the strap includes complementary fasteners such that the free end of the strap may be fastened to the outer surface of the first compartment.
In some embodiments, the first compartment includes a strip of elastic adjacent the opening.
In some embodiments, the first compartment has a shape that corresponds to a shape of a gun magazine, and the garment further includes a second compartment attached to the first inner liner having a shape that corresponds to a shape of the handcuffs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. The figures are schematic in nature and may not be drawn to scale

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a garment having an equipment concealment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a back elevational view of the garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an equipment concealment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a view of a compartment according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the garment of FIG. 4 taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the garment of FIG. 4 taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a garment that is configured to provide concealment of a weapon and/or other items. The garment is constructed with a support system such that it can bear at least a fully loaded gun, two fully loaded magazines, a baton, handcuffs, a handcuff key, a flashlight, a knife, a radio, and/or a badge/wallet. The garment is configured to conceal heavy items, while providing comfort to the wearer. For example, the garment may be relatively light-weight, but still configured to bear the weight of a full law enforcement officer's duty required basic equipment issue. As one example, the garment may bear at least 15 pounds of weight.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the present invention. Acronyms and other descriptive terminology may be used merely for convenience and clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiment” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the described components, structure, features, functionality, processes, advantages, benefits, or modes of operation.
It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.
As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present invention refers to “one or more embodiments of the present invention.” In addition, the use of alternative language, such as “or,” when describing embodiments of the present invention, refers to “one or more embodiments of the present invention” for each corresponding item listed. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively.
Although reference is made herein to specific garments, such as a long sleeve shirt, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may be applied to a variety of different garments or articles of clothing. For example, the inventive concept may be applied to other garments, including, but not limited to, a shirt, a sweater, a sweatshirt, a vest, or any other type of apparel. Further, the inventive concept may be applied to a long sleeved garment, a short sleeved garment, a sleeveless garment, etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. However, for ease of description, reference is made herein to example embodiments as applied to a long sleeve shirt.
Referring now to an example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, a garment (e.g., a shirt, a vest, a jacket, a coat) 10 includes a support system 12 that is configured to support one or more objects that are carried in the garment 10. As discussed further below, the support system 12 includes one or more inner liners 13 and a reinforcing frame 14 that is integrated in and constructed with the garment 10.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the garment 10 includes an outer shell 11 that includes two side portions 16 (e.g., a first side portion 16A and a second side portion 16B) and a back portion 18. According to embodiments of the present invention, the reinforcing frame 14 is included at a junction 20 of the back portion 18 and one or more of the side portions 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 6).
In some embodiments, the first side portion 16A may be a first side panel (or first front panel), the second side portion 16B may be a second side panel (or second front panel), and the back portion may be a back panel. In some embodiments, the side portions 16 are each attached to the back panel 18 along one or more edges thereof, thereby defining a seam along the sides of the shirt and the top of the shirt (e.g. at shoulders of the shirt). According to embodiments of the present invention, the reinforced seam frame 14 is included along one or more of the seams of the garment 10, as discussed further below. As noted above, in some embodiments, the garment 10 may include the outer shell that includes a continuous panel with various portions instead of the panels 16 and 18. However, for convenience of description, reference may be made herein to “panels” and/or “seams” which is not intended to limit embodiments of the invention thereto or thereby. Instead, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a single outer shell may provide the same or substantially the same characteristics as a plurality of panels, and that a “seam” may be formed, regardless of whether separate panels are joined together, or a single panel is utilized.
Referring to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the garment 10 includes two junctions (or two side seams (e.g., a double-stitched single to multiple stitching seam)) 20 along respective side edges of the front panels 16 and the back panel 18, and two shoulder seams (e.g., a single-stitched seam) 22 along upper edges of the front panels 16 and the back panel 18. It will be appreciated that the side seams 20 and the shoulder seams 22 join at least a portion of the front panels 16 and the back panel 18, such that the garment 10 defines two arm holes and a neck hole. As such, the side seams 20 of the garment 10 include two arm seams 24 that each may finish an edge of the front panel 16 and the back panel 18 at the respective arm hole, or that may attach the front panel 16 and the back panel 18 to a respective sleeve 26. For convenience of explanation, reference is made herein to the garment 10 including two sleeves 26, but the present invention is not limited thereto or thereby.
The support system 12 is incorporated into the garment 10 via the reinforcing frame 14, which is formed along one or more seams 20 of the garment 10 (or at the junctions 20 of the back portion 18 and one or more of the side portions 16). In some embodiments, the reinforcing frame 14 includes a first reinforcing frame 14A at the junction 20 of the first side portion 16A and the back portion 18 and a second reinforcing frame 14B at an upper side of the first side portion 16A and adjacent an upper end of the first reinforcing frame 14A (e.g., at an area generally corresponding to the location of a shoulder seam in a garment 10). In some embodiments, the reinforcing frame 14 further includes a third reinforcing frame 14C at the junction 20 of the second side portion 16B and the back portion 18 and a fourth reinforcing frame 14D at an upper side of the second side portion 16B and adjacent an upper end of the third reinforcing frame 14C (e.g., at an area generally corresponding to the location of a shoulder seam in the garment 10).
In some embodiments, the reinforcing frame 14 is located along the side seams 20 (and the arm seams 24) and the shoulder seams 22. The support system 12 may be joined to the outer shell 11 to form the reinforcing frame 14. The reinforcing frame 14 may include a webbing (e.g., a reinforced webbing) that is attached to the garment along the seams 20, 22, 24. In some embodiments, the reinforcing frame 14may include a twill tape, for example, a polyester twill tape. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto and the reinforcing frame 14 may utilize any suitable material, such as, for example, polyester, nylon, cotton, or rayon. In one embodiment, the reinforcing frame 14is a polyester fabric, which may provide flexibility and reduces the likelihood of shrinkage. When the reinforcing frame 14 shrinks, wrinkles may become visible on the corresponding front panel 16. In one embodiment, the reinforcing frame 14 is California Webbing Mills style number 9979 polyester, available at California Webbing Mills, 6920 Stanford Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90001.
The reinforcing frame 14 is attached to the outer shell 11 along one or more of the side seams 20 (and the arm seams 24) and the shoulder seams 22. In some embodiments, the reinforcing frame 14 extends along each of the side seams 20, the shoulder seams 22, and the arms seams 24 in their entirety. In other embodiments, the reinforcing frame 14 extends along a portion of each of the side seams 20, the shoulder seams 22, and the arm seams 24, such that the reinforcing frame 14 terminates above a lower end (or bottom edge) 28 of the front panels 16. In some embodiments, the garment 10 may also include a yoke 30 (see FIG. 2). In embodiments including the yoke 30, the reinforcing frame 14 may also be attached to the garment along a fifth reinforcing frame 14E (e.g., a cross-back seam) defining the yoke 30.
The reinforcing frame 14 may have a thickness (width) of ¼ inch to about 1 inch, and in some embodiments, may have a thickness of ¾ inch. When the reinforcing frame 14 has a thickness (width) of about ¾ inch, the reinforcing frame 14 may be fully concealed by the outer shell 11 and the inner liner 13 (e.g., by the seams of the garment 10). When the reinforcing frame 14 has a thickness (width) greater than 1 inch, the reinforcing frame 14 may be visible from an inside of the garment 10. The reinforcing frame 14 is incorporated along the junction 20 of the first side portion 16 and the back portion 18 and the junction 20 of the second side portion 16 and the back portion 18 (or the seams of the garment (e.g., the side seams 20, the shoulder seams 22, and the arms seams 24)). In some embodiments, the reinforcing frame 14 is incorporated between the respective side portion 16 and the back portion 18 along the seams such that the reinforcing frame 14 is concealed or substantially concealed between the side portion 16 and the back portion 18 and by the seams of the garment 10. The reinforcing frame 14 provides additional structural support to the garment 10 by reinforcing the side seams 20, the shoulder seams 22, and/or the arm seams 24 of the garment 10, thereby reducing the likelihood of a tear or other failure of the garment even when significant weight is added to the garment 10.
The reinforcing frame 14 also connects the inner liners 13 and the garment 10 along the respective junctions 20 (or side seams 20, arm seams 24, and shoulder seams 22). Each of the inner liners 13 extends along at least a portion of the respective junction 20 and is connected to the reinforcing frame 14. The inner liner 13 extends from the junction 20 across the side portion 16 and is attached to (e.g., sewn to) an edge of the side portion 16 opposite to the junction 20.
The inner liner 13 may be made of mesh, e.g., a nylon and/or a spandex mesh, polyester, satin, or any suitable material. In some embodiments, the inner liner 13 may be made of the same material as the side portions 16 and/or the back portion 18. In some embodiments, the material of the inner liner 13 may include a light weight material to reduce the overall weight of the garment 10. In some embodiments, the inner liner 13 may be made of a micromesh.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner liner 13 includes one or more compartments (or pockets) 32 that are each configured to receive a piece of equipment 34. For example, the equipment 34 may include a gun, a gun magazine, a knife, handcuffs, handcuff keys, a baton, a flashlight, a wallet, and/or a cellphone. The garment 10 may allow for the equipment 34 to contour the body and to be evenly (or substantially evenly) disbursed for a more comfortable fit.
Each of the compartments 32 is formed of a fabric and is sewn to the inner liner 13 of the garment 10 along three edges of the compartment 32. As such, the compartment 32 defines an opening 33 on one side, as discussed further below. In some embodiments, the compartments 32 are formed to a back side of the inner liner 13 such that the compartment 32 faces the back panel 18.
In some embodiments, the compartments 32 may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 11 and/or the inner liner 13. In some embodiments, the compartments 32 may be formed of a material having elastic properties, such as spandex, spandex nylon, and/or spandex cotton. As such, the compartments 32 may be expandable to facilitate insertion of the equipment 34.
Each of the compartments 32 has a size and shape configured to receive a particular piece of equipment 34. For example, referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the garment 10 may include five compartments: a first compartment 32A configured to receive a magazine 36, a second compartment 32B configured to receive another magazine 36, a third compartment 32C configured to receive a handcuff key, a fourth compartment 32D configured to receive a pair of handcuffs, and a fifth compartment 32E configured to receive identification (e.g., a badge and/or wallet). According to embodiments, the compartments 32 are formed to have a shape that closely corresponds to the particular piece of equipment 34 such that it snugly holds the piece of equipment 34. For example, the fourth compartment 32D may have a substantially circular profile with a flat side corresponding to the shape of the handcuffs 32D. As such, when the handcuffs 32D are inserted into the fourth compartment 32D, the handcuffs 32D remain in substantially the same orientation and location in the fourth compartment 32D, thereby reducing the likelihood of the handcuffs 32D moving within the compartment 32D or making noise.
The compartments 32 may be positioned adjacent to the junctions 20, e.g., adjacent to substantially vertical portions of the reinforcing frame 14. By positioning the compartments adjacent the reinforcing frame 14, the support system 12 may support additional weight added to the garment 10 by the equipment 34. For example, a lower portion of each of the compartments 32 may be offset by about ½ inch from the junction 20 (or the reinforcing frame 14).
The compartments 32 are also offset from the lower end 28 of the garment 10. In some embodiments, a lower 20% of the garment 10 does not include the compartments 32. When the compartments 32 are proximal to the lower end 28 of the garment 10, it is likely that the equipment 34 stored therein may cause the respective side portion 16 to flap or otherwise move around. As such, the equipment 34 may no longer be concealed and the garment 10 may be uncomfortable for the wearer. Further, when the compartment 32 is positioned further away from the shoulder seam 22 (e.g., away from the second reinforcing frame 14B or the fourth reinforcing frame 14D), the reinforcing frame 14 provides less support for the compartment 32 (and any equipment 34 contained therein). However, by positioning the compartments 32 in an upper portion of the garment 10 (i.e., by not positioning the compartments 32 in a lower portion of the garment 10), the likelihood of the garment 10 flapping around is reduced, and the weight is more evenly distributed when equipment 34 is in the compartment 32.
In some embodiments, the first compartment 32A, which is closest to the arm seam 24, may be about 1¾ inches below the arm seam 24 (e.g., below a lowest point of the arm seam 24), and the second compartment 32B may be about 3¼ inches below an upper edge of the first compartment 32A. In one embodiment, a distance between the arm seam 24 and each of the compartments 32 is 1¾ inches or greater to allow a user to rest an arm against his body without contacting the equipment 34 (or reducing the likelihood thereof).
In some embodiments, the compartments 32 are positioned below the arm seam 24 and above the lower end 28. For example, in some embodiments, the highest compartment 32 is located 1 ¾ inches below a lowest portion of the arm seam 24 and 5 inches above the lower end 28.
The compartment 32 may include elastic 31 along the fabric of the compartment 32 at the opening 33. The elastic 31 tightens the opening 33 of the compartment 32, and reduces the likelihood of the equipment 34 being removed from the compartment 32 unintentionally. When the compartment 32 is sized larger (e.g., significantly larger) than the equipment 34 contained therein, the likelihood of the equipment 34 being removed unintentionally is reduced, but it becomes difficult to quickly and easily access the equipment 34. However, when the compartment 32 includes the elastic 31, the compartment 32 may be sized such that it has similar dimensions to the equipment 34 contained therein. In addition, the compartment 32 may be sized such that a portion of the equipment 34 protrudes from the opening 33. For example, the compartment 32 may be sized such that approximately ½ inch to 1 inch of the equipment 34 protrudes above the opening 33. As such, the equipment 34 may be generally accessible to the wearer.
In some embodiments, one or more of the compartments 32 may include a strap 35 that is configured to loop from a back side of the compartment 32 (e.g., a portion of the compartment 32 adjacent the inner liner 13) to a front side of the compartment 32. For example, a first end of the strap may be affixed to the back side of the compartment 32 and have a second end opposite to the first end that is free. The compartment 32 and the second end of the strap 35 may include complementary fasteners, such as corresponding hook and loop fasteners, such that the second end of the strap 35 may be secured on the front side of the compartment 32. In some embodiments, the first end of the strap may be sewn to the back side of the compartment 32 or the inner liner 13. The strap 35 may have a length such that when one of the pieces of equipment 34 is inserted therein, the strap wraps around an upper portion of the equipment 34, thereby further securing the equipment 34 in the compartment 32. For example, the strap 35 may be located on the first compartment 32A and may have a length such that it secures the magazine 36 and connects to the first compartment 32A. In some embodiments, the strap 35 may include polyester, and in some embodiments may include the same material as the reinforcing frame 14.
The compartments 32 are each angled away from the junction 20 (e.g., the side seam 22). In other words, the compartments 32 are neither substantially vertical (parallel to the side seam 22) nor substantially horizontal (perpendicular to the side seam 22), but are offset by an angle θ from the side seam 22 (see FIG. 5). The angle θ may be between 60 degrees and 80 degrees, and preferably about 80 degrees. The compartments 32 are offset by the angle θ from the side seam 22 so that a wearer can easily access the equipment 34 contained therein. When the compartment 32 is substantially parallel to the side seam 22 (i.e., when θ=0), it may be difficult for the wearer to gain access to the equipment 34 contained in the compartment 32. When the compartment 32 is substantially perpendicular to the side seam 22 (i.e., when θ=90), the equipment 34 it may be difficult to keep the equipment 34 inside of the compartment 32 and the equipment 34 may easily fall from the compartment 32. However, when the compartment 32 is offset from the side seam 22 by the angle θ between about 60 and 80 degrees, the equipment 34 may be readily accessible while remaining securely inside of the compartment 32.
Each of the compartments 32 may be located in either the first side portion 16A or the second side portion 16B. As discussed above, each of the compartments 32 is configured to receive a type of equipment 32. The first side portion 16A may correspond to a right portion and the second side portion 16B may correspond to a left portion. When the wearer has right-hand dominance, compartments 32 configured to receive equipment 34 that needs to be quickly and easily accessible, such as the handcuffs and the badge, may be located in the second side portion 16B so that the wearer can reach across her body, into the garment 10, and access the equipment 34 in the compartments 32 of the second side portion 16B. It will be appreciated that different suitable configurations may be used according to a hand-dominance of the wearer and suitable equipment 34.
The compartments 32 may be offset from each other by about ⅛ inch. As such, the wearer can easily access each of the compartments 32.
The support system 12 (e.g., the reinforcing frame 14) allows the garment 10 to provide structural support for weight added to the garment 10 that may not typically be present, for example, the weight of the equipment 34. The reinforcing frame 14 may reinforce the side seams 20, the shoulder seams 22, and the arm seams 24 such that when weight is added to the garment 10, the seams 20, 22, 24 remain intact (or the likelihood of the seams 20, 22, 24 separating is reduced). The reinforcing frame 14 extends along the seams 20, 22, 24 such that when weight is added to the garment 10, the weight is distributed (e.g., evenly distributed) on both a left side and a right side of the garment 10, and so that an upper portion of the garment 10 (e.g., the shoulders of the garment 10) provide support.
The back portion 18 and the side portions 16 may be made of any suitable material, for example, one or more of a dry-fit fabric, denim, nylon, spandex, polyester, cotton, flannel, corduroy, twill, wool, cotton blends, wool blends, etc. In some embodiments, the material is a polyester-nylon blend. In some embodiments, water repellant and/or wicking materials may be utilized for the back portion 18 and the front portions 16.
According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the garment 10 having the support system 12 removes the weight and carriage of equipment 34 from a waist line of a wearer to a torso of the wearer. The support system 12 may take on the shape of the top into which it is constructed, which increases the likelihood that the inner liner 13 will mask (or conceal) the equipment 34 and will reduce the likelihood that the equipment 34 will show through the side portions 16. Weight will be distributed on the inner liner 13, and the likelihood of the front panel sagging from weight contained in the garment 10 is reduced. The garment 10 provides even support, distributes the weight, while maintaining comfort and concealment capability.
Various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure are provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present invention. Various modifications to exemplary embodiments presented throughout this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the concepts disclosed herein may be extended to other devices or processes. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the various aspects of this disclosure, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. All structural and functional equivalents to the various components of the exemplary embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment comprising:

an outer shell comprising a first side portion, a second side portion, and a back portion;

a first reinforcing frame at a junction of the first side portion and the back portion;

a second reinforcing frame at an upper side of the first side portion and adjacent an upper end of the first reinforcing frame;

a first inner liner attached to the outer shell adjacent the first reinforcing frame and the second reinforcing frame; and

a first compartment joined to the first inner liner and adjacent the first reinforcing frame and having an opening.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing frame comprises a twill tape.

3. The garment of claim 1, further comprising:

a third reinforcing frame at a junction of the second side portion and the back portion; and

a fourth reinforcing frame at an upper side of the second side portion and adjacent an upper end of the third reinforcing frame.

4. The garment of claim 3, further comprising a second inner liner attached to the outer shell adjacent the third reinforcing frame and the fourth reinforcing frame.

5. The garment of claim 4, further comprising a fifth reinforcing frame at an upper portion of the back portion and extending between the first reinforcing frame and the second reinforcing frame.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first side portion comprises a first panel, the second side portion comprises a second panel, and the back portion comprises a back panel.

7. The garment of claim 6, wherein the first reinforcing frame is located at a first side seam of the garment, the second reinforcing frame is located at a first shoulder seam of the garment, the third reinforcing frame is located at a second side seam of the garment, and the fourth reinforcing frame is located at a second shoulder seam of the garment.

8. The garment of claim 7, wherein the first side seam, the first shoulder seam, the second shoulder seam, and the second side seam are each a double-stitched single seam.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing frame is located between the outer shell and the first inner liner.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing frame comprises a polyester fabric.

11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing frame has a thickness of between about ¼ inch to about 1 inch.

12. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first inner liner comprises a nylon and/or spandex mesh.

13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the first inner liner comprises a micromesh.

14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first compartment comprises a material having elastic properties.

15. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first compartment is spaced from a lower end of the first side portion such that the first compartment does not overlap with at least a lower 20% of the first side portion.

16. The garment of claim 1, wherein the opening of the first compartment faces away from the junction of the first side portion and the back portion.

17. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first compartment is oriented such that the junction of the first side portion and the back portion and a center-line of the first compartment bisecting the opening of the first compartment form an angle with each other, the angle being between about 60 degrees and about 80 degrees.

18. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a strap attached to the first inner liner inside a cavity defined by the first compartment and having a free end,

wherein an outer surface of the first compartment and the free end of the strap comprise complementary fasteners such that the free end of the strap may be fastened to the outer surface of the first compartment.

19. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first compartment comprises a strip of elastic adjacent the opening.

20. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first compartment has a shape that corresponds to a shape of a gun magazine, and

wherein the garment further comprises a second compartment attached to the first inner liner and having a shape that corresponds to a shape of handcuffs.