WO2017132097A1

WO2017132097A1 - Configurable conceal carry systems for suit jackets

Info

Publication number: WO2017132097A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/014619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory Rocque
Original assignee: Cacharme Systems, Llc
Priority date: 2016-01-27
Filing date: 2017-01-23
Publication date: 2017-08-03
Also published as: US20170211908A1

Abstract

A suit jacket that includes a holster paddle which contains a concealed weapon. The wearer of the jacket can remove the weapon quickly which allows the wearer the ability to better defend himself from an attacker. The suit jacket contains an interliner which is made of a strong yet lightweight material which secures the holster paddle and weapon to the suit jacket. The holster paddle and weapon can accommodate a wearer who is either right-handed or left-handed. Additionally, the holster paddle can be curved to the wearer's abdomen so that concealment of the weapon is greatly improved. The suit jacket also contains an ammunition paddle capable of holding additional clips of ammunition.

Description

CONFIGURABLE CONCEAL CARRY SYSTEMS FOR SUIT JACKETS

This application claims the benefit of US application nos. 15/186,353 filed June 17, 2016 and 62/287,547 filed January 27, 2016, the entire content of each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in systems and inserts mat provide modifications of linings for use in in legally concealing a handgun, magazine clip, pepper spray, handcuffs or other personal defense items in jackets and in particular in suit jackets and sport jackets.

Background

Almost all States have enacted laws permitting citizens to carry weapons - usually handguns - in a concealed manner. These laws are generally known as "conceal carry" laws. One of the reasons these laws were enacted is to allow citizens a means to protect themselves and their loved ones from armed and dangerous criminals. Having a concealed weapon provides an effective method of neutralizing an armed criminal because it levels the "playing field" between a potential victim and a criminal. However, for a concealed weapon to be useful, the element of surprise is critical. If a criminal with a weapon sees that an individual has a weapon, the criminal will be alerted to the victim's weapon and more likely to use his own. Therefore, it is extremely important that a victim's weapon be concealed such that it is invisible to the criminal.

It is not that easy to conceal a handgun on a person. For one thing, the gun is generally of a relatively weight such that if placed in an ordinary pocket it can be seen due to bulges or distortion of the clothing. For this reason, greater support is needed. For example, a gun holster can be worn around the waist to help support the fun, but this is difficult to conceal as it tends to show through the concealing outer garment because the clothing around the waist tends to be tight

An alternative to concealed belts is a shoulder holster worn under a coat. A shoulder holster can carry a concealed gun generally under either arm. The shoulder holster can provide a natural ergonomic reach to facilitate quick draw. The problems with shoulder holsters are that the holster is an additional item of clothing and the garment that is worn over the shoulder holster when unbuttoned can make drawing the gun difficult Also, if the concealing garment is closed at the front and is opened intentionally or unintentionally when unbuttoned, the concealed gun would be revealed. Further, both concealed belts and shoulder holsters usually have straps around the weapon for securing it This makes drawing the weapon quickly more difficult and time consuming.

This invention is directed unique self-defense system for carrying a concealed weapon and related self-defense items all integrated into in a suit jacket or sport coat by means of a specially-design interliner.

Description of the Prior Art

The prior art discloses various articles of clothing for concealing handguns.

US Patent No. 5,692 237 to Bennett, discloses a vest with two flexible fabric panels one over the other. The holster carrier combination fits between the first and second fabric panels. The holster carrier combination is further secured on one panel by one or more straps. Additionally, the weapon contained in the holster carrier combination is secured by a safety strap.

US Patent No. 7,743,430 to Jennings, et al., discloses a jacket with interior pockets which are supported by seams in the jacket The holster carrier combination must be secured in the pockets by loop pyle fastener straps.

US Patent No. 7,631,368 to Samson, discloses a shirt with a holster carrier accessible through an opening in the front of the shirt The holster carrier holds a handgun which is secured with straps which snap onto the holster carrier. US Patent No. 8,074,850 to Soderquist, et al., discloses a holster carrier which is secured in a pocket-like structure just below the hip. The holster carrier can contain either a handgun or a Taser device, but either weapon must be secured by a strap which snaps onto the holster carrier.

Despite these devices, there still remains a need for concealing and securing a handgun in clothing in a safe way which still allows quick access to the gun when needed. This need is now met by the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to an interliner for an outer garment configured and dimensioned of a fabric or fiber material that is designed to support and carry the weight of a weapon. The interliner comprises a right side portion that includes one or a plurality of pockets, a left side portion that includes one or a plurality of pockets, a first paddle member that is configured and dimensioned to fit snugly into at least one pocket; a weapon holster arrangement fixedly associated with or forming part of the first paddle member, and releasable connecting members associated both with the pocket and the weapon holster arrangement. The connecting members advantageously include a first connection member associated with one side of the pocket opening, a second connecting member associated with the opposite side of the pocket opening, a third connecting member associated with one side of the weapon holster arrangement and a fourth connecting member associated with the opposite side of the weapon holster arrangement. The first connection member is configured, dimensioned and arranged to be releasably connected to the second or third connecting members and with the second connection member being configured, dimensioned and arranged to be releasably connected to the first or fourth connecting members. This allows the weapon holster arrangement to be releasably attachable to the pocket to allow the weapon holster arrangement to be retained therein, while the pocket sides are releasably engageable to close the pocket when the weapon holster arrangement member is not received therein.

The weapon holster arrangement preferably comprises a holster paddle and a weapon holster attached to the holster paddle, with the holster paddle including the third and fourth connecting members. Also, the connecting members include one or more buttons, snaps or clips, hook or loop material, or half of the operative portion of a zipper.

The first pocket is generally located on one side portion. The interliner further comprises a second pocket on the other side portion. The side portion that includes the first pocket and the side portion that includes the second pocket each includes one or two additional pockets for holding additional articles. The pockets may be arranged to balance the weight of the pocket contents on each side portion of the interliner.

The present invention also provides a jacket made up of a traditional outer shell; a modified inner lining; a new and useful interliner positioned between the outer shell and inner lining designed to carry a concealed weapon, magazine clips, pepper spray and or handcuffs, as well as traditional pockets for phone, wallet, keys, etc. therein. The jacket interliner is configured and dimensioned of a fabric or fiber material that is designed to support and carry the weight of a weapon to be concealed in the jacket without causing distortion, bulging or imbalance of the outer shell of the jacket A weapon holster arrangement is associated with and supported by the interliner for concealing a weapon within the outer shell and inner lining of the jacket. The inner liner of the jacket is modified by being provided with a first pocket slit to provide quick access to the gun holster and weapon held therein.

The weapon holster arrangement comprises a removable holster paddle inserted into the interliner by way of a specially designed pocket; and a weapon holster attached to the holster paddle. Preferably, the paddle member has a convex or concave arcuate shape to facilitate retention in the pocket of the interliner. Advantageously, the weapon holster arrangement and pocket are located in positions on the interliner so that the weight of the weapon offsets the weight of the magazine clip in the pocket to further avoid distortion, bulging or imbalance in the jacket.

The jacket further comprises a pocket associated with and supported by the interliner for holding a magazine clip for the weapon, and a second pocket slit on the inner lining of the jacket to provide quick access to the pocket In particular, the pocket is configured and dimensioned to hold a magazine clip paddle and a magazine clip handle. The jacket generally includes additional pockets on the interliner and inner lining designed to hold other items such as pepper spray, handcuffs, a mobile telephone, wallet, and money clip in locations that further offset the weight of the weapon and provide for tactical ease of access in an emergency. The interliner is preferably made of any non-stretch fabric, such as carbon fiber material, or a ballistic-resistant material.

The weapon holster may include a mechanism comprising a spring for assisting in the ejection of the weapon when necessary. Also, a strap connecting the holster paddle to a belt that is worn by the wearer of the jacket may be provided for additional supporting of the weapon. Typically, the weapon will be a hand gun or stun gun.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is more fully appreciated upon a review of the appended drawings figures which illustrate the most preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:

Figures 1 A and IB illustrate the left and right sides, respectively, of an interliner for a suit jacket for concealment of a weapon therein according to the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a holster paddle and weapon that is to be provided in a pocket of the interliner of Figure 1A;

Figures 3A and 3B are illustrations of different arcuate paddle configurations, one of which is convex and the other of which is concave;

Figures 4 and 5 are front and top perspective views, respectively, of an ammunition paddle with an ammunition carrying device attached thereto; and

Figure 6 illustrates a jacket with the side open to illustrate one arrangement of the concealed pockets. Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention now overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a jacket that includes an interliner that contains a holster carrier/weapon combination supported by special seams such that the holster carrier and the weapon are not visible, and are not too heavy when worn and further which provide for quick access to the weapon without the use of straps.

One embodiment of the invention permits the wearer of a suit jacket to easily draw a weapon on a potential attacker.

Another embodiment of the invention is made of a lightweight material such that it is not heavy to the wearer.

Another embodiment of the invention may be made of ballistic resistant material to provide more protection to the wearer.

Another embodiment of the invention permits the removal of the jacket by the wearer such that the holster paddle and the weapon are not visible.

Another embodiment of the invention permits the use of a weapon with either the wearer's right or left-hand, as desired.

Another embodiment of the invention secures the holster paddle with straps secured through the interliner to the waist belt for additional protection from the potential removal of the holster paddle.

The nature and various advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.

The present invention is directed to an article for us in the concealment of a weapon in a conventional suit jacket, sport jacket, coat or other outergarment. This article is an interliner which supports a paddle member that includes a holster for holding a weapon. Preferably, the paddle member is received in a pocket in the interliner. Also, the interliner may also provide additional pockets for holding various weapons, ammunition, peripheral articles and the like. The interliner is sewn into the jacket or coat and supports the weight of the items in the pockets through the shoulder construction of the jacket This allows the jacket to hang in the usual manner from the wearer without causing bulges or other misshapen proportions that would indicate the containment of a heavy object in the jacket pocket or pockets.

The construction of the interliner is shown in Figure 1A and IB which conform to the left and right sides respectively of the interliner for the jacket. These interliner halves as noted herein are sewn into the jacket between a conventional outer shell and inner lining at the shoulder seam. Additionally, the rear edges of the interliner can be sewn together depending upon the jacket design. These two halves will be referred to herein collectively as the interliner. Also, a skilled artisan would recognize mat the interliner could be provided as a single piece of material if desired, or in additional segments or panels.

Figure 1A shows an arrangement of three pockets (2A, 2B, 2C) which are provided on one half (2) of the interliner to support and contain therein various security items. In particular, pocket (2A) is configured to receive a holster paddle (7) that contains a weapon therein. As this pocket is provided on the left side interliner half (2), it would be intended for use by a person who is right handed so that he or she can easily reach into the pocket to withdraw the weapon when necessary.

The interliner (2) is designed to carry the weight of a weapon on the person's shoulders without tugging on the outer shell of the jacket To accomplish this, the interliner should be made of a fabric of sufficient strength and elasticity such as any available carbon fiber or aramid product Additionally, the material could be ballistic resistant in order to provide the wearer with additional protection (i.e., KEVLAR®).

The interliner is typically made in two pieces as shown in Figures 1A and IB, but it also may be made in one piece if desired. The size and shape of the interliner or interliner halves are pre-cut to the particular chest size of the individual or to a conventional chest size of the jacket.

Figures 1A and IB illustrate the two half segments (23) of the interliner. These are located between the outer shell of the suit jacket and the inner lining of the jacket The jacket can also be pre-cut or tailored to the body of the wearer. The interliner consists of two front halves (2, 3) which are attached to each other in the back and which are typically sewn into the jacket at the shoulder portions. The interliner (2, 3) also has slits under each armpit for final tailoring.

The left side (2) and right side (3) panels or half segments for a set that represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention. These panels include a plurality of pockets that are designed to hold various articles. Furthermore, the pockets are configured in the way that provides quick and easy access to the pocket contents as well as to provide a balance of weight on each panel to assist the jacket in maintaining its original shape when worn.

The interliner is designed to be sewn into the jacket in a way so that it is supported by the shoulders of the person wearing the jacket This facilitates placement of objects in the pockets without affecting the movement or wearing of the jacket but it still is advantageous to balance the weights of the objects in the pockets so that approximately the same weight is provided on each side panel.

As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the pockets may be specifically arranged with one pocket (2A) holding the holster paddle on the left side panel. Near the holster panel is included a pocket for another weapon or item, such as pepper spray (2B), while a further pocket (2C) can be provided for handcuffs or other peripheral articles. The additional pockets are provided slightly below the first pocket (2A) that is designed to receive the holster paddle (7 to help balance the weight of those items in the pockets of the interliner when the racket is worn. Also, as the holster paddle includes the more powerful weapon, it is located in the best position for easiest access.

As can be appreciated, mis arrangement is desirable for jackets worn by undercover agents or off duty police. The right side panel (3) may include one or more additional pockets. For example, one pocket (3A) can be provided for a cell phone, a second pocket (3B) for a gun magazine clip and a third pocket (3C) for a wallet or money clip. In addition to balancing the weight of the various items to be carried by the interliner and jacket, these pocket arrangements allow personal items such as the cell phone and wallet to be provided on the right side panel with the weapon or other defense items to be provided on the left side panel (3). This assumes that the person wearing the jacket is right-handed: if the jacket is designed for a left handed person, the pockets on the panels would be reversed.

Figure 2 illustrates the holster paddle (7) in further detail. As noted, the holster paddle (7) can be on either the right - hand or left-hand sides of the jacket. The holster paddle (7) includes a holster (8) or other weapon holding structure and a plurality of snap members (9) or other connection members for attaching the paddle to the interliner pocket The holster can be a separate component or it can be made as part of the paddle, in particular when the paddle member is molded from a polymeric or plastic material. The holster device is designed to carry a weapon (10). The holster paddle (7) first receives the weapon 10 such as a handgun and the combination is then inserted and attached to the pocket, in particular by being provided with snaps on the paddle that mate with corresponding snaps in the pocket. For a right handed person, pocket (2A) is provided on the interliner for that purpose, and a slit is cut in the inner lining in order to provide access to the weapon and pocket located on the interliner.

Preferably, the holster paddle is typically about T high by about 7" wide and about 2.25" in thickness to fit within the pockets of the jacket The top most snap member can instead be a hole that is configured to attach to a pocket closing button of the jacket for additional securement. Also, the lower end of the holster paddle can include a slot for attachment of one end of a keeper strap. The other end of the strap is attachable to the wearer's belt or pants to more closely hold the jacket close to the wearer's body. The keeper strap can be attached to the holster paddle by a button or snap while the opposite end of the strap can include a loop to engage the wearer's belt or a suspender clip to attach to the wearer's pants. The keeper strap can be custom fitted to the size of the wearer's torso or it can be made to be adjustable. A simple design would be to include multiple snaps near each end of the strap so that one strap end can be wrapped around the slot and affixed thereto by the snap at the end of the strap attached to another snap on the strap. The same can be done for the belt attachment where the opposite end of the strap can be wrapped around the belt and affixed thereto by the snap at the end of the strap attached to another snap on the strap. Of course, other attachment arrangements can be used including hook and loop fasteners, buttons or other common means for connecting a strap to a hold or belt.

Figures 3A and 3B are preferred embodiments of the invention that illustrate the arcuate shape of the paddle. In Figure 3 A, a concave arcuate shape is shown for paddle 7 A, while is Figure 3B, a convex arcuate shape is shown. The shape can be selected so that the arcuate portion conforms generally to the person's body curvature, with the holster (8) and weapon (10) located on the side of the paddle mat is preferred for access by the person. Figure 3A illustrates an arrangement termed an inside mount where the weapon is located to be closer to the person's body and the paddle is located between the weapon and the outer shell of the jacket. In Figure 3B, the paddle conforms to the person's body with the weapon located between the paddle and outer shell of the jacket, a preferred arrangement that is referred to as an outside mount as it is easier to access the weapon. Also, mirror images of the paddle and holster of Figures 3 A and 3B would be provided for a left handed person who would conceal the weapon on the right side panel (3A) of the interliner. A skilled artisan would recognize that other configurations could be used without departing from the invention.

The holster device for either the left hand or right hand draw preferably has a notch to allow for a full grip on the firearm when it is to be drawn. Of course, the holster device is configured to remain placed well within the real estate of the jacket pocket and in a position where it does not block the snaps or slots for connecting the paddle to the jacket or to the pocket button or keeper strap.

The holster device (8) may be attached to the holster paddle (7) by a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism shown can be any type of quasi-permanent or permanent connection or connecting members. A typically arrangement comprises integrated screws inserted into pre- drilled holes connecting the holster device (8) to the holster paddle (7). Also, the holster device (7) is typically made of leather or preferably of an injection- molded plastic (or a similar moldable material) which secures the weapon (10) through a mild clamping effect on the receiver of the weapon. The clamping mechanism only provides a very slight force which can be easily overcome when the weapon is to be removed from the holster.

As noted, the front of the holster paddle (7) with a holster device (8) attached thereto. The holster device can be configured to conform to the anticipated body outline where the paddle is located. The injection-molded plastic (or similar material) holster paddle can be configured to conform to the anticipated body outline of the person at the point where the paddle or pocket is present on the interliner. The paddle (7) also could have pre-drilled holes for attaching branded holsters with their own integrated screws.

Figures 4 and 5 show an ammunition paddle (11) which can be inserted into a pocket in the lower right-hand (or left-hand) half of the interliner (2, 3) of the jacket A slit is cut into the inner lining of the suit jacket so that the ammunition paddle (11) can be inserted when to be carried and access when carried in the interliner pocket. The ammunition paddle (11) is attached to the interliner and is designed with a holding structure (12) to receive and hold ammunition "clips" which can be inserted into the weapon. The ammunition paddle also includes the same type of connecting members, such as snaps (13) to attach the paddle to the pocket while engaging corresponding mating elements or snaps therein. As noted herein, instead of snaps, the paddle may be attached to the interliner by clips, hook and loop material, buttons, a zipper or other typical attachment means suitable for attaching to fabric or clothing.

The ammunition paddle (11) may be configured as a flat or straight member or it can be made with an arcuate shape in a manner similar to the weapon paddle depending upon where the ammunition paddle is be placed on the interliner or into an interliner pocket. The ammunition paddle (11) can also be made of the same or similar molded plastic materials as the weapon paddle (7).

Figures 2, 3 A, 3B, 4 and 5 illustrate the holster paddle (7) and the ammunition paddle (11) to indicate where fasteners are provided that will connect to the opposing fasteners that are built into the respective interliner Pocket. Such fasteners may be any combination of the following: snaps, hook and loop, zipper, or other fasteners, all of which are well known to those skill in the art The function of the fastener is to secure the paddle in each pocket so that, should there be a need to draw the weapon or exchange the magazine, the Paddle will remain securely in the pockets. Conversely, when the wearer chooses to remove the paddle from its pocket that can be done by releasing the paddle from its fasteners in the way each fastener was designed to release from its respective pairing part.

Figure 6 shows a suit jacket which includes the invention, termed a Holster System interliner. The suit jacket (1) contains the interliner in a manner such that it is not readily visible and does not protrude or bulge from the outline of the jacket and thus is neatly concealed therein. The sleek, non-bulgy look is attained because the interliner is designed to at least carry the weight of a paddle holster and a weapon. The interliner is made of certain lightweight yet strong materials, such as commercially-available carbon fiber or other high strength but light weight fiber materials such as aramid.

Figure 6 illustrates the right side of the jacket to show the slits (4, 5, 6) in the inner liner that provide access to pockets (3A, 3B, 3C). The interliner is simply integrated into the jacket or coat when it is assembled, and is invisible when others view the jacket or coat from the outside. Also, the interliner can be provided in any type of jacket, coat or outer garment whether they are custom made or available off the rack or built to a particular specification.

Depending upon how the interliner is configured, e.g., for either a right-hand, or left- hand draw, the opposite side of the interliner is configured to holding the ammunition paddle (11) which contains ammunition or a magazine clip. Conveniently, the weight of the weapon and holster is balanced by the weight of the ammunition paddle and this contributes to the smooth and non-bulging appearance of the interliner which leads to its concealment. The interliner is designed to carry the weight of the weapon or the combined weight of the weapon and ammunition paddle on the shoulders of the wearer of the jacket without tugging on the outer shell of the jacket A pattern can be provided to the tailor of custom jackets to assist them in how to assemble the Holster System interliner into a new jacket or coat.

With regard to the slits in the inner lining to hold the holster paddle (7) and the ammunition paddle (11), these slits have to be wide enough to accommodate the holster and ammunition paddles, but not so wide as to permit the paddles to come out of the slits and prevent the user from disengaging the weapon and ammunition clip from the paddles.

Figure 6 specifically illustrates the arrangement of the pockets in the interliner and the arrangement of the interliner in the jacket Figure 6 illustrates that pockets (3 A, 3B, 3C) are contained in the inner lining of the suit jacket (1), The pockets on this side of the jacket can hold either a mobile telephone (such as an iPhone or Android), a wallet, and/or a money clip. These mimic the traditional pockets that are provided on the inside of the jacket but are instead are configured to help balance the weight on either side of the jacket to assist in the concealment of the interliner. These pockets are located in different positions than usual to accommodate the Paddle Pockets. The location of these may be as shown or may vary, however, and the mirror image of them on the other side of the jacket would be used for a Left-hand Draw.

It is also possible to utilize the holster paddle (7) with straps that can be secured to the holster paddle on one side, and through the interliner to the wearer's waist belt to ensure a safe and complete extraction of the weapon in the event of an emergency. These snaps would be attached to the mating snaps of the pocket. This is an optional feature of the invention which is not necessary for proper functioning and use of the interliner, pockets and weapon.

As noted, the inter-liner panels are sewn in between the outer shell and lining of the jacket. In order to provide access to the pockets, the lining would include one or more slits that allow the user's hand to pass through the lining to access the items in the pockets. The pockets are designed also with closure elements that allow the pockets openings to be secured together when not being used to carry the items described. For example, the person may wish to wear the jacket without carrying the personal defense items. For this use, each pocket (14), (22), (24) and (26), could be sealed closed by the use of the closure elements. This would include hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers or the other types of releasable fasteners disclosed herein.

And when the holster and paddle are to be included in the pocket, the paddle has corresponding fastening elements that engage the closure elements that are provided around the mourn of the pocket. This allows the holster and paddle member to be secured in the pocket, such that if the weapon is accessed by the person wearing the jacket, the removal of the weapon from the holster does not remove the paddle and holster from the pocket. The weapon is simply held in the holster by friction which can be easily overcome when the weapon is to be removed.

Although the pockets are shown to be up different sizes, they can be configured in a number of different ways. For convenience, all pockets can be configured to be the same size so that the weapon can be interchangeable into any pocket depending upon the desire of the person wearing the jacket Alternatively, each pocket can be can configured to match the shape or size of the article that will be contained in the pocket: for example pocket can be sized to hold a particular cell phone or handcuffs, pepper spray, etc. In some respects, it is preferred to have the pocket sized appropriately for a snug and secure fit of the contents that written, although this is not necessarily mandatory. It is envision that certain persons may obtain a custom made into a liner to match their exact specifications, while in other situations a more common or repeatable pattern can be used for the interliner to serve a mass-market manufacture of the jacket such as for police force, CIA or military use.

Another feature of the invention is based on this removable attachment of the paddle to the pocket. The person wearing the jacket may wish to carry different weapons at different times, and the removable closure and attachment elements facilitate this. For example one paddle can include a particular size weapon such as a Glock, while another paddle can hold a holster for another weapon, such as a 45 caliber gun. The paddles are of the same size and include the same type of fasteners that will mate with the closure elements of the pocket. This would generally require that the fastening elements on each side of the paddle are different because when the panel member is not used the closure elements of the pocket must mate. For example, if hook and loop fasteners are used, one side of the mouth of the pocket would include the hook fasteners and the opposite side would include the loop fasteners. And to attach the paddle to the pocket, one side of the paddle would include loop fasteners and the other would include hook fasteners so mat it can mate with the closure elements of the pocket.

The use of different holsters with similar sized paddles would thus allow different weapons to be carried in the coat at different times. The supportability of different and unique holsters can all be accommodated in the pocket by virtue of each holster having attached thereto a similarly sized paddle member that is configured to fit and attached to the pocket In addition to the paddle snuggly fitting into the pocket, the weapon can be removed from the holster without pulling the holster and paddle out of the pocket.

The holsters are generally available when a weapon is purchased with a holster that is designed to conform to the shape of the weapon. By adding the paddle member to the holster and attaching it in a permanent or removable fashion, the holster and handgun can be temporarily attached to the pocket by the paddle. The paddle member can be made of a plastic plate and the holster can be attached to the plate by essentially any type of connection means. If the user intends to separately use the holster on his belt or on a shoulder strap, then the holster can be attached to the paddle in a removable way, for example by snaps, hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, etc. as disclosed herein. If the holster is only to be carried by the jacket, then the holster may be permanently mounted to the paddle by an adhesive, rivets, screws or other hardware. In fact, it is also within the scope of mis invention to have a holster/paddle component molded entirely out of plastic and configured to be releasably attachable to the pocket as described herein. Thus, the holster and paddle are secured in the pocket so they are not removed when the user wishes to withdraw the weapon. It is important to note that the provision of the interliner here is the component that is added to a conventional jacket to support the weight of the weapon thereon. For this, the paddle member can be directly connected to the interline are by way of snaps or other releasable attachment means of the types disclosed herein. It is preferred, of course, to maintain the paddle member within a pocket in the interline her so that if for some reason the snaps or other releasable connection members become detached, the paddle member, holster, and weapon will be retained in the interliner pocket

And as noted herein, the snaps or other connecting members are configured to have a first snap or connection member associated with one side of the interliner pocket opening and a second mating snap or connecting member associated with the opposite side of the pocket opening. This allows the interliner pocket to be snapped shut when the paddle member and weapon are not being carried by the interliner. Furthermore, the holster paddle includes a third snap or connecting member associated with one side of the weapon holster arrangement and a fourth mating snap or connecting member associated with the opposite side of the weapon holster paddle. The first connection member is configured, dimensioned and arranged to be releasably connected to the second or third connecting members and with the second connection member being configured, dimensioned and arranged to be releasably connected to the first or fourth connecting members. This allows the weapon holster paddle to be releasably attachable to the pocket to allow the weapon holster paddle to be releasably retained therein, while the pocket sides are releasably engageable to close the pocket when the weapon holster arrangement member is not present. Instead of snaps, other connection members can be configured in a similar fashion to achieve these attachment features.

The same is true of the ammunition paddle, which can be directly releasably attached to the interliner are on a side panel opposite that of the weapon again, to bounce the weight of these components on the jacket. And like the holster paddle member, the ammunition paddle member is also preferred to be a releasably attached with in a pocket of the interliner so that if the snaps or commit connection members become inadvertently released, the ammunition paddle will remain in the pocket of the interliner.

Additionally, when pockets are provided on the interliner, they can be of the same size or of different sizes to conform to the items that are being carried on the interliner. As many inner liners of jackets already include pockets for carrying items, it is within the scope of the present invention to simply provide paddle members for attachment to the interliner with or without the provision of pockets provided that these are located appropriately. Instead, for a new custom design jacket, the pockets or connection members for the holster paddle can be arranged so that they do not block or are blocked by the pockets of the jacket that are conventionally provided. Again, a skilled artisans can best design the layout of the interliner and jacket inner liner pockets to the satisfaction and convenience of the person who is to wear the jacket

The interliner can be provided with as many as a dozen pockets, each one specifically designed to hold a firearm, spare magazines, handcuffs, cell phone, wallet, pen, and more. Because the support for these components is done by the interliner and not the jacket shell, there is no imprinting of the weapon on the jacket, and the jacket will not sag to one side. Since the pockets are symmetrical, the paddle member can be configured for wear by left- or right-handed shooters. And the use of the present invention prevents others from seeing that the person is wearing a concealed weapon because the weapon and ammunition are completely enclosed. The invention also allows the wearer to take off the jacket without having to announce or show that he or she is armed.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction demonstrated. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the scope of the invention. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular form "a", "and", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. All publications, patent applications, patents are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to be of patentable nature.

Claims

THE CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An interliner for an outergarment configured and dimensioned of a fabric or fiber material that is designed to support and carry the weight of a weapon, comprising a right side portion that includes one or a plurality of pockets, a left side portion that includes one or a plurality of pockets, a first paddle member that is configured and dimensioned to fit snugly into at least one pocket; a weapon holster arrangement fixedly associated with or forming part of the first paddle member, and releasable connecting members associated both with the pocket and the weapon holster arrangement, wherein the connecting members include a first connection member associated with one side of the pocket opening, a second connecting member associated with the opposite side of the pocket opening, a third connecting member associated with one side of the weapon holster arrangement and a fourth connecting member associated with the opposite side of the weapon holster arrangement, with the first connection member configured, dimensioned and arranged to be releasably connected to the second or third connecting members and with the second connection member being configured, dimensioned and arranged to be releasably connected to the first or fourth connecting members so that the weapon holster arrangement is releasably attachable to the pocket to allow the weapon holster arrangement to be retained therein, and the pocket sides are releasably engageable to close the pocket when the weapon holster arrangement member is not received therein.

2. The interliner of claim 1 , wherein the weapon holster arrangement comprises a holster paddle and a weapon holster attached to the holster paddle, with the holster paddle including the third and fourth connecting members.

3. The interliner of claim 2, wherein the connecting members include one or more buttons, snaps or clips, hook or loop material, or half of the operative portion of a zipper.

4. The interliner of claim 1 , wherein the first pocket is located on one side portion and further comprising a second pocket on the other side portion.

5. The interliner of claim 2, wherein the side portion mat includes the first pocket and the side portion that includes the second pocket each includes one or two additional pockets for holding additional articles.

6. The interliner of claim 1 , wherein the paddle member has a convex or concave arcuate shape.

7. A jacket designed to carry a concealed weapon therein comprising:

an outer shell;

an inner lining;

an interliner positioned between the outer shell and inner lining and configured and dimensioned of a fabric or fiber material that is designed to support and carry the weight of a weapon to be concealed in the jacket without causing distortion, bulging or imbalance of the outer shell of the jacket;

a weapon holster arrangement associated with and supported by the interliner for concealing a weapon within the outer shell and inner lining of the jacket; and

a first pocket slit on the inner lining of the jacket to provide quick access to the gun holster and weapon held therein.

8. The jacket of claim 7, wherein the weapon holster arrangement comprises a holster paddle attached to the interliner; and a weapon holster attached to the holster paddle.

9. The jacket of claim 8, wherein the paddle member has a convex or concave arcuate shape.

10. The jacket of claim 8, wherein the interliner includes a pocket for releasably attaching the paddle member thereto.

11. The jacket of claim 7, further comprising a pocket associated with and supported by the interliner for holding a magazine clip for the weapon, and a second pocket slit on the inner lining of the jacket to provide quick access to the pocket.

12. The jacket of claim 11, wherein the pocket is configured and dimensioned to hold a magazine clip paddle and a magazine clip holder.

13. The jacket of claim 10, wherein the weapon holster arrangement and magazine clip pocket are located in positions on the interliner so mat the weight of the weapon offsets the weight of the magazine clip in the pocket to further avoid distortion, bulging or imbalance in the jacket

14. The jacket of claim 7, further comprising additional pockets on the inner lining of the jacket designed to hold other items such as a mobile telephone, wallet, and money clip in locations mat further offset the weight of the weapon.

15. The jacket of claim 7, wherein the interliner is made of carbon fiber material.

16. The jacket of claim 7, wherein the interliner is made of ballistic resistant material.

17. The jacket of claim 7, wherein the weapon holster includes a mechanism comprising a spring for assisting in the ejection of the weapon when necessary.

18. The jacket of claim 7, further comprising a weapon that is a hand gun or stun gun.

19. A jacket designed to carry a concealed weapon therein comprising:

an outer shell;

an inner lining;

the interliner of claim 1, having a pocket and being positioned between the outer shell and inner lining;

a paddle that includes a weapon holster arrangement releasably attached to the interliner pocket; and

20. The jacket of claim 18, further comprising a weapon that is a hand gun or stun gun.