US20180292167A1

US20180292167A1 - Configurable conceal carry systems for suit jackets

Info

Publication number: US20180292167A1
Application number: US16/003,930
Authority: US
Inventors: Gregory Rocque
Original assignee: Cacharme Systems LLC
Current assignee: Cacharme Systems LLC
Priority date: 2016-01-27
Filing date: 2018-06-08
Publication date: 2018-10-11

Abstract

An outer garment such as a suit jacket that includes a holster paddle which contains a concealed weapon. The wearer of the garment can remove the weapon quickly which allows the wearer the ability to better defend himself from an attacker. The garment contains an interliner which is made of a strong yet lightweight material which secures the holster paddle and weapon to the pocket of the interliner. 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 garment also has a further pocket to contain an ammunition paddle capable of holding additional clips of ammunition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application (a) is a continuation-in-part of International Application PCT/US2017/014619 filed Jan. 23, 2017 which claims the benefit of U.S. application 62/287,547 filed Jan. 27, 2016; (b) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/186,353 filed Jun. 17, 2016 which also claims the benefit of U.S. application 62/287,547 filed Jan. 27, 2016; and (c) claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/519,830 filed Jun. 14, 2017. Each of the foregoing applications is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in systems and inserts that provide modifications of outer garment linings called interliners for use in in legally concealing a handgun, magazine clip, pepper spray, handcuffs or other personal defense items in outer garments 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.
U.S. Pat. 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.
U.S. Pat. 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.
U.S. Pat. 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. U.S. Pat. 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.
US Patent Publication No. 2015/0144673 to Dahl et al. discloses garments that include one or more pockets for containing and retrieving a concealed weapon such as a handgun. The garment can be an upper body garment such as a shirt, jacket or vest that provides the pocket as part of the garment. FIG. 5 also shows an attachment panel that can be attached to a holster that holds a weapon. The panel is inserted into a pocket that is attached to the outer garment or that is provided on a separate internal vest (FIG. 11) that is secured permanently or detachably into a garment such as a coat or jacket. As the weight of the weapon is greater than the fabric of the garment, the weapon is not concealed and is visible as a bulge or other misshape of the garment.
Thus, despite the foregoing, 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 outer garment designed to carry a concealed weapon therein comprising: an outer shell; an inner lining; and an interliner having right and left side portions, the interliner positioned in between the outer shell and inner lining and configured and dimensioned of a fabric or fiber material that is operatively associated with the outer shell to support and carry the weight of a weapon when present without causing distortion, bulging or imbalance of the garment when worn with a concealed weapon. For this, at least one of the side portions of the interliner includes one or a plurality of first pockets.
The outer garment also includes a first paddle member that has a convex or concave arcuate shape and that is configured and dimensioned to be received by and fit snugly within one first pocket of the interliner with the first paddle member having a curvature that generally conforms to a person's body when wearing the garment. Additionally, a weapon holster associated with or forming part of the first paddle member is provided for releasably receiving a weapon therein. And to retrieve the weapon, a first pocket slit is provided on the inner lining adjacent the first pocket of the interliner to provide quick access to the weapon holster and weapon releasably received therein.
Advantageously, the paddle, the weapon holster and, when present, the weapon, have a weight that is supported by the interliner and outer shell without causing distortion, bulging or imbalance of the garment by distributing the weight of the paddle, weapon holster and weapon on both the right and left side portions of the interliner, such that the weapon is not visible when the garment is worn while the slit in the inner lining provides quick access to the first pocket and weapon therein when necessary. The outer garment is preferably a vest, jacket or coat and the first paddle member includes one or more openings for releasably securing the weapon holster to the first paddle member.
For optimum securement of the paddle member, the at least one first pocket of the interliner has sides and a bottom that are not perpendicular and do not form a rectangle and the first paddle member has a J-, L- or U-shape with a matching bottom that enables the paddle member to conform to the bottom of the first pocket and be received snugly and securely therein. Also, the first paddle member preferably has at least one opening or slot that helps secure it to the first pocket of the interliner, with the first paddle member having a first side portion having a height that extends above the top of the first pocket in which the first paddle member is inserted, a second side portion that does not extend above the top of the first pocket in which the first paddle member is inserted, and a non-linear base portion connecting the side portions. The side portions are spaced so that for the most compact arrangement, the weapon holster and weapon can be at least partially accommodated in the spacing between the side portions.
The first side portion of the first paddle member may include at least one opening or slot that helps secure it to the first pocket and the second side portion of the first paddle member includes a plurality of openings for attachment of the weapon holster thereto to locate the weapon holster between the side portions of the paddle member. And preferably, a weapon that is a hand gun or stun gun received by the weapon holster that is associated with the first paddle member.
The other of the left and right side portions of the interliner typically includes one or a plurality of second pockets. The garment further includes a second paddle member that has a flat, convex or concave arcuate shape and that is configured and dimensioned to fit snugly into a second pocket, with the second paddle member having a curvature that generally conforms to a person's body when wearing the garment. In a preferred embodiment, the outer garment further comprises an ammunition holder associated with or forming part of the second paddle member and with the second paddle member received in the second pocket, wherein the second paddle member includes one or more openings for releasably securing the ammunition holder to the second paddle member.
The left and right side portions of the interliner are configured and dimensioned to distribute the weight of the items that are to be carried in the pockets. The garment typically includes a front vertical opening that closes the garment, and the right and left side portions of the interliner each extends from a front end located adjacent the front vertical opening to a rear end located on a back side of the garment and with upper ends that extent over the wearer's shoulders with the upper ends of the interliner portions joined together at a shoulder seam above the wearer's shoulder that helps to support the weight of the first paddle member, weapon holster and weapon. Additionally, it is desirable for the rear ends of the interliner portions to at least be partially joined together to form a rear seam for the interliner and with the first pocket(s) located on one side portion of the interliner and the second pocket(s) located on the other side portion of the interliner to further balance the weight of items in the first and second pocket(s). One or more of the second pockets of the interliner may be configured and dimensioned to hold such as a mobile telephone, wallet, or money clip in locations that balance or offset the weight of the first paddle member, the weapon holster and when present the weapon.
A preferred material for the interliner is carbon fiber material or ballistic resistant material. The latter provides additional protection for the wearer of the garment.
The previously described paddle members provide additional embodiments of the invention. These paddle members have a convex or concave arcuate shape and are configured and dimensioned to fit snugly into a first pocket of an inner lining or interliner of any outer garment for concealment of a weapon therein. This paddle member includes either (a) a weapon holster associated with or forming part of the paddle member and one or more openings for releasably securing the weapon holster to the paddle member, or (b) an ammunition holder associated with or forming part of the paddle member and one or more openings for releasably securing the ammunition holder to the paddle member; wherein the first pocket has sides and a bottom that are not perpendicular and do not form a rectangle and the paddle member has a curvature which is arcuate to generally conform to a person's body.
Any of the paddle members described herein can be used, but those that have a J-, L- or U-shape and at least one opening or slot are preferred as those structures help secure the paddle member to the first pocket of the inner lining or interliner. Again, the paddle member preferably has a first side portion with a height that extends above the top of the first pocket in which the first paddle member is inserted, a second side portion that does not extend above the top of the first pocket in which the first paddle member is inserted; and a non-linear base portion connecting the side portions. The first side portion of the first paddle member may include at least one opening or slot that helps secure it to the first pocket and the second side portion of the first paddle member includes a plurality of openings for attachment of the weapon holster or ammunition holder thereto to locate the weapon holster or ammunition holder between the side portions of the paddle member.
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:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the left and right sides, respectively, of an interliner for a suit jacket for concealment of a weapon therein according to the invention.

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

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

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

FIG. 6 illustrates a jacket with the side open to illustrate one arrangement of the concealed pockets.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate, respectively, a right hand draw (left side) and left hand draw (right side) pocket paddle insert for supporting a weapon in the pocket of an interliner or suit jacket for concealment of the weapon therein according to the invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate, respectively, side and top views of the right hand draw pocket paddle of FIG. 7A with a holster attached and a weapon therein.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate, respectively, a right hand draw (left side) and left hand draw (right side) pocket paddle insert for supporting a magazine holder in the pocket of an interliner or suit jacket for concealment of the magazine(s) therein according to the invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate, respectively, side and top views of the right hand draw pocket paddle of FIG. 8A with two magazine or ammunition holders affixed thereto, each carrying a magazine for the weapon shown in FIG. 8A.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate, respectively, the arcuate curvature of the base part of the pocket paddle inserts of FIGS. 7A and 8A, and 7B and 8B respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing an outer garment and in particular a suit coat or sport 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.
The term “outer garment” as used herein means an item of clothing normally worn out of doors as the outermost layer of clothing and includes specifically, a suit coat, sport jacket, other coat or jacket or other garment that does or does not include sleeves, e.g., a vest. The outer garment of the invention is illustrated by a sport or suit jacket, hereinafter referred to as a jacket.
One embodiment of the invention permits the wearer of a jacket and in particular a suit jacket, to easily draw a weapon on a potential attacker.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an interliner made of a lightweight material such that it is not heavy to the wearer.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an interliner 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.
The interliner of the invention includes one or more pockets on its right or left side portions. The paddle member is preferably configured to be snugly received and retained in the pocket so that removal of the weapon from the holster that is associated with the paddle can be performed easily and quickly and without interference from the interliner or jacket.
Another embodiment of the invention secures the holster paddle with straps secured through the interliner to the waist belt of the wearer for ease of removal of the weapon or for additional protection from the potential inadvertent removal of the holster paddle from the pocket of the interliner.
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 an outer garment such as a conventional suit jacket, sport jacket, coat or vest. This article is an interliner which supports a paddle member that includes a holster for holding a weapon. Preferably, the paddle member is snugly 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 a pocket associated with the outer garment.
Supporting a weapon and ammunition by an interliner located between the inner lining and outer shell of an outer garment is a significant improvement over the use of a pocket in the outer shell or inner lining of a garment. Simply placing a weapon and holster into a pocket can lead to bulging or improper hanging of the garment when work by the user, and it also can cause problems either with improper securement of the weapon so that it can fall or come out when not intended, or that it is so secure that it is not easily accessible when needed for use. The present structure of the paddle member is a simple and elegant solution to such problems and can also be configured to have a convex or concave arcuate shape which both supports the weapon holster and conforms to the user's body.
The construction of the interliner is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B 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 that the interliner could be provided as a single piece of material if desired, or in additional segments or panels.
FIG. 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 or fiber 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® fiber or fabric).
The interliner is typically made in two pieces as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, 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.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the two half segments (2,3) 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 and right side portions of the interliner are configured and dimensioned to distribute the weight of the items that are to be carried in the pockets. The suit jacket shown in FIG. 6 illustrates a front vertical opening that includes buttons and button holes for closing the jacket. For other outer garments, snaps, zippers, VELCRO® closures or other common joining components can be used to close the garment.
The left side (2) and right side (3) panels or half segments form 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 left and right side portions of the interliner each extends from a front end located adjacent the front vertical opening of the jacket to a rear end located on the back side of the jacket and with upper ends that extent over the wearer's shoulders with the upper ends of the interliner portions joined together at a shoulder seam above the wearer's shoulder. The interliner portion upper ends can also be joined together with the outer shell as well as the inner lining at the shoulder seam where all three components are preferably sewn together at that seam. This helps to support the weight of the first paddle member, weapon holster and weapon when the jacket is worn. Additionally, the rear ends of the interliner portions can be at least partially joined together to form a rear seam for the interliner. This rear seam could extend the entire length of the interliner or can be shorter to allow for a jacket vent or flap.
The interliner is designed to be sewn into the outer shell of 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. Preferably, the first pocket or pocket(s) are located on one side portion of the interliner and the second pocket or pocket(s) are located on the other side portion of the interliner to further balance the weight of items in the first and second pocket(s).
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, 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 jacket or outer garment is worn. Also, as the holster paddle includes the weapon which is more powerful and heavier than the ammunition, it is located in the best position for easiest access. It also can be made available in a right or left side pocket to facilitate use by a left or right handed person, respectively. A left hand pocket as shown is configured for use by a right handed person and is on the left side panel.
As can be appreciated, this 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). The balancing of the weight also helps support the weapon in an inconspicuous manner. As noted, this arrangement is configured for the person wearing the jacket who is right-handed: if the jacket is designed for a left handed person, the pockets on the panels would be reversed.
FIG. 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 left side of the interliner for that purpose, and a slit is cut in the inner lining adjacent the opening of the pocket in order to provide access to the weapon and pocket located on the interliner.
Preferably, the holster paddle is typically about 7″ high by about 7″ wide and about 2.25″ in thickness to fit within a conventionally sized pocket of the interliner. Of course, for a different size pocket, the paddle member can be configured accordingly for snug receipt by and retention in the pocket. The snaps provide additional securement for retaining the paddle member in the pocket.
Alternative items can be provided to secure the paddle member in the pocket. For example, 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 other members such as snaps, buttons, VELCRO® fasteners or zippers for securing the paddle member to the pocket.
Additionally, the lower end of the pocket can be provided with 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 or other fasteners, 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.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are preferred embodiments of the invention that illustrate the arcuate shape of the paddle. In FIG. 3A, a concave arcuate shape is shown for paddle 7A, while is FIG. 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 that is preferred for access by the person. FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIGS. 3A 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.
FIGS. 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).
FIGS. 2, 3A, 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.
FIG. 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.
FIG. 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.
FIG. 6 specifically illustrates the arrangement of the pockets in the interliner and the arrangement of the interliner in the jacket. FIG. 6 illustrates that pockets (3A, 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 mouth 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 that 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 this 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.
Another and preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7A through 11B. For this embodiment, the paddle members are retained in the pocket of an interliner or suit jacket of the user. The paddle members are retained in the pocket by being configured with an external boundary that snugly fits into the pocket. Additional securement means include holes in the paddle members that can receive a pocket button or a strap that extends to and is attached to the user's belt or pants.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate pocket paddle members that receive a holster and handgun therein for placement into a pocket of the interliner or suit jacket. FIG. 7A illustrates the right-hand draw configuration which is provided in the left side pocket of the interliner or jacket while FIG. 7B illustrates a left-hand draw configuration which would be provided in a right side pocket of the interliner or jacket. Pocket panel members 30A, 30B each are configured in a “J”- or “L”-shaped structure that has an inner curvature that conforms to the wearer's body. A “U”-shaped structure is also possible if desired. These panel members respectively have first side portions 32A, 32B that extend the entire height of the pocket, and a base 34A, 34B which sits in contact with the bottom of the pocket. These panel members 30A, 30B also include opposite side portions 36A, 36B which extend upward to engage the opposite side of the pocket. These opposite side portions 36A, 36B include mounting holes 38A, 38B which are used to receive screws, bolts or snap connectors which attach a holster thereto for securing a handgun in the holster on the paddle and in the pocket for concealment.
Regarding the size of the paddle member 30A, to fit in a pocket that is approximately 8.75 inches high and 7 inches wide, the side member 32A is also 8.75 inches tall and 3.75 inches tall with a width of approximately 1.25 inches. The flat portion of the base would be approximately 3.75 inches while the height of the opposite side would be approximately 4 inches. The holsters can generally be of common dimension for a number of different weapons such that only two mounting holes are typically used. Of course additional holster mounting holes may be provided if necessary.
An outline 40A, 40B of the pocket is provided to illustrate how the paddle members 30A, 30B are retained therein. As shown the outline of the paddle member conforms snugly to the outline of the pocket. Additional securement means include openings 42A, 42B at the upper ends of the first side portions 32A, 32B for receiving button flaps which passes therethrough and which engage buttons on the outside of the pocket to secure the paddles in the pocket. Such button flaps are conventionally provided on suit jacket pockets although these are usually configured to be in the center of the pocket opening. In contrast, in the present invention, these button flaps and corresponding buttons are placed hear the top corners of the pockets so that they do not interference with the removal of the handgun from the holster when needed.
The paddle member supporting a holster and handgun therein is illustrated in FIG. 8A. The holster 46A is attached to the paddle member 30A by fasteners 44A to form an assembly for introduction into the pocket. Bolts, nuts, snap-locking members or other conventional fasteners can be used with acceptable results. These fasteners can be made of plastic to reduce the weight of the overall assembly. FIG. 8B is a top view of the assembly to illustrate the curvature of the paddle member that conforms to the user's body.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a paddle member which is used to hold magazines for the weapon that is provided in the other paddle member. FIG. 9A illustrates the right-hand draw paddle member which is provided in the right side pocket of the interliner or jacket while FIG. 9B illustrates a left-hand draw which would be provided in the left side pocket of the interliner or jacket pocket. These paddle members are located in the opposite breast pockets from those that contain the paddle member that holds the weapon. Paddle members 50A, 50B also includes a “J”-, “L”- or even a “U”-shaped structure that has an inner curvature that conforms to the wearer's body. These paddle members have first sides 52A, 52B that extend the entire height of the pocket, and a base 54A, 54B which sits in contact with the bottom of the pocket. The paddle members 50A, 50B also include opposite side portions 56A, 56B which extend upward to engage the opposite side of the pocket. These opposite side portions 56A, 56B include mounting holes 58A, 58B which are used to receive screws, bolts or snap connectors which attach one or more magazines thereto to balance the weight of the handgun that is in the opposite pocket of the interliner or jacket. This helps the jacket lie correctly on the wearer with the weapon and magazines nicely concealed.
An outline 60A, 60B of the pocket is provided to illustrate how the paddle members 50A, 50B are retained therein. As shown the outline of the paddle member conforms snugly to the outline of the pocket. Additional securement means include openings 62A, 62B at the upper ends of the first side portions 32A, 32B for receiving button flaps which passes therethrough and which engage buttons on the outside of the pocket to secure the paddles in the pocket. Such button flaps are conventionally provided on suit jacket pockets although these are usually configured to be in the center of the pocket opening. In contrast, in the present invention, these button flaps and corresponding buttons are placed hear the top corners of the pockets so that they do not interference with the removal of the magazines when needed.
The size of the paddle member for holding the magazine would be similar to that for holding the weapon except that the opposite side portions 56A, 56B would be approximately 6 inches high. As the magazine holder is generally holding smaller components than a holster and weapon, each side portion can be made wider with an additional number of openings 58A, 58B to accommodate the attachment of different size magazines.
The paddle members 50A, 50B also include strap slots 64A, 64B which are provided in the base 54A, 54B. These slots are is configured and dimensioned to receive a strap that can be connected to the wearer's belt or pants to help secure the paddle member. If desired the same type of opening can be provided on the paddle member for the handgun, but typically the weight of the handgun is greater and this additional strap securement is not necessary. An additional opening can be provided in the pocket to allow the strap to exit and extend towards the wearer's belt or pants waistband, where it can be connected thereto by clamps or buttons in the same way as suspenders.
The paddle member supporting the ammunition or magazine(s) is illustrated in FIG. 8A. Two magazine holders 66A, 66B are attached to the paddle member 50A by fasteners 68A to form an assembly for introduction into the pocket. Bolts, nuts, snap-locking members or other conventional fasteners can be used with acceptable results. These fasteners can be made of plastic to reduce the weight of the overall assembly. Ammunition magazines 70A, 70B are received in the magazine holders 66A, 66B. FIG. 8B is a top view of the assembly to illustrate the curvature of the paddle member that conforms to the user's body.
FIGS. 7A, 7B, 9A and 9B each illustrate the non-perpendicular bottom of the paddle members that do not form a rectangle. In FIG. 7A, for example, the lower end of portion 34A of the paddle member is shown as being straight but it is terminating at bottom end portions 33A on one side below 32A and at 37A on the other side below 36A. The angles that 33A and 37A make with 34A are different with the angle for 33A being greater than 90° and preferably between about 105 to 125°, while the angle for 37A is less than 90° and preferably between about 25 to 60°. Of course, other angles can be used depending upon the pocket design. It is also acceptable to have a curved or arcuate profile for the combination of 32A, 34A, 37A. All of these are considered to be part of a non-linear base portion of the paddle member that connects the side portions. The same is true for FIG. 7B except that the numbers would end in B instead of A: i.e., the lower end of portion 34B of the paddle member is shown as being straight but it is terminating at bottom end portions 33B on one side below 32B and at 37B on the other side below 36B.
For FIG. 9A, the lower end of portion 54A of the paddle member is shown as being straight but it is terminating at bottom end portions 53A on one side below 52A and at 57A on the other side below 56A, while for FIG. 9B, the lower end of portion 54B of the paddle member is shown as being straight but it is terminating at bottom end portions 53B on one side below 52B and at 57B on the other side below 56B.
FIGS. 11A and 11B show the curvature of the base portion of the paddle member. This curvature allows the paddle member to conform to the generally to the body of the wearer which assists in the concealment of the weapon and ammunition magazines in the pockets of the interliner or jacket. These figures illustrate that the preferred curvature covers a curved distance of 1 inch over a curved length of 6.75 inches. These dimensions are specifically designed for the preferred pocket dimensions discussed herein and of course can be varied for different size pockets or paddle members for optimum fitting.
The curvature of the paddle members may be smooth and arcuate as shown in FIG. 11. As noted, an arcuate or angled curvature enables the paddle member to more closely conform to the body of the wearer, with the inwardly curved or angled sides of the paddle member facing the wearer. In FIG. 11, the face of the paddle numbered that is nearest the figure legend would face the wearer's body. Also, in the most preferred embodiment, the weapon would be generally positioned in between the side portions of the paddle member as shown in FIG. 8B. Alternatively, the holster can be attached to the face of the paddle member that faces the wearer's body as shown in FIG. 3A. For certain smaller weapons, however, the weapon and holster can be attached to the outer face of the paddle member that faces away from the wearer, as shown in FIG. 3B.
The same is true of the paddle member that is shown in FIG. 10B. The ammunition holder and ammunition could be separately mounted on each side portion of the paddle member or a larger ammunition holder could be at least partially accommodated or located between the side portions of the paddle member. The ammunition holder can instead be simply attached to the inward or outward facing side of the arcuate paddle member in the same manner as the holster of FIGS. 3A and 3B. Alternatively, instead of being curved, the paddle member for the ammunition holder and ammunition may be flat as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
The paddle members for both of the holster and magazine holders are designed to the same overall dimensions so as to fit in the corresponding pockets of the interliner or jackets in both left hand and right hand draw versions. Thus, the pockets and paddles are ambidextrous and interchangeable. Of course, the paddle members are configured and dimensioned to the correct pocket size which may be slightly different for different size jackets. Preferably, the interliner pockets and paddle members are made of the same or matching sizes for all different size jackets because of the relatively uniform size of the weapons. For large weapons or larger weapon holsters within reason, the paddle members and pockets are suitably configured to fit together as disclosed herein.
Additionally, the top of the larger side portion of each paddle member has a button strap slot which, when buttoned into the pocket, indexes the location of the holster (and weapon) and magazine holders (and magazines) in exactly the same spot. This makes for a reliable, “full purchase” grip on the firearm and magazines every time that access is needed.
The holster and magazine holders are securely attached to the respective paddle members and are configured to securely retain the weapon or ammunition magazines therein so that the wearer can move about without concern of the weapon or magazines falling out due to movements that might include bending over or changing from sitting to standing positions. The weapon or ammunition magazines are not too securely retained therein so that they can be easily removed when needed. The securing force is thus one that can be overcome by hand strength without exerting undue force. Plastic materials are well suited for this purpose, and both the paddle members as well as the holsters and magazine holders are made of a strong but durable engineering plastic such as nylon or polycarbonate.
When pockets are provided on the interliner or the jacket, 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 those inner liners 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.
And the paddle members of FIGS. 7 to 11 are also suitable to be placed in any interior pocket of an outer garment. The tailored design of the paddle member can be made to snugly fit into any pocket configuration, with the side components facilitating connection to the pocket so that the weapon and holster can be securely retained therein.
The interliner can be provided with as many as a dozen pockets, each one specifically designed to hold a firearm, spare or additional magazines, handcuffs, a cell phone, wallet, pen, and more. Because the support for these components is done by the interliner and pocket rather than the jacket shell, there is no imprinting of the weapon on the jacket, and the jacket will not sag to one side. The balancing of the magazines with the weapon in different breast pockets provides symmetry of weight and appearance to the jacket when worn. 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

What is claimed is:

1. An outer garment designed to carry a concealed weapon therein comprising:

an outer shell;

an inner lining;

an interliner having right and left side portions, the interliner positioned in between the outer shell and inner lining and configured and dimensioned of a fabric or fiber material that is operatively associated with the outer shell to support and carry the weight of a weapon when present without causing distortion, bulging or imbalance of the garment when worn with a concealed weapon, with at least one of the side portions including one or a plurality of first pockets;

a first paddle member that has a convex or concave arcuate shape and that is configured and dimensioned to be received by and fit snugly within one first pocket of the interliner with the first paddle member having a curvature that generally conforms to a person's body when wearing the garment;

a weapon holster associated with or forming part of the first paddle member for releasably receiving a weapon therein; and

a first pocket slit on the inner lining adjacent the first pocket of the interliner to provide quick access to the weapon holster and weapon releasably received therein;

wherein the paddle, the weapon holster and, when present, the weapon, have a weight that is supported by the interliner and outer shell without causing distortion, bulging or imbalance of the garment by distributing the weight of the paddle, weapon holster and weapon on both the right and left side portions of the interliner, such that the weapon is not visible when the garment is worn while the slit in the inner lining provides quick access to the first pocket and weapon therein when necessary.

2. The outer garment of claim 1 wherein the outer garment is a vest, jacket or coat and the first paddle member includes one or more openings for releasably securing the weapon holster to the first paddle member.

3. The outer garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one first pocket of the interliner has sides and a bottom that are not perpendicular and do not form a rectangle and the first paddle member has a J-, L- or U-shape with a matching bottom that enables the paddle member to conform to the bottom of the first pocket and be received snugly and securely therein.

4. The outer garment of claim 3 wherein the first paddle member has at least one opening or slot that helps secure it to the first pocket of the interliner, with the first paddle member having a first side portion having a height that extends above the top of the first pocket in which the first paddle member is inserted, a second side portion that does not extend above the top of the first pocket in which the first paddle member is inserted, and a non-linear base portion connecting the side portions.

5. The outer garment of claim 4 wherein the first side portion of the first paddle member includes at least one opening or slot that helps secure it to the first pocket and the second side portion of the first paddle member includes a plurality of openings for attachment of the weapon holster thereto with the side portions being spaced sufficiently to at least partially accommodate and locate the weapon holster between the side portions of the paddle member.

6. The outer garment of claim 1 further comprising a weapon that is a hand gun or stun gun that is received by the weapon holster that is associated with the first paddle member.

7. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein the other of the left and right side portions of the interliner includes one or a plurality of second pockets and the garment further includes a second paddle member that has a flat, convex or concave arcuate shape and that is configured and dimensioned to fit snugly into a second pocket, with the second paddle member having a curvature that generally conforms to a person's body when wearing the garment, wherein the outer garment further comprises an ammunition holder associated with or forming part of the second paddle member and with the second paddle member received in the second pocket, wherein the second paddle member includes one or more openings for releasably securing the ammunition holder to the second paddle member.

8. The outer garment of claim 7 having a front vertical opening that closes the garment, wherein the right and left side portions of the interliner each extends from a front end located adjacent the front vertical opening to a rear end located on a back side of the garment and with upper ends that extent over the wearer's shoulders with the upper ends of the interliner portions joined together at a shoulder seam above the wearer's shoulder that helps to support the weight of the first paddle member, weapon holster and weapon.

9. The outer garment of claim 8 wherein the rear ends of the interliner portions are at least partially joined together to form a rear seam for the interliner and with the first pocket(s) located on one side portion of the interliner and the second pocket(s) located on the other side portion of the interliner to further balance the weight of items in the first and second pocket(s).

10. The outer garment of claim 7, wherein one or more of the second pockets are configured and dimensioned to hold other items including a mobile telephone, wallet, or money clip in locations that balance or offset the weight of the first paddle member, the weapon holster and when present the weapon.

11. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein the interliner is made of carbon fiber material or of ballistic resistant material.

12. A paddle member that has a convex or concave arcuate shape and that is configured and dimensioned to fit snugly into a first pocket of an inner lining or interliner for concealment of a weapon therein, the paddle member including either (a) a weapon holster associated with or forming part of the paddle member and one or more openings for releasably securing the weapon holster to the paddle member, or (b) an ammunition holder associated with or forming part of the paddle member and one or more openings for releasably securing the ammunition holder to the paddle member; wherein the first pocket has sides and a bottom that are not perpendicular and do not form a rectangle and the paddle member has a curvature that generally conforms to a person's body.

13. The paddle member of claim 12 having a J-, L- or U-shape and at least one opening or slot that helps secure the paddle member to the first pocket of the inner lining or interliner.

14. The paddle member of claim 13 having a first side portion having a height that extends above the top of the first pocket in which the first paddle member is inserted, a second side portion that does not extend above the top of the first pocket in which the first paddle member is inserted; and a non-linear base portion connecting the side portions.

15. The paddle member of claim 13 which includes a weapon holster associated with or forming part of the paddle member and one or more openings for releasably securing the weapon holster to the paddle member.

16. The paddle member of claim 15 wherein the first side portion includes at least one opening or slot that helps secure it to the first pocket and the second side portion includes a plurality of openings for attachment of the weapon holster or ammunition holder thereto with the side portions being spaced sufficiently to at least partially accommodate and locate the weapon holster or ammunition holder between the side portions of the paddle member.

17. The paddle member of claim 15 further comprising a weapon that is a hand gun or stun gun received by the weapon holster that is associated with the paddle member.

18. The paddle member of claim 13 which includes an ammunition holder associated with or forming part of the paddle member and one or more openings for releasably securing the ammunition holder to the paddle member.

19. The paddle member of claim 18 wherein the first side portion includes at least one opening or slot that helps secure it to the first pocket and the one or both side portions have a plurality of openings for attachment of the ammunition holder thereto.