Garment pocket for carrying an object in a concealed state

#The present invention is directed to a garment pocket and, more specifically, to a garment pocket that is configured to carry, in a concealed and readily-accessible state, an extra handgun magazine or other relatively small object (e.g., bullets, pepper spray, pocket tool, handcuffs, dagger, etc.). Another embodiment of the garment pocket disclosed herein is configured to carry, in a concealed and readily-accessible state, both a handgun (or similar object) and an extra handgun magazine (or other relatively small object).

#Law-enforcement personnel are usually authorized to carry protection devices (e.g., handguns, stun guns, etc.) and/or related accessories (e.g., extra handgun magazines, extra bullets, pepper sprays, pocket tools, handcuffs, daggers, etc.). However, when working undercover or on duty in plain clothes, law-enforcement personnel can have a problem with telegraphing, which is sometimes referred to as “profiling” or “mapping.” As used broadly herein, “telegraphing” is the tendency for a concealed object (e.g., an extra handgun magazine) to show through the concealing garment, rendering it readily detectable by others. Known carrying devices worn by law-enforcement personnel do not sufficiently minimize telegraphing. Furthermore, when the law-enforcement officer or wearer is wearing only one or two layers of clothing, such as when the wearer is dressed appropriately for warm weather or for working indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, the presence of the carrying device becomes even more evident. In many instances, the carrying device, itself, will telegraph the potential presence of the object(s).

#Accordingly, what is needed is a garment pocket that is configured to carry, in a concealed and readily-accessible state, an extra handgun magazine or other relatively small object (e.g., bullets, pepper spray, pocket tool, handcuffs, dagger, etc.). Additionally, there is a need for a garment pocket that is configured to carry, in a concealed and readily-accessible state, both a handgun (or similar object) and an extra handgun magazine (or other relatively small object).

#FIG. 1A is a schematic front plan view of an unsewn exemplary embodiment of the garment pocket of the present invention.

#FIG. 1B is a schematic front plan view of a sewn exemplary embodiment of the garment pocket of the present invention.

#FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a retainer for use with the garment pocket shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

#Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

#FIGS. 1A and 1B show different views of an exemplary embodiment of the garment pocket of the present invention. Pocket 10, which is shown configured for access by a wearer's right hand, is intended for incorporation into a garment (e.g., pants, shorts, skirts). In another embodiment, pocket 10 can be configured for access by a wearer's left hand. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 1A shows pocket 10 before the actual pocket is formed, and FIG. 1B shows pocket 10 after the actual pocket has been formed, such as by stitching, sewing, or other suitable techniques. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, pocket 10 can be formed, for example, by folding a single sheet of pliable material 14 along axis 12. Suitable examples of a pliable material include, without limitation, cotton, twill, ripstop cloth, and ripstop nylon. In an alternate embodiment, pocket 10 can be manufactured using two or more pieces of pliable material. Referring to FIG. 1A, first section 16 of pliable material 14, which is defined in part by axis 12, serves as the inner portion or part of pocket 10, i.e., the part of pocket 10 that is intended to be in closest proximity to the wearer's body. Second section 18 of pliable material 14, which is defined in part also by axis 12, serves as outer portion or part 20 (see FIG. 1B) of pocket 10. Outer part 20 is shown in FIG. 1B, but the inner part is not, because outer part 20 and the inner part are substantially congruent in this exemplary embodiment. Upon formation of the actual pocket, as shown in FIG. 1B, the surface of first section 16 shown in FIG. 1A serves as a first interior surface of pocket 10, and the surface of second section 18 shown in FIG. 1A serves as an (opposing) second interior surface of pocket 10. These two opposing interior surfaces border the partially enclosed space defined by the pocket 10.

#As shown in FIG. 1A, the first interior surface of pocket 10 includes a first attachment zone 30 and a second attachment zone 32. First attachment zone 30 and a retainer 160 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2D) are mutually configured to enable retainer 160 to be releasably attached, removed and reattached multiple times to the first interior surface of pocket 10. In another embodiment, first attachment zone 30 is included instead on the opposing second interior surface. As shown in FIG. 1A, first attachment zone 30 includes loop-type fasteners 34 to enable releasable attachment to retainer 160, by way of corresponding hook-type fasteners 214 on retainer 160 (see FIG. 2D). Hook and loop-type fastener systems marketed under the trademark Velcro® are among those that are suitable for use in this invention. Other readily-releasable fastener systems, including (without limitation) snaps or adhesives, may be used instead of, or in combination with, hook and loop-type fastener systems. In this exemplary embodiment, loop-type fasteners 34, as opposed to hook-type fasteners 214, are present on first attachment zone 30 because loop-type fasteners are generally less abrasive than hook-type fasteners. Thus, when pocket 10 is being used without retainer 160, the wearer may experience less discomfort from contact with loop-type fasteners 34 when inserting (or withdrawing) a hand in (or from) pocket 10. In an alternate embodiment, hook-type fasteners can be used on first attachment zone 30 and loop-type fasteners can be used on retainer 160. Alternatively, a non-hook and loop-type fastener system (e.g., snaps) may be used in first attachment zone 30 and retainer 160.