Flexible Belt-Worn Accessory Case for Concealed Carry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional belt-worn cases for law enforcement officers are bulky and rigid, making it difficult for undercover agents and off-duty officers to carry essential items like spare ammunition magazines, handcuffs, and handcuff keys concealed under their clothes, compromising personal safety.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, flexible case with elastic and resilient panels that form three storage compartments, allowing for the secure retention of a spare ammunition magazine, a pair of handcuffs, and a handcuff key, with strap assemblies for secure belt attachment, enabling easy insertion and concealment of items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rigid cases are used to securely store law enforcement accessories, then reliability of item retention is improved, but the case becomes bulky and difficult to conceal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem retention securityVSAvoidcase size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using flexible panels made of elastic and resilient materials (such as spandex or other stretchable fabrics) to construct the case body. These flexible panels replace traditional rigid housing while maintaining the ability to securely retain items through elastic tension. The flexible nature allows the case to be compressed to a slim profile for concealment while expanding to accommodate standard-sized accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by designing panels with varying material properties - specifically using elastic materials that change their physical state between expanded (for item insertion) and contracted (for secure retention). The panels transition between these states based on the presence or absence of items, automatically adjusting their volume and tension to maintain security while minimizing case size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple separate cases are used to carry different accessories, then reliability of each item's protection is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem protectionVSAvoidnumber of cases
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by integrating multiple storage compartments into a single unified flexible case structure. The case includes a first compartment for a magazine, a second compartment for handcuffs, and a third compartment for a handcuff key or pen, all within one integrated body. This consolidation reduces the number of separate cases from three to one while maintaining individual protection for each item through separate compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single case that can simultaneously accommodate and protect multiple different types of law enforcement accessories. The flexible panels and compartment design allow the case to universally hold various items (magazine, handcuffs, key, pen) in different configurations, replacing the need for multiple specialized cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If rigid cases are used to protect sensitive items, then reliability of item security is improved, but ease of concealment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem securityVSAvoidconcealment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by constructing the case from flexible, stretchable panels that can be compressed to a thin profile for concealment under clothing. The flexible material allows the case to conform to the body shape and be hidden beneath garments while maintaining security through elastic tension that secures items in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes dynamics by designing the case with panels that dynamically adjust their state between expanded (when items are inserted) and contracted (when items are removed or for concealment). The elastic panels automatically transition between these states, providing security when needed and minimizing profile for concealment, making the case adaptive to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The case provides a comfortable, concealed, and secure means for law enforcement officers to carry essential items, enhancing personal safety by allowing for easy access and quick retrieval of equipment while maintaining a slim, non-bulky profile.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the back panel and front panel is elastically stretchable in a lateral direction to adopt a stretched configuration for facilitating inserting and removing a respective accessory from each compartment, and a retracted configuration for snugly retaining the respective accessory in each compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9549606B1Belt-wearable law enforcement accessory case
Publication Date: 2017.01.24 CASADESUS GIDDEL
  • US9549606B1 patent drawing
  • US9549606B1 patent drawing
  • US9549606B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A case for carrying accessories for law enforcement officers is presented, including a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and/or the back panel are constructed from a relatively flexible, stretchable, resilient material. One or more compartments are formed between the front panel and the back panel. For example, a first compartment is adapted and constructed to contain an ammunition magazine; a second compartment is adapted and constructed to contain a handcuffs key, a pen or another similarly elongated object; a third compartment is adapted and constructed to contain handcuffs. At least one selectively securable strap assembly is secured to the back panel, for securing the case to a belt of a wearer.