Elastic-Semi-Rigid Waistband for Stable Concealed Carry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing athletic and lightweight clothing do not provide a secure and comfortable means for concealed carry of objects like handguns, leading to discomfort, potential detachment, and increased fatigue during strenuous activities.

Innovation Solution

A waistband design with an elastic band, drawstrings, and a semi-rigid belt assembly, featuring adjustable belt loops and a magnetic buckle, to securely hold objects like holsters and handguns, ensuring stability and comfort during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional belt holsters are used with durable pants, then the handgun can be concealed, but the holster becomes highly mobile during movement causing discomfort and potential detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of holsterVSAvoidcomfort during movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waistband is divided into multiple functional segments: an elastic band portion for flexibility and comfort, a semi-rigid belt assembly for structural support, and multiple belt loops for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the elastic portion accommodates movement while the semi-rigid portion maintains holster stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the elastic band and semi-rigid belt assembly into a single integrated waistband structure. This combination allows the waistband to simultaneously provide the flexibility of elastic material and the structural support of rigid material, resolving the contradiction between comfort during movement and secure holster attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If athletic/fitness apparel is worn for comfort and flexibility, then the wearer can perform strenuous activities, but the holstered handgun sags on the waist increasing fatigue and detachment risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort for athletic activitiesVSAvoidstable position of handgun

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waistband applies local quality by making different portions of the same component have different properties. The elastic band portion provides flexibility and comfort for athletic activities, while the semi-rigid belt assembly portion provides structural support to prevent handgun sagging. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between comfort and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a gun belt and holster are used for concealed carry, then the handgun can be secured, but the wearer experiences increased fatigue during strenuous activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure concealed carryVSAvoidfatigue during movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The waistband incorporates dynamic elements through the elastic band that can stretch and retract during movement. This dynamic property allows the waistband to adapt to the wearer's movements, distributing weight more evenly and reducing fatigue while maintaining secure concealed carry of the handgun.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Speed

If the holster is quickly drawn from the waistband, then the weapon can be accessed rapidly, but the handgun remains attached to the holster rendering it inoperable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedraw speed of handgunVSAvoidfunctional status of handgun

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holster is designed with a releasable clip that can be quickly disengaged from the belt loops. This extraction mechanism allows the handgun to be rapidly removed from the holster during a draw, ensuring the weapon becomes fully operational immediately upon extraction, thus resolving the contradiction between fast access and functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 waistband design provides a secure, stable, and comfortable means for concealed carry of objects, minimizing detachment and fatigue, while allowing easy access and adjustment for various waist sizes and activities.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic band may be configured to have a first horizontal stretch factor selected to accommodate a range of waist sizes of wearers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The two fastening members may be configured to form an in-line buckle at the front of the waistband via a pair of permanent magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12383008B2Apparel for securing and carrying an object

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 ARROWHEAD TACTICAL APPAREL LLC

AI summary

An article of clothing comprises a waistband configured to secure and carry at least one object on a wearer's waist. The waistband includes a first portion configured to form a circumferential waist part of the article of clothing and include at least a first channel and a second channel, the first channel having an elastic band therethrough, and the second channel having drawstrings therethrough. The waistband also includes a second portion configured to include a plurality of belt loops evenly spaced and positioned along the first portion of the waistband, wherein the plurality of belt loops are configured to receive a belt assembly therethrough.