Torso Pocket Firearm Access Grip and Vest Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Law enforcement personnel face difficulties in quickly accessing backup firearms when injured or in physically demanding situations, as conventional holsters like ankle or shoulder holsters are not easily accessible in these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A torso pocket with a front panel access grip and fastening features that secure to a vest, utilizing Velcro or PALS webbing for quick release and secure attachment, allowing for easy access to a firearm while minimizing interference from straps during removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup firearm is stored in an ankle holster or shoulder holster, then the firearm is concealed and secured to the person, but access to the firearm becomes difficult or impossible when the person is injured or in certain positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the backup firearm from traditional ankle or shoulder locations to the torso/chest area, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of firearm carriage. This dimensional shift allows the firearm to be positioned within easy reach of either hand while maintaining concealment, resolving the accessibility problem in injured or constrained positions
2Reliability
If a ballistics vest is worn for protection, then bullet wounds are prevented, but the vest material deforms the bullet causing blunt force trauma that can cause severe internal injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trauma pad as an intermediary layer between the ballistic vest and the wearer's body. This intermediate element absorbs and distributes the blunt force generated when the vest stops a bullet, preventing direct transmission of impact forces to internal organs while maintaining the vest's bullet-stopping capability
3Productivity
If a torso pocket is designed for quick firearm access, then rapid retrieval is enabled, but the pocket structure may interfere with firearm removal if not properly designed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the torso pocket into distinct functional zones: a secure retention area with fastening mechanisms and a separate, unobstructed removal path. This segmentation allows the pocket to simultaneously provide secure holding and interference-free extraction, resolving the contradiction between rapid retrieval and easy removal
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
Enables rapid and secure access to a firearm from either side, reducing the risk of injury and improving usability in dangerous situations by integrating with ballistic vests for enhanced protection and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The vest further includes a plurality of straps or belts for adjustably securing the vest to the wearer
Implementation Method 2
secured via Velcro
Implementation Method 3
PALS consists of webbing sewn onto the load-bearing equipment and corresponding webbing and straps on the attachment. The straps are interwoven between the webbing on each of two pieces and finally snapped into place
Implementation Method 4
A ballistics vest is an armored garment... The layers of material catch the bullet and spread its force over a larger portion of the body, absorbing energy more quickly and hopefully bringing it to a stop before it penetrates the body
Implementation Method 5
the layers of material catch the bullet and spread its force... This tends to deform the bullet, further reducing its ability to penetrate
Data Source
AI summary
A chest holster pocket (110) having a firearm receiving section (140) formed between a pocket back panel (122) and a pocket front panel (124). The panels (122, 124) are connected along a bottom and optionally along a lower portion of each of the sides. The panels (122, 124) are coupled via a quick release fastening material (128) disposed along the upper portion of each side. A finger loop (116) is provided for assisting in quick access to a firearm (160) positioned within the receiving section (140). The pocket (110) incorporates a vest fastening material (130) or a PALS/MOLLE (270, 280) system affixed to the exterior of the pocket back panel (122). A pair of upper securing straps (114) is attached to the upper corners to the pocket (110).