U.S. patent application number 10/370887 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for tschudy briefcase.
Invention is credited to Tschudy, Daniel William.
Application Number | 20040163913 10/370887 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32868244 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040163913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tschudy, Daniel William |
August 26, 2004 |
Tschudy briefcase
Abstract
The specifically designed briefcase provides for a briefcase
that appears consistent with all others made of hard shelled
materials (i.e. aluminum, leather covered, plastic or composite
materials) to be used as a firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter
alia concealment system for self defense purposes. The case has two
different methods of access to the same compartment holding the
firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia. The first access is
externally via a spring loaded side panel that is released by
depressing a button release lock near the carrying handle. The
second is while in an office or vehicle setting while the case
rests on a desk, car seat or creden za. The briefcase functions in
this environment as any other would but has a panel door, also
spring loaded, that is released by depressing a button release lock
on the top plane of the right work surface (panel door) of the
interior. Additionally, the case offers availability for
installation of a ballistic panel in the lid of the case. This
offers the user protection against aggressive behavior including
but not limited to projectiles fired from firearms, knives,
daggers, ice picks or any one of many offensive weapons aggressors
use in attacking an individual. Law enforcement, military,
concealed carry permit holders and currently, airline pilots
authorized to carry under the FFDO (Federal Flight Deck Officer) pr
gram, will be aff rded another, alternative way to carry their self
defense weapons inconspicuously in business as well as social
environments.
Inventors: |
Tschudy, Daniel William;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DANIEL WILLIAM TSCHUDY
Ste. # 2, PMB # 407
2708 North 68th Street
Scottsdale
AZ
85257
US
|
Family ID: |
32868244 |
Appl. No.: |
10/370887 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/111 ;
190/101; 190/109; 190/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/18 20130101;
A45C 5/06 20130101; A45C 11/24 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/111 ;
190/109; 190/101; 190/110 |
International
Class: |
A45C 003/00; A45C
013/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus identified as a briefcase styled for concealing and
carrying a firearm or other device for self defense
2. An apparatus identified as a briefcase with first purpose of
carrying and concealing a firearm or other device for self defense
as well as overall application(s) that a briefcase container will
be used for in a business or social setting
3. An apparatus for concealing and carrying a firearm or other
device for self defense comprising, in combination: support means
for supporting the firearm covering means for enclosing said
support means and concealing the firearm; and access to firearm via
springed exterior panel on bottom of the case and springed interior
panel when the case is opened in an office setting environment
4. An apparatus for concealing and carrying a firearm or other
device for self defense that allows for the installation between
(sandwiched) the outer briefcase metal skin and the interior
sleeved panel that stores/accepts papers, documents, files of a
ballistic panel that offers resistance to projectiles, sharp bjects
(i.e. knife, ice pick, etc.) This ballistic panel ffers the user
additional self defense measures in addition to access to a firearm
or other device used for self defense.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to cases for carrying a
firearm, taser or other device(s) inter alia and, more
specifically, to apparatus for covertly carrying a firearm, taser
or other device(s) inter alia
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] With violent crimes on the rise, increasing numbers of
citizens are acquiring firearms for self defense. Yet, openly
displaying a firearm is not acceptable in most social and business
settings. Nonetheless, in recent years, a number of states have
made it lawful to carry a concealed firearm in public, and many
more state legislators, as well as federal, are considering
adopting similar statutes. Unfortunately, unless an individual is a
uniformed law enforcement officer or security person, the market
has not yet responded creatively to enable a person to covertly
carry a firearm in public.
[0005] A person desiring to carry a concealed firearm or other
device used for self defense was previously limited to five main
options--a shoulder holster, a fanny pack, inside the pant holster,
various containers similar to a daily planner or file folder made
of leather, or the inside of the sock or boot. Some have proven
satisfactory, however, many options are left open and the need for
specific use concealed carry may require more adaptability to the
purpose of the use or application of use. To be able to use a
shoulder holster for concealing a firearm, one must wear an outer
garment, such as a jacket. Even with a jacket or outer clothing
covering the firearm there is a telltale bulge or "outlining" of
the firearm or other device. A fanny pack is not acceptable in must
formal settings. Hiding a firearm in a sock or a boot is both
cumbersome and awkward. Further, in an emergency situation, it is
not possible to remove the firearm quickly from a sock or boot. A
daily planner style concealment system is available, however,
somewhat limited to its use and again application of its use
[0006] Since there are many times the individual would like to
carry concealed
[0007] into an environment that would allow for the carrying of a
briefcase and the application of doing so would not arouse undue
concern, the development of the concealed carry system using a
briefcase seems to be another option for those involved in
business, law enforcement, military and now more recently airline
pilots after United States Congress granted them authority to carry
in the FFDO Program.
[0008] It is, therefore, another option or category for those that
need to carry firearms or other self defense objects and that
includes now a hard shelled briefcase that will be acceptable for
anyone to carry and not appear conspicuous. This provides a
convenient and inconspicuous apparatus for use by both men and
women in all types of environments to conceal a firearm,, taser or
other device(s) inter alia in a manner acceptable in any business
or social setting.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, it is
an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for carrying a
concealed firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia.
[0010] It is another object of this invention to provide an
apparatus that is handy, inconspicuous and acceptable in any
business or social situation.
[0011] It is yet another object of this invention to provide an
apparatus that, when closed, resembles a briefcase and can
unobtrusively conceal a firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter
alia.
[0012] It is further object of this invention to provide an
apparatus that has one compartment that houses a firearm taser, or
other device(s) inter alia but allows for two separate and
independently accessible means to the compartment. The
accessibility by which the firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter
alia is gained depends on the use of the briefcase at the time.
While walking or standing the design and functionality will allow
for access from the external release springed panel or while in an
office or vehicle setting, the release of the interior panel
providing access to the firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter
alia would be applicable and an available method of use.
[0013] In addition to the actual funtionality of gaining immediate
access to a firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia, the user
will have the option to have installed a ballistic panel within the
lid of the briefcase sandwiched between the outer metal shell and
the inner sleeved folder/file/document holder. This will afford the
user a safety shield from projectiles (i.e. bullets, knives,
pellets or rocks) in different threat level protection and
resistence levels depending on the NIJ Level (National Institute of
Justice) desired by the user.
[0014] IN accordance with one embodiment of this invention, an
apparatus for concealing and carrying a firearm, taser, or other
device(s) inter alia is disclosed compromising, in combination,
support means for supporting the firearm, taser, or other device(s)
inter alia, covering means for enclosing the support means and
concealment, and fastening means means coupled to the covering
means for closing the covering means to conceal the firearm, taser,
or other device(s) inter alia and for opening the covering means to
remove the firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia from the
support means.
[0015] The briefcase allows the user to conceal, carry and access
the firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia rapidly and with
the functionality of a normal appearing briefcase while not
necessarily requiring the access to a firearm, taser, or other
device(s) inter alia for self defense purposes. The briefcase is a
fully, functioning, usable briefcase with attributes that enable
the user to conceal self defense weapons within.
[0016] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular,
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying
drawing (FIG. 1) a briefcase of acceptable size and shape
[0017] consistent with others is depicted. The briefcase has a
leather or plastic handle for carrying with two combination lock
assemblies on either side of the carrying handle. The lock
assemblies may alternatively be chosen to have keyed entry rather
than combination.
[0018] The briefcase possesses a panel door that can be released
(used while in a walking or standing mode) from the main frame of
the briefcase and protrudes out and away from the bottom of the
briefcase (distance and angle dependent upon the size of the
container). The panel is the same finish, color, gauge and
thickness as the rest of the container and when closed is flush or
even at the character lines making it difficult for anyone to
discern a cut out panel is in existence. Near the carrying handle
is a button release style lock that is depressed (pressed inward)
by the user that releases the bottom panel (side panel when viewing
it FIG. 1 FIG. 2). This external button lock assembly (or similar
style release system) can be secured by the use of a key or
combination preventing the external panel door from pening.
[0019] The external panel having been released (FIG. 2) is
protrudes a reasonable distance
[0020] away from the main body of the container and allows for the
user to access a fire arm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia
that is housed within this cavity of the container. This is the
first of two different methods of gaining access to the firearm,
taser, or other device(s) inter alia. The user will then remove the
firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia from the cavity. A
patented foam insert designed for accepting a firearm, taser, or
other device(s) inter alia of the shape and size of the object to
be placed within it has the firearm, taser, or other device(s)
inter alia resting within it. The foam insert is held within this
cavity by means of a Velcro strip glued to the back of the foam
insert with corresponding Velcro glued to the interior compartment
housing the foam insert (Ref. Patent D385,108/Tschudy) The user can
access the firearm without the need to open the briefcase lid thus
making the access to the firearm rapid and immediate while still
maintaining some inconspicuousness to those around. The external
panel door is held within the by a locking device and has an
attached hinge/spring device at the bottom of the panel door that
is securely attached to the base of the container. The interior
hinge/spring device is adjustable for tension and speed of release
for the user to choose. This requires being adjustable due to the
varied size and weight of firearms, taser, or other device(s) inter
alia as well as weight of the magazine or speed loaders that
also
[0021] fit within the foam insert within a cavity specifically
designed for that purpose. The external panel door also has
attached to either side brackets that provide support and stability
when the panel door is released so that a side to side movement of
the panel door is not experienced. This provides additional support
for the firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia when the
panel door is in the process of opening and upon completion of its
movement outward, away from the main body of the container.
[0022] The opened position drawing (FIG. 3) displays the lid of the
briefcase opened and the bottom resting on a stationary object
(i.e. desk, credenza, vehicle car seat). The external panel is in
the closed position facing downward (FIG. 1) and would not be in
use or available for use in this particular environment setting.
The opened contain er briefcase displays two compartments within
the bottom of portion of the contain er briefcase; a right and a
left. The right compartment's size is dependent upon the inventor's
choice of firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia that will
be chosen for insertion into the cavity accepting the firearm,
taser, or other device(s) inter alia. However, their are the two
compartments with the closures (covering) panels being level with
each other allowing the two panels, while in the closed or down
position, to be used as a work surface for writing, lap top
computer surface to work from, or
[0023] other use as determined by the user.
[0024] The right work surface panel also has a button locking
device (FIG. 4) as is displayed in the closed position in this
drawing and showing the left panel opening opened.
[0025] The left work surface panel is not spring loaded but is
hinged to allow opening and closing the panel door to access items
positioned within, whether it be extra ammunition, magazines
holding extra cartridges, walkie-talkie, radio, camera, or cellular
telephone. This panel is held closed by a magnet that securely
holds the panel down when not wishing to access the contents. (FIG.
4)
[0026] The right panel (FIG. 3) is released by depressing a button
lock assembly and the right panel moves upward and away from the
companion work surface (FIG. 4) and remains in an up position that
allows access to the firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia
by the user from within the cavity. This button lock assembly also
has the same ability to be secured by means of a key, similar to
the external button release lock that releases the exterior panel
for access.
[0027] This is the second of two ways to access the same firearm,
taser, or other device(s) inter alia from the same c mpartment
within the briefcase, but using two different access techniques
that are dependent upon the application f the briefcase by the
[0028] user at the time access is required.
[0029] The interior lid area is held open by two brackets designed
to provide rigidity and stability to an opened, functional
briefcase. (FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 5).
[0030] The interior lid area provides for a sleeved storage panel
(FIG. 4) with sleeves, pockets and covered pockets for storage of
documents, business cards, pen, pencil, calculator or other papers.
This panel is removable and upon removal (FIG. 5) allows for the
installation of a ballistic panel between the outer metal skin of
the briefcase and the sleeved storage panel that stores documents,
etc. (FIG. 5). The reinstallation of the sleeved panel inward,
against the ballistic panel (sandwiched between the outer briefcase
metal skin and the interior sleeved panel) results in a secure,
bullet resistant barrier that provides safety and security for the
user against different National Institute of Justice acceptable
resistant threat levels for ballistic panels. The thickness of the
ballistic panel depends upon the user's choice of threat level
desired, manufacturer of the ballistic panel and thickness required
to meet the NIJ recommended levels. Their are many different
vendors that provide ballistic panels, however, different thickness
panels are offered with the reinstallation of the sleeved panel
back into the lid of the briefcase allows for acceptance of
different thicknesses without reducing the quality of the
product.
[0031] The sleeved document panel has a metal backing that provides
rigidity to the panel and also allows for insertion of threaded
screws into the interior lid area holding the inner sleeved panel
tightly against the ballistic panel which is in turn held tightly
against the interior surface of the briefcase's outer metal skin.
The result is a sandwich like effect.
[0032] (FIG. 6) This collage of five drawings depict the five
different functions available to the user. The collage drawings are
numbered counter clockwise with 1A illustrative of the carrying
mode; 2A illustrative of the carry mode with the exterior panel
having been released for access to the firearm, taser, or other
device(s) inter alia; 3A illustrative of the office or vehicle
setting environment with the briefcase resting on the bottom of the
case with the lid opened and the right, springed interior panel
having been released providing access to the firearm, taser, or
other device(s) inter alia within the cavity; 4A illustrative of
the interior sleeved panel having been removed and a ballistic
panel installed for additional protection for the user; 5A
illustrative of the left interior storage compartment's
availability for storage and the panel in the raised position.
[0033] (FIG. 7) Again, a collage of four different drawings viewed
counter clockwise by the viewer. (1A 2A 3A 4A) The functi nality of
the four positions provide the viewer
[0034] with the four different applications of use of the
invention.
Brief Description of the Operation
[0035] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and the general operation of
the briefcase for firearms, taser, or other device(s) inter alia
case follows hereinafter. Note, that the general operations for
other embodiments of firearms, taser, or other device(s) inter alia
cases are similar.
[0036] The firearms, taser, or other device(s) inter alia is about
the size of an average briefcase and hence it may be used in an
application similar to and within an environment consistent with
the use of a briefcase. The firearms, taser, or other device(s)
inter alia container may be used regularly as a briefcase without
arousing suspicion. The exterior side panel (side panel FIG. 2) or
bottom panel (FIG. 3) depends on the position of the briefcase at
time of use, may be released providing access from the exterior of
the case to the compartment/cavity that holds the firearms, taser,
or other device(s) inter alia. Additionally, the case may be used
in an office or vehicle environment with the lid opened and the
interior, springed panel engaged to gain access to the same
compartment/cavity that the firearms, taser, or other device(s)
inter alia is held within. (FIG. 3) The interior of the briefcase
appears to be a normal functioning briefcase, possessing the
ability to hold files,
[0037] documents, pen, pencils, office supplies, paper, or in this
case, additional ammunition, magazines holding cartridges,
walkie-talkie, credentials, business cards or other items necessary
for self defense.
[0038] The interior of the cavity where the firearms, taser, or
other device(s) inter alia is housed accepts a patented foam insert
(FIG. 3) (Patent Des 385,108) that is held in by a strip of Velcro
glued to the back of the foam insert with corresponding Velcro on
the interior base of the pop out panel. This foam insert can be
removed and re placed with an alternative size or shape foam insert
made specifically for the firearms, taser, or other device(s) inter
alia to be used/carried that specific time. The choice of firearms,
taser, or other device(s) inter alia to be carried is left up to
the choice of the user and appropriate choice of foam insert can be
made as desired. When the firearms, taser, or other device(s) inter
alia needs to be extracted from the briefcase, the user would
access the firearms, taser, or other device(s) inter alia chamber
by one of two means; in a street carry mode by release of the
external locking device that releases the external side panel of
the briefcase, or in an office or vehicle environment, depressing
the button release lock that in turn releases the interior right
springed panel allowing it to move upward, away from the plane of
the
[0039] work surface thus exposing the firearms, taser, or other
device(s) inter alia by either of the two means. Again, this
depends on the use of the briefcase at the time the access to the
firearm, taser, or other device(s) inter alia is desired by the
user. Additionally, the user may choose to have installation of a
protective, ballistic panel in the interior lid of the briefcase
(FIG. 5), sandwiched between the lid's exterior skin and the
interior document/file sleeved panel. The insertion of this
ballistic panel in different thicknesses and different levels of
protection affords the user to have some form of defensive
protection against projectiles and/or objects that may seriously
injure, disfigure, cause great bodily harm or even death.
[0040] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it
will be understood by those skilled in the art that foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Note that the
preferred embodiments of the firearms, taser, or other self defense
device(s) inter alia briefcases carry semi-automatic firearms,
revolver firearms, taser or other devices inter alia may be
implemented if desired. For example, in any of the embodiments of
the briefcase other types of fasteners, hinges, lock assemblies or
release locks could be used to replace the existing, displayed
devices in drawings.
* * * * *