U.S. patent application number 10/735932 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for quick release holster.
Invention is credited to Wells, George.
Application Number | 20050127121 10/735932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34653726 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050127121 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wells, George |
June 16, 2005 |
Quick release holster
Abstract
A quick release holster includes a holding member for receiving
an object like a firearm. A paddle is coupled to the planar member
for insertion inside a user's trousers. A retaining member extends
from the holding member towards the paddle. The holding member,
paddle and retaining member form a closed loop, as the paddle is
preloaded in a cantilever fashion against the retaining member. The
retaining member is essentially perpendicular with the holding
member, and includes a frictional component, like a rubber grommet
for example. To put the holster on, the user slides a portion of
the paddle inside the trousers, and then gently pulls on the
holding member to separate the retaining member from the paddle.
The invention offers advantages over the prior art in that the
retaining member is on the outside of the user's trousers, thereby
enabling the user to put on and take off the holster without
undoing the belt.
Inventors: |
Wells, George; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Philip H. Burrus, IV
460 Grant Street
Atlanta
GA
30312
US
|
Family ID: |
34653726 |
Appl. No.: |
10/735932 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/193 ;
224/912 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/0209 20130101;
F41C 33/0236 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/193 ;
224/912 |
International
Class: |
F41C 033/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A holster, comprising: a. a planar member; b. a holding member
coupled to the planar member; c. a retaining member extending from
the holding member towards the planar member, such that the planar
member, holding member and retaining member form a closed loop; and
d. a means for creating friction coupled to the retaining member;
wherein the planar member is preloaded so as to exert force against
the retaining member.
2. The holster of claim 1, wherein the planar member is curved so
as to accommodate a user's torso.
3. The holster of claim 1, wherein the planar member is coupled to
the holding member by at least one fastener, wherein the at least
one fastener is selected from the group consisting of screws,
rivets, glues, hot melt joints, welds, adhesives, stitching, and
epoxies.
4. The holster of claim 3, wherein the holding member is formed
from a single piece of material folded in a U-shape so as to
accommodate a firearm.
5. The holster of claim 4, wherein the holding member is
constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of
plastics, styrene, ABS, polycarbonates, Kydex, leather, cloth and
vinyl.
6. The holster of claim 5, wherein a curved portion of the U-shape
comprises a notched aperture for accommodating a sight of the
firearm.
7. The holster of claim 6, wherein a open portion of the U-shape
accommodates the trigger guard of the firearm.
8. The holster of claim 7, wherein the holding member is molded
such that the interior of the U-shape comprises the negative image
of the firearm.
9. The holster of claim 8, wherein the open portion of the U-shape
is closed by at least one fastener, wherein the at least one
fastener is selected from the group consisting of screws, rivets,
glues, hot melt joints, welds, adhesives, stitching, and
epoxies.
10. The holster of claim 1, wherein the retaining member comprises
at least one screw coupled to at least one screw boss.
11. The holster of claim 1, wherein the means for creating friction
comprises a rubber grommet disposed about the retaining member.
12. The holster of claim 1, wherein the retaining member extends
from the holding member at an angle of between 85 and 95
degrees.
13. The holster of claim 1, wherein the planar member forms a
flexible cantilever arm with respect to the holding member, such
that the planar member may be separated from the retaining member
by actuating the cantilever arm.
14. The holster of claim 1, further comprising a latch member
extending from the holding member towards the planar member.
15. The holster of claim 14, wherein the latch member extends from
the holding member between {fraction (1/64)}.sup.th and 1/2 of an
inch beyond the retaining member.
16. A firearm assembly, comprising: a. a firearm; b. a holster, the
holster comprising: i. a planar member; ii. a holding member
coupled to the planar member; iii. a retaining member extending
from the holding member towards the planar member, such that the
planar member, holding member and retaining member form a closed
loop; and iv. a means for creating friction coupled to the
retaining member; wherein the planar member is preloaded so as to
exert force against the retaining member; and c. a belt; wherein
the belt is positioned within the space circumscribed by the planar
member, the holding member and the retaining member.
17. The firearm assembly of claim 16, wherein the holster further
comprises a latch member extending from the holding member towards
the planar member, wherein the latch member extends from the
holding member between {fraction (1/64)}.sup.th and 1/2 of an inch
beyond the retaining member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to holsters having clips
for accommodating a belt, and more specifically to a holster for a
firearm or other object that has a quick release mechanism so as to
be easily coupled to, and decoupled from, a belt.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Sometimes it may seem as if the world today is an unsafe
place. Despite the excellent efforts of our heroic law enforcement
personnel and the strict sentencing guidelines for violent
criminals, terrorism, school shootings and domestic violence
persist. As a result, more and more law-abiding citizens are
applying for weapon permits. With proper training and faithful
consideration of safety rules, many people today feel that a
personal firearm offers an additional source of protection in the
event that a dangerous situation arises.
[0003] Weapons, like handguns for example, are carried in several
different places. For example, women who carry a purse often choose
to carry a small handgun in the purse. Specialty clothing may
include secret compartments specially designed for carrying weapons
as well. By far the most popular way to carry a weapon is by way of
a holster. This is the popular choice of law enforcement and
citizenry alike.
[0004] Many holsters available on the market today may be worn on
the belt. One such holster is shown in FIG. 1. The holster 1
includes a pocket 2 for holding a weapon, as well as a latch 3,
like a snap for example, which prevents the weapon from falling out
of the holster 1. The holster couples to a belt by way of holes
4,5. The holes 4,5 serve as the openings of an effective tube
formed by the front and rear pieces of leather. A user slips a belt
through this tube while lacing the belt through the belt loops of a
pair of trousers. When the belt is buckled, the holster is secured
on the user's person.
[0005] The problem with this prior art holster, however, is the
fact that it is difficult to get on and off. Most states that issue
weapon permits place certain limitations on just when and where
people may carry their weapons. For example, while carrying a
weapon while walking on the street is lawful, carrying a weapon
into a school, an establishment where alcoholic beverages are
served, a government building or large public gathering is strictly
prohibited. Additionally, some businesses prohibit firearms on the
premises as well. As such, a person who carries a weapon to work
must remove the weapon before entering the place of employment. The
only way to get the holster of FIG. 1 off is to unbuckle and remove
one's belt. This is both cumbersome and time consuming.
[0006] One solution for this "how do I get it off the belt without
unbuckling" problem is shown in FIG. 2. This holster includes a
springy, metal clip with a notch. To attach the holster to a belt,
one takes a finger and pries the clip up and slips the clip between
the belt and body. The clip then springs back into place, and the
holster is coupled to the belt.
[0007] This solution has two inherent problems, though. The first
problem is that the notch of the clip must pass between the user's
body and the belt. As such, while the belt may not have to come
completely off, one generally has to unbuckle and loosen the belt
to provide enough slack to allow the notch to pass.
[0008] The second problem is that unless the area encircled by the
clip, notch and holster body exactly matches the cross-sectional
area of the belt, the holster can rotate about the belt. In other
words, since the clip is raised off the holster by way of the
notch, the holster will be able to slightly rotate on a narrow
belt. Such rotation may allow a weapon to fall out of the holster,
thereby potentially creating a safety hazard.
[0009] There is thus a need for an improved holster having a means
of attaching to a belt that is quickly releasable without the need
of unbuckling the belt.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art belt holster.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art belt holster.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of a holster in accordance with the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an elevation view of one preferred
embodiment of a holster in accordance with the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an elevation view of another preferred
embodiment of a holster in accordance with the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a firearm assembly in accordance with the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in
detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts
throughout the views. As used in the description herein and
throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings
explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise: the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is one
preferred embodiment of a holster assembly 300 in accordance with
the invention. The holster assembly 300 includes a holding member
301 that essentially forms a flexible pocket into which an object,
like a handgun for example, may be placed. The holding member 301
is preferably manufactured from plastic, and may be constructed of
any number of materials, including plastics like styrene, ABS,
polycarbonate, ABS-polycarbonate. Other materials, including
leather, cloth and vinyl may also be used. Experimental testing has
shown that Kydex.RTM., a plastic manufactured by the Kleerdex
Company of Aiken, S.C., performs well in that it is flexible,
resilient, durable and easily molded.
[0018] The holding member 301 is preferably formed from a single
piece of plastic, either by thermal forming or injection molding.
The holding member 301 includes curves 302,303 and contours 304-306
designed to be the geometric compliment of the object that is to be
placed in the holding member.
[0019] By way of example, if the object to be placed in the holding
member 301 is a Model 19 pistol manufactured by the Glock
Corporation, the curves 302,303 and contours 304-306 would be
structured such that the inner dimensions of the holding member 301
would be complementary to the configuration of the outer sections
of the Model 19 gun. For instance, contour 306 would be
complimentary to the shell ejection aperture in the slide of the
gun, while contour 304 would be complimentary to the slide
itself.
[0020] As stated above, the holding member 301 is preferably
manufactured from a single piece of material. One preferred method
of method of manufacture of the holding member 301 is by way of
thermal forming. In the thermal forming process, the plastic is
heated slightly to become soft and pliable. The sides 307,308 of
the holding member 301 are then molded about a positive mold having
contours matching the object. Another equivalent method of
manufacture is injection molding, in which the material is
injected--in molten form--into a mold, the interior of which is
shaped to be a positive of the object. In either case, the holding
member 301 is molded such that the interior of the U-shape is such
that it forms the negative image of the firearm.
[0021] The holding member 301 may include a notch aperture 309 for
accommodating the sight of a gun. The holding member 301 may also
include first and second guard members 310,311 for preventing
objects from coming into contact with trigger and trigger guard of
the firearm.
[0022] The holding member 301, being formed from a single piece of
material, is folded so as to resemble a "U" shape, with the curved
portion of the "U" running along the edge 312 of the holding member
301 in which the notch aperture 309 is located. The open portion
313 of the "U" runs along the rear of the holding member 301. The
open portion 313 of the "U" accommodates the trigger guard of the
firearm.
[0023] The open portion of the "U" is fastened or closed by at
least one fastener, e.g. 314. The fasteners preferably comprise a
screw 316 inserted into one half of the open end of the "U",
represented here by guard member 310. A screw boss 317 is inserted
into the other half of the open end of the "U", represented here by
guard member 311. The screw 316 and boss 317 are then coupled
together. A screw/boss assembly is preferred in that it is
adjustable, depending upon the amount of friction desired by the
user when drawing the firearm. Other means of fastening, including
rivets, glues, hot melt joints, welds, adhesives, stitching, and
epoxies, however, may also be substituted. Note also that the screw
boss could be integral to the holding member, in that a hole and
threads could be designed into the plastic of the holding member.
One preferred embodiment of the holster assembly 300 includes two
fasteners 314,315, such that the upper fastener 314 may be set to
one tension level, while the lower fastener 315 may be set to a
second tension level.
[0024] A bracing member, e.g. 318, is placed between the open
halves of the "U" 310,311 so as to oppose the compressive forces of
the screw 316 and boss 317. The bracing member 318 is preferably
constructed of a soft rubber material so as to provide a relatively
high frictional force against the open halves of the "U"
310,311.
[0025] The holding member 301 is coupled to a planar member 400.
The planar member 400, affectionately known as a "paddle" is
designed to fit inside a user's trousers. As such, the planar
member 400 is preferably curved so as to accommodate a user's
torso. As the holding member 301 is to be worn outside the
trousers, the planar member 400 is preferably curved so as to be
concave with respect to the user and convex with respect to the
holding member 301.
[0026] The holding member 301 is coupled to the planar member by
way of at least one fastener 401, wherein the at least one fastener
is selected from the group consisting of screws, rivets, glues, hot
melt joints, welds, adhesives, stitching, and epoxies. In this
exemplary embodiment, the fastener 401 comprises a screw/boss
assembly, and two screws/bosses are employed. The curvature of the
planar member 400, combined with the plurality of fasteners
coupling the planar member 400 to the holding member 301, prevents
the holster assembly 300 from rotating when worn by a user. This
prevention of rotation, coupled with the molded shape of the
holding member, ensures that the firearm stays safely within the
holster, even if the user trips or falls.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is a rear,
elevation view of the holster assembly 300. This particular view
offers a more detailed look at the planar member 400, including its
curvature. The notched aperture 309 and the closed portion of the
"U" 312 may be seen as well.
[0028] The holster assembly 300 includes a retaining member 403
extending from the holding member 301 towards the planar member
400. The retaining member 403 protrudes in a perpendicular manner
from the holding member 301, preferably at an angle between 85 and
95 degrees with respect to the holding member 301. As such that the
planar member 400, holding member 301 and retaining member 403 form
a closed loop through which a belt may be passed.
[0029] While the retaining member 403 may be as simple as a
vertical protrusion extending from the holding member 301, in the
embodiment shown, the retaining member 403 comprises three
sections: a base section 404, a frictional section 405 and a
coupling section 406. The base section 404 is formed of the plastic
material comprising the holding member 301, and may include threads
for receiving a screw. The base section 404 may alternatively
comprise a screw boss 411 that is inserted into the holding member
301 through an aperture in the base section 404.
[0030] The frictional section 405 is a means for creating friction
between the holster assembly 300 and the user's belt or clothing,
and is preferably made from a soft rubber. The soft rubber takes
the form of a grommet that encircles the retaining member 403.
[0031] The frictional section 405, in addition to offering
compliance between the base section and the coupling section 406,
provides a frictional force that causes the holster assembly 300 to
"cling" to a belt. In so doing, the frictional section 405 prevents
a thief or criminal from pulling the holster assembly from a user's
personage. The frictional section 405 also prevents the holster
assembly from falling off the user's personage in the event that
the user fell. The holding section 406 preferably comprises a
screw, in that the screw may be adjusted relative to the base
section 404.
[0032] The planar member 400 includes a curved arm 407 disposed
between the fasteners and the curved portion of the planar member.
The curved arm 407 acts as a retaining mechanism in that it
supplies a preloading force by way of a cantilever arm between the
planar member 400 and the retaining member 403. This preloading
force ensures that the planar member 400 is securely pressing
against the retaining member 403 when the holster assembly 300 is
at rest.
[0033] The holster assembly 300 offers several advantages over the
prior art, the foremost of which is easy coupling to a belt. As the
retaining member 403 is coupled to the holding member 301, the
inner surface 408 of the planar member 408 is smooth and barb free.
Notice that the planar member, looking from the top down, extends
beyond the retaining member 403 at segment 409.
[0034] To put on the holster assembly, the user simply inserts
segment 409 in to the top edge of the trousers. The user then
gently pulls the bottom 410 of the holding member 301 away from the
planar member 400. This causes the flexible, cantilever arm formed
by the planar member 400 with respect to the holding member 301 to
actuate or bend, thereby creating space between the retaining
member 403 and the planar member 300. This space allows the user to
slide the holster assembly 300 down, thereby slipping the retaining
member 403 over a belt. By releasing the bottom 410 of the holding
member 301, the loop formed by the holding member 301, the
retaining member 403 and the planar member 400 once again closes,
thereby securely coupling the holster assembly 300 to the user. As
such, a user need not unbuckle the belt to put on and take off the
holster assembly 300.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is an alternate
embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to that
shown in FIG. 4, except for the fact that an added latch member 500
has been added. The latch member 500 offers a back-up mechanism to
ensure that the holster assembly 501 stays coupled to the belt. The
latch member 500 extends from the holding member 301 towards the
planar member 400. The latch member, however, extends slightly
beyond the retaining member 403, preferably between {fraction
(1/128)}.sup.th and 1/4 of an inch beyond the retaining member 403.
In the event that the retaining member 403 fails, the latch member
500 offers a secondary means of grabbing the belt of a user,
thereby preventing the holster assembly 501 from decoupling from
the user's personage.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is one
application of a holster assembly in accordance with the invention.
Shown in FIG. 6 is a firearm assembly 600 comprising a firearm 601
and a holster 602. The holster 601 is the holster assembly of FIG.
3, and includes the planar member 400, the holding member 301 and
the retaining member (shown in FIG. 4). As with FIG. 4, the
retaining member extends from the holding member 301 towards the
planar member 400 such that the planar member 400, the holding
member 301 and retaining member form a closed loop. A belt 603
passes through this loop, and is positioned within the space
circumscribed by the planar member, the holding member and the
retaining member. Note that the holster assembly of FIG. 5 could
equally be used. If so, the holster assembly would include the
latch member as described above.
[0037] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so
limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,
substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the following claims. For example, while
the embodiments recited herein have related to firearms, it will be
clear that the holster mechanism could be used to hold other
objects, including cellular telephones, tools, or portable
electronic devices.
* * * * *