U.S. patent application number 11/363114 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for security and retention device for a handgun.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARTRADEX SPRL.. Invention is credited to Daniel Dekaise.
Application Number | 20060175366 11/363114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34089801 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060175366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dekaise; Daniel |
August 10, 2006 |
Security and retention device for a handgun
Abstract
The invention relates to an automatic safety and retention
device for a gun holster, preferably for a handgun. The inventive
device comprises a cover (5) which connects the outer side (2) and
the inner side (3) of the holster body at the top thereof and which
pivots forward from a closed position to an open position under the
action of at least one part of the hand of the carrier when the gun
is being removed from the holster or spontaneously by the gun when
it is being placed in the holster.
Inventors: |
Dekaise; Daniel; (Perwez,
BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN P.C.
483 NORTH MULFORD ROAD
SUITE 7
ROCKFORD
IL
61107
US
|
Assignee: |
ARTRADEX SPRL.
Liege
BE
|
Family ID: |
34089801 |
Appl. No.: |
11/363114 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/BE04/00120 |
Aug 25, 2004 |
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11363114 |
Feb 27, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/243 ;
224/193 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/0227 20130101;
F41C 33/0263 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/243 ;
224/193 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/00 20060101
F41C033/00; F41C 33/02 20060101 F41C033/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 28, 2003 |
EP |
03447218.3 |
Claims
1. Automatic security and retention device for a gun holster,
preferably for a handgun, said holster comprising a body (1)
provided with an outer side (2) and an inner side (3), said device
comprising a security and retention cover (5): connecting the outer
side (2) and the inner side (3) above the body of the holster;
located, in the closed position, essentially in the vertical axis
of the holster; pivoting forwards when the holder puts the gun in
the holster or when he draws the gun, from a closed position to an
open position, around an imaginary axis that is perpendicular to
the vertical axis of the holster and cuts said outer side (2) and
inner side (3); then automatically pivoting around the same axis
back to its closed position as a result of a return force, when the
gun is fully returned into the holster, hence retaining and
securing said gun, or even when it is drawn out of the holster;
having, with a view to its opening when the gun is drawn by the
holder, an extension located on the back side of the cover designed
to come into contact with the outer lateral side of the holder's
hand (10) comprising the outer lateral side of his index finger and
the area within the metacarpal-phalanges angle of the index finger
and the thumb; also having a shape and a design such that, when the
gun is put back into the holster, the normal motion of the gun for
this action spontaneously causes said cover (5) to open;
characterised in that the extension comprises a wheel (6) assisting
the hand to slide against the cover.
2. Automatic security and retention device for a gun holster,
preferably for a handgun, said holster comprising a body (1)
provided with an outer side (2) and an inner side (3), said device
comprising a security and retention cover (5): connecting the outer
side (2) and the inner side (3) above the body of the holster;
located, in the closed position, essentially in the vertical axis
of the holster; pivoting forwards when the holder puts the gun in
the holster or when he draws the gun, from a closed position to an
open position, around an imaginary axis that is perpendicular to
the vertical axis of the holster and cuts said outer side (2) and
inner side (3); then automatically pivoting around the same axis
back to the closed position as a result of a return force, when the
gun is fully returned into the holster, hence retaining and
securing said gun, or even when it is drawn from the holster;
having, with a view to its opening when the gun is drawn by the
holder, an extension located on the back side of the cover designed
to come into contact ergonomically and anatomically with at least
one part of the holder's hand; also having a shape and a design
such that when it is put back in the holster, the normal motion of
the gun for this action automatically causes said cover (5) to
open; characterised in that the extension comprises a rim (7, 7A)
on the inner back side of the cover (5) offering an ergonomic
support to the holder's thumb in order to pivot the cover
forwards.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the rim (7,
7A) has cut-outs or is shaped in such a way that it can be adapted
to the shape of the gun and/or its sighting mechanisms.
4. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the
attachment at the intersection of the imaginary axis with said
sides of the holster is provided either on one side by a spindle
and spring mechanism and by a spindle mechanism on the other side
or by spindle and spring mechanisms on both sides of the body of
the holster.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that it comprises
a first part (51) mounted on the cover (5) and pivoting around a
rotation axis (55) relative to a second fixed part (57) mounted on
the side of the body (1) of the holster, the return of the cover
being ensured by a spring (54) attached at one end by a pin (53)
fixed to the first part (51) and at the other end by a pin (56)
fixed to the second part (57), the pin (53) being lodged at an
attachment point of the spring (52, 58).
6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that either the
plane of the inner side, i.e. opposite the holder, of the pivoting
part (51) coincides with the corresponding side of the body of the
holster (1), or the spindle and spring mechanism has a separate
bottom (X1) to which the second part (57) is attached and whose
outer edge, i.e. towards the holder, coincides with the plane of
the inner side of the pivoting part (51).
7. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it also
comprises, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock (8)
with vertical control, for example of the push lever type and which
is effective along an axis at 90.degree. relative to this lever and
which can be activated by the holder's thumb.
8. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it also
comprises, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock with
lateral control (80) normally in the locked position, positioned at
the level of a back junction of the holster and unlockable by the
movement of the holder's thumb towards his body.
9. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that it also
comprises, by way of additional security, a cover lock (80A)
comprising a rod lever (87A) retained by a leaf spring (85A)
positioned on the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51) of
the spindle and spring mechanism of the cover (5) such that: the
upper end of the lever (87A) ends in a tongue (7A) that can be
operated by a movement of the holder's thumb towards his body in
order to unlock the device; the lever (87A) is attached at its
lower end to an axis (89A) allowing it to pivot transversally at
the lower end of the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51);
the leaf spring (85A) is riveted or clipped to its attachment
points, on one side to the lever (87A) below the tongue (7A) and,
on the other side, on the front lateral side of the pivoting part
(51); without the holder's intervention, the lever (87A) is
normally retained in locked position by the leaf spring (85A); and
the tongue (7A) of the lock (80A) is designed and configured so as
to spontaneously cause unlocking of the lever (87A) by the simple
motion of the gun when it is returned to the holster.
10. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the lateral
triggerguard lock (80) comprises a lever arm (87) outwardly ending
in a tongue that can be operated by the holder, whose support is at
the lower end of the lock, the bolt itself having a truncated
cylindrical protrusion (88) that can penetrate the holster inside
the triggerguard of the gun, when this is fully put into the
holster and a return spring (85) holding the bolt at rest against
the inner wall of the holster, said protrusion (88) then being
located standing out inside the triggerguard.
11. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that it also
comprises a security strap that connects, once attached, the two
above-mentioned sides (2,3) of the holster or one of the sides of
the holster (2,3) at one end and the cover (5) and/or the lock
(8,80,80A) at the other end.
12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that the strap
is attached to the cover (5) and/or to the lock (8,80,80A) either
permanently on one side of the holster and removably by a press
stud on the other side, or removably by a press stud on each
side.
13. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover
(5) covers at least partially the hammer and/or the butt of the
gun, and/or the rear sighting mechanisms of the gun, and possibly
also the front part of the holster, in particular the parts of said
mechanisms that are visible in the dark.
14. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that the separate
bottom (X1) of the second part (57) is made of resilient material
and presents an extended upper part shaped in such a way that its
full thickness can sit in a corresponding recess in the outer wall
of the body of the holster (1), said extended part of the separate
bottom (X1) being provided with a transverse protruding element
going through a hole also made in the wall of the body of the
holster (1), in such a way that said protruding element can intrude
into a clearance of the gun in the holster and is designed for not
hindering the sheathing motion of the gun, the holstered gun, by
means of this protruding element, exerting a force on the extended
separate bottom (X1) so as to cause the latter to protrude outside
the outer wall of the holster body (1), sufficiently as to hinder
the opening motion of the cover lock (80A), unless the cover lock
is voluntarily unlocked by the holder of the holster, the
unholstered gun letting the separate bottom (X1) sit within said
recess in the body of the holster (1), where it cannot retain the
opening motion of the cover lock (80A) even in a locked position of
the latter.
15. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the lock
(80A) and axis (89A) system is set into a groove located in the
pivoting part (51), near and along the back lateral side of the
pivoting part (51).
16. Device according to claim 15, characterised in that the leaf
spring (85A) is replaced by a spring located inside the groove.
17. Device according to claim 1 further comprising a holster in
combination with the device.
18. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the
attachment at the intersection of the imaginary axis with said
sides of the holster is provided either on one side by a spindle
and spring mechanism and by a spindle mechanism on the other side
or by spindle and spring mechanisms on both sides of the body of
the holster.
19. Device according to claim 18, characterised in that it
comprises a first part (51) mounted on the cover (5) and pivoting
around a rotation axis (55) relative to a second fixed part (57)
mounted on the side of the body (1) of the holster, the return of
the cover being ensured by a spring (54) attached at one end by a
pin (53) fixed to the first part (51) and at the other end by a pin
(56) fixed to the second part (57), the pin (53) being lodged at an
attachment point of the spring (52, 58).
20. Device according to claim 19, characterised in that either the
plane of the inner side, i.e. opposite the holder, of the pivoting
part (51) coincides with the corresponding side of the body of the
holster (1), or the spindle and spring mechanism has a separate
bottom (X1) to which the second part (57) is attached and whose
outer edge, i.e. towards the holder, coincides with the plane of
the inner side of the pivoting part (51).
21. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that it also
comprises, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock (8)
with vertical control, for example of the push lever type and which
is effective along an axis at 900 relative to this lever and which
can be activated by the holder's thumb.
22. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that it also
comprises, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock with
lateral control (80) normally in the locked position, positioned at
the level of a back junction of the holster and unlockable by the
movement of the holder's thumb towards his body.
23. Device according to claim 19, characterised in that it also
comprises, by way of additional security, a cover lock (80A)
comprising a rod lever (87A) retained by a leaf spring (85A)
positioned on the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51) of
the spindle and spring mechanism of the cover (5) such that: the
upper end of the lever (87A) ends in a tongue (7A) that can be
operated by a movement of the holder's thumb towards his body in
order to unlock the device; the lever (87A) is attached at its
lower end to an axis (89A) allowing it to pivot transversally at
the lower end of the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51);
the leaf spring (85A) is riveted or clipped to its attachment
points, on one side to the lever (87A) below the tongue (7A) and,
on the other side, on the front lateral side of the pivoting part
(51); without the holder's intervention, the lever (87A) is
normally retained in locked position by the leaf spring (85A); and
the tongue (7A) of the lock (80A) is designed and configured so as
to spontaneously cause unlocking of the lever (87A) by the simple
motion of the gun when it is returned to the holster.
24. Device according to claim 22, characterised in that the lateral
triggerguard lock (80) comprises a lever arm (87) outwardly ending
in a tongue that can be operated by the holder, whose support is at
the lower end of the lock, the bolt itself having a truncated
cylindrical protrusion (88) that can penetrate the holster inside
the triggerguard of the gun, when this is fully put into the
holster and a return spring (85) holding the bolt at rest against
the inner wall of the holster, said protrusion (88) then being
located standing out inside the triggerguard.
25. Device according to claim 21, characterised in that it also
comprises a security strap that connects, once attached, the two
above-mentioned sides (2,3) of the holster or one of the sides of
the holster (2,3) at one end and the cover (5) and/or the lock
(8,80,80A) at the other end.
26. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the strap
is attached to the cover (5) and/or to the lock (8,80,80A) either
permanently on one side of the holster and removably by a press
stud on the other side, or removably by a press stud on each
side.
27. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the cover
(5) covers at least partially the hammer and/or the butt of the
gun, and/or the rear sighting mechanisms of the gun, and possibly
also the front part of the holster, in particular the parts of said
mechanisms that are visible in the dark.
28. Device according to claim 23, characterised in that the
separate bottom (X1) of the second part (57) is made of resilient
material and presents an extended upper part shaped in such a way
that its full thickness can sit in a corresponding recess in the
outer wall of the body of the holster (1), said extended part of
the separate bottom (X1) being provided with a transverse
protruding element going through a hole also made in the wall of
the body of the holster (1), in such a way that said protruding
element can intrude into a clearance of the gun in the holster and
is designed for not hindering the sheathing motion of the gun, the
holstered gun, by means of this protruding element, exerting a
force on the extended separate bottom (X1) so as to cause the
latter to protrude outside the outer wall of the holster body (1),
sufficiently as to hinder the opening motion of the cover lock
(80A) , unless the cover lock is voluntarily unlocked by the holder
of the holster, the unholstered gun letting the separate bottom
(X1) sit within said recess in the body of the holster (1), where
it cannot retain the opening motion of the cover lock (80A) even in
a locked position of the latter.
29. Device according to claim 28, characterised in that the lock
(80A) and axis (89A) system is set into a groove located in the
pivoting part (51), near and along the back lateral side of the
pivoting part (51).
30. Device according to claim 29, characterised in that the leaf
spring (85A) is replaced by a spring located inside the groove.
31. Device according to claim 2, further comprising a holster in
combination with the device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of
International Application No. PCT/BE2004/000120, filed Aug. 25,
2004 that claims the benefit of European Patent Application No.
03447218.3, filed Aug. 28, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an automatic security and
retention cover for a holster, in particular intended for an
individual handgun.
[0003] Such a cover belongs to the secured retention device of the
gun in its holster which is intended to be automatically
operational: [0004] from the moment when the single operation of
putting the gun into its holster is performed; [0005] until the
moment when the holder himself decides to draw the gun from its
holster by a natural movement of taking the gun in his hand, with
the intention of using it, without any other operation.
[0006] The invention also relates to the handgun holster
implementing said security and retention cover.
TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND AND STATE OF THE ART
[0007] Users of handguns, and mainly those maintaining public
order, want a holster in which the gun is securely held until the
moment when the holder decides to draw it from the holster.
[0008] The gun must also remain secured during violent activities
that may be required by operations to maintain public security
including during physical contact. The holster must prevent the
removal of the gun by other unauthorised persons. It must
nevertheless allow rapid withdrawal of the gun by the holder in the
event of need. This movement must not only be quick but also
simple, secured and compatible with a stress situation.
[0009] Various systems for the security and retention of a handgun
in a holster are known but these do not in themselves and in all
cases have the combination of the above-mentioned desired
features.
[0010] Holsters for handguns have been the subject matter of a
large number of patents/patent applications, such as for instance
US-A-2002/153 396, WO-A-02 057 701, US-A-20002/017 541, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,283,351, EP-A-0 971 196, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,305, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,451,023, U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,474, U.S. Pat. No. 5,395021,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,825, U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,574, U.S. Pat. No.
4,836,425, U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,238, CA-A-2 108 496, AU-A-7 302 194,
AU-A-671 767, etc.
[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1a & 1b, a holster for a handgun 1
comprises a body which has an outer side 2 and an inner side 3 with
reference to the position of the gun holder. These inner 3 and
outer 2 sides may be formed by a single part made of one or several
materials. This part has a general shape and characteristics such
that, when it is folded, its two ends may be brought together
either directly or by a junction system.
[0012] The two sides of the holster may also be separate parts that
are joined at the front and the back of the holster either directly
or by a junction system 4. The junction system 4 may serve as a
guide for the gun in the holster and/or as any kind of system for
retaining the gun in the holster. The holster may also be
constructed around a frame.
[0013] In addition, the handgun holster has a front part which, by
definition, is oriented forwards relative to the gun holder, and a
back part located opposite the front part. The above-mentioned
junction is normally made in the back part.
[0014] Firstly, a flap forming the cover belongs to the holster,
the closure system typically comprising buckled strap(s) or press
stud(s). Then, in general, a strap or a system of straps connects
the two above-mentioned sides above the upper part of the holster
and assists with retaining the gun in the holster. This closure is
either simple, in the form of a strap fixed on one side and a
fastener with press stud on the other, or comprises a device of the
"thumb snap" type, which opens under lateral pressure from the
holder's thumb.
[0015] Closure by strap is generally used on almost all the
holsters in the state of the art, even those provided with an
internal retention. The use of straps or of a flap in holsters
nevertheless has drawbacks. Indeed, the movements required to use
the strap, i.e. its opening and closure, are movements additional
to grasping the gun that are generally complicated and scarcely
compatible with the correct and rapid use of a handgun.
[0016] The patent application U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,799 describes a
locking mechanism for a handgun holster with a locked position in
order to prevent the withdrawal of the gun from its holster and a
set of unlocked positions progressively requiring more force from
the user in order to draw the gun from the holster. The position is
selected by means of a control dial. In the case where the gun is a
revolver, the locking device has the form of a mobile part of the
equipment located at the level of the triggerguard (or triggerguard
safety lock) provided with a cross locking bar that prevents the
withdrawal of the handgun from its holster. By contrast, if the gun
is an automatic pistol, this device is no longer suitable since
typically the safety lock no longer has a back part that would
allow the engagement of a cross locking bar. In this case, the
patent describes a variant of the device where the mobile part of
the equipment is fixed to the top of the holster, in a locked
position, the locking bar being located behind the upper back part
of the gun, in particular its hammer. This type of device only
works for preventing the withdrawal of the gun in the axial
direction. Therefore, a filler material has to be inserted inside
the holster in order to prevent any movement other than the axial
motion of the gun in the holster. Otherwise, the cross locking bar
cannot play its part. There is no ergonomic contact with the mobile
part that would cause automatic locking or release of the gun
during its withdrawal from or return to the holster. This system
typically has minimal automatic retention, the securing or locking
system of the retention requiring adjustment and activation of the
control button.
[0017] The patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,505 describes a holster for a
handgun comprising a case for receiving the gun and a rigidified
protection flap mounted to the case. The flap is attached by means
of two spaced-out arms mounted on both parts of the case so that it
can pivot on a hinge that is offset relative to the axis of the
gun. The position of the flap closed over the upper back part of
the gun is locked by quick closures of the press stud type. This
rudimentary locking system for the holster is entirely manual and
not very practical, it does not allow rapid withdrawal from or
return to the holster. The systems described in the two above
patents in no way allow the retention system to be opened or closed
automatically by the natural movement of grasping the gun in order
to draw it from its holster with the intention of shooting or in
order to return the gun into the holster.
AIMS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention aims to provide a solution that
overcomes the drawbacks of the state of the art.
[0019] Based on the fact that there are not many ways to draw a
handgun from its holster, one aim of the invention is to provide
the holster with one or several retention systems designed and
combined in such a way that drawing the gun out of the holster is
as natural as possible for the holder and is very difficult and
complicated for a third party.
[0020] The invention precisely aims at providing an ergonomic and
anatomical combination of automatic retention systems implemented
by a security cover.
[0021] In addition, the invention aims to provide a handgun holster
with a security and retention device that does not require the use
of a strap.
[0022] Lastly, the invention aims to provide a handgun holster with
a security and retention device that globally suits all handguns in
all configurations and irrespective of the length of the barrel,
the hammer, the breech, the shape of the triggerguard, etc.
MAIN CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0023] One first aspect of the present invention relates to an
automatic security and retention device for a gun holster,
preferably a handgun, said holster comprising a body provided with
an outer side and an inner side, said device comprising a security
and retention cover, connecting the outer side and the inner side
above the body of the holster and: [0024] pivoting forwards, when
the holder puts the gun into the holster or when he draws the gun,
from a closed position to an open position, around an imaginary
axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the holster and
cuts said outer and inner sides; [0025] then automatically pivoting
around the same axis when returning to its closed position as the
result of a return force when the gun is fully returned into the
holster, hence retaining and securing said gun, or even when it is
drawn from the holster.
[0026] According to the invention, the cover is essentially
located, in its closed position, in the axis of the holster and
has, with a view to being opened when the gun is drawn by the
holder, an extension located on the back side of the cover,
designed to come into contact ergonomically and anatomically with
at least one part of the holder's hand. This cover extension also
has a shape and design such that, during its return to the holster,
the normal motion of the gun for this action automatically causes
said cover to open.
[0027] According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention,
for the purposes of opening the cover when the gun is drawn by the
holder, said extension is designed so as to come into contact
ergonomically and anatomically with the outer lateral side of the
holder's hand comprising the outer lateral side of his index finger
and the area included in the metacarpal-phalanges angle between the
index finger and the thumb.
[0028] As an advantage, the extension comprises a wheel to assist
the hand to slide against the cover.
[0029] According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention,
the cover has, for the purposes of its opening when the holder is
drawing the gun, an extension comprising a rim on the back inner
side of the cover offering an ergonomic support for the holder's
thumb in order to pivot the cover forwards.
[0030] The rim preferably has cut-outs or is shaped in such a way
that it can be adapted to the shape of the gun and/or its aiming
mechanisms.
[0031] According to the invention, the attachment at the
intersection of the imaginary axis with said sides of the holster
is provided either on one side by a spindle and spring mechanism
and by a spindle mechanism on the other side or by a spindle and
spring mechanism on both sides of the holster body.
[0032] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the
device of the invention comprises a first part attached to the
cover and pivoting around a rotation axis relative to a second
fixed part attached to the side of the holster body, the return of
the cover being ensured by a spring attached at one end to a pin
mounted on the first part and to a pin mounted on the second part
at the other end, the pin being located at an attachment point of
the spring.
[0033] Still in this embodiment, either the plane of the inner side
of the pivoting part coincides with the edge of the holster side or
the spindle and spring mechanism has its own lower part on which
the second part is attached and whose outer edge coincides with the
plane of the inner side of the pivoting part.
[0034] As an advantage, the above-mentioned device also has, by way
of additional security, a triggerguard lock with vertical control,
for example of a push lever type, which is effective along an axis
at 90.degree. relative to this push lever and which can be
activated by the holder's thumb.
[0035] In an alternatively advantageous manner, the above-mentioned
device also comprises, by way of additional security, a
side-controlled triggerguard lock, normally in a locked position,
located at the level of a back junction of the holster and which
can be unlocked by the movement of the holder's thumb towards the
holder's body.
[0036] As an advantage, the lateral lock of the triggerguard
comprises a lever arm outwardly ending in a tongue that can be
operated by the holder, whose support is located at the lower end
of the lock, the bolt itself comprising a truncated cylindrical
protrusion capable of penetrating the holster inside the
triggerguard of the gun, when the gun is fully put into the
holster, and a return spring holding the bolt at rest against the
internal wall of the holster, said protrusion then being located
standing out inside the triggerguard.
[0037] Still as a advantage, the device according to the invention
also comprises, by way of alternative additional security, a cover
lock comprising a rod lever retained by a leaf spring, located at
the level of the outer side of the pivoting part of the spindle and
spring mechanism of the cover, in such a way that: [0038] the upper
end of the lever ends in a tongue that can be operated by the
holder's thumb; [0039] the lever is attached at its lower end on an
axis that allows transverse pivoting at the level of the lower end
of the back lateral side of the pivoting part; [0040] the leaf
spring is riveted or clipped at its attachment points, on one side
on the lever below the tongue and on the other side, on the front
lateral side of the pivoting part; and [0041] the lever is normally
retained in locked position by the leaf spring.
[0042] Further advantageously, the device of the invention also
comprises a cover-locking strap which, once it is attached,
connects the two above-mentioned sides of the holster, or one of
the sides of the holster at one end and the cover and/or the lock
at the other end.
[0043] The strap is preferably attached either permanently on one
side of the holster and removably by a press stud on the other
side, on the cover and/or on the lock, or removably by a press stud
on both sides.
[0044] Still according to the invention, the cover covers at least
partially the hammer and/or the butt of the gun and/or the rear
sighting mechanisms of the gun, possibly also on the front part of
the holster, in particular the parts of said mechanisms that are
visible in the dark.
[0045] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a
holster for a handgun comprising an automatic security and
retention device having the above-mentioned characteristics.
[0046] A third aspect of the present invention relates to the
automatic locking of the cover for a security and retention device
for a handgun holster, according to the principle of the invention,
characterised in that it comprises a push lever maintained by a
leaf spring, located at the level of the outer side of a pivoting
part of a spindle and spring mechanism for the security cover in
such a way that: [0047] the upper end of the lever ends in a tongue
operated laterally relative to the holster by the holder's thumb so
as to unlock the device; [0048] the lever is attached at its lower
end on an axis that allows it to transversally pivot at the lower
end of the back lateral side of the pivoting part; [0049] the leaf
spring is riveted or clipped to its attachment points on one side
on the lever below the tongue and on the other side, on the front
lateral side of the pivoting part; [0050] without any action by the
holder, the lever is normally maintained in the locked position by
the leaf spring; and [0051] the tongue of the automatic lock is
designed and configured so as to cause the automatic unlocking of
the lever simply when the gun is put back into the holster.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0052] FIG. 1a, already mentioned above, schematically shows an
embodiment of a security cover 5 for a handgun according to the
invention, in an open position corresponding to the natural
position of the hand grasping the gun. The security cover is
combined with a holster that has an internal retention system of
the triggerguard-locking type.
[0053] FIG. 1b, already mentioned above, schematically shows the
security cover of FIG. 1a in closed position as a result of
automatic return.
[0054] FIG. 2a schematically shows a cover with a lateral wheel 6
on the outer side. This type of cover is only used with a
triggerguard lock of the vertical push-button type. The outer side
of the index finger pushes against the wheel of the cover whilst
the thumb on the other side pushes the triggerguard-lock control
downwards in order to release the bolt.
[0055] FIG. 2b shows that, when the gun butt is grasped, the outer
side of the extended index finger pushes against the wheel 6 of the
cover 5 and opens it fully. On the other side, the thumb fully
releases the triggerguard lock.
[0056] FIG. 2c shows a rear view of the thumb pushing against the
triggerguard lock control 8 and releasing it. The outer side of the
index finger has also released the cover by swinging it
forward.
[0057] FIG. 3a shows a view, in closed position, of a spindle and
spring mechanical device of the security cover according to the
invention.
[0058] FIG. 3b shows a view, in open position, of the device of
FIG. 3a.
[0059] FIGS. 4a & 4b schematically show in closed and open
positions respectively, an embodiment of the inner
triggerguard-lock with a lateral control according to the
invention.
[0060] FIGS. 4c to 4e schematically show a preferred embodiment for
the automatic locking of a security cover, detached from and then
mounted onto the spindle and spring mechanism of the cover
respectively, in unlocked and locked positions (holster for
right-handed).
[0061] FIGS. 4f & 4g show the lock of FIG. 4c mounted on a
complete holster in locked and unlocked positions respectively
(holster for right-handed).
[0062] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c & 5d show various designs of cover with
inner opening rims and control tongue of the inner triggerguard
lock.
[0063] FIGS. 6a & 6b show, in external and internal views
respectively, the position of the thumb in the natural movement of
the hand for grasping the gun in the holster.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0064] The present invention has the following noteworthy
characteristics.
Automatic Security and Retention Cover (FIGS. 1a & 1b)
[0065] The cover 5 is a part made of a material that may be rigid
or even rigidified either by a frame or by a rigidification
treatment. This part is mounted on the upper part of the body of
the holster 1. It connects the inner side 3 and the outer side 2 of
the holster from above.
[0066] The cover 5 pivots towards the front of the holster around
an imaginary axis crossing the inner side 3 and the outer side 2 of
the holster. This forward pivoting motion defines the open position
of the cover (FIG. 1a). Attachment at the intersection of the
imaginary axis with said sides is provided on one side by a spindle
and spring mechanism attached to said side of the body of the
holster and by a spindle system on the other side of the body of
the holster, or alternatively by spindle and spring mechanisms on
both sides of the body of the holster.
[0067] One example of a particular embodiment for this mechanism is
shown in FIG. 3a. The part attached to the cover 51 pivots around
the part attached to the side of the holster 57, around a pivoting
axis 55 (for a left-handed holster, the part is rotated the other
way around) . Return of the cover is ensured by a spring 54
attached at one end to a pin 53 fixed to the part 51 and on the
other side to a pin 56 fixed to the part 57. The pin 53 is located
at an attachment point of the spring 52 for a right-handed holster
(or 58 for a left-handed holster). For the sake of clarity, the
side of the pivoting part 51 located on the side of the gun holder
will be called the "outer side" and the other side, facing
outwards, will be called the "inner side". The two lateral sides of
the part 51 will be called "front lateral side" and "back lateral
side" respectively.
[0068] The cover and its spindle and spring system may also be
mounted on the frame of the holster or on the frame (or an
extension of it) of an internal retention system for the gun in the
holster.
[0069] The pivoting motion of the cover is limited in the forward
direction to a distance that is necessary and sufficient to allow
the gun to be withdrawn from the holster by pulling it upwards
(FIG. 3b). The pivoting motion in the backward direction, defining
the closed position of the cover, is limited so that the cover is
positioned in the vertical axis of the holster (FIG. 3a) and so as
to prevent any withdrawal of the gun, whether it be accidental or
malicious. The cover 5 is maintained in closed position or is
pushed towards this back position by the spring system 54 linked to
the spindle system 55 of the holster cover.
[0070] The shape of the cover, its ergonomic design, its position
on the holster relative to the gun, how it works, its compatibility
with other security or retention systems and the combination of
these different elements give the holster noteworthy features for
securing the gun both when it is in the holster and when it is
drawn from the holster and when it is put back in the holster.
These advantages do not exist in the security and retention devices
of the state of the art or in any event in these devices used
alone.
[0071] In addition, the operating principle of the cover encourages
the holder to adopt a grip on the gun that is correct and complies
with the security rules when drawing it.
[0072] The cover covers a large part of the gun and its mechanisms,
making access to them very restricted, without having the major
drawbacks of traditional covers.
[0073] When the cover according to the invention is implemented, it
makes it very difficult for a person other than the holder to adopt
a correct position in order to grip the gun which would open the
security cover and release the internal retention system or the
cover-locking system.
Opening the Cover
[0074] Because of its forward pivoting motion, the cover is mainly
opened in the two ways described below.
[0075] Firstly, it is opened by the holder's hand with a movement
sufficient for drawing a handgun from a holster with the intention
of using it in compliance with basic security standards.
[0076] In order to do this, according to the present invention and
as shown in FIGS. 2a & 2b, one of the preferred embodiments of
the cover 5 is such that an extension 6 of the cover, on the outer
side of the holster and towards the back, naturally comes, when the
gun is drawn by the holder, into contact with the outer lateral
side of the hand 10 of the shooter comprising the outer lateral
side of his index finger and the area between the
metacarpal-phalanges angle of the index finger and the thumb. This
extension may be provided with a wheel system (wheel 6) or with
another device as required in order to assist this part of the hand
to slide against the cover. This wheel is nevertheless an optional
accessory.
[0077] The shape of the cover 5 is such that it is automatically
pushed in the open position by the natural movement of the
shooter's hand 10 when he grasps the butt of the handgun in order
to draw it from the holster in compliance with basic security
standards, for example but without restriction, a firm definite
grip without having the index finger on the trigger of the gun at
the moment when it is drawn from the holster but in a position such
that the holder may, immediately once the firing position is
reached, decide to make this contact with the trigger. As an
advantage, no movement other than that corresponding to the correct
handgrip of the gun for drawing it, is necessary for this type of
holster and security.
[0078] Secondly, the cover 5 is automatically opened by the handgun
itself during the natural motion of the gun when it is put into the
holster. The cover and possibly its additional bolt are designed to
achieve this opening.
Closure of the Cover
[0079] According to the present invention, closure of the cover 5
is automatic. Firstly, once the gun has been fully returned to the
holster, it releases the cover from its open position, which had
previously been brought forward by a pivoting motion. The cover 5
may then pivot backwards and automatically return to its closed
position. This motion is caused by the spring system 54 linked to
the spindle mechanism 55 of the holster cover.
[0080] Once the gun has been put into the holster, the security
cover, automatically closed, prevents the gun from being drawn from
the holster since the upper part of the cover connecting the inner
side 3 and outer side 2 of the holster prevents the gun from being
drawn from the holster, even resisting a violent pull exerted on
the gun because the force thus exerted on the cover 5 is not
exerted in the opening direction. The ability of the cover 5 to
retain the gun is completely independent from the force of the
return spring 54.
[0081] At the same time, the cover forms a protection for the
firing system of the cartridges if the hammer of the firing system
is external to the gun. In this case, the cover allows the gun to
be put into the holster with the hammer cocked or not.
[0082] Thus, simply returning the gun fully in the holster
automatically secures the gun without requiring additional
operations.
[0083] Secondly, when the gun is drawn from the holster, the cover
automatically closes. One might otherwise suppose that it would
remain locked in the open position. However, the principle is that,
for one thing, the gun is automatically secured when put into the
holster and, for another thing, it may be used in a natural way by
the holder. The requirement for having an open locking system and
thus also an unlocking one would go against this principle and
would moreover be a useless and dangerous complication.
Covering the Sighting Mechanisms
[0084] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
closed cover covers the rear sighting mechanisms of the gun, and in
particular the sighting mechanisms provided with parts that are
visible in the dark or half darkness with which handguns may be
provided, thus reducing the danger for the holder of being more
easily seen. The design of the cover may moreover be such that it
also provides this covering of the rear sighting mechanism on the
front part of the holster.
Positioning of the Cover Relative to the Gun
[0085] This is achieved by sets of parts forming a separation width
between the back junction of the two sides of the holster, the
outer side and the inner side.
[0086] Several types, models or brands of handguns are generally
available, in particular for law and order and security forces.
[0087] The principle of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is that the body of the holster and the cover are
standard or almost standard (2 or 3 basic models). Only the set of
parts for the back junction of the holster is specific to a
particular gun, its design fitting the shape of the part comprising
the triggerguard and the underside of the body or of the barrel of
the handgun.
[0088] Thus, according to the invention, the same holster body may
be common to several models of gun, which is not currently the case
with the separating parts at the junction of the two sides of the
holster and with the parts ensuring longitudinal locking of the
gun, as described in the state of the art.
Locking Strap
[0089] In addition, a strap may be coupled to the security cover of
the invention (not shown) in order to lock it. This strap is used
during operations where security of the gun must be enhanced such
as crowd control, where in principle the use of the firearm is only
tolerated as the very last resort and under express orders. The
strap may be attached either permanently on one side and removably
by one or more press studs on the other side of the holster, on the
body of the holster or, ideally, on the cover in such a way that,
depending on its design or shape, it prevents its use, either by
press studs on both sides of the holster, on the body of the
holster on one side or on the body of the holster or ideally on the
cover on the other side in such a way that, depending on its design
or shape, it prevents its use. The strap prevents the cover to be
opened. It may also lock the internal retention system by the same
principle according to which it may lock the cover, the type of
attachment of the strap onto the retention system for the
triggerguard depending on the specific system installed. By
contrast to the straps according to the state of the art, the strap
of the cover is not to retain the gun but is an additional system
for locking the cover.
Use Together with Other (Patented) Retention Systems
[0090] The security cover of the invention may be used in
conjunction with other systems for retaining a gun in a holster, in
particular retention systems on the triggerguard of the gun that
are generally attached on or form the back junction system of the
inner side and of the outer side of the body of the holster (see
U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,474 or corresponding patents CA-A-2 108 496,
AU-A-7 302 194 and AU-A-671 767).
[0091] These systems also advise the release of the gun from its
secure position in the holster compatible with the correct grasping
of the gun in order to draw it. This movement is compromised by the
strap or the "thumb snap" that serves to prevent too easy
withdrawal by a third party. The invention found a solution to this
problem.
[0092] An optional standard strap may be used together with the
device according to the invention but its use is restricted to very
precise situations.
Lateral Triggerguard-Locking System
[0093] It was noted that an automatic triggerguard-locking system
operated with the thumb in order to activate a push lever releasing
a triggerguard-bolt, itself working along an axis at 90.degree.
relative to the push lever, may sometimes cause a problem when it
is to be automatically operated (return and automatic lock).
[0094] In order to optimise the combination of such a bolt with the
use of a security cover according to the invention, a simpler
operating principle should be adopted for the triggerguard lock. In
the option proposed, the thumb is used to open the security cover;
to this end, a rim 7 is made on the back part of the cover 5 (see
FIG. 5a to 5d).
[0095] The cover 5 thus has a rim 7 on the inner side of its back
part, this rim serving to take the pressure from the thumb that
rocks the cover forward as the index finger was doing by means of
the wheel.
[0096] According to yet another embodiment, the push-button that
controls the triggerguard lock is replaced by a tongue 80 with
lateral control belonging to (or mounted on) the lock.
[0097] According to the invention, the lock 80 is lodged in a
structure that is attached to the back junction of a holster (FIG.
4a). This inner triggerguard lock with lateral control comprises a
body 81, a bottom 82, a cover 83 (which may belong to the body of
the holster), a screwing system for the back junction of the body
of the holster 84, a return spring 85, the bolt itself 86 and the
tongue 87 for controlling the bolt. To this end, it is placed on
the holster in a similar way to the lock with vertical control; it
may even use the existing structure of (possibly patented) vertical
devices.
[0098] The lock 80 pivots in the manner of a lever 87 whose support
is located at the lower end. The lock forms a lever arm and is kept
pressed against the inner wall of the holster by a return spring
85. The control lever for the thumb extends the lever arm.
[0099] The side of the lock that is pressed against the inner wall
of the holster has a truncated cylindrical protrusion 88 that
penetrates the holster at the point inside the triggerguard of the
gun when the gun is fully put into the holster.
[0100] The part 88 that is truncated towards the top of the holster
also serves to open the lock by the pressure of the triggerguard of
the gun that is put into the holster. When the gun is put into the
holster, after the triggerguard has forced the lock to open, the
lock closes again as a result of the action of the return spring
85, the cylindrical protrusion 88 thus being in the way of the
triggerguard and therefore preventing the gun from being drawn.
[0101] The control lever for the thumb that extends the bolt serves
to pivot the bolt on its support, which draws the cylindrical
protrusion 88 out of the way of the triggerguard and allows the gun
to be drawn from the holster (FIG. 4b).
[0102] The control lever for the thumb is extended until it is high
enough above the grip of the gun in the holster to an ideal
position for the thumb to control it in its movement for grasping
the gun. This height may therefore vary depending on the type of
gun, the exact shape of the lever at its part in contact with the
thumb that can also vary depending on the types of gun that differ
in shape, angle and thickness of the butt and on the type of
holster in which the system is installed (the lever may also be
configured for a different finger (for example the middle finger)
of the hand that grasps the butt of the gun when the hand closes
around the butt).
[0103] However, this locking device does not by itself offer all
the required security guarantees. It must be implemented in
combination with the security cover according to the invention.
ANOTHER PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE AUTOMATIC LOCK
[0104] FIG. 4c shows an automatic lock for the cover 80A comprising
a rod lever 87A retained by a leaf spring 85A on the outer side of
the pivoting part 51 of the spindle and spring mechanism of the
cover. The lever 87A is attached at its lower end to an axis 89A
that allows it to transversally pivot (i.e. perpendicular to the
forward-backward direction) at the lower end of the back lateral
side of the pivoting part 51. The other end of the lever 87A, i.e.
its upper end, ends in a tongue 7A that can be activated by the
holder's thumb. The leaf spring 85A is riveted or clipped at its
attachment points on one side to the lever 87A below the tongue 7A
and on the other side, on the other lateral side (i.e. the front
lateral side) of the pivoting part 51. The lever 87A is usually
retained in locked position by the leaf spring 85A (FIG. 4e).
[0105] The actual body of the holster 1 may be designed in such a
way that its edge coincides with the plane of the inner side of the
pivoting part 51. A separate bottom X1 may also be provided for the
spindle and spring mechanism, to which the fixed part 57 is
attached and whose outer edge coincides with the plane of the inner
side of the pivoting part 51. This particular embodiment with its
own bottom X1 is advantageous if the type of holster requires it or
if one wishes to make the operation of the spindle and spring
mechanism independent from the holster body (FIGS. 4f &
4g).
[0106] The automatic lock 80A works as follows. The locking
position is thus the position of the lever 87A pushed towards the
bottom X1, if it is in position or towards the location where it
would be positioned in the event that the body of the holster can
advantageously replace it, of the spindle and spring mechanism,
i.e. where the fixed part 57 of the spindle and spring mechanism is
attached to the body of the holster 1.
[0107] When pushed towards the bottom of the spindle and spring
mechanism by the spring 85A, the pivoting lever 87A attached to the
pivoting part 51 extends beyond the plane of the inner side of the
part 51 and thus prevents this part 51 from pivoting. Indeed,
either the edge of the holster body 1 or the bottom X1 of the
spindle and spring mechanism now stands in the way of the lever
87A, relative to a pivoting motion of the part 51 to which this
lever is attached (FIGS. 4e & 4f).
[0108] When the holder's thumb pushes the lever 87A towards the
outside of the spindle and spring mechanism, hence towards the body
of the holder, the push lever 87A no longer extends beyond the back
side of the pivoting part 51 (FIGS. 4d & 4g). The bottom of the
spring and spindle mechanism X1 or the edge of the holster body 1
no longer hinders the motion of the lever caused by the pivoting of
the part 51, which can therefore freely pivot. Lastly, the lever
87A, the part 51 and the cover 5 can therefore pivot forwards
together as a result of the action of the holder's thumb.
[0109] The holder therefore achieves a lateral motion of the tongue
7A of the lock 80A with his thumb, then a motion forwards on this
same tongue 7A that causes the opening of the cover 5 and thus the
release of the gun.
[0110] Like the rim 7 (see above), the tongue 7A of the lock 80 is
designed so as to come into ergonomic contact with the thumb of the
holder who intends to grasp his gun.
[0111] Moreover, the tongue 7A is designed so that the lever 87A is
also automatically unlocked simply by the gun passing by when it is
returned to the holster.
[0112] The principle is thus that this lever 87A is normally forced
into its locking position by a spring. The choice of the spring in
the form of a leaf and its design, its attachment in particular
made to the front part of the pivoting part 51, have been guided by
simplicity and ease of assembly. In this configuration, the spring,
whether riveted or clipped to both parts, maintains the entire
system.
[0113] In a preferred embodiment (not shown on the figures), the
body of the holster 1 is designed so that it can never oppose
resistance to the cover opening motion of the tongue 7A and lever
87A. The separate bottom X1 of the fixed part 57, made of resilient
material, presents an extended upper part shaped in such a way that
its full thickness can sit in a corresponding recess made in the
outer wall of the body of the holster 1. This extended part of the
separate bottom X1 is provided with a transverse protruding element
going through a hole also made in the wall of the body of the
holster 1, in such a way that the protruding element can intrude
the clearance of the gun in the holster and is designed so that it
cannot hinder the sheathing motion of the gun.
[0114] By means of this protruding element, the holstered gun
exerts force on the extended separate bottom X1 so as to cause the
separate bottom X1 to protrude outside the outer wall of the
holster body 1, sufficiently as to hinder the opening motion of the
cover lock 80A, unless the cover lock is voluntarily unlocked by
the holder of the holster.
[0115] The unholstered gun lets the separate bottom X1 sit within
said recess in the body of the holster 1 where it cannot retain the
opening motion of the cover lock 80A, even in a locked position of
the latter.
[0116] In this preferred embodiment, the gun inside or outside the
holster automatically selects if the bolt 80A needs or does not
need to be activated by the holder of the holster in order to
enable the opening of the cover and the system autolocks itself
only when the gun is in the holster.
[0117] Consequently, the tongue 7A of the bolt 80A does not
require, in this specific preferred configuration, to be designed
so as to spontaneously cause unlocking of the lever by the motion
of the gun when it is holstered.
[0118] Referring again to FIGS. 4d & 4e, according to a still
preferred embodiment, the lock 80A and axis 89A system is set into
a groove (not displayed) in the pivoting part 51 near and along the
back lateral side of the pivoting part 51, preferably strengthening
the system. In a still preferred embodiment, the leaf spring 85A
can be replaced by a smaller one of any suitable type, located
inside this groove.
Basic Characteristics of the security cover
[0119] The basic principle of the security cover is to give it a
design or shape which, according to one preferred embodiment of the
invention, in combination with another compatible form of
retention, in addition to preventing the gun from being easily
withdrawn from the holster by a third party and in addition to
holding the gun securely in the holster, allows the holder to open
it by means of a natural movement and to grasp the gun in order to
draw it from the holster and keep it ready for firing.
[0120] FIG. 5a to 5d show the principle of a shaped cover with a
rim 7 for opening it with the thumb and some possible
implementation shapes.
[0121] This rim 7 on the back inner side of the cover is shaped in
such a way as to offer the thumb of the hand grasping the gun a
support for pivoting the cover forwards and thus releasing the
gun.
[0122] The extension of the rim 7 over a larger or smaller area of
the back ridge as well as its shape or its various shapes of
cut-outs 71, or any other combination, make it easier for any gun
according to its shape or to the shape of its sighting mechanisms
to pass. The present invention meets this requirement without
restriction on the possible variations of gun models. The shapes
may of course be studied so as to simultaneously fit the largest
number of guns.
[0123] FIGS. 6a & 6b show the operating principle of the cover
with the sole movement of the thumb according to FIG. 5a to 5d.
[0124] The cover alone cannot provide adequate security with regard
to some requirements for ensuring the protection of the gun against
unauthorised third parties. This cover will therefore preferably
work with and is compatible with one or more additional security
devices.
[0125] The triggerguard-locking system with lateral control works
very well with the cover with a rim and totally meets the
requirements of the basic concept.
[0126] The cover with a rim combined with a simplified retention of
the triggerguard with lateral control for the thumb ensures the
unlocking of the gun in the holder's same natural grasping
movement.
[0127] It is very difficult for a third party to seize the gun even
if he knows how the security devices work: from the front or from
the side, it is practically impossible to seize the gun; from the
back, the third party almost has to be trained in handling the
holster and the holder has to position himself ideally so as to
allow the third party to make this movement, i.e. his arm
sufficiently extended and his torso leaning forward, for
example.
[0128] As for the cover with a wheel for the index finger, the
cover with a rim works just as well with a triggerguard locking
system operated by the thumb with a vertical push, whatever the
mechanical system used, possibly patented (AU-A-7 302 194, AU-A-671
767, . . . ) Opening such a combination requires two stages in the
same grasping movement of the gun: [0129] release of the
triggerguard lock by the thumb, [0130] opening of the cover by the
thumb.
[0131] It may work with other similar systems. For instance, in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,574, the gun is pushed downwards in order to
open the lock; in U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,474, the gun must laterally
pivot to be released from the lock, etc. Obviously if this
triggerguard retention system requires an unnatural movement to
operate, this unnatural movement will retain the disadvantages that
this implies. This last possibility does not therefore necessarily
meet the requirements of the basic concept and it is not an
essential element of the present invention.
[0132] In addition, the cover with a wheel for the index finger is
preferably combined with a locking system with a vertical button,
as already described, since the natural movement of grasping the
gun is precisely retained. It is however not very compatible with
the above-described simplified lock since the opening motion for
both are not of the same nature (vertical forwards motion for the
index finger and lateral motion for the thumb).
[0133] The security cover in its various forms offers the advantage
of having the following range of modular security systems depending
on the user's needs and the type of operation, whilst at the same
time respecting the basic concept of the invention: [0134] cover
with an extension for metacarpal control, with or without a wheel,
or cover with a rim combined to a triggerguard lock with vertical
control and a locking strap: maximum security, practically
impossible theft; once the strap is released, the situation is as
in the following case; [0135] cover with a wheel and triggerguard
lock with vertical control: the gun is released from two different
sides with two different parts of the hand (on one side the
metacarpal angle of index/thumb and on the other side the thumb);
very high security. The movement is natural but has two
requirements and uses two fingers. Locking the gun in the holster
may be totally automatic if the lock with vertical control allows
it and works correctly; [0136] cover with a rim and triggerguard
lock with vertical control: high security, the whole system being
concentrated in the inner part of the holster, the gun is released
with the thumb but in two successive stages that may be very quick.
Locking the gun in the holster may be totally automatic if the lock
with vertical control allows it and works correctly; [0137] cover
with a rim and simplified triggerguard lock with lateral control:
high security, natural and instinctive movement in a single stage
and with the thumb only, speed of action; the whole system is
concentrated in the inner part of the holster. Locking the gun in
the holster is always 100% automatic; [0138] cover with a cover
lock: the whole of the security, closure and locking system, which
is totally automatic, is centralised in the mechanism of the
spindle and spring system cover; [0139] the three preceding
combinations: "cover with rim and triggerguard lock with vertical
control" and "cover with rim and simplified triggerguard lock" and
"cover with a cover lock" also offer the advantage of not creating
any psychomotor conflicts at all for the index finger, that is
exclusively reserved for the trigger of the gun; in this respect,
the opening system by the thumb seems superior to the system using
the metacarpal-phalanges angle of the index finger and the thumb,
as well as the wheel. Indeed, the index finger is the finger that
will directly control firing and which is therefore the last
interface between the shooter's brain and the gun. Experience shows
that using the index finger for another task in the process leading
up to firing may, in the stress situation that is always present,
cause mental confusion or confusion in the training experience. The
metacarpal-phalanges angle of thumb/index finger that presses
against the wheel is very close to the index finger, above all in
the representation of its spatial position. This may therefore lead
under violent stress to momentary confusion in the co-ordination of
the index finger and the brain; [0140] each of the above-mentioned
levels of security may be combined with the addition of a
strap.
[0141] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0142] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0143] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *