U.S. patent application number 11/465890 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for pepper spray canister holster.
Invention is credited to Edward J. Nistico.
Application Number | 20070039989 11/465890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37766543 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070039989 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nistico; Edward J. |
February 22, 2007 |
Pepper Spray Canister Holster
Abstract
A holster for a pepper spray canister includes a holster body, a
trigger pivotably attached to the holster body for movement between
a latching position and a release position and a biasing mechanism
attached to the holster body and in operative engagement with the
canister to eject the canister from the holster body when the
trigger is moved to the release position. When the trigger is in
the latching position, the trigger is directly engaged with the
canister and the canister is retained within the holster body
against a force of the biasing mechanism.
Inventors: |
Nistico; Edward J.;
(Atlantic City, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD L.L.P.
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE
2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
37766543 |
Appl. No.: |
11/465890 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60709508 |
Aug 19, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/674 ;
224/245; 224/914 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 9/10 20130101; G08B
15/02 20130101; A45F 5/021 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/674 ;
224/245; 224/914 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/00 20060101
A45F003/00 |
Claims
1. A holster for a pepper spray canister, comprising: a holster
body; a trigger pivotably attached to the holster body for movement
between a latching position and a release position; and a biasing
mechanism attached to the holster body and in operative engagement
with the canister to eject the canister from the holster body when
the trigger is moved to the release position, wherein with the
trigger in the latching position, the trigger is directly engaged
with the canister and the canister is retained within the holster
body against a force of the biasing mechanism.
2. The holster for a pepper spray canister of claim 1, wherein the
holster body has an opening for receiving a portion of the pepper
spray canister.
3. The holster for a pepper spray canister of claim 1 further
comprising a belt loop secured to the holster body and defining an
opening for receiving a belt to support the holster body on the
belt.
4. The holster for a pepper spray canister of claim 3, wherein the
belt loop has a removable sidewall.
5. The holster for a pepper spray canister of claim 1, wherein a
trigger spring biases the trigger into the latching position.
6. The holster for pepper spray canister of claim 1, wherein the
biasing mechanism is a spring.
7. The holster for a pepper spray canister of claim 6, wherein the
holster body includes a first end and a second end, the second end
having an opening for receiving a portion of the pepper spray
canister, the spring being attached to the first end of holster
body.
8. A combination holster and pepper spray canister, the combination
comprising: a pepper spray canister; a holster body having an
opening, a portion of the pepper spray canister being positioned in
the holster body; a trigger attached to the holster body for
movement between a latching position and a release position; and a
canister biasing mechanism attached to the holster body and in
operative engagement with the canister to eject the canister from
the holster body when the trigger is moved to the release position,
wherein with the trigger in the latching position, the canister is
retained within the holster body against a force of the biasing
mechanism.
9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the trigger is pivotably
mounted to the holster body.
10. The combination of claim 8, further comprising a belt loop
secured to the holster body and defining an opening for receiving a
belt to support the holster body on the belt.
11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the belt loop has a
removable sidewall.
12. The combination of claim 8, wherein a trigger spring biases the
trigger into the latching position.
13. The combination of claim 8, wherein the biasing mechanism is a
spring.
14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the holster body includes
a first end and a second end, the second end having an opening for
receiving a portion of the pepper spray canister, the spring being
attached to the first end of holster body
15. The combination of claim 8, wherein with the trigger in the
latching position, the trigger directly engages the canister.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent application No. 60/709,508 filed Aug. 19, 2005
entitled "Pepper Spray Canister Holster", the entire disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for
enabling an individual to carry a spray container. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a holster for
carrying a container of spray, such as a self-defense pepper spray
which enables quick and safe access thereof.
[0003] Pepper spray containers are used to deliver a stream or
spray of liquid for the purpose of immobilizing an attacker. Such
pepper sprays are used for personal defense, and also by police
agencies as a more humane substitute for lethal force.
[0004] It is known to provide holsters adapted to be attached to a
user's belt for the convenient transport of pepper spray canisters.
Some pepper spray canisters come equipped with their own carrier to
cover and prevent unintended discharge of the spray container. The
problem with any of the mechanisms for preventing unwanted
discharge is that such mechanisms severely hinder the ability to
produce the spray container quickly from its storage position. With
holsters having a safety cover flap, the use of the flap type
holster arrangement does not enable the spray container to be
produced as quickly as it is necessary.
[0005] In order to quickly produce the canister from the holster,
release mechanisms have been introduced. Some holsters are equipped
with a side trigger or button that urges the canister from the
holster. The short coming of such a release mechanism is that the
side buttons may accidentally be depressed. In addition, such
mechanisms require several parts, increasing manufacturing
costs.
[0006] In order to prevent accidental discharge from the holster,
twisting release holsters have been utilized. Such a release
mechanism requires a twisting motion of the canister to release it
from the holster. The short coming of such twisting release
mechanisms is that the twisting motion may take additional time in
an emergency situation to ensure that the canister is twisted in
the correct direction and with sufficient rotation. Accidental
release from the holster is also possible if the user slides or
rubs against a surface causing the canister to twist.
[0007] A need therefore exists for a personal protection canister
holster providing for quick and convenient release of a pepper
spray canister from a holster without accidental release.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly stated, an embodiment of the present invention is
directed to a holster for a pepper spray canister. The holster
includes a holster body, a trigger pivotably attached to the
holster body for movement between a latching position and a release
position, and a biasing mechanism attached to the holster body and
in operative engagement with the canister to eject the canister
from the holster body when the trigger is moved to the release
position. When the trigger is in the latching position, the trigger
is directly engaged with the canister and the canister is retained
within the holster body against a force of the biasing
mechanism.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
holster and pepper spray canister combination. The combination
includes a pepper spray canister, a holster body having an opening
with a portion of the pepper spray canister being positioned in the
holster body. A trigger is attached to the holster body for
movement between a latching position and a release position. A
canister biasing mechanism is attached to the holster body and in
operative engagement with the canister to eject the canister from
the holster body when the trigger is moved to the release position.
When the trigger is in the latching position, the canister is
retained within the holster body against a force of the biasing
mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the invention, will be better understood when read
in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings,
embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0011] In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a pepper spray canister
holster and pepper spray canister in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the pepper spray
canister holster assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the pepper spray
canister holster assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the pepper spray canister
holster assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the pepper spray canister
holster assembly taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the holster body
assembly of the pepper spray canister holster assembly of FIG. 1,
shown with the pepper spray canister removed;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a rear upper perspective view of the holster body
assembly of the pepper spray canister holster assembly of FIG. 1,
shown with the pepper spray canister removed;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a trigger lever of the
pepper spray canister holster assembly of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the trigger lever of the
pepper spray canister holster assembly of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the pepper spray
canister holster assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pepper spray canister
holster assembly of FIG. 1 showing the belt assembly with a
removable sidewall; and
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pepper spray canister
holster of FIG. 1 showing another configuration of the belt
assembly with a removable sidewall.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words, "right", "left",
"lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the preferred pepper spray canister holster and designated parts
thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words,
derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Additionally, the
word, "a" as used in the specification means, "at least one".
[0025] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals
indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-10 a
preferred embodiment of a pepper spray canister holster assembly,
generally designated 10, in accordance with the present invention.
The canister holster assembly 10 includes a pepper spray canister
12, a holster body assembly or holster 14 and a belt clip assembly
or belt clip 16. The pepper spray canister 12 is shown housed
within the holster body assembly 14 for transport on a user's belt
(not shown). The holster assembly 10 can be used for transport of
any type of appropriately sized canisters, and is not limited to
pepper spray canisters 12 of the specific type shown and described.
The illustrated pepper spray canister 12 has a top 18 a bottom 20,
a retaining protrusion 24 and a side clip 22. The pepper spray
canister 12 is not limited to the depicted canister 12, and may
include a wide variety of pepper spray canister configurations.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the holster 14 is preferably a
generally rigid box-like structure having a first side wall 28, a
second side wall 30, a first end wall 32, a second end wall 34, and
a base 36. The holster 14 has an open top 38 and is sized and
shaped to receive the pepper spray canister 12 through the open top
38. The holster 14 is preferably formed from a lightweight high
strength material such as an impact resistant polymeric material,
such as the polymeric material sold under the registered trademark
LEXAN.RTM. but it could be made of any other suitable material. The
holster 14 is preferably formed used conventional manufacturing
techniques such as injection molding but it could be made using
some other technique, if desired.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, a biasing mechanism, in the present
embodiment a canister spring 40, such as a coil spring, is attached
to an interior surface of the base 36 by a fastener such as a
spring rivet 42. Alternatively, the canister spring 40 could be
held in place in some other manner such as by an interference fit
with an element (not shown) extending from the base 36. For
example, a cup-like structure (not shown), having a rim sized and
shaped to retain the spring 40 within the cup-like structure could
be provided. A first or distal end of the canister spring 40
extends freely upwardly from the base 36, and as is described in
more detail below, engages the bottom 20 of the canister 12 to
exert a biasing force on the canister 12 which moves the canister
12 upwardly.
[0028] With particular reference to FIG. 7, the holster 14 includes
a trigger assembly 26 which includes a trigger 44 pivotally
attached to the holster 14 for pivotal movement between a latching
position 46 (see FIG. 3) and a release position 46a (shown in
phantom on FIG. 5). The trigger assembly 26 also includes a trigger
spring 48 which biases the trigger 44 into the latching position
46. As discussed further below, in the release position 46a, the
trigger 44 does not restrain the canister 12, and the canister
spring 40 operates to eject the canister 12 from the holster
14.
[0029] With particular reference to FIG. 8, the trigger 44 is
preferably a one-piece member having a first end 50, a second end
52, a first face 54, and a second face 56 (see FIG. 7).
Intermediate the first and second ends 50, 52, is a pivot pin hole
58, sized to receive a pivot pin 60 (see FIG. 10). The pivot pin 60
extends through the pivot pin hole 58 and into suitable aligned
openings within the side walls 28, 30 to pivotally attach the
trigger 44 to the holster 14. The trigger 44 further includes a
retaining ledge 62 proximate to the second end 52 and a recess 64
adjacent to the retaining ledge 62. Operation of the retaining
ledge 62 and recess 64 is described below.
[0030] With particular reference to FIG. 9, in the present
embodiment, the trigger spring 48 is generally U or V-shaped and is
preferably formed of an elastically resilient metal, such as spring
steel. Alternatively, other conventional biasing members of various
other shapes and/or materials could be substituted for the trigger
spring 48. The trigger spring 48 includes a first leg 66 and a
second leg 68. A rivet hole 70 is provided in the first leg 66,
allowing the trigger spring 48 to be secured to the holster 14 with
a trigger rivet 72 (see FIG. 5). The trigger spring 48 is shown to
have a coiled portion at a terminal end 74 of the second leg 68.
Alternatively, the terminal end 74 of the second leg 68 could be
substantially flat, with a chamfered end or could have some other
configuration to permit the terminal end of the second leg 68 to
slide easily along the first trigger face 54 in the manner
described below.
[0031] With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the trigger 44
is biased into the latching position 46 by the trigger spring 48.
Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the terminal end 74 of the
second leg 68 engages the second face 56 of the trigger 44, thus
urging the trigger 44 into the latching position 46. Alternatively,
the terminal end 74 of the second leg 68 could engage the first
face 54 of the trigger 44 proximate the recess 64, as illustrated
in both FIGS. 3 and 5. The trigger 44 is preferably located on the
inside of the first end wall 32 or the second end wall 34 such that
the trigger 44 is not likely to be unintentionally depressed while
allowing the user to conveniently use a thumb or index finger of
the hand receiving the canister 12 to press the first end 50 of the
trigger 44 to the release position for ejection of the canister 12
into the hand of the user.
[0032] With particular reference now to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the
belt clip assembly 16 includes a belt clip body 76, shaped
generally as an elongated cylinder having elongated flattened side
walls and rounded end walls to define a central belt receiving
opening 78. The central opening 78 is sized and shaped to receive a
belt (not shown) worn by the user. The belt clip assembly 16 may be
tightened firmly against the user's belt by a belt tensioner 80,
which is positioned within the central opening 78 by tightening a
pair of tensioning screws 82. The belt clip body 76 is attached to
a side wall 28 or 30 of the holster 14 by one or more belt clip
fasteners 84 or in some other manner. The fasteners 84 are
preferably threaded screws and nuts. Other conventional fasteners,
such as rivets, could also be used. Removable fasteners are
preferable, allowing the holster 14 to be positioned on either side
of the belt clip 16, accommodating either left handed or right
handed users. Access holes 86 extending through the belt clip body
76 provide access for installation of the belt clip fasteners 84.
Additionally, snap fit or slide fit belt clip bodies 76 as shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12 may be utilized.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, additional embodiments of a
pepper spray canister holster assembly 10a, 10b without belt clip
fasteners 84 are shown. Rather than being held to the holster 14 by
belt clip fasteners 84, the belt clip body 76 may be slid over the
holster 14. The belt clip bodies 17a and 17b are removably
attached, such as a snap fit engagement, to the holster 14 and may
be easily removed and orientated to adapt to left and right handed
users. The pepper spray canister holster assemblies 10a and 10b
also differ from the preferred embodiment 10 in that the belt clip
assemblies 17a and 17b include a removal side wall 88, that allows
for the holster and pepper spray assembly 10a and 10b to be removed
from a belt (not shown) without removal of the belt from the user.
The removable side wall 88 allows for the holster and pepper spray
assembly 10a and 10b to be quickly and easily removed from a belt
and also allows for the belt assembly 16 to fit a variety of belt
sizes and configurations.
[0034] The belt clip body 76 is preferably formed from the same
polymeric material used to form the holster 14, using conventional
manufacturing techniques such as injecting molding. The belt clip
body 76 could be formed from other materials using other
manufacturing techniques if desired. In use, the pepper spray
canister assembly 10, 10a, 10b is mounted to the user's belt (not
shown), and appropriately secured using the belt tensioner 80 or
removal side wall 88.
[0035] Without the pepper spray canister 12 installed in the
holster 14 (as shown in FIG. 7), the canister spring 40 is fully
extended, and the trigger 44 is biased into the latching position
46 by the trigger spring 48. The user may install a pepper spray
canister 12, by pushing the canister 12 bottom side 20 down through
the top opening 38 and downwardly into the holster 14 against the
bias of the canister spring 40 until the canister retaining
protrusion 24 engages the retaining ledge 62 of the trigger 44 so
that a portion of the retaining protrusion 24 is received within
and is captured by the trigger recess 64 to thereby lock the
canister 12 in place within the holster 14. With the canister 12
locked into engagement with the trigger 44, the canister spring 40
is compressed, the canister spring 40 thus exerting a force on the
canister bottom 20 tending to expel the canister 12 from the
holster 14. The force of the canister spring 40 is resisted and
overcome by an opposing force exerted on the canister 12 by the
trigger retaining ledge 62.
[0036] When the user wishes to remove the canister 12 from the
holster 14, the user pushes inwardly on the first trigger end 50
against the bias of the trigger spring 48 thereby rotating the
trigger 44 about the pin 60 from the latching position 46 into a
release position 46a. As the trigger 44 rotates, the trigger
retaining ledge 62 is moved out of engagement with the canister
retaining protrusion 24, allowing the force of the compressed
canister spring 40 to eject or push the canister 12 upwardly so
that at least a portion of the canister 12 extends out of the
holster 14.
[0037] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the preferred embodiment of the pepper
spray canister holster assembly 10 described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present
application.
* * * * *