U.S. patent application number 11/926870 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for weapon holster system.
Invention is credited to Steve M. Buress.
Application Number | 20080121670 11/926870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39462600 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080121670 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buress; Steve M. |
May 29, 2008 |
Weapon Holster System
Abstract
A weapon holster system is described that includes a holster
with a quick-release latch device configured to retain a handgun
equipped securely in a holster while permitting a quick release
when the user requires. The quick-release holster system provided
herein is simple and safe to operate with one hand because it does
not require the use of any area around the trigger or trigger guard
to secure the weapon. The quick-release holster system is versatile
because the latch device is compatible with any light/laser system
attached to the frame of the handgun, and is reliable and durable
because it provides a strong retaining force constructed from
durable material.
Inventors: |
Buress; Steve M.; (Tracy,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COURTNEY STANIFORD & GREGORY LLP
P.O. BOX 9686
SAN JOSE
CA
95157
US
|
Family ID: |
39462600 |
Appl. No.: |
11/926870 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60854819 |
Oct 27, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/0263 20130101;
F41C 33/0254 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/243 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/02 20060101
F41C033/02 |
Claims
1. A holster comprising: a pocket shaped to receive a handgun
having a slide and an ejection port; a latch including an
engagement end and a release end, wherein the engagement end is
positioned opposite the release end; a pivot connecting the latch
to an interior of the pocket, the pivot configured to allow
positioning of the latch in an engage position and a release
position relative to the handgun; and a locking face on the
engagement end of the latch, the locking face shaped and positioned
to secure the handgun in the pocket when the latch is in the engage
position by engaging the ejection port.
2. The holster of claim 1, wherein the locking face is shaped and
positioned to release the handgun from the pocket when the latch is
in the release position by disengaging the ejection port.
3. The holster of claim 2, wherein the release end of the latch is
shaped and positioned such that urging of the release end by a
finger of a user causes the disengaging.
4. The holster of claim 1, comprising a tension device connected to
the latch, the tension device positioned to retain the latch in the
engage position.
5. The holster of claim 4, wherein the tension device is positioned
such that urging of the release end of the latch by a finger of a
user causes the disengaging.
6. The holster of claim 1, comprising a side wall connected to the
pocket and opposite the latch, wherein the side wall is configured
to align the ejection port with the engagement end by limiting an
amount of movement of the handgun in a direction away from the
latch.
7. The holster of claim 1, wherein the engagement end of the latch
includes a ramp surface proximal to the locking face.
8. The holster of claim 7, wherein the ramp surface is configured
such that, as the handgun is inserted into the pocket, the ramp
surface contacts the slide and displaces the engagement end in a
direction away from the ejection port, wherein with the handgun
positioned in the pocket and absent contact between the ramp
surface and the slide the latch changes position resulting in the
locking face making contact with the ejection port.
9. The holster of claim 1, wherein the pocket is configured to
accept the handgun when a lighting device is connected to a lower
portion of the handgun.
10. A holster comprising: a pocket shaped to receive a handgun
having a slide and an ejection port; a latch connected to the
pocket at a pivot, the latch including an engagement end and a
release end, wherein the pivot is located between the engagement
end and the release end; and a locking face on the engagement end
of the latch, the latch and the locking face shaped and positioned
to secure the handgun in the holster by engaging an interior
portion of the ejection port, the latch and the locking face shaped
and positioned to release the handgun from the holster by
disengaging the ejection port when a user exerts pressure on the
release end of the latch.
11. The holster of claim 10, wherein the locking face is shaped and
positioned to release the handgun from the pocket when the latch is
in the release position by disengaging the ejection port.
12. The holster of claim 11, wherein the release end of the latch
is shaped and positioned such that urging of the release end by a
finger of a user causes the disengaging.
13. The holster of claim 10, comprising a tension device connected
to the latch, the tension device positioned to retain the latch in
the engage position.
14. The holster of claim 13, wherein the tension device is
positioned such that urging of the release end of the latch by a
finger of a user causes the disengaging.
15. The holster of claim 10, comprising a side wall connected to
the pocket and opposite the latch, wherein the side wall is
configured to align the ejection port with the engagement end by
limiting an amount of movement of the handgun in a direction away
from the latch.
16. The holster of claim 10, wherein the engagement end of the
latch includes a ramp surface proximal to the locking face.
17. The holster of claim 16, wherein the ramp surface is configured
such that, as the handgun is inserted into the pocket, the ramp
surface contacts the slide and displaces the engagement end in a
direction away from the ejection port, wherein with the handgun
positioned in the pocket and absent contact between the ramp
surface and the slide the latch changes position resulting in the
locking face making contact with the ejection port.
18. The holster of claim 10, wherein the pocket is configured to
accept the handgun when a lighting device is connected to a lower
portion of the handgun.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent
Application No. 60/854,819, filed Oct. 27, 2006.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure herein relates generally to weapon holster
systems. In particular, this disclosure relates to holster systems
for securing a handgun in a holster.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many users of firearms like handguns attach lights or light
systems to the frame of the handgun, particularly military and law
enforcement personnel. The handgun with the attached light system
is carried in a holster designed to protect the handgun and hold it
securely. Holsters can be worn in a number of ways, such as on a
belt at the waist, under an armpit, or around an ankle.
[0004] Certain users of handguns must be able to quickly and easily
insert and remove a handgun with an attached light from a holster
regardless of the type of holster and/or light system.
Additionally, these users need to be assured that, when not in use,
the handgun will remain safely in the holster. Because some methods
of retaining a handgun in a holster do not permit a user to quickly
release the handgun and attached light system using one hand only,
a need exists for an improved handgun holster retainer latch that
can be easily operated with the same hand that withdraws the
firearm and attached light system from the holster.
[0005] Conventional holsters can rely solely on friction to secure
the handgun and light system in the holster. This combination
however might not be suitable for situations where the gun/holster
is subject to a great deal of movement because such movement could
cause the handgun and attached light to loose frictional engagement
with the holster.
[0006] Conventional holsters can also include a variety of strap or
flap arrangements that prevent the removal of the firearm from the
holster while the strap or flap is in place. Use of the strap/flap
to secure the handgun requires a user to first unfasten the
strap/flap before the firearm can be withdrawn. Some users might
not prefer this design because of the time required to release the
handgun.
[0007] Conventional holsters can also include a lever device that
can be operated by the same hand used to withdraw the firearm. The
lever arm of the conventional lever device engages the trigger
guard of a handgun in order to retain a handgun without an attached
light system in the holster. This design, however, does not allow
for attachment of a light system to the handgun. The position of
the lever device, as it engages the trigger guard, interferes with
any attachable light system, so it is not compatible with handguns
that have attached light systems. Furthermore, this conventional
lever device engages the trigger area of the handgun and might not
be considered safe by some users. Consequently, there is a need for
a holster system that allows for secure carriage and immediate safe
access to a handgun having an attached light system.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0008] Each patent, patent application, and/or publication
mentioned in this specification is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent,
patent application, and/or publication was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of the weapon holster system
that includes a latch device securing a firearm, under an
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the latch device of the weapon
holster system, under an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of the weapon holster system, under an
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of the weapon holster system that
includes a latch device securing a firearm, under an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] A weapon holster system is described herein that includes a
holster with a quick-release latch device configured to retain a
handgun equipped with an attached light system securely in a
holster while permitting a quick release when the user requires.
The quick-release holster system provided herein is simple and safe
to operate with one hand because it does not require the use of any
area around the trigger or trigger guard to secure the weapon. The
quick-release holster system is versatile because the latch device
is compatible with any light/laser system attached to the frame of
the handgun, and is reliable and durable because it provides a
strong retaining force constructed from durable material.
[0014] In the following description, numerous specific details are
introduced to provide a thorough understanding of, and enabling
description for, embodiments of the weapon holster system. One
skilled in the relevant art, however, will recognize that these
embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific
details, or with other components, systems, etc. In other
instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown, or
are not described in detail, to avoid obscuring aspects of the
disclosed embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of the weapon holster system
100 that includes a latch or latch device 102 securing a firearm
190 in a pocket or holster, under an embodiment. A tactical light
110 is attached to the firearm 190. The latch device 102 generally
engages the ejection port 192 of the firearm 190. In addition to
the latch, the weapon holster system 100 may include other
components for securing the firearm in the holster (e.g., straps,
flaps, etc.) as appropriate to the type of holster, and/or type
and/or configuration of weapon which the holster is intended to
receive.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the latch device 102 of the weapon
holster system 100, under an embodiment. The latch device 102
includes a finger button 122, an engagement region 124 or end, and
a pivot 126 or pivot point.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of the weapon holster system 100, under
an embodiment. In addition to the latch device 102, the system 100
includes an adjustable side support 104 or side wall support. The
side support 104 is adjustable in order to accommodate different
weapons and different holsters 100. The holster system 100 is
configured to include the side support 104 on an interior wall of
the holster 100 opposite the side of the holster that includes the
latch device 102. The side support 104 of this example embodiment
is shown as a one-piece support, however the side support of
alternative embodiments can include any number of components
located in any combination of positions in the holster 100 as
appropriate to a configuration of the holster 100 and/or the
handgun the holster is configured to accept.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of the weapon holster system 100 that
includes a latch device 102 securing a firearm 190, under an
embodiment. The latch device 102 generally engages the ejection
port 192 of the firearm 190. The side support 104 is adjustable by
a user to accommodate a variety of handgun configurations.
[0019] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the holster 100 is shaped to
enclose a handgun and can comprise any suitable material such as
leather, woven nylon cloth, and/or any of a variety of polymers or
plastics. Additionally, the holster 100 can include one or more
additional elements such as a clip or loop for attaching the
holster 100 to a belt, and/or straps for securing the holster 100
around a user's shoulder or ankle.
[0020] The latch device 102 is a quick-release device attached to
the holster 100 and, when so attached, takes the place of a portion
of the holster 100. A holstered weapon's movement in a direction
away from the latch device 102 is controlled and restricted by the
holster 100, while movement of the weapon in all other directions
is restricted by the latch device 102. The latch device 102 is
molded from a plastic material such as nylon and can be secured to
the holster 100 by rivets, high-strength adhesive, and/or any other
suitable method.
[0021] The latch device 102 includes a lever 102 having an
engagement end 124 and a release end 122 or finger button end 122.
The engagement end 124 comprises a locking face and a ramp surface.
The lever 102 is attached to a support wall by a fulcrum or pivot
126. The pivot 126 can extend all or part of the way across the
width of the lever 102. The pivot 126 can be thinner than the
support wall and the lever 102 to ensure that the pivot 126 flexes
properly when the finger button end 122 is urged but is not so
limited. The latch device 102 position is molded to fit the shape
of the particular handgun used.
[0022] The side support 104 is opposite the support wall of the
lever 102. The support wall and the side wall 104 are spaced apart
from each other a distance slightly in excess of the width or
outside limits of the top portion (e.g. slide) of the particular
handgun used. The support wall and the side wall 104 can be
substantially parallel to each other, but are not so limited. The
support wall and the side wall 104, by conforming to the dimensions
of the firearm slide, control the lateral movement of the
particular handgun used while it is in the holster 100 yet are not
spaced so close so as to prevent a user from easily holstering or
drawing the firearm. The support wall and the side wall 104 are
joined to an outer wall 106 of the holster 100. Together, the
support wall, the side wall 104, and the outer wall 106 form an
open end 108 proximal to the finger button end 122 of the lever
102.
[0023] In operation, the latch device 102 of the holster system
secures a slide-type handgun within the holster by action of the
locking face of the latch device 102 engaging the ejection port of
the handgun. As a user begins to holster the handgun 190 the slide
enters the open end of the holster. The slide is guided by the side
wall 104, the support wall and the outer wall 106. As the handgun
190 is inserted further, the slide contacts the ramp surface of the
latch device 102 and displaces the engagement end 124 of the lever
102 away from the slide. The lever 102 will continue to move until
the ejection port 192 has cleared the ramp surface, whereupon the
lever 102 will snap back into the original position. At this point
the tension of the tension-loaded or spring-loaded lever 102 holds
the engagement end 124 against the open area of the slide
surrounding the ejection port 192. The handgun 190 is secured in
place by operation of the engagement end 124 in contact with the
ejection port 192. Any removal force applied will have no effect
unless the finger button end 122 is urged.
[0024] The finger button 122 is activated to release the handgun
simultaneously with or as part of the user's draw stroke when
drawing the handgun 190 from the holster 100. To release the
handgun 190, the finger button end 122 of the lever 102 is urged
inward towards the support wall. At some point the support wall
will stop the inward movement of the finger button end 122, thus
eliminating the possibility that the finger button end 122 can
prevent the removal of the handgun 190 by contacting the handgun
190. As the engagement end 124 clears the inner surface of the
ejection port 192, the handgun is released from secure carriage by
the holster 100. At this time the user releases the finger button
end 122, whereupon the lever 102 will return to its original
position, and continues drawing the handgun 190 from the holster
100. The handgun 190 will no longer be locked in place and the user
can now grasp the grip and draw the weapon.
[0025] The weapon holster system of an embodiment includes a
holster for a handgun having an ejection port and attached light
system. The holster system includes a pocket shaped region to
receive the handgun and attached light system. The holster system
includes a latch device that includes a moveable lever with an
engagement end and a finger button end. The moveable lever is
configured to pivot at a point located between the engagement end
and the finger button end. The holster system includes a locking
face on the engagement end. The locking face shaped and positioned
to secure the handgun in the holster by engaging the ejection port
such that the removal of the handgun with or without the attached
light system from the holster requires urging of the finger button
end.
[0026] The latch device of the weapon holster system of an
embodiment includes a side wall located proximal to the moveable
lever. The side wall is configured to align the ejection port of
the handgun with the engagement end by restricting the movement of
the handgun in a direction away from the moveable lever.
[0027] The engagement end of the weapon holster system of an
embodiment includes a ramp surface proximal to the locking face
configured such that, as the handgun is inserted into the holster,
the ejection port will contact the ramp surface and displace the
engagement end in a direction away from the ejection port until a
point at which the ramp surface is no longer in contact with the
ejection port. The engagement end then moves in a direction toward
the ejection port and secures the handgun in the holster.
[0028] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like
are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an
exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of
"including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural
number also include the plural or singular number respectively.
Additionally, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below,"
and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer
to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions
of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a
list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following
interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of
the items in the list and any combination of the items in the
list.
[0029] The above description of embodiments of the weapon holster
system is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the systems and
methods to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments
of, and examples for, the weapon holster system are described
herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications
are possible within the scope of the systems and methods, as those
skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the
weapon holster system provided herein can be applied to other
systems and methods, not only for the systems and methods described
above.
[0030] The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and
other changes can be made to the weapon holster system in light of
the above detailed description.
* * * * *