U.S. patent application number 12/290402 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for handgun holster.
Invention is credited to Michael A. Castaneda.
Application Number | 20100108728 12/290402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42130191 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100108728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castaneda; Michael A. |
May 6, 2010 |
Handgun holster
Abstract
A holster for a concealable handgun has a front assembly, a rear
assembly, and straps for securing the holster to a user's body. The
front assembly and rear assembly are joined to each other to form a
pocket, open at the top, to receive a handgun. Each of the front
and rear assemblies is formed from a sandwich of flexible fabric
folded in half to form a top edge, and joined to each other to form
the pocket opening at the top. The rear assembly further includes a
waterproof layer of fabric to act as a barrier preventing moisture
from the user to affect the handgun. A strap is secured to each
side of the open top edge and the straps adjustably secured to each
other around the user. When the straps are secured, tension passes
through the open top of the pocket forcing the top edges of the
first and second assemblies closed and securing the handgun in the
pocket.
Inventors: |
Castaneda; Michael A.;
(Costa Mesa, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael A. Castaneda
Apt. D, 343 E. 18th St.
Costa Mesa
CA
92627
US
|
Family ID: |
42130191 |
Appl. No.: |
12/290402 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/243 ;
224/192; 224/587 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/046 20130101;
F41C 33/0209 20130101; F41C 33/048 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/243 ;
224/587; 224/192 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/02 20060101
F41C033/02 |
Claims
1. A handgun holding device comprising: a holster assembly
comprising a front assembly secured to a rear assembly forming a
pocket therein having an open top edge; a first strap having one
end attached to one side of the open top edge and a second strap
having one end attached to an opposite side of the open top edge;
and a retention means attached to an unattached end of the first
strap and second strap for adjustably securing the first strap and
second strap around a portion of a user's body, wherein tension in
the first and second straps is adjusted by the retention means, and
wherein the tension passes through the open top edge of the holster
pocket thereby stretching the materials of the front assembly and
the rear assembly in opposing directions, thereby forcefully
sandwiching the handgun within the pocket.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the front assembly further
comprises a first plurality of flexible sheets of material folded,
the fold defining the front assembly upper edge, and wherein the
rear assembly further comprises a second plurality of flexible
sheets of material folded, the fold defining the rear assembly
upper edge.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein one of the second plurality of
the flexible sheets is a waterproof, breathable membrane.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein each of the first and the second
pluralities of flexible sheets of material includes reinforcing
fabric.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the retention means is one of a
hook and loop fastener.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and the
second strap comprises elastic material.
7. A handgun holding device comprising: a holster assembly
comprising a front assembly secured to a rear assembly forming a
pocket therein having an open top edge, wherein the front assembly
further comprises a first plurality of flexible sheets of material
folded, the fold defining the front assembly upper edge, and
wherein the rear assembly further comprises a second plurality of
flexible sheets of material folded, the fold defining the rear
assembly upper edge; a first strap having one end attached to one
side of the open top edge and a second strap having one end
attached to an opposite side of the open top edge; and a retention
means attached to an unattached end of the first strap and second
strap for adjustably securing the first strap and second strap
around a portion of a user's body.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein tension in the first and second
straps is adjusted by the retention means.
9. The device of claim 7, wherein the tension passes through the
open top edge of the holster pocket thereby stretching the
materials of the front assembly and the rear assembly in opposing
directions, thereby forcefully sandwiching the handgun within the
pocket.
10. The device of claim 7, wherein one of the second plurality of
the flexible sheets is a waterproof, breathable membrane.
11. The device of claim 7, wherein each of the first and the second
pluralities of flexible sheets of material includes reinforcing
fabric.
12. The device of claim 7, wherein the retention means is one of a
hook and loop fastener.
13. The device of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first and
the second strap comprises elastic material.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a handgun holster, specifically to
a holster utilized for concealed applications.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] An ideal holster for concealed applications should be
comfortable, snag-free, and provide easy handgun access. The
holster should be self-supporting and adaptable so that it can be
worn at multiple locations on a person. Retention of a handgun is
especially important during a defensive situation so the holster
must include a mechanical means for retention to secure the
handgun. Holsters made of rigid or bulky materials that show
through clothing or require the holster to be exposed are not
desirable for concealment purposes.
[0003] The prior art suffers from numerous deficiencies. For
example U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,031 describes a concealment holster in
which a zipper mechanism is prone to malfunctions; U.S. Pat. No.
5,170,919 describes a holster that is worn in open view; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,909,834 describes a concealment holster that has an upper
edge exposed seam that can unravel; and U.S. Pat. No. D361,656
includes a downward facing seam that can snag on handgun
protrusions. In both U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,834 and U.S. Pat. No.
D361,656, the elastic straps fail to pass tension through the
holster's front and rear panel thereby failing to secure a
handgun.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one embodiment, a holster that can be
worn comfortably and covertly at multiple locations on a person
depending on the individual's personal preference is described. The
holster is independent of the users clothing and contains a means
for mechanically retaining a handgun secure and in position during
movement. The holster is constructed so that it will not snag on
the protrusions found on various handguns.
[0005] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a mobile
terminal and method of controlling a broadcast therein that
substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and
disadvantages of the related art.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a holster
that is comfortable, snag-free, and provide easy handgun access for
concealed applications.
[0007] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0008] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a handgun holding device includes a
holster assembly that comprises a front assembly secured to a rear
assembly forming a pocket therein having an open top edge, a first
strap having one end attached to one side of the open top edge a
second strap having one end attached to an opposite side of the
open top edge, and a retention means attached to an unattached end
of the first strap and second strap for adjustably securing the
first strap and second strap around a portion of a user's body. The
tension in the first and second straps is adjusted by the retention
means, and the tension passes through the open top edge of the
holster pocket thereby stretching the materials of the front
assembly and the rear assembly in opposing directions, thereby
forcefully sandwiching the handgun within the pocket.
[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description, serve to explain
the principle of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the holster according
to one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the holster according to one
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the construction of the
front assembly of the holster according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the construction of the
rear assembly of the holster according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of the holster with section lines
according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the holster according to the
embodiment of FIG. 5 taken at the section plane and in the
direction indicated by section lines 66.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front view of the holster with section lines
according to a second embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the holster according to the
second embodiment of FIG. 7 taken at the sectioning plane and in
the direction indicated by section lines 8-8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the holster. The
holster has a front assembly 40 stitched to a rear assembly 42 and
the seam between the front assembly 40 and the rear assembly 42 is
sealed on the bottom and the sides forming a pocket. The rear
assembly 42 has a larger vertical dimension than front assembly 40
to ensure that when the two assemblies are joined, the opening at
the top of the pocket is readily identifiable and accessible.
Elastic straps 24 are attached to each side of the top of the
pocket formed by the front assembly 40 and the rear assembly 42
using means known in the art.
[0020] The front assembly 40 and rear assembly 42 are joined
together at the exposed side and rounded lower edges. Double fold
bias tape 22 is used to enclose the exposed side and lower edges of
the now joined front assembly 40 and rear assembly 42. This leaves
the two top edges open forming a receiving pocket for a handgun.
The pocket may be further divided into two separate receiving
pockets by applying a straight-line vertical stitch 50 at the mid
point of front assembly 40.
[0021] The elastic straps 24 are individually sewn to the two
opposing sides of the front assembly 40 so that stitching 70
penetrates through front assembly 40 and rear assembly 42. Each of
the unattached ends of the elastic straps 24 is terminated with a
length of polypropylene webbing 26. Hook fastener 28 and loop
fastener 30 are then attached to the lengths of polypropylene
webbing 26 in such a manner as to operationally join the elastic
straps 24 to each other thereby adjustably securing the holster to
a user. The lengths of the elastic straps 24 and the polypropylene
webbing 26 may be selected to accommodate different sized users.
The width of the elastic straps 24 and the polypropylene webbing 26
may be selected according to the weight capacity of the holster. By
way of illustration, but not limitation, the width of the elastic
straps 24 and the polypropylene webbing 26 may be 2 inches.
[0022] While the holster is described having elastic straps 24
secured with hook fastener 28 and loop fastener 30 as illustration,
not limitation, other strapping material and securing means may be
used, for example polypropylene webbing fitted with an adjustment
buckle.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the holster's front assembly 40 is
constructed of a layer of oval shaped interfacing fabric 32
sandwiched between two similarly shaped layers of denim 20. Denim
material is used for purposes of illustration without limitation,
and the material for the front assembly 40 and rear assembly 42 may
be any suitable fabric or flexible material. An iron or similar
heating device applies heat and steam to the non-fusible side of
the interfacing fabric 32. The fusible side reacts to the heat and
steam by forming a permanent bond to the underside of the outer
layer of denim 20. The oval shaped layers of material are then
folded in half to form a half oval or shield-like shape with a
seamless top edge and exposed side and bottom edges so that the
handgun does not snag on the top edge when drawn.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows the holster's rear assembly 42 constructed of a
layer of oval shaped interfacing fabric 32 and a similarly shaped
layer of denim 20. The interfacing fabric 32 is bonded to the
underside of denim 20 in the same manner as in front assembly 40.
Breathable waterproof fabric 34 such as ULTREX.RTM., GORTEX.RTM.,
STORMTECH.RTM., or CUSHMAX.RTM., is cut to form a half-oval or
shield-like pattern that is sewn into position so that it conforms
to the side and rounded lower edges of the now fused interfacing
fabric 32 and denim 20. The fused interfacing fabric 32 and denim
20 are folded in half sandwiching the breathable waterproof fabric
34 and conforming to the half-oval or shield-like shape of the
breathable waterproof fabric. The folded assembly has a seamless
top edge and exposed bottom and side edges so that the handgun does
not snag on the top edge when drawn.
[0025] Denim 20 provides a smooth draw surface for the handgun,
while interfacing fabric 32 adds support to the denim 20 and
prevents bubble formation in the material that are known to snag on
the handgun. Breathable waterproof material 34 acts as a barrier to
prevent moister from passing through the rear assembly 42 to the
handgun, while allowing the denim 20 to breath. Bias tape 22
encloses the exposed side and bottom edges of front assembly 40 and
rear assemble 42 to prevent fraying of the enclosed materials.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the holster and FIG. 6 shows
the top of front assembly 40 and rear assembly 42 wherein rear
assembly 42 extends approximately 1 inch above that of front
assembly 40 providing additional protection to the handgun. The
front assembly 40 measures approximately 9 inches in length by 51/4
in height after it is folded, while the rear assembly measures
approximately 9 inches in length by 61/4 in height. The dimensions
are exemplary only and the size of the holster may vary according
to the size of the handgun to be carried.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the top of front assembly
40 and rear assembly 42 indicated by 6-6 shown on FIG. 5.
[0028] A second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. An accessory
divider 44 having the same dimensions as the rear assembly 42 is
comprised of an oval shaped piece of denim 20 with a similarly
shaped piece of interfacing fabric 32 fused within. The materials
are then folded in half to form a half oval or shield-like shape
that conforms to the side and lower right edges of front assembly
40 and rear assembly 42. It is then sewn to front assembly 40 at
its side and lower edges and a vertical stitch 50 is applied to
create two ambidextrous receiving pockets described previously.
Both accessory divider 44 and front assembly 40 are then sewn at
their side and lower edges to rear assembly 42 so that the
accessory divider 44 is sandwiched between the two assemblies. Bias
tape 22 is used to enclose the side and lower edges of front
assembly 40, accessory divider 44, and rear assembly 42.
Construction of the remainder of the holster does not deviate from
the first embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the top of the front
assembly 40, the rear assembly 42, and the accessory divider 44
indicated by 8-8 shown on FIG. 7.
[0030] To use the accessory divider 44, the user places valuables
such as money or shooting accessories between rear assembly 42 and
accessory divider 44. The addition of the accessory divider 44 does
not change holster operation or function.
[0031] To use the holster, a handgun is inserted into one of the
two ambidextrous receiving pockets created by vertical stitch 50 of
FIG. 1. The holster is then positioned in front of the user's
abdomen on top of any undergarments. Elastic straps 24 are then
secured using hook fastener 28 and loop fastener 30. This is
accomplished by pulling the two elastic straps 24 in a rearward
fashion so they encircle the user's hips. Hook fastener 28 and loop
fastener 30 are then secured together so that the hook side of hook
fastener 28 grips the loop side of loop fastener 30. Webbing 26
creates a rigid gripping surface for both the hook side and loop
side of the two fasteners and fully encloses the far edge of the
two elastic straps 24.
[0032] The two elastic straps 24 are individually sewn to the two
opposing side edges of bias tape 22 so that both elastic straps 24
run horizontal to rear assembly 42, but also rest on top of front
assembly 40 and rear assembly 42. Stitching 70 runs through the
entire front assembly 40 and rear assembly 42 gripping all
materials within with no interruption, creating a mechanical means
for retention that utilizes tension to secure the handgun inside of
the ambidextrous receiving pockets. When the user secures the
elastic straps 24 as described above, tension runs through the two
elastic straps 24. This tension is transferred to both front
assembly 40 and rear assembly 42 causing the two assemblies to
tighten as they are pulled outward. The tightening effect
effectively sandwiches the enclosed handgun and assists in
retention during movement without impeding access to the handgun.
Tension in the rear assembly 42 creates a tight fit against the
abdomen eliminating any space between the holster and the user's
body.
[0033] Once the holster is secured and the handgun is holstered,
the user can conceal the holster under pants, shorts, or a similar
outer garment. To draw the handgun, the user pushes the waistband
of the outer garment outwards using their non-shooting hand. The
user's shooting hand then reaches between the newly created space
to remove the handgun from the holster. To holster the handgun, the
user creates space between the ambidextrous receiving pockets with
their non-shooting hand and inserts the handgun into the pocket
with their shooting hand.
[0034] Alternatively, the holster can be positioned on the side of
the user's waist much like a modern inside-the-waistband-holster.
This allows faster handgun access and it is highly concealable as
there are no external holster clips or fasteners to add to the
profile of the holster. The elastic straps 24 are positioned above
the hips at waist level. Only the handgun's grips will be visible.
The user's shirt or coat can be worn over the grip for full
concealment. To draw the handgun, the user clears their shirt or
coat with their non-shooting hand and draws the handgun with their
shooting hand. To holster the handgun, the user creates space
between the ambidextrous receiving pouches with their non-shooting
hand and inserts the handgun into the pocket with their shooting
hand. The user's belt will also aid in retention when using this
method by adding additional pressure to the frame of the holstered
handgun.
[0035] Other methods of carry not described may be utilized
depending on the user's preference. Each alternative method
requires that the same steps be taken to both fasten the holster
and to holster the handgun.
* * * * *