U.S. patent application number 12/252899 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for holster apparatus for use with firearms.
Invention is credited to Hans-Peter Frankl, Robert Hirt, Josef Klausmann, Rudiger Lieske.
Application Number | 20100276464 12/252899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39677725 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100276464 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hirt; Robert ; et
al. |
November 4, 2010 |
HOLSTER APPARATUS FOR USE WITH FIREARMS
Abstract
Holster apparatus for use with firearms are described. An
example holster apparatus comprises an elongate body having a first
interface coupled to a first portion of the body to engage a first
element of a firearm. The first interface moves between a first
position to engage the first element of the firearm and a second
position to release the first element of the firearm. The example
holster apparatus also includes a second interface removably
coupled to the body adjacent the first interface to engage a second
element of a firearm.
Inventors: |
Hirt; Robert; (Balingen,
DE) ; Frankl; Hans-Peter; (Oberndorf, DE) ;
Klausmann; Josef; (Oberndorf, DE) ; Lieske;
Rudiger; (Oberndorf, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HANLEY, FLIGHT & ZIMMERMAN, LLC
150 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2100
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
39677725 |
Appl. No.: |
12/252899 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61039012 |
Mar 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/243 ;
224/271 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/0245 20130101;
F41C 33/041 20130101; F41C 33/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/243 ;
224/271 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/02 20060101
F41C033/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2007 |
DE |
10 2007 049 954.1 |
Claims
1. A holster apparatus for use with firearms, comprising: an
elongated body; a first interface coupled to a first portion of the
elongated body to engage a first element of a firearm, wherein the
first interface moves between a first position to engage the first
element of the firearm and a second position to release the first
element of the firearm; and a second interface removably coupled to
the elongated body adjacent the first interface to engage a second
element of a firearm.
2. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the body has
a rail-shaped structure or a dovetail guide to receive at least a
portion of the firearm.
3. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the second
element of the firearm comprises a safety lever that is to be
positioned between a first position to enable the discharge of the
firearm and a second position to prevent discharge of the
firearm.
4. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the second
interface is configured to engage the safety lever when the safety
lever is positioned in the second position.
5. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first
interface comprises a locking member.
6. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the locking
member is biased to the first position via a spring.
7. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 6, further comprising a
handle operatively coupled to the locking member via a link member
to move the locking member between the first position and the
second position.
8. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the handle
comprises a safety mechanism that can be positioned between a first
position to enable operation of the handle and a second position to
disable operation of the handle.
9. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the first
element of the firearm comprises a component carrier coupled to a
barrel end of the firearm.
10. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the locking
member comprises a hook-shaped pin, wherein the pin engages a slot
on the component carrier to secure the firearm to the body.
11. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the locking
member comprises an engagement member formed via a recess, wherein
the engagement member engages a slot on the component carrier to
secure the firearm to the body.
12. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein the second
interface comprises a body having a recess portion to receive a
complementary end of the component carrier.
13. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first
interface comprises a first pin to receive a first fastening eyelet
of the firearm.
14. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein the second
interface comprises a pin to receive a second fastening eyelet of
the firearm.
15. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the second
interface is removably coupled to the body.
16. A holster apparatus for carrying a firearm, comprising: a body
having a movable member to engage a first portion of a firearm and
a stationary member to receive a second portion of the firearm, and
wherein the body includes a receiving portion to receive at least a
third portion of a firearm; a link member disposed within the body
and operatively coupled to the movable member; and a handle
operatively coupled to the link member, wherein displacement of the
handle in a first direction causes the movable member to move in a
first direction and displacement of the handle in a second
direction causes the moveable member to move in a second direction
opposite the first direction.
17. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the movable
member comprises a body having a recess to form a protruding member
to engage the first portion of the firearm.
18. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein the first
portion of the firearm comprises a slot of a component carrier.
19. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein the
receiving portion comprises a dovetail guide to slidably receive
the component carrier of a firearm when the firearm is to be
coupled to the holster or is to be removed from the holster.
20. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein the
receiving portion comprises a groove to receive the component
carrier of a firearm.
21. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein the
stationary member comprises a body having a recess to receive a
complementary end portion of the component carrier.
22. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the
moveable member comprises a first pin to engage a first fastening
eyelet of the firearm.
23. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein the
stationary member comprises a second pin to engage a second
fastening eyelet of the firearm.
24. A holster apparatus, comprising: a body having a rail-shaped
structure or a groove adapted to receive a component carrier of a
firearm; a stationary member removably coupled to the body and
configured to receive an engaging element of the firearm; a locking
member protruding from the rail-shaped structure or groove to
engage a slot of the component carrier; a handle operatively
coupled to the locking member via a linkage member, wherein the
handle positions the locking member between a first position in
which the locking member engages the holding unit and a second
position in which the locking member releases the holding unit, and
wherein the linkage member is disposed within the body; and a
spring disposed within the body to bias the locking member to the
first position.
25. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 24, wherein the
engaging element of the firearm comprises an end of the component
carrier or a safety lever of the firearm.
Description
[0001] This patent claims priority to German Patent Application 10
2007 049 954.1, filed Oct. 18, 2007, and claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 61/039,012, filed on Mar. 24, 2008,
both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to firearms, and, more
particularly, to holster apparatus for use with firearms.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Holster apparatus are typically used to carry and contain
firearms such as, for example, hand held firearms. Holsters
typically allow a firearm user to carry a firearm safely and as
close the user's body as possible. Some known holster apparatus
enable the firearm to be easily removed from the holster for rapid
use when the firearm is carried close to the user's body (e.g., a
user's hip). A holster apparatus typically includes an interface or
engagement element that engages an interface or engagement element
of the firearm to secure the firearm to the holster. For example, a
rail may be mounted on a firearm which slidably couples to a
complementary rail mounted on the holster. Additionally, holster
apparatus may include safety features to prevent unwanted
withdrawal and/or accidental firing of the firearm.
[0004] However, most holster apparatus are tailored or configured
to receive small firearms such as, for example, pistols, revolvers,
etc. Such firearm holsters engage or act on a relatively short
segment of the firearm and are not suitable for carrying or
containing longer firearms such as, for example, assault rifles,
submachine guns, etc. Furthermore, some known holster apparatus
that are adapted to carry larger firearms are configured such that
the firearm cannot be closely carried to the user's body. Carrying
a firearm away from the user's body can result in longer or
lengthier period of time to remove the firearm from the holster and
position the firearm for use than a holster apparatus configured to
carry the firearm near the user's body. Additionally, some known
firearm holsters do not provide safety features to prevent unwanted
removal and/or accidental use of the firearm while carried in a
holster.
[0005] Moreover, modern assault firearms (e.g., AK-47, M-16, etc.)
increasingly demand additional component carriers (e.g., scopes,
sights, etc.) to be mounted to the firearm above suitable coupling
profiles such as, for example, a coupling profile of a Picatinny
rail. In particular, for sighting or aiming components, it is often
necessary to couple a component carrier (e.g., a Picatinny rail,
etc.) to the barrel region of the firearm, if at all possible,
without supporting the carrier on the barrel. Thus, holster
apparatus that accommodate longer firearms typically must also
accommodate firearms having component carriers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example holster apparatus described
herein.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates the example holster apparatus of FIG. 1
engaged with an example firearm.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates another example holster apparatus
described herein.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the example
holster apparatus of FIG. 3 carrying an example firearm.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates the example holster apparatus of FIGS. 3
and 4 showing the example firearm partially removed from the
example holster apparatus.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates the example holster apparatus of FIGS. 3,
4 and 5, but implemented with an example shoulder support.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another example holster apparatus
described herein.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a side view of the example holster apparatus of
FIG. 7 having an example handle and coupled to an example component
carrier.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the example holster
apparatus of FIG. 8.
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates the example component carrier of FIG.
8.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the example component
carrier of FIGS. 8 and 10 taken along line 10-10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures
and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like
or identical reference numbers are used to identify common or
similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and
certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown
exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity. Further,
throughout this description, position designations such as "front,"
"behind," "above," "below," "top," "forward," "rear," "left,"
"right," etc. are referenced to a firearm held in a normal firing
position (i.e., wherein the "shooting direction" is pointed away
from the marksman in a generally horizontal direction) and from the
point of view of the marksman. Furthermore, the normal firing
position of the firearm is always assumed, i.e., the position in
which the barrel runs along a horizontal axis.
[0018] In general, the example holster apparatus described herein
are adapted to carry or contain firearms such as, for example,
assault rifles, submachine guns, etc. The firearms may also have
component carriers such as, for example, a Picatinny rail. In
particular, an example holster apparatus described herein includes
a body having a first interface at a first end and a second
interface at a second end. The first interface includes a locking
member configured to engage a first portion of a firearm and the
second interface includes a stationary element configured to engage
a second portion of the firearm. For example, the locking member
may engage a portion of a holding unit (e.g., a Picatinny rail) of
the firearm and the stationary element may be configured to engage
a selector lever of the firearm.
[0019] Additionally, the example holster apparatus described herein
include safety features to prevent the unwanted (e.g., accidental)
withdrawal of a firearm while the firearm is carried within the
example holster apparatus. For example, an example holster
apparatus may be configured only to accept a firearm that has been
secured (e.g., the safety lever is engaged) to prevent the
accidental discharge of the firearm while the firearm is carried
within the example holster apparatus described herein. Moreover,
the example holster apparatus described herein enable quick and
rapid removal of the firearms from the holsters. The example
holster apparatus described herein may be attached or coupled to in
combination with leg holsters, hip holsters, shoulder holsters,
etc.
[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example holster apparatus 1
described herein. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the example holster
apparatus 1 is coupled to a firearm user via a thigh holster 2 and
a plurality of straps 3. However, in other examples, the holster 1
may be coupled to a firearm user via any other suitable manner(s).
The holster 1 includes an elongated or rail-shaped body 5 having a
first interface 6 at a first end of the body 5 and a second
interface 8 at a second end of the body 5. The first interface 6
includes a channel having an opened end 9 and a dovetail guide 7
for receiving a first element or portion of a firearm. The second
interface 8 protrudes from the body 5 and engages a second element
or portion of a firearm as described in greater detail below. The
second interface 8 is stationary and is detachably coupled to the
body 5 via a fastener 15 (e.g., a screw) or any other fastening
mechanism(s). As described in greater detail below, the fastener 15
engages a first bore 16 when the holster apparatus 1 is to be used
by a right-handed user or a second bore 17 when the holster
apparatus 1 is to be used by a left-handed user.
[0021] A handle 10 adjacent the second end of the body 5 is
operatively coupled to the body 5 via a link member 11. The link
member 11 is at least partially disposed within the body 5 and is
operatively coupled to a moveable member or locking member 12. The
locking member 12 protrudes through an opening or slot in the body
5 at the first interface 6 and may be shaped, for example, as a
hook or latch member protruding from the body 5. A spring (not
shown) biases the link member 11 to a first position so that the
locking member 12 protrudes from the body 5 in the first interface
6. Displacement of the link member 11 via the handle 10 in a
direction opposite the biasing force of the spring (e.g., toward
the first interface 6) causes the locking member 12 to move to a
second position. When moved to the second position, the locking
member 12 retracts into the body 5. A fastener 13 operatively
couples the link member 11 to the body 5. A head of the fastener 13
engages a slot 14 (e.g., an oblong-shaped slot) formed in the body
5 to restrict displacement of the link member 11 within the body 5
along the length of the slot 14.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an example firearm 20 such as, for
example, a submachine gun, coupled to the holster 1. The example
firearm 20 described herein includes a holding fixture or component
carrier 21' at a first end of the firearm (e.g., the muzzle end).
Additionally, the example firearm 20 includes holding fixtures or
component carriers 21 adjacent to the component carrier 21' that
include slots 22, 22'. The component carriers 21, 21' may be, for
example, Picatinny rails, NATO rails, etc., and enable additional
add-on components such as, for example, scopes, sights, etc., to be
mounted to the firearm above suitable coupling profiles such as,
for example, a coupling profile of a Picatinny rail. In the
illustrated example, a portion of the component carrier 21 (e.g.,
the left component carrier) engages the first interface 6 via the
channel 9 and the dovetail guide 7. The dovetail guide 7 has a
cross-sectional shaped that is complementary to the cross-sectional
shape of the component carrier 21. In this manner, the body 5 is
laterally and substantially parallel to an axis 23 of a bore of the
firearm 20 when the firearm 20 is coupled to the holster 1.
[0023] The firearm arm 20 includes a safety or selector lever 24
that protrudes from a second portion of the firearm 20 and engages
the second interface 8 of the holster 1 to fix the second portion
of the firearm 20 to the holster 1. The selector lever 24 toggles
between an unsecured position to enable a trigger mechanism to
discharge the firearm 20, and a secured position to disable the
trigger mechanism to prevent discharge of the firearm 20.
Additionally, the second interface 8 may be shaped or adapted to
the geometry or cross-sectional shape of the selector lever 24 such
that the firearm 20 can only engage the first interface 6 when the
selector lever 24 is in the secured position. In this manner, the
selector lever 24 disables the trigger mechanism to prevent
accidental discharge of the firearm 20 while it is carried in the
holster 1. Additionally, the second interface 8 may be changeable
with interfaces having different shapes to accommodate a number of
different firearm safeties having different geometries or
cross-sectional shapes.
[0024] To couple the firearm 20 to the holster 1, the selector
lever 24 of the firearm 20 is positioned to the secured position.
The component carrier 21 is positioned or at least partially
inserted in the first interface 6 via the open end 9 and along the
dovetail guide 7. As the component carrier 21 engages the first
interface 6, the locking member 12 engages one of the slots 22 of
the component carrier 21 to fix the first portion of the firearm 20
to the holster 1 in an axial direction along the axis 23. As
described above, the locking member 12 is biased (e.g., via a
spring) so that it protrudes through the body 5 at the first
interface 6. As the component carrier 21 slidably engages the guide
7, the locking member 12 is retracted into the body 5 by the
component carrier 21 via, for example, an oblique contact member
(not shown) at an end of the component carrier 21. As the slot 22
aligns with the locking member 12, the locking member 12 protrudes
from the body 5 via the biasing element to automatically engage the
slot 22. Alternatively, the handle 10 may be manually displaced
during holstering of the firearm 20 to retract the locking member
12 into the body 5 and the handle 10 may be released when the slot
22 aligns with the locking member 12 to engage the locking member
12 with the slot 22. Furthermore, in order to prevent misengagement
of the locking member 12 with any one of the slots 22, the firearm
may positioned so that the locking member 12 engages the slot 22'
(e.g., the front-most slot).
[0025] To remove the firearm 20 from the holster 1, the user can
grasp a grip 28 of the firearm 20 and can operate the handle 10
via, for example, the user's thumb, to displace (e.g., move
downward) the handle 10 toward the first interface 6. The
displacement of the handle 10 toward the first interface 6 causes
the link member 11 to also displace in a direction toward the first
interface 6, which, in turn, causes the locking member 12 to
retract from the slot 22 of the component carrier 21 and into the
body 5. While the locking member 12 is retracted into the body 5,
the user slidably moves the firearm 20 along the guide 7 and away
(e.g., upward) from the first interface 6 so that the slots 22, 22'
of the component carrier 21 clear (e.g., do not engage) the locking
member 12. Also, the selector lever 24 disengages from the second
interface 8 by moving the second end of the firearm 20 away from
the body 5. The component carrier 21 slides along the dovetail
guide 7 and through the opening 9 of the first interface face 6 to
remove the firearm 20 from the holster 1. During such motion, as
the firearm 20 is pulled from the holster apparatus 1 and the first
interface 6 clears the slots 22, 22', the thumb of the user
releases the handle 10. Thus, the user may also simultaneously
toggle the selector lever 24 from the secured position to the
unsecured position so that the trigger mechanism of the firearm 20
is enabled and ready for use as the firearm 20 is withdrawn from
the holster 1.
[0026] The example holster 1 described in connection with FIGS. 1
and 2 is orientated and configured for use with a right-handed
user. However, the holster 1 can also be configured for a
left-handed user. To configure the holster 1 for a left-handed
user, the fastener 15 of the second interface 8 is removed from the
bore 16 (e.g., via a screw 15) and the orientation of the second
interface 8 is reversed and coupled to the body 5 so that the
fastener 15 engages the bore 17. The thigh holster 2 is fastened to
the left thigh of the user and a right portion of the component
carrier 21 of the firearm 20 engages the first interface 6 via the
opened end 9 and the dovetail guide 7.
[0027] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate another example holster apparatus 201
described herein. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the example holster
apparatus 201 mounts to a shoulder holster 202, which, in turn, is
fixed to a portion of a user's body such as, for example, a
shoulder of the user. The shoulder holster 201 mounts to a shoulder
of the user via straps 203. The holster apparatus 201 includes a
rail-shaped body 205. The body 205 includes a first interface 206
at a first end (e.g., an upper end) of the body 205 and a second
interface 208 at a second end (e.g., a lower end) of the body 205
that protrudes away (e.g., downward) from the body 205. In the
illustrated example, the first interface 206 comprises a slot 207
and the second interface 208 comprises a pin or stud.
[0028] A handle 210 is operatively coupled to the body 205 and
protrudes away (e.g., pointing to the rear from the perspective of
the user) from the body 205. The handle 210 is operatively coupled
to a locking member 212 disposed within the rail-shaped body 205
via a linkage assembly (not shown). The handle 210 may be
detachably coupled to the linkage via a fastener 213 such as, for
example, a screw. In the example, the locking member 212 comprises
a pin or stud that obstructs the slot 207 when the locking member
212 is in a first position. In the example, the locking member 212
is biased in the first position via a biasing element (not shown)
such as, for example, a spring. In operation, displacement of the
handle 210 in a first direction (e.g., downward from the
perspective of a user) against the biasing force of the spring and
toward the second interface 208 causes the locking member 212 to
also be displaced in a first direction away from the slot 207 and
toward the second interface 208. Displacement of the locking member
212 in the first direction causes the locking member 212 to retract
within the body 205 to clear or unobstruct the slot 207.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates the example firearm 20 coupled to the
example holster apparatus 201. When the firearm 20 is coupled to
the holster 201, a first fastening eyelet 26 (e.g., a rear
fastening eyelet) engages the first interface 206 and aligns with
the slot 207 and a second fastening eyelet 27 (e.g., a front
fastening eyelet) engages or couples to the second interface 208.
To remove the firearm from the holster 201, the handle 210 is
displaced in a first direction to disengage the locking member 212
from the first fastening eyelet 26. For example, a user may grip
the firearm 20 via the grip 28 and simultaneously use his thumb to
displace or move the handle 210 in a direction (e.g., downward
direction) relative to the user or in a direction toward the second
interface 208. When the locking member 212 disengages the first
fastening eyelet 26, the firearm 20 is positioned or swiveled away
(e.g., swung out) from the body 5 and moved in a lateral direction
toward the muzzle of the firearm 20 (i.e., substantially downward).
In this manner, the second interface 208 or pin releases or
disengages from the second fastening eyelet 27 to detach the
firearm 20 from the holster 201.
[0030] To couple the firearm 20 to the holster 201, the second
fastening eyelet 27 engages the second interface 208 and the
firearm 20 is moved in a direction away from the second interface
208 (e.g., an upward direction from the perspective of the user).
The firearm 20 is swiveled or positioned toward the body 205 so
that the first fastening eyelet 26 engages or aligns with the slot
207. As described above, the locking member 212 is biased (e.g.,
via a spring) so that it protrudes into the slot 207. As the first
fastening eyelet 26 engages the slot 207, the locking member 212
retracts into the body 205 by, for example, an oblique contact
member (not shown) integrally formed or coupled to the eyelet 26 to
automatically cause the locking member 212 to retract into the body
5. As the oblique member clears the locking member 212, the biasing
force of the spring causes the locking member 212 to move to the
first position to engage the first fastening eyelet 26.
Alternatively, the user may manually displace the handle 210 to
retract the locking member 212 into the body 205 and release the
handle 210 when the first fastening eyelet 26 engages the slot
207.
[0031] The example holster 201 described in connection with FIGS.
3-5 is orientated and configured for use with a right-handed user.
However, the holster 201 can also be configured for a left-handed
user. To configure the holster 201 for a left-handed user, the
handle 210 is detached from the body 205 via the fastener 213 and
is positioned in a direction such that the handle 210 is
orientated, for example, in a direction pointing to the rear from
the perspective of the user when the holster 201 is positioned on a
left side of the user such as, for example, the left shoulder of
the user. Thus, the holster 201 may be retrofit for use with a
left-handed user.
[0032] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the holster
apparatus 201 may be implemented with an interface substantially
similar to the second interface 8 described in connection with the
holster apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The interface may be
configured to engage a safety device (e.g., the selector lever 24
of FIG. 2) of the firearm so that the firearm can only be coupled
or secured to the holster apparatus 201 in a secured state or
locked condition to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm 20.
The orientation of the second interface may also be interchangeable
or reversed so that the holster 201 may be configured for use with
either left-handed or right-handed users.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates the example holster 201 of FIGS. 3-5
implemented with an operating loop 215 that is removably coupled to
the shoulder holster 202. The operating loop 215 is coupled to an
extendible shoulder support 29 of the firearm 20, which aids a user
to aim at an intended target. The operating loop 215 enables a user
to remove the firearm 20 from the holster 201 and simultaneously
extend the shoulder support 29 of the firearm using only one hand
(e.g., a user's right hand).
[0034] In the illustrated example, the extendible shoulder support
29 is illustrated in a partially retracted position. The fastening
loop 215 fixes the extendible shoulder support 29 relative to the
shoulder holster 202 so that movement of the firearm 20, for
example, in a downward or outward direction, causes the shoulder
support 29 to extend to an extended position. In this manner, as
the user removes the firearm 20 from the holster 201 as described
above, the fastening loop 215 causes the shoulder stop 29 to extend
to the extended position. Additionally, to operating loop 215 may
be adjustable in length. Furthermore, the operating loop 215 may be
detachably coupled to the straps 203 of the shoulder holster 202
via, for example, a spring loaded latch 216.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another example holster apparatus 301
described herein. FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the example
holster apparatus 301 of FIG. 7, but having an example handle 310
and an example component carrier 321. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8,
the example holster apparatus 301 includes a base or body 305. A
first interface 306 is coupled to the body 305 at a first location.
A second interface 308 is coupled to the body 305 at a second
location such as, for example, a lower region of the body 305. The
first interface 306 and the second interface 308 are disposed
within a groove slot 314 of the body 305. The second interface 308
comprises a projection or retaining structure 315 at an end (e.g.,
a lower end) of the groove 314 and having a recess 316 (FIG. 9).
The recess 316 receives a structure or element of the firearm such
as, for example, the component carrier 321 of a firearm, and the
projection 315 forms an edge to retain the component carrier 321 to
the holster 301. The projection 315 may be integrally formed with
the body 305 as substantially a unitary structure or piece or may
be a separate piece that may be coupled to the body 305 via any
suitable fastening mechanism(s).
[0036] Additionally, the body 305 includes a plurality of mounting
holes 317 for mounting the example holster 301 to another carrier
such as, for example, a thigh holster, a portion of a building, a
portion of a vehicle, etc. The body 305 can be mounted via screws,
pins, etc., or any other suitable fastening mechanism that passes
into and/or through the mounting holes 317. The body 305 also
includes mounting holes 318 for mounting a safety element 304
(e.g., similar to the safety element 8 of FIG. 1) to the body 305.
The safety element 304 may be configured so that a firearm can only
be coupled or attached to the holster 301 if the firearm is secured
in such a manner to prevent unintentional discharge of the firearm
while the firearm is secured by the holster 301. For example, a
firearm may include a safety that toggles between a secured
position to prevent discharge of the firearm and a release position
to enable discharge of the firearm. The safety element 304 can be
mounted to the body 305 via screws, pins, etc., or any other
suitable fastening mechanism(s). Alternatively, the safety element
304 may be integrally formed with the body 305 as a substantially
unitary piece or structure.
[0037] The holster apparatus 301 includes the handle 310. The
handle 310 is operatively coupled to a swivel lever 309, which
includes a lip 320 that protrudes laterally away from the handle
310. The swivel lever 309 operates between a first position to
enable operation of the handle 310 and a second position to disable
operation of the handle 310. The swivel lever 309 rotates about an
axis 311. A component carrier 321 of a firearm includes a first end
337 of the firearm that engages the projection 315 to couple the
first end 337 of the firearm to the body 305 of the holster
301.
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example
holster 301 of FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the handle 310 is
operatively coupled to a linkage 327 disposed within the body 305.
A locking member 312 is coupled to the linkage 327 at an end
opposite the handle 310. The locking member 312 forms the first
interface 306. The locking member 312 includes a protruding member
312a (e.g., a hook-like finger, etc.) that engages a portion or
projection 319 of the holding unit 321. In the illustrated example,
the locking member 312 is integrally formed with the linkage 327 as
a substantially unitary piece or structure.
[0039] To disengage a firearm from the holster 301, the swivel
lever 309 is positioned to a first position to enable operation of
the handle 310. The swivel lever 309 is biased via, for example, a
spring 323 and a pin 325, so that the lip 320 is positioned away
from (i.e., disengaged from) the recess 303 of the body 305. To
enable operation of the handle 310, a user pivots the swivel lever
309 about its swiveling axis 311 against the force of the spring
323 and pin 325 in a direction illustrated by arrow A. The swivel
lever 309 is pivoted about its axis 311 until the end portion 320
of the swivel lever 309 engages a recess 303. For example, a user
can place his thumb on the handle 310 and move the swivel lever 309
in the direction illustrated by arrow A until the lip portion 320
engages the recess 303. When the lever 309 is in the first
position, the handle 310 is operatively coupled to the locking
member 312.
[0040] The link 327 is biased via a spring 329 between a spring
seat or pin 331 and the link 327. The spring 329 is disposed within
a recess or aperture 328 of the link 327. The spring 329 biases the
link 327 toward the handle 310 and biases the locking member 312 in
a first position in which the locking member 312 engages the
projection 319 of the component carrier 321. Moving the handle 310
in a direction illustrated by arrow B and against the biasing force
of the spring 329 causes the locking member 312 to disengage from
the projection 319 of the component carrier 321, which releases the
firearm. The link 327 travels along a maximum distance defined by a
recess or slot 333, which enables the protruding member 312a of the
locking member 312 to disengage from the projection 319.
[0041] The firearm and the component carrier 321 can be moved or
swiveled to a position away from the body 305 and released from the
groove 314. Simultaneously, the first end 337 of the component
carrier 321 can be removed from the recess 316 of the projection
315 in a direction illustrated by arrow C to remove the firearm
from the holster 301. In contrast to the example holster apparatus
1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the example holster apparatus 301 does not
include a rail-shaped body (e.g., the rail-shaped body 5 of FIGS. 1
and 2) and, thus, the firearm does not have to travel within a rail
guide (e.g., the dovetail guide 7) to remove or couple the firearm
from the example holster 301. Such removal of the firearm is
especially advantageous when the firearm is concealed.
[0042] To couple the firearm to the holster 301, the first end 337
of the component carrier 321 engages the recess 316 of the
projection 315 in a direction opposite to the direction illustrated
by arrow C. The firearm is swiveled toward the body 305 of the
holster 301. The handle 310, with the end 320 of the lever 309
engaged with link 327, is displaced or moved in a direction
illustrated by arrow B to move the locking member 312 to a second
position in which the locking member 312 is disengaged from the
projection 319. Once the component carrier 321 engages the groove
314, the handle 310 is released and the spring 329 causes the
locking member 312 to move to the first position to engage the
projection 319 of the holding unit to secure the component carrier
321 to the holster 301. A second portion (e.g., a selector lever)
of the firearm (not shown) engages or couples to the safety element
304. Additionally, the lip 320 of the lever 309 is biased so that
the lip 320 is removed from the recess 303. In this manner, the
firearm is coupled to the holster 301 to prevent unwanted
withdrawal of the firearm.
[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates the example component carrier 321 of
FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
example component carrier 321 of FIG. 10. Referring to FIGS. 10 and
11, the component carrier 321 includes slots 322. The slots 322
enable add-on components to be coupled to the component carrier 321
such as, for example, sights, scopes, etc. In one example, the
component carrier 321 is a Picatinny rail or any other suitable
component carrier. The component carrier 321 includes a recess 339
through which the locking member 312 engages the projection 319 to
couple the firearm to the holster 301. Furthermore, the component
carrier 321 may include an enclosure 326 that is complementary to
the groove 314 so that the holding unit 321 matably engages the
holster 301 to further facilitate coupling the firearm to the
holster 301. In this manner, the end 337 of the enclosure 336
engages the recess 316 and a first end of the component carrier 321
engages or aligns with a first end of the groove 314 to ensure that
the locking member 312 is aligned or protrudes through the recess
339.
[0044] Additionally, the projection 319 engages the contact member
312a of the locking member 312 to position or move the locking
member 312 to the second position without use of the handle 310
when coupling the firearm to the holster 301. The projection 319
engages the contact portion 312a of the locking member 312 until
the locking member 312 returns to the first position to engage the
component carrier 321. Additionally, the holding unit 321 includes
mounting holes 335 at a first end and a second end of the component
carrier 321 to mount the component carrier 321 to a firearm. The
mounting holes 335 receive fasteners or any other suitable
fastening mechanism(s) to couple the component carrier 321 to the
firearm.
[0045] The example holster apparatus described herein
advantageously enable an assault firearm (e.g., a submachine gun)
to be coupled to the example holster apparatus. The example holster
apparatus described herein include safety features to prevent the
unwanted withdrawal and/or accidental firing of the firearm while
the firearm is carried within the holsters. Furthermore, the safety
features of the example holsters enable quick and rapid removal of
the firearm from the holster. Features of the above described
holster apparatus are not limited to the examples described herein
and/or any feature described in connection with one example holster
may be implanted with another example holster apparatus. Moreover,
the example holster apparatus described herein may be attached or
coupled to in combination with leg holsters, hip holsters, shoulder
holsters, etc. Additionally, the example holster apparatus may be
configured for either left-handed users or right-handed users and
the example holster apparatus may include removable or
interchangeable components to configure the holsters for either
left-handed users or right-handed users.
[0046] Furthermore, although certain example methods, apparatus,
and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope
of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary,
this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of
manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims
either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
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