U.S. patent application number 14/583342 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-02 for gun holster and electronic accessory.
The applicant listed for this patent is Laser Aiming Systems Corporation. Invention is credited to Brian Hedeen.
Application Number | 20150184978 14/583342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53481308 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150184978 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hedeen; Brian |
July 2, 2015 |
GUN HOLSTER AND ELECTRONIC ACCESSORY
Abstract
A holster is configured to accommodate a gun to which an
electronic weapon mounted accessory has been secured. The holster
includes a material defining a pocket sized for the gun and the
electronic weapon mounted accessory.
Inventors: |
Hedeen; Brian; (Orono,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Laser Aiming Systems Corporation |
Maple Plain |
MN |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
53481308 |
Appl. No.: |
14/583342 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61921311 |
Dec 27, 2013 |
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61921312 |
Dec 27, 2013 |
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61921315 |
Dec 27, 2013 |
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61921318 |
Dec 27, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/114 ;
224/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/0263 20130101;
F41G 1/35 20130101; F41C 33/0254 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/04 20060101
F41C033/04; F41G 1/35 20060101 F41G001/35 |
Claims
1. A combination comprising: a holster comprising a pocket; and a
laser gun sight securable to a gun, the laser gun sight including:
a housing including a laser aperture; a laser module disposed
within the laser aperture; a circuit board including circuitry
configured to operate the laser module; and a sensor disposed on
the circuit board and configured to detect position of the laser
gun sight relative to the holster, wherein the pocket is sized to
receive the laser gun sight secured to the gun.
2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the laser module comprises a
green laser module.
3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the holster includes a
magnet disposed within the holster such that the magnet is
proximate the sensor on the circuit board when the laser gun sight
is positioned within the pocket of the holster.
4. The combination of claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises a Hall
effect sensor that provides an electrical signal to the circuitry
indicating whether a magnetic field is detected by the sensor.
5. The combination of claim 3, wherein the holster comprises an
interior layer and an exterior layer that is positioned exterior of
the interior layer, and wherein the magnet is positioned between
the interior and exterior layers.
6. The combination of claim 3, wherein the pocket is shaped such
that the sensor senses the position of the magnet while the laser
gun sight is positioned within the pocket of the holster.
7. The combination of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured
to turn the laser gun sight off upon insertion into the holster,
and is configured to turn the laser gun sight on upon removal from
the holster.
8. The combination of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured
to turn the laser gun sight on upon removal from the holster if the
laser gun sight was on when positioned within the pocket of the
holster, and is configured to keep the laser gun sight off upon
removal from the holster if the laser gun sight was off when
positioned within the pocket of the holster.
9. The combination of claim 1, wherein the laser gun sight further
comprises: a collimating lens disposed in front of the laser
module; an elevation screw interacting with the collimating lens; a
windage screw interacting with the collimating lens; and a spring
disposed in opposition to the elevation screw and the windage
screw.
10. The combination of claim 1, wherein the pocket is defined by a
material selected from the group consisting of fabric, leather and
polymeric material.
11. The combination of claim 1, wherein the holster comprises a tab
adjacent to and extending downward from the pocket, wherein the tab
is configured to hook on a pocket of a pair of pants.
12. A combination comprising: a holster comprising a pocket; and an
electronic weapon mounted accessory securable to a gun, the
electronic weapon mounted accessory including: a circuit board
including circuitry configured to operate the electronic weapon
mounted accessory; and a sensor disposed on the circuit board and
configured to detect the position of the electronic weapon mounted
accessory relative to the holster, wherein the pocket is sized to
receive the electronic weapon mounted accessory secured to the
gun.
13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the holster includes a
magnet disposed within the holster such that the magnet is
proximate the sensor on the circuit board when the electronic
weapon mounted accessory is holstered, and wherein the sensor
comprises a Hall effect sensor that provides an electrical signal
to the circuitry indicating whether a magnetic field is detected by
the sensor.
14. The combination of claim 12, wherein the circuitry is
configured to turn the laser gun sight off upon insertion into the
holster, and is configured to turn the laser gun sight on upon
removal from the holster.
15. The combination of claim 12, wherein the circuitry is
configured to turn the laser gun sight on upon removal from the
holster if the laser gun sight was on when holstered, and is
configured to keep the laser gun sight off upon removal from the
holster if the laser gun sight was off when positioned within the
pocket of the holster.
16. A holster configured to accommodate a handgun to which an
electronic weapon mounted accessory has been secured, the holster
comprising: a material defining a pocket sized for the handgun and
the electronic weapon mounted accessory, wherein the pocket
includes a muzzle receiving area and an electronic weapon mounted
accessory receiving area; and a magnet attached to the material
proximate the electronic weapon mounted accessory receiving
area.
17. The holster of claim 16, wherein the holster comprises an
interior layer and an exterior layer that is positioned exterior of
the interior layer, and wherein the magnet is positioned between
the interior and exterior layers.
18. The holster of claim 16, wherein the material is selected from
the group consisting of fabric, leather and polymeric material.
19. The holster of claim 16, wherein the holster comprises a tab
adjacent to and extending downward from the pocket, wherein the tab
is configured to connect to a pocket on a pair of pants.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/921,311, filed Dec. 27, 2013; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/921,312, filed Dec. 27, 2013; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/921,315, filed Dec. 27, 2013; and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/921,318, filed Dec. 27, 2013, each
of which are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to accessories used with
firearms, and more particularly to holsters, laser sighting devices
and other accessories relating to firearms, such as handguns,
holsters, and laser sighting devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A wide variety of accessories have been developed for users
of firearms, to facilitate target visualization and improve
targeting accuracy. Among these are laser sighting devices
configured to generate a coherent energy beam parallel or nearly
parallel to the extension of a gun barrel, with the precise
alignment depending largely on the distance to the target and
windage. When activated, the coherent energy beam forms a spot of
light on the target to indicate the expected point of impact of the
firearm projectile. These devices can enhance the experience of any
firearm user and have considerable importance in certain law
enforcement and military operations.
[0004] Typical laser sighting devices employ visible red or
infrared laser frequencies, as energy at the desired frequency can
be generated directly, e.g., with a neodymium-doped yttrium
aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) crystal. More recently, it has been
discovered that visible light in the "green" range, e.g. having a
wavelength from about 490 to about 570 nanometers, has much higher
visibility than visible red laser energy. The more visible beam,
while enhancing utility of a sighting device in general, is
particularly effective for daytime use.
[0005] A difficulty that has limited the use of green laser energy
in sighting devices is the need for additional components not
required by visible red and infrared lasers. To generate coherent
energy in the green region of the spectrum, a Nd:YAG crystal is
used to generate energy at a wavelength outside the visible
spectrum, such as about 1064 nm, that is then provided to a
frequency doubler, such as a potassium titanium oxide phosphate
(KTP) or lithium triborate (LBO) crystal to generate the desired
wavelength, such as about 532 nm. The additional components require
a larger laser drive circuit, typically a printed circuit board,
and a larger power supply to meet a higher power requirement. The
resulting sighting device may be larger and/or more difficult to
use with handguns than other laser sighting devices, either because
the handgun barrel is not long enough to accommodate the device or
because the device protrudes ahead of the barrel an excessive
amount. In accessory devices incorporating green laser sighting and
white light (multichromatic energy) illumination, this difficulty
is magnified.
[0006] Another problem encountered with the green laser is the
higher power requirement and the accompanying reduction in useful
life of the power source, typically one or more batteries. A larger
battery, of course, contributes to the size of the device. The
battery size may be even larger in devices that combine laser and
multichromatic illumination as they typically employ separate
voltage level power sources for the separate light sources.
[0007] While sighting devices and other accessories can be mounted
to firearms in a variety of ways, one approach gaining increasing
acceptance involves forming longitudinally extending rails on
opposite sides below the barrel of a handgun ahead of the trigger
guard, for example as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,854 (Solinsky et
al.). The accessory or auxiliary device is provided with opposed
projections, each slidable relative to one of the rails to guide
the accessory for longitudinal travel relative to the barrel. The
accessory also carries a transverse spring loaded bar that fits
into a transverse groove formed in the barrel to secure the
accessory against longitudinal travel. While this approach has
proven useful for attaching a variety of accessories including
laser sights and illumination devices, problems are encountered due
to the differences in locations for the transverse grooves among
different brands of firearms.
[0008] Sighting devices typically include a switch for turning the
sighting device on and off. A user can turn the switch on to
activate the green laser, red laser, or white light of the sighting
device. A user can then turn the switch off to deactivate the green
laser, red laser, or white light, thus conserving power.
SUMMARY
[0009] Disclosed herein are various embodiments of laser gun
sights, holsters, and position sensor assemblies.
[0010] According to one embodiment, a combination includes a
holster and a laser gun sight securable to a gun. The holster
includes a material defining a pocket sized for a gun having an
attached laser sight. The laser gun sight includes a housing
including a laser aperture, a laser module disposed within the
laser aperture, a circuit board including circuitry configured to
operate the laser module, and a sensor disposed on the circuit
board. The sensor is configured to detect the position of the laser
gun sight relative to the holster.
[0011] Another embodiment is a combination including a holster and
an electronic weapon mounted accessory securable to a gun. The
holster comprises a material defining a pocket sized for a gun
having an attached electronic weapon mounted accessory. The
electronic weapon mounted accessory includes a circuit board
including circuitry configured to operate the electronic weapon
mounted accessory and a sensor disposed on the circuit board and
configured to detect position of the electronic weapon mounted
accessory relative to the holster.
[0012] Another embodiment is a holster configured to accommodate a
gun to which an electronic weapon mounted accessory has been
secured. The holster includes a material defining a pocket sized
for the gun and the electronic weapon mounted accessory. The pocket
includes a muzzle receiving area and an electronic weapon mounted
accessory receiving area. A magnet is attached to the resilient
material proximate the electronic weapon mounted accessory
receiving area.
[0013] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
the following detailed description, which shows and describes
illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative green laser
gun sight secured to a handgun in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a housing forming a
portion of the green laser gun sight of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a green laser module.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the green laser gun sight of
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the green laser gun sight of
FIG. 4, with a front plate removed to illustrate internal
components.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the handgun of
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating
attachment of the green laser gun sight to the handgun.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an illustrative green
laser gun sight in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the green laser gun
sight of FIG. 8, shown mounted on a gun having a long rail
system.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a remote switch that
may be used with the green laser gun sight of FIG. 8.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the handgun and green laser
gun sight of FIG. 1 disposed within a holster.
[0025] FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of the holster of FIG.
11.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a lower perspective view of the holster of FIG.
11.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the
holster of FIG. 11.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a view of a portion of the holster of FIG. 11,
showing the primary retention feature engaging a component of the
green laser gun sight.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a green laser module used in
the green laser gun sight of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic view of electrical
circuitry in the green laser gun sight of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a simplified schematic view of electrical
circuitry in the green laser gun sight of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the handgun and green laser
gun sight of FIG. 1 disposed within a holster.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the
holster of FIG. 19.
[0034] FIG. 21 is an upper perspective view of the holster of FIG.
19.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a side schematic view of the handgun and the
green laser sight in a soft holster.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an activation triggering
device.
[0037] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a top of an activation
triggering device.
[0038] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a bottom of the activation
triggering device of FIG. 24.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a top view of the handgun resting on a gun
storage pad.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a top view of the gun storage pad.
[0041] FIG. 28 is a side sectional view of the gun storage pad
taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27.
[0042] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a paddle.
[0043] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a rear of the paddle.
[0044] FIG. 31 is a side view of the paddle.
[0045] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The
intention, however, is not to limit the disclosure to the
particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the disclosure
is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] The disclosure pertains generally to laser gun sights such
as green laser gun sights that are configured to be easily attached
to a variety of different hand guns. In some embodiments, the green
laser gun sights are configured to permit elevation and windage
adjustment without requiring movement of an entire laser module,
thereby affording use of a more compact device housing. In some
embodiments, the laser module can be in direct contact with the
housing. Because the housing can then function as a heat sink, a
smaller laser module may be used.
[0047] The green laser gun sights described herein may be used with
a variety of different firearm or gun styles and sizes, including
handguns, rifles, shotguns and the like. For purposes of
illustration, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate an embodiment of a green
laser gun sight attached to a small handgun while FIGS. 8 through
10 illustrate an embodiment of a green laser gun sight secured to a
larger gun such as a rifle. FIGS. 11 through 14 illustrate an
embodiment of a holster that is configured to be used in
combination with a handgun to which a green laser gun sight has
been attached. Embodiments of the holster are configured to engage
various portions of the green laser gun sight to releasably secure
the gun within the holster without engaging the trigger guard. In
some embodiments, the green laser gun sight and the holster are
configured, in combination, to automatically shut off the green
laser gun sight when a gun is holstered and to automatically turn
on the green laser gun sight when the holstered gun is drawn, or
removed from the holster.
[0048] Turning to FIG. 1, a handgun 10 is illustrated. The handgun
10 includes, among other elements and features, a barrel 12 and a
trigger guard 14. The barrel 12 includes a rail system 16 that is
configured to accommodate a variety of different accessories and
other attachments. In some embodiments, a laser gun sight 18 may be
attached. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the green laser gun
sight 18 is secured to the rail system 16 ahead of the trigger
guard 14. In some embodiments, the green laser gun sight 18 is
configured such that the green laser gun sight 18 does not extend
beyond a muzzle end 20 of the barrel 12. It will be appreciated
that the rail system 16 may vary somewhat, depending on the
identity of the handgun 10. Further details of the green laser gun
sight 18, as well as details of how the green laser gun sight 18
attaches to the handgun 10, will be discussed with respect to
subsequent Figures.
[0049] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a housing 22 that
forms a part of the green laser gun sight 18. FIG. 2A is a right
rear perspective view while FIG. 2B is a left front perspective
view. The housing 22 may be formed of any suitable material. In
some embodiments, the housing 22 is formed of a strong, lightweight
metal such as aluminum. It will be appreciated that the housing 22,
particularly if formed of a highly heat conductive material such as
a metal such as aluminum, will function as a heat sink. The housing
22 can include several apertures such as a green laser module
aperture 24, a visible light module aperture 26 and a larger
aperture 28 that may be configured to accommodate a battery (not
illustrated) as well as at least some of the laser circuitry. In
some embodiments, the visible light module may include an LED light
source.
[0050] The housing 22 can also include features that facilitate
attachment of the green laser gun sight 18 to the handgun 10. A
pair of grooves 30 may be formed on the housing 22. For example,
one groove 30 may be formed on each side of the housing 22 (only
one visible in this illustration). As will be explained
subsequently, the grooves 30 accommodate a rail set that connects
the green laser gun sight 18 to the handgun 10. The housing 22 can
also include a through aperture 32 for connecting the green laser
gun sight 18 to the handgun 10.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a green laser
module 34 that is aligned to slide into the laser module aperture
24. In some embodiments, the green laser module 34 has a
cylindrical shape that fits snugly into the laser module aperture
24. The housing 22 may also serve as a heat sink for the green
laser module 34. This may be especially beneficial as green lasers
may produce more heat than a correspondingly-powered red laser.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the green laser gun
sight 18. Rail sets 36 and 38 are disposed on either side,
respectively, of the green laser gun sight 18 and fit into the
grooves 30 disposed on either side of the green laser gun sight 18.
It will be appreciated that the rail sets 36 and 38 slide downward
into the grooves 30. A connector, such as the cross pin 40, may
extend between the rail sets 36 and 38 and may secure the rail sets
36 and 38. In some embodiments, for example, the cross pin 40 may
slide through an aperture formed in the rail set 36 and may be
threadedly engaged in a corresponding threaded aperture formed
within the rail set 38. In some embodiments, the connector, such as
the cross pin 40 may include a head 41 that may be used in
advancing or withdrawing the cross pin 40 as well as a threaded
portion 43 (shown in FIG. 7). The head 41 may also be used to help
secure the green laser gun sight 18 (and hence the handgun 10)
within a holster.
[0053] As will be illustrated with respect to a subsequent drawing,
the cross pin 40 also helps to secure the rail sets 36 and 38, and
hence the green laser gun sight 18, to the handgun 10. It can be
seen that the rail set 36 includes a mounting surface 42 and the
rail set 38 includes a mounting surface 44. The mounting surfaces
42 and 44 may be configured to interact with the rail system (FIG.
1) and may be modified to fit a particular handgun 10.
[0054] The green laser gun sight 18 includes a front cover 52. In
some embodiments, the front cover 52 may be formed of a suitable
material, such as a polymeric material. The front cover 52 may
include a portion 46 that is configured to permit laser light to
emerge and a portion 48 that is configured to accommodate a visible
light. A cover 50 seals off the larger aperture 28 (FIG. 2). In
some embodiments, the cover 50 may be threadedly engaged with the
housing 22, but this is not required. A first screw 54 and a second
screw 56 may be arranged along one side of the portion 46. In one
embodiment, the first screw 54 may be an elevation screw and the
second screw 56 may be a windage screw.
[0055] In some embodiments, the green laser gun sight 18 includes
one or more switches 80 that can be used, for example, to program
the green laser gun sight 18, to turn the green laser module 34 on
or off, to turn the visible light module on or off, or to vary a
pulse rate for the green laser module 34 and/or vary a strobe rate
for the visible light module. In some embodiments, the green laser
gun sight 18 may include a pair of switches 80, with one switch 80
arranged on each side of the green laser gun sight 18. In some
embodiments, as will be discussed subsequently, the switch(es) 80
may be disposed at a remote location.
[0056] In some embodiments, the switch 80 on the right side of the
green laser gun sight 18 and the switch 80 on the left side of the
green laser gun sight 18 may be used interchangeably. For example,
it may be more natural and/or convenient for a right-handed user to
use their thumb to operate the switch 80 on the left side of the
green laser gun sight 18. Similarly, it may be more natural and/or
convenient for a left-handed user to use their thumb to operate the
switch 80 on the right side of the green laser gun sight 18. In
some cases, a user may prefer to turn the green laser gun sight 18
on or off using a different finger before they are holding the gun
10 in a ready-to-fire position. In some embodiments, the green
laser gun sight 18 includes circuitry that enables either switch 80
to be used.
[0057] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, except that the front cover 52
has been removed to better illustrate internal components. A light
assembly 62 is disposed in alignment with the portion 48 of the
front cover 52 (FIG. 4). It can be seen that the first screw (i.e.,
elevation screw) 54 and the second screw (i.e., windage screw) 56
are arranged in opposition to a spring 60 and thus can be used to
alter a position of a laser collimating lens 58 as the force
applied to the laser collimating lens 58 by the spring 60 includes
a component aligned with (in opposition to) the elevation screw 54
as well as a component that is aligned with (in opposition to) the
windage screw 56. An elevation screw spacer 54a extends between the
elevation screw 54 and the laser collimating lens 58. In some
embodiments, the laser collimating lens 58 may rest on a ribbed or
otherwise textured surface to reduce friction.
[0058] An individual can adjust the aim of the laser beam emitted
by the green laser sighting device 18 by turning the elevation
screw 54 and/or the windage screw 56. As a result of turning the
elevation screw 54 and/or the windage screw 56, the laser
collimating lens 58 may slide radially and/or perpendicularly with
respect to the green laser module 34. In some embodiments, the
elevation screw 54 and/or the windage screw 56 may be configured to
permit the laser collimating lens 58 to pivot relative to the green
laser module 34. In some embodiments, the laser collimating lens 58
may be stationary, and the elevation screw 54 and/or the windage
screw 56 may be used to alter the position of an additional lens or
other optical component (not illustrated) in order to fine tune
aiming of the green laser module 34.
[0059] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate in greater detail the attachment of
the green laser gun sight 18 to the handgun 10. FIG. 6 illustrates
an enlarged end portion of the handgun 10 in which the rail system
16 may be seen as including a left (in the illustrated orientation)
profile 64 and a corresponding right profile 66. FIG. 7 illustrates
the green laser gun sight 18 in combination with the rail set 36
and the rail set 38. It will be appreciated that the mounting
surface 42 of the rail set 36 is configured to fit into or
otherwise interact with the left profile 64 of the rail system 16
and that the mounting surface 44 of the rail set 38 is configured
to fit into or otherwise interact with the right profile 66 of the
rail system 16. The left profile 64 and/or the right profile 66 may
be configured to provide a key and lock arrangement between the
rail sets 36 and 38 and the rail system 16 such that when the rail
sets 36 and 38 are held together via an attaching member, such as
cross pin 40, the green laser gun sight 18 is held in place on the
handgun 10.
[0060] In some embodiments, the rail system 16 also includes a
horizontal cross slot 68. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the
rail set 36 and the rail set 38 may include, respectively, mounting
apertures 70 and 72 that permit the cross pin 40 to extend through
the rail set 36 and the rail set 38. In some embodiments, the
horizontal cross slot 68 is sized and positioned to accommodate the
cross pin 40 and thereby prevent or at least substantially prevent
lateral movement of the laser sighting device 18 relative to the
handgun 10. In some embodiments, each of the rail sets 36 and 38
may include several different mounting apertures to accommodate
particular handguns 10 having different positions for the
horizontal cross slot 68.
[0061] In some embodiments, the rail sets 36 and 38 may include an
aperture 35 (only one visible in FIG. 7) that is configured to
accommodate a connector 33, such as a threaded rod or screw. The
connector 33 may extend through the aperture 35. In some
embodiments, the connector 33 may threadably engage with the
aperture 32 formed in the housing 22 at or near the top of the
groove 30. In some embodiments, the connector 33 may be a pin that
may extend through the apertures 35 to secure the first and second
rail sets 36, 38 to the green laser gun sight 18. In some
embodiments, a single pin may extend through both rail sets 36, 38
and may form a frictional or compressive fit with the apertures 35
formed in each of the rail sets 36, 38.
[0062] It will be appreciated, therefore, that the green laser gun
sight 18 may be attached to a variety of different guns or handguns
10 without requiring alteration of the housing 22. Rather, the rail
sets 36 and 38 may be configured to have mounting surfaces 42 and
44, respectively that are configured to interact with the
particular rail system 16 of a particular gun 10.
[0063] The green laser gun sight 18 described with respect to FIGS.
1 through 7 may be considered in some cases as being designed for
use with smaller handguns such as compact and subcompact handguns.
FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate a green laser gun sight 82 that
shares many features with the green laser gun sight 18, but in some
cases may be considered as being designed for use with larger guns
such as full size handguns, rifles, shotguns and the like.
[0064] The green laser gun sight 82 includes a portion 84 that is
configured to accommodate the green laser module 34. In some
embodiments, the portion 84 may include a transparent plate, such
as a glass plate, that permits the green laser light to pass
through. The green laser gun sight 82 also includes a visible light
module 86. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the visible light
module 86 may be configured to provide substantially more visible
light than that provided by the visible light module 62 (FIG. 5)
and may extend outward relative to the portion 84. In some
embodiments, the visible light module 86 may be considered as being
positioned in front of a battery aperture formed within the green
laser gun sight 82. In some embodiments, the visible light module
86 may be user-removable in order to permit battery installation
and/or replacement. In some embodiments, the green laser gun sight
82 includes an elevation screw 88 and a windage screw 90 that can
be used to adjust the aim of the green laser module by moving a
laser collimation lens (as discussed previously with respect to the
green laser gun sight 18).
[0065] The green laser gun sight 82 includes a first rail set 92
and a second rail set 94 that may be attached to the green laser
gun sight 82 in a manner similar to that described previously with
respect to the green laser gun sight 18. In some embodiments, a
fastener 96, such as a screw or bolt, attaches the first rail set
92 to the green laser gun sight 82, while a similar fastener (not
visible) attaches the second rail 94 to the opposing side of the
green laser gun sight 82. In some embodiments, as illustrated, a
pair of cross pins 98 secure the first rail set 92 to the second
rail set 94 and thus secure the green laser gun sight 82 to a gun
rail system. In some embodiments, it will be appreciated that
larger guns have longer rail systems 102 and thus can accommodate
more than one cross pin 98. In some embodiments, the green laser
gun sight 82 may be physically larger and longer than, for example,
the green laser gun sight 18 and thus may benefit from using more
than one cross pin 98.
[0066] In some embodiments, the green laser gun sight 82 includes
one or more switches 100 that can be used, for example, to program
the green laser gun sight 82, to turn the green laser module 34 on
or off, to turn the visible light module 86 on or off, to vary a
pulse rate for the green laser module 34 and/or to vary a strobe
rate for the visible light module. In some embodiments, there is a
pair of switches 100. For example one switch 100 may be arranged on
each side of the green laser gun sight 82. In some embodiments, as
illustrated for example in FIG. 9, the green laser gun sight 82 may
not include the switch 100.
[0067] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a green laser gun sight
104 secured to a long rail system 102. In some embodiments, the
green laser gun sight 104, however, does not include the switch
100. Instead, the green laser gun sight 104 includes a rotary
switch 106 and a lead 108 that extends to a remote switch (not
illustrated). In some embodiments, the rotary switch 106 may be
used to select a particular lighting program, i.e., solid or
strobing visible light, solid or pulsing green laser, and the like,
while the remote switch may be used to turn either the visible
light module 86 and/or the green laser module 34 on or off.
[0068] As an illustrative but non-limiting example, the settings
"A", "B", "C" and "D" may each be used to designate a particular
function such as constant laser only, constant light only, or
constant laser with constant light. In some embodiments, each of
these functions may be momentary only. In some embodiments, on or
more of the aforementioned settings may be used to designate
independent activation between the two separate buttons 112 and 114
(discussed below with respect to FIG. 10). In some embodiments, the
settings "1", "2", "3" and "4" may be used in a similar manner. In
some embodiments, the setting labeled "P" may be used for a program
setting that allows the user to change settings according to their
preferences, such as the pulse rate for the laser and/or the strobe
rate for the visible light. For example, one of the buttons 112 and
114 may be used to increase the laser pulse rate while the other of
the buttons 112 and 114 may be used to decrease the laser pulse
rate.
[0069] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a remote switch 110
that includes a first switch button 112 and a second switch button
114. In some embodiments, the first switch 112 and the second
switch button 114 may be individually pressed to turn the green
laser gun sight 104 on or off. In some embodiments, the first
switch 112 and the second switch 114 may be pressed together and/or
in combination with rotating the rotary switch 106 to select
between different program modes. The remote switch 110 may be
located at any convenient location along the gun. In some
embodiments, the remote switch 110 may be placed at a location
proximate where the user holds the rifle or shotgun with their
non-trigger hand, such as at or near the magazine. In some
embodiments, the remote switch 110 may be mechanically or
adhesively secured to the gun.
[0070] FIGS. 11 through 14 provide various views of a holster that
is configured to accommodate a handgun 10 to which a green laser
gun sight 18 has been attached. In some embodiments, the holster
described herein is configured to interact with the green laser gun
sight 18 to releasably secure the handgun 10 within the holster
without engaging the trigger guard 14.
[0071] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the handgun 10 disposed
within a holster 120. FIG. 12 provides a view down into the holster
120 while FIG. 13 provides a lower perspective view. As seen in
FIGS. 11-13, the holster 120 includes a pocket 122 that is formed
between an outer panel 124 and an inner panel 126. In this, inner
and outer may be considered as being relative to a user who has the
holster 120 secured to their belt. The inner panel 126 is closest
to a securement portion 128 that is configured to be secured to a
user's belt.
[0072] In some embodiments, the outer panel 124 and the inner panel
126 may be distinct portions that are screwed, bolted, riveted,
adhered or otherwise secured together. In some embodiments, the
outer panel 124 and the inner panel 126 may instead be outer and
inner portions, respectively, of a unitary structure. In some
embodiments, the outer panel 124 and the inner panel 126 are molded
or thermoset as a unitary structure. The holster 120 may be formed
of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the holster 120 is
largely molded from a relatively rigid polymeric material such that
a polymeric material defines the pocket 122. For example, the
holster 120 may be formed from a thermal plastic. In some
embodiments, a suitable material may have a modulus of elasticity
of approximately 330,000 psi and/or a hardness of 90 on the
Rockwell R scale. One example of a suitable material includes
KYDEX.RTM., an acryl polyvinyl chloride available from Kydex
LLC.
[0073] The holster 120 includes a primary retention device 130 and
a secondary retention device 132. In some embodiments, the primary
retention device 130 is configured to releasably engage with an
external component of the green laser gun sight 18. In some
embodiments, as illustrated, the primary retention device 130
includes a moveable lever 134 that includes an engagement portion
136, a finger button portion 138 and an intervening pivot point
140. In some embodiments, the moveable lever 134 is movable between
an engagement position in which the engagement portion 136
interacts with a portion of the green laser gun sight 18 and a
disengagement position in which the engagement portion 136 is moved
out of engagement with the green laser gun sight 18. In some
embodiments, the moveable lever 134 is biased into the engagement
portion by a spring or similarly resilient element (not
illustrated). In some embodiments, the primary retention device 130
is configured such that a user may easily draw the handgun 10 from
the holster 120 by depressing the finger portion with their finger
to move the primary retention device 130 to a disengagement
position and wherein the primary retention device 130 is positioned
relative to the pocket 122 such that the gun 10 may be withdrawn
from the holster 120 with the user's finger proximate a switch 80
(FIG. 4) on the green laser gun sight 18.
[0074] In some embodiments, the secondary retention device 132
includes a resilient member 142 that forms a frictional fit with
the housing 22 of the green laser gun sight 18. It will be
appreciated that the secondary retention device 132 is configured
to resist accidental removal of the gun 10 from the holster 120 but
permits removal of the gun 10 from the holster 120 when the finger
portion 138 is depressed and the gun 10 is withdrawn.
[0075] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate how the primary retention device
130 interacts with the green laser gun sight 18. In particular, the
primary retention device 130 interacts with a component of the
green laser gun sight 18. In some embodiments, the engagement
portion 136 of the primary retention device 130 engages with the
head 141 of the cross pin 140. By comparing FIG. 14 with, for
example, FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that the engagement portion
136 is positioned to oppose movement of the head 141 of the cross
pin 140 and thus prevent withdrawal of the green laser gun sight 18
and the gun 10 to which the green laser gun sight 18 is attached.
FIG. 15 also illustrates the relative position of the head 141 and
the engagement portion 136 of the primary retention device 130 when
the gun 10 is secured within the holster 120. It can be seen that
the engagement portion 136 blocks movement of the head 141 when in
an engagement position but permits movement when the user depresses
the finger portion 138 and thus pivots the engagement portion 136
out of the way of the head 141.
[0076] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a green laser module
154 that may be considered as representative of the green laser
module 34 previously discussed. The green laser module 154 is
configured to produce coherent energy in the green (490-570 nm)
range of a visible spectrum. Laser module components include a
semiconductor chip 166 that emits radiation when receiving battery
power, a lasing medium or crystal 168 provided for light
amplification at the fundamental frequency corresponding to a
wavelength of 1064 nm and a frequency doubler or crystal 170 for
converting the energy to the desired wavelength of 532 nm. In some
embodiments, beam collimating optics 172 are positioned to receive
the light emitted by the frequency doubler or crystal 170. In some
embodiments, the beam collimating optics 172 include the
collimating lens 58 discussed previously. In some embodiments, the
green laser module 154 may incorporate an infrared blocking
filter.
[0077] FIG. 17 provides a simplified schematic view of electrical
circuitry in the green laser gun sight 18. In some embodiments, a
printed circuit board 174 may be separated from the green laser
module 154. A printed circuit board 176 that incorporates a
microprocessor for a variety of functions including providing
battery power to the printed circuit board 174 pulsed at a variety
of predetermined pulsing frequencies, and interrupting power to the
laser drive circuit after a predetermined time of laser operation
with no user input, to prevent overheating and prolong battery
life. A flexible or pliant conductor 178 electrically couples the
battery 162 to the pulsing circuit 176, a conductor 180 couples the
pulsing circuit 176 to the laser drive circuit 174, and a conductor
182 couples the laser drive circuit 174 to the laser module 154. A
switch 184 is coupled to the pulsing circuit 176 and is operable to
select one of several desired pulsing frequencies. In one version,
the predetermined frequencies are 5 Hz, 7 Hz, and 10 Hz.
[0078] The pulsed input to laser drive circuit 174 causes the drive
circuit 174 to generate a laser beam at substantially the same
pulsing frequency, so that users visually perceive the beam as
pulsed. Moreover, at the relatively low pulsing frequencies
involved, the separate pulsing frequencies are readily visually
distinguishable from one another. Consequently, in a situation in
which sighting beams from several different firearms may be
directed towards the same target, for example in certain law
enforcement or military operations, the different pulsing rates
allow each user to distinguish his or her sighting beam from the
others.
[0079] More generally, the pulsing circuit 176 can be configured to
provide power to the laser drive circuit 174 at several distinct
pulsing frequencies, and further to provide power at several
different pulsing circuit duty cycles, each associated with a
different one of the pulsing frequencies. In each case, the laser
drive circuit 174 provides power to the laser module according to a
duty cycle controlled by its corresponding pulsing circuit duty
cycle.
[0080] In some embodiments, the operator selects the desired
pulsing frequency by operating the switch 184 to cycle through five
distinct modes: continuous wave, pulse frequency number 1, pulse
frequency number 2, pulse frequency number 3, and off. The switch
184 also is operable to control the light source 164. With further
reference to FIG. 9, a conductor 190 couples the battery 162 to a
voltage conversion circuit 192, which in turn is electrically
coupled to the light source 164 by a conductor 194. Thus, the green
laser module 154 and the light source 164 may be powered by the
same power source.
[0081] FIG. 18 provides a simplified schematic view of electrical
circuitry in the green laser gun sight 18. While the laser gun
sight 18 has been described as being a green laser gun sight, in
some embodiments the laser gun sight 18 may instead be a red laser
gun sight, a blue laser gun sight or an infrared laser gun sight.
In some embodiments, the laser gun sight 18 is a green laser gun
sight 18.
[0082] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 176 may
include a sensing circuit 184 that includes a Hall effect sensor
186. In some embodiments, as will be described, the holster 120 may
include one or more magnets that are sized to produce a magnetic
field that can be detected by the Hall effect sensor 186. In some
embodiments, one or more magnets may be placed in a soft holster
such as a pocket gun holster. In some embodiments, one or more
magnets may instead be disposed on or in a flat surface such as the
floor of a safe, a nightstand drawer, an automobile glove box, or
the like. If the sensing circuit 184 detects a magnetic field of a
particular strength, the microprocessor 185 decides that a gun 10
to which the green laser gun sight 18 has been mounted has been
holstered. When the sensing circuit 184 no longer detects the
magnetic field, the microprocessor 185 decides that the gun 10 has
been drawn from the holster 120 or picked up from the
aforementioned flat surface.
[0083] In some embodiments, the microprocessor 185 is configured to
turn off the green laser gun sight 18 when detection of a magnetic
field indicates that the gun 10 has been holstered or otherwise put
away. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 185 is configured to
turn on the green laser gun sight 18 when a lack of detection of a
magnetic field indicates that the gun 10 has been drawn or picked
up. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 185 is configured to
turn on the green laser gun sight 18 upon removal from the holster
120 if the green laser gun sight 18 was turned on when holstered,
and is configured to keep the green laser gun sight 18 turned off
upon removal from the holster 120 if the green laser gun sight 18
was turned off when holstered.
[0084] In some embodiments, turning the green laser gun sight 18 on
and off refers to completely shutting off the green laser gun sight
18 in order to conserve battery power. In some embodiments, this
refers to turning portions of the aforementioned circuitry on or
off. For example, turning off the green laser gun sight 18 may
refer to stopping power to the laser module 154 and/or the LED
module 164 to conserve battery power and/or prevent inadvertent
detection of the gun 10 while other portions of the circuitry
remain powered.
[0085] In some embodiments, the green laser gun sight 18 may be
programmed using the one or more buttons 80 to automatically turn
on the laser module 154 and/or the LED module 164 when the gun is
drawn from the holster 120. In some embodiments, the green laser
gun sight 18 may be programmed to automatically turn on the laser
module 154 and/or the LED module 164 after a user programmable time
delay should the user wish a short delay to, for example, better
position the gun before providing a visual indication of the gun's
presence.
[0086] FIGS. 19-21 are similar to FIGS. 11, 12 and 14 described
previously, but have been annotated to indicate an embodiment in
which the green laser gun sight 18 and the holster 120 have been
configured, in combination, to provide an instant-on feature. In
FIG. 19, a region 190 has been indicated in phantom to show the
relative position of the Hall effect sensor 186 in the sensing
circuit 184 as well as a magnet disposed within the holster 120.
FIG. 20 shows an embodiment in which a magnet 192 has been embedded
in the resilient member 142. In some embodiments, the magnet 192 is
a rare earth metal and may be adhesively fixed within a pocket
formed in the resilient member 142. In FIG. 21, it can be seen that
the magnet 192 is positioned relatively close to a region 194 of
the green laser gun sight 18 that includes the sensing circuit 184
and the Hall effect sensor 186.
[0087] FIG. 22 is a side schematic view of the handgun 10 and the
green laser gun sight 18 disposed within a soft holster 200 formed
of a resilient material 202. The resilient material 202 comprises
an exterior layer 204 forming an exterior of the soft holster 200
and an interior layer 206 forming an interior of the soft holster
200. In the illustrated embodiment, edging material 208 is sewn
around a perimeter of the resilient material 202. In the
illustrated embodiment, the resilient material 202, including the
exterior layer 204, the interior layer 206, and the edging material
208, comprise one or more types of relatively durable fabrics. In
alternative embodiments, the resilient material 202 can comprise
one or more non-fabric resilient materials that are suitable for
the application, such as leather.
[0088] The soft holster 200 defines a pocket 210 sized for the
handgun 10 with the attached green laser gun sight 18. The pocket
210 includes a muzzle receiving area 212 for receiving the muzzle
end 20 of the handgun 10 and a laser sight receiving area 214 for
receiving the green laser gun sight 18. The muzzle receiving area
212 is adjacent to and directly above the laser sight receiving
area 214. In some embodiments, the soft holster 200 can be shaped
to hold the handgun 10 with the attached green laser gun sight 18
relatively firmly. In other embodiments, the soft holster 200 can
hold the handgun 10 with the attached green laser gun sight 18 less
firmly yet still have the muzzle receiving area 212 and the laser
sight receiving area 214.
[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the soft holster 200 is a
pocket gun holster having a tab 216 adjacent to and extending
downward from the laser sight receiving area 214. The tab 216 can
function to hook on a user's pocket (such as a pocket or a front
pocket of a pair of pants, not shown) or waistband of a pair of
pants (not shown) to retain the soft holster 200 in the user's
pocket when the handgun 10 is drawn from the soft holster 200. In
alternative embodiments, the soft holster 200 can be shaped
differently than as illustrated. For example, in some embodiments
the tab 216 can be omitted.
[0090] A magnet 218 is attached to the resilient material 202
proximate the laser sight receiving area 214. The magnet 218 can be
attached to the resilient material 202 at a location suitable for
being detected by the Hall effect sensor 186 of the green laser gun
sight 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 218 is mounted
nearer the tab 216 than a top 220 of the soft holster 200. As the
handgun 10 and the green laser gun sight 18 are removed from the
soft holster 200, the Hall effect sensor 186 can sense being
removed from the magnetic field of the magnet 218 and automatically
activate the green laser gun sight 18 to emit a green laser. In
various embodiments, the magnet 218 can be positioned differently
than as illustrated so long as the magnet 218 is positioned at a
location suitable for being detected by the Hall effect sensor 186
of the green laser gun sight 18.
[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 218 is positioned
between the exterior layer 204 and the interior layer 206. In an
alternative embodiment, the magnet 218 can be attached to the
interior layer 206, inward of the interior layer 206. In another
alternative embodiment, the magnet 218 can be attached to the
exterior layer 204, outside of the exterior layer 204.
[0092] In one embodiment, the magnet 218 can be attached to the
resilient material 202 via adhesive suitable for attaching to
fabric. In another embodiment, the magnet 218 can be sewn to the
resilient material 202. In further embodiments, the magnet 218 can
be attached to the resilient material 202 via another method
suitable for the application. By providing the soft holster 200
with the magnet 218 as described, the green laser gun sight 18 can
turn on automatically when used with relatively small handguns,
such as subcompact handguns used with a soft pocket holster.
[0093] In some embodiments, the green laser gun sight 18 can be
replaced with another electronic weapon mounted accessory, such as
a red laser, a white light, or a combination of a red or green
laser and a white light. In such circumstances, the laser sight
receiving area 214 could be more generally referred to an
electronic weapon mounted accessory receiving area. Such electronic
weapon mounted accessories can be used, activated, and deactivated
in substantially the same manner as described with respect to the
green laser gun sight 18.
[0094] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an activation triggering
device 300. The activation triggering device 300 includes a magnet
302 and a fastening mechanism 304. In the illustrated embodiment,
the activation triggering device 300 is a gun holster activation
triggering device. The fastening mechanism 304 is mounted to the
magnet 302 and configured to be secured to a gun holster, such as
the holster 120 (shown in FIGS. 11-15 and 19-21) and the soft
holster 200 (shown in FIG. 22). In one embodiment, the fastening
mechanism 304 can include adhesive for adhering the activation
triggering device 300 to the holster. In alternative embodiments,
the fastening mechanism 304 can be a screw, bolt, clamp, adhesive,
or other material or component configured for attaching the
activation triggering device 300 to the holster via sewing,
welding, bolting, screwing, clamping, or other method suitable for
the application.
[0095] The activation triggering device 300 can be used to modify
an existing holster that did not previously have a position sensing
magnet, into a holster having a position sensing magnet suitable
for use with the sensing circuit 184 and the Hall effect sensor 186
described above. The activation triggering device 300 can first be
positioned on a holster (such as the holster 120 or the soft
holster 200) such that the magnet 302 is proximate a sight
receiving area (such as the sight receiving area 214). The
fastening mechanism 304 can then be attached to the holster such
that the magnet 302 is substantially fixed with respect to the
holster. A gun sight (such as the green laser gun sight 18) can be
attached to a handgun (such as the handgun 10) in a manner
described above, or in another manner. Then, the handgun 10 with
the attached green laser gun sight 18 can be inserted and removed
from the holster with the attached activation triggering device
300, and the green laser gun sight 18 can be automatically
deactivated and activated upon insertion and removal,
respectively.
[0096] In one embodiment, the activation triggering device 300 can
be attached to an outer surface of the holster. In another
embodiment, the activation triggering device 300 can be attached to
an inner surface of the holster inside a pocket (such as the pocket
122 or the pocket 210) of the holster. The activation triggering
device 300 can be paired with a green laser gun sight (such as the
green laser gun sight 18) wherein the combination of the activation
triggering device 300 and the green laser gun sight 18 are sized to
fit within the pocket of the holster when the green laser gun sight
18 is mounted on the handgun 10.
[0097] By attaching the activation triggering device 300 to a
holster as described, the green laser gun sight 18 can be mounted
on the handgun 10 and the green laser gun sight 18 can turn on
automatically when used with that holster. Thus, the activation
triggering device 300 allows for retrofitting and upgrading of
existing, conventional holsters for use with the automatic
activation feature of the green laser gun sight 18. Such
conventional holsters can be manufactured and sold separately from
the activation triggering device 300. Such conventional holsters
need not be designed especially for use with the activation
triggering device 300.
[0098] FIG. 24 is perspective view of a top of an activation
triggering device 310, which is an alternative embodiment of the
activation triggering device 300. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of
a bottom of the activation triggering device 310. The activation
triggering device 310 includes a housing 312 at least partially
covering a magnet 314. The housing 312 includes a top surface 316
that curves down toward edges 318, 320, 322, and 324. The edges 318
and 320 are substantially curved edges, with the edge 318
positioned opposite the edge 320. The edges 322 and 324 are
substantially straight edges extending between the edges 318 and
320, with the edge 322 positioned opposite the edge 324.
[0099] The housing 312 has a bottom surface 326 positioned opposite
the top surface 316. The bottom surface 326 defines a cavity 328
sized for the magnet 314. Bosses 330, 332, and 334 may extend
radially inward into the cavity 328. The magnet 314 is positioned
in the cavity 328 of the housing 312, and can be held in the cavity
328 via a friction fit with the bosses 330, 332, and 334. Adhesive
can be used to attach the magnet 314 to the housing 312 in addition
to or instead of the bosses 330, 332, and 334.
[0100] A layer of adhesive 336 can be applied to the bottom surface
326 of the housing 312 and to the magnet 314. In alternative
embodiments, the layer of adhesive 336 can be applied to only one
of the bottom surface 326 or the housing 312. In further
alternative embodiments, the activation triggering device 310 can
be attached via a mechanism other than adhesive, such as
double-sided tape, sewing, a press fit, bolting, screwing, or
riveting.
[0101] The activation triggering device 310 can be relatively
small. In the illustrated embodiment, the activation triggering
device 310 has a width of about 0.75 inches (1.905 centimeters) and
a thickness of about 0.125 inches (0.3175 centimeters). In
alternative embodiments, the activation triggering device 310 can
have a width of less than about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) and a
thickness of less than about 0.25 inches (0.635 centimeters). In
further alternative embodiments, the activation triggering device
310 can have another size and shape suitable for the
application.
[0102] In one embodiment, the activation triggering device 310 can
be adhered or otherwise attached to a holster, such as the holster
120 (shown in FIGS. 11-15 and 19-21) and the soft holster 200
(shown in FIG. 22), in a similar manner to that described above
with respect to the activation triggering device 300. In an
alternative embodiment, the activation triggering device 310 can be
adhered or otherwise attached to a bottom of a drawer. The handgun
10 can then be put in the drawer with the green laser gun sight 18
and the Hall effect sensor 186 positioned proximate the activation
triggering device 310. As the handgun 10 is removed from the
drawer, the Hall effect sensor 186 can sense being removed from the
magnetic field of the magnet 314 and automatically activate the
green laser gun sight 18. Thus, the green laser gun sight 18 can
automatically turn on as soon as the handgun 10 is removed from
proximity of the activation triggering device 310 in the
drawer.
[0103] In another embodiment, the position sensor 310 can be
adhered or otherwise attached to an interior surface of a safe. For
example, the position sensor 310 can be attached via a layer of
adhesive 336 to either a foam surface or a hard surface within the
safe. The handgun 10 can then be put in the safe with the green
laser gun sight 18 and the Hall effect sensor 186 positioned
proximate the activation triggering device 310. As the handgun 10
is removed from the safe, the Hall effect sensor 186 can sense
being removed from the magnetic field of the magnet 314 and
automatically activate the green laser gun sight 18. Thus, the
green laser gun sight 18 can automatically turn on as soon as the
handgun 10 is removed from proximity of the activation triggering
device 310 in the safe.
[0104] In another alternative embodiment, one or more of the
position sensors 310 can be adhered or otherwise attached to a
storage device such as a gun rack. For example, the activation
triggering device 310 can be attached via the layer of adhesive 336
to a gun holding portion of the gun rack. The handgun 10 can then
be put in or on the gun rack with the green laser gun sight 18 and
the Hall effect sensor 186 positioned proximate the activation
triggering device 310. As the handgun 10 is removed from the gun
rack, the Hall effect sensor 186 can sense being removed from the
magnetic field of the magnet 314 and automatically activate the
green laser gun sight 18. Multiple position sensors can be used in
gun racks designed for multiple guns.
[0105] In further alternative embodiments, the activation
triggering device 310 can be adhered or otherwise attached to
virtually any object suitable for the application, such as a shelf,
a wall, a ceiling, a glove box, a motorcycle compartment, another
vehicle compartment, a clothing pocket, a purse, a briefcase, or a
personal planner having a compartment, or another container. Thus,
the green laser gun sight 18 can automatically turn on as soon as
the handgun 10 is removed from proximity of the activation
triggering device 310 in virtually any location.
[0106] FIG. 26 is a top view of the handgun 10 resting on a gun
storage pad 400. The gun storage pad 400 is a substantially flat
mat upon which the handgun 10 can rest. The gun storage pad 400 has
a substantially flat top surface 402 defined by sides 404, 406,
408, and 410. The top surface 402 can be relatively non-abrasive so
as to reduce scuffing of the handgun 10 and the green laser gun
sight 18. The magnet 218 is mounted to the gun storage pad 400.
[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 26, the handgun 10 is rested on the
gun storage pad 400 with the Hall effect sensor 186 of the green
laser gun sight 18 positioned proximate the magnet 218. In the
illustrated embodiment, the Hall effect sensor 186 is positioned
proximate but not directly above the magnet 218. In an alternative
embodiment, the Hall effect sensor 186 can be positioned directly
above the magnet 218.
[0108] As the handgun 10 and the green laser gun sight 18 are
rested on the gun storage pad 400, the Hall effect sensor 186 can
sense the magnetic field of the magnet 218 and automatically
deactivate the green laser gun sight 18. As the handgun 10 and the
green laser gun sight 18 are removed from the gun storage pad 400,
the Hall effect sensor 186 can sense being removed from the
magnetic field of the magnet 218 and automatically activate the
green laser gun sight 18. Thus, the green laser gun sight 18 can
automatically turn on as soon as the handgun 10 is removed from the
gun storage pad 400.
[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the gun storage pad 400 is
shown with a single magnet 218. In that embodiment, the Hall effect
sensor 186 can sense the magnet 218 so long as the Hall effect
sensor 186 is positioned sufficiently close to the magnet 218 when
the handgun 10 and the green laser gun sight 18 are laid down on
the gun storage pad 400. In alternative embodiments, the gun
storage pad 400 can have multiple magnets 218 so as to create a
larger sensing area on the gun storage pad 400. In further
alternative embodiments, the gun storage pad 400 can have magnets
218 distributed across much of or the entire top surface 402.
[0110] FIG. 27 is a top view of the gun storage pad 400. As shown
in FIG. 27, the magnet 218 is mounted on the top surface 402 of the
gun storage pad 400. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet 218
can be mounted on a bottom surface 412 of the gun storage pad 400,
which is opposite of the top surface 402. In a further alternative
embodiment, the magnet 218 can be mounted between top and bottom
layers (not shown) of the gun storage pad 400.
[0111] The top surface 402 of the gun storage pad 400 can include a
gun alignment feature 414 for aligning the handgun 10 on the gun
storage pad 400. In one embodiment, the gun alignment feature 414
can provide a visual indication of where the handgun 10 should be
placed. For example, the gun alignment feature can be a printed
image shaped like a handgun. In an alternative embodiment, the gun
alignment feature 414 can provide a visual indication of where the
green laser gun sight 18 or the Hall effect sensor 186 should be
placed.
[0112] In another alternative embodiment, the gun alignment feature
414 can include one or more raised ridges tending to align the
handgun 10 and/or the green laser gun sight 18 into a suitable
position. In an embodiment with the gun alignment feature 414
having raised ridges, the top surface 402 can be substantially
planar, though not entirely planar due to the raised ridges.
[0113] In a further alternative embodiment, the gun alignment
feature 414 can include a fabric hook and loop fastening strap such
as Velcro brand fasteners, a magnet sized for holding the handgun
10 and/or the green laser gun sight 18, or projections for
providing a friction fit on the handgun 10 and/or the green laser
gun sight 18.
[0114] In some embodiments, the gun storage pad 400 can be designed
to lay flat on a surface without being attached to the surface. In
other embodiments, the gun storage pad 400 can be attached to a
surface via a mechanism such as adhesive, a magnet, tape, sewing,
bolting, screwing, or nailing. In some embodiments the gun storage
pad 400 can be located on a horizontal surface. In other
embodiments the gun storage pad can be located on an angled or
vertical surface.
[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the gun storage pad 400
includes a single gun alignment feature 414. In alternative
embodiments, the gun storage pad 400 can include multiple gun
alignment features 414 for locating multiple guns with respect to
multiple magnets 218.
[0116] FIG. 28 is a side sectional view of the gun storage pad 400
taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
28, the top surface 402 is substantially planar, though not
entirely planar due to the magnet 218 being mounted on the top
surface 402. In alternative embodiments, the top surface 402 can be
entirely planar, with the magnet 218 being mounted on the bottom
surface 412 or within the gun storage pad 400.
[0117] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a paddle 500. The paddle
500 is a holster mounting paddle for securing a gun holster, such
as the holster 120 (shown in FIGS. 11-15 and 19-21) and the soft
holster 200 (shown in FIG. 22). The paddle 500 includes a paddle
attachment plate 502, a paddle extension 504, and a bridge 506
connecting the paddle attachment plate 502 to the paddle extension
504.
[0118] The paddle attachment plate 502 includes three mounting pads
508, 510, and 512. The mounting pads 508, 510, and 512 are each
raised from an outer surface 514 of the paddle attachment plate
502. The mounting pad 508 includes three holes 516, 518, and 520
extending through and defined by the paddle attachment plate 502.
The holes 516, 518, and 520 are aligned in an arcuate shape,
concave inward toward a center of the paddle attachment plate 502.
The mounting pad 510 includes three holes 522, 524, and 526
extending through and defined by the paddle attachment plate 502.
The holes 522, 524, and 526 are also aligned in an arcuate shape,
concave inward toward a center of the paddle attachment plate
502.
[0119] The paddle 500 will be described as having a left side 528,
a right side 530, a top 532, and a bottom 534. However, it should
be understood that the terms "left side" and "right side" are
relative terms that can be alternated if the paddle 500 were in a
different orientation. The mounting pad 508 and the holes 516, 518,
and 520 are positioned toward the left side 528 and near the top
532. The mounting pad 510 and the holes 522, 524, and 526 are
positioned toward the right side 530 and near the top 532. Thus,
the holes 516, 518, and 520 arc inward toward the holes 522, 524,
and 526, and vice versa.
[0120] The mounting pad 512 includes five holes 536, 538, 540, 542,
and 544 extending through and defined by the paddle attachment
plate 502. The holes 536, 538, 540, 542, and 544 are aligned in a
zig-zag or "W" shape, and are positioned toward the bottom 534. The
various holes 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 536, 538, 540, 542, and
544 provide locations through which a pin, bolt, screw, or other
fastener can be inserted to adjustably mount a holster to the
paddle 500. The orientation of the holster with respect to the
paddle 500 can be adjusted by selecting different holes 516, 518,
520, 522, 524, 526, 536, 538, 540, 542, and 544 to use. For
example, a first pin can be inserted into one of holes 516, 518, or
520, a second pin can be inserted into one of the holes 522, 524,
or 526, and a third pin can be inserted into one of the holes 536,
538, 540, 542, and 544. Which holes are selected can depend on a
user's preferred orientation of the holster, which can vary
depending on whether the user is left-handed or right handed, which
pocket or other location is being used as a mounting location, and
user preferences.
[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, a holster can be adjustably
mounted to three holes: one in each of the mounting pads 508, 510,
and 512. The holster can be mounted in an upright orientation by
being connected to the paddle 500 at holes 518, 524, and 540. The
holster can be mounted in an angled orientation by being connected
to the paddle 500 at holes 520, 542, and 524. The holster can be
mounted at a greater angle by being connected to the paddle 500 at
holes 520, 522, and 544. The holster can be mounted in an angled
orientation but rotated in the other direction by being connected
to the paddle 500 at holes 518, 526, and 538. The holster can be
mounted at a greater angle by being connected to the paddle 500 at
holes 516, 526, and 536. The hole orientation in the illustrated
embodiment of the paddle 500 allows a holster to be mounted to the
paddle 500 at five different angles which can all allow the holster
to have a relatively low center of gravity with respect to the
paddle 500. For example, the holster can be mounted in an upright
orientation by being connected to the paddle 500 using holes 518
and 524, which are vertically lower than the holes 516 and 522.
[0122] The paddle extension 504 is substantially U-shaped, having a
first branch 546 positioned on the left side 528 of the paddle
attachment plate 502 and a second branch 548 positioned on the
right side 530 of the paddle attachment plate 502. The first and
second branches 546 and 548 are each attached to and extend
downward from the bridge 506. Branch 546 has ribs 550, 552, 554,
and 556 extending from an outer surface 558 of the paddle extension
504. Branch 548 has ribs 560, 562, 564, and 566 extending from the
outer surface 558 of the paddle extension 504. The ribs 550, 552,
554, 556, 560, 562, 564, and 566 each have a sharp top edge and a
sloping bottom edge so as to act as teeth to hold the paddle 500 in
a pocket, such as a pocket of a user's pants (not shown) or a
waistband (not shown).
[0123] The paddle extension 504 further includes a hook 568
positioned toward the bottom 534 and between the first and second
branches 546 and 548. The hook 568 acts as an additional tooth to
hold the paddle 500 in the pocket or a waistband.
[0124] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a rear of the paddle 500.
The paddle attachment plate 502, the paddle extension 504, and the
bridge 506 are each substantially curved to conform to a shape of a
user's body. A rear surface 570 of the paddle attachment plate 502
has ribs 572, 574, 576, 578, 580, 582, 584, and 586 extending from
the rear surface 588 toward the paddle extension 504. The ribs 572,
574, 576, and 578 are on a first side of the paddle extension 504,
positioned between the mounting pad 510 and the right side 530
(which appears on the left as viewed from the rear as in FIG. 30).
The ribs 580, 582, 584, and 586 are on a second side of the paddle
extension 504, positioned between the mounting pad 508 and the left
side 528 (which appears on the right as viewed from the rear as in
FIG. 30). The ribs 572, 574, 576, 578, 580, 582, 584, and 586 each
have a sharp top edge and a sloping bottom edge so as to act as
teeth to hold the paddle 500 in a pocket, such as a pocket of a
user's pants (not shown) or a waistband (not shown). In the
illustrated embodiment, the paddle 500 includes the ribs 550, 552,
554, 556, 560, 562, 564, and 566 (shown in FIG. 29) in conjunction
with the ribs 572, 574, 576, 578, 580, 582, 584, and 586. In
alternative embodiments, only some ribs can be included, with other
ribs omitted. In various embodiments, the shape, position and
orientation of the ribs can be modified as appropriate for a given
application.
[0125] FIG. 31 is a side view of the paddle 500. The hook 568 as
well as the ribs 560, 562, 564, and 566 are shown as extending from
the outer surface 558 of the paddle extension 504. The paddle
attachment plate 502 is connected to an outer portion 588 of the
bridge 506 and the paddle extension 504 is connected to an inner
portion 590 of the bridge 506 so as to define a slot 592 between
the paddle attachment plate 502 and the paddle extension 504. The
slot 592 allows a substantially flat object, such as a belt or
fabric of a pants pocket or waistband, to be positioned between the
paddle attachment plate 502 and the paddle extension 504. Bottom
lips 594 and 596 of the paddle attachment plate 502 and the paddle
extension 504, respectively, are not attached to one-another. Thus,
the paddle attachment plate 502 and the paddle extension 504 each
extend from the bridge 506 in a cantilevered fashion.
[0126] The paddle 500 can be made from a flexible and resilient
material, which allows the paddle attachment plate 502 to be bent
away from the paddle extension 504 to allow the paddle 500 to be
inserted over a belt or waistband. The paddle 500 can then spring
back to the illustrated shape, allowing the paddle attachment plate
502 and the paddle 504 to collapse on and hold the belt or
waistband. This resiliency creates a force to hold the ribs 550,
552, 554, 556, 560, 562, 564, and 566 and/or the ribs 572, 574,
576, 578, 580, 582, 584, and 586 against the belt or waistband to
hold the paddle 500 and an attached holster relatively firmly. In
the illustrated embodiment, the paddle 500 is made from a polymer
material via injection molding. In some embodiments, the paddle 500
can be a composite material, such as a combination of the polymer
material and glass. In alternative embodiments, the paddle 500 can
be made of another material and/or via another manufacturing method
suitable for the application.
[0127] Various modifications and additions can be made to the
exemplary embodiments discussed. For example, while the embodiments
described above refer to particular features, the scope of this
invention also includes embodiments having different combinations
of features and embodiments that do not include all of the
described features. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and
variations as fall within the scope of the disclosure, together
with all equivalents thereof.
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