U.S. patent application number 17/550536 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-07 for holster with rotatable ejection port locking element.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sentry Solutions Products Group LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Sentry Solutions Products Group LLC. Invention is credited to Eric M. Yeates.
Application Number | 20220107159 17/550536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006074842 |
Filed Date | 2022-04-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220107159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yeates; Eric M. |
April 7, 2022 |
Holster with Rotatable Ejection Port Locking Element
Abstract
A holster defining an at least partial holster cavity; and a
release lever pivotably attached or coupled to the holster body and
repeatably pivotable between a retention position and a release
position, and wherein the release lever is capable of being pivoted
to the release position when a pivoting force is applied to the
release lever, wherein if the release lever is in the retention
position, at least a portion of a handgun locking portion of the
release lever is positioned so as to protrude into a portion of the
holster cavity a sufficient distance to engage at least a portion
of an ejection port of an inserted handgun, and wherein if the
release lever in the release position, the handgun locking portion
is withdrawn from the holster cavity to disengage from the ejection
port of the handgun.
Inventors: |
Yeates; Eric M.; (Virginia
Beach, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sentry Solutions Products Group LLC |
Virginia Beach |
VA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sentry Solutions Products Group
LLC
Virginia Beach
VA
|
Family ID: |
1000006074842 |
Appl. No.: |
17/550536 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16658740 |
Oct 21, 2019 |
11199377 |
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17550536 |
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15683566 |
Aug 22, 2017 |
10451382 |
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16658740 |
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62378648 |
Aug 23, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/041 20130101;
F41C 33/0227 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/02 20060101
F41C033/02; F41C 33/04 20060101 F41C033/04 |
Claims
1. A holster for a handgun, comprising: a holster body defining an
at least partial holster cavity; a hood pivotably attached or
coupled to said holster body, wherein said hood is repeatably
pivotable between a closed position and an open position, wherein
said hood is biased to said open position via interaction between a
holster/hood biasing element attached or coupled between a portion
of said holster body and a portion of said hood; and a release
lever pivotably attached or coupled to said holster body, wherein
said release lever is repeatably pivotable between a retention
position and a release position, wherein said release lever is
biased to said retention position via interaction between a
holster/lever biasing element attached or coupled to a portion of
said holster body, and wherein said release lever is capable of
being pivoted to said release position when a pivoting force is
applied to said release lever, wherein if said release lever is in
said retention position, at least a portion of a handgun locking
portion of said release lever is positioned so as to extend through
an aperture in a wall portion of said holster body, and protrude
into a portion of said holster cavity a sufficient distance to
engage at least a portion of an ejection port of an inserted
handgun, and wherein if said release lever in said release
position, said handgun locking portion is withdrawn from said
holster cavity a sufficient distance to disengage from said
ejection port of said handgun to allow said handgun to be withdrawn
from said holster cavity, wherein if said hood is in said closed
position and said release lever is in said retention position, a
tab of said holster/lever biasing element protrudes into at least a
portion of a hood locking recess of said hood, thereby maintaining
said hood in said closed position, and wherein if said bias of said
release lever is overcome and said release lever is pivoted from
said retention position to said release position, said tab
disengages from said hood locking recess and said hood is allowed
to pivot to said open position.
2. The holster of claim 1, wherein if said hood is in said open
position, said hood does not hinder said handgun from being
withdrawn from said holster.
3. The holster of claim 1, wherein said at least partial holster
cavity includes a holster frame top portion and a holster frame
bottom portion.
4. The holster of claim 1, wherein said at least partial holster
cavity includes a holster slide portion and a holster trigger guard
portion.
5. The holster of claim 1, wherein said holster includes at least
one holster frame attachment portion, which provides one or more
areas, portions, or devices for fastening said holster to a belt
loop or other holster holding device.
6. The holster of claim 1, wherein said hood comprises a hood pivot
stop, which corresponds to a hood stop surface formed in a surface
portion of said holster body such that said hood pivot stop and
said hood stop surface are aligned such that if said hood pivots
towards said open position, said hood pivot stop contacts said hood
stop surface to stop further rotation of said hood relative to said
holster body.
7. The holster of claim 1, wherein said release lever is pivotally
connected to said holster body, via said release lever pivot pin,
so that said release lever is repeatably pivotable between said
retention position and said release position.
8. The holster of claim 1, wherein a release lever pivot pin may
extend either all or part of said way across a release lever
extension portion, joining said thumb/finger engagement portion and
said locking engagement portion.
9. The holster of claim 1, wherein said handgun locking portion
includes a substantially planar portion having a substantially
planar surface formed so as to extend into at least a portion of
said ejection port of an inserted handgun and engage a surface of
said ejection port.
10. A holster for a handgun, comprising: a holster body defining an
at least partial holster cavity; and a release lever pivotably
attached or coupled to said holster body, wherein said release
lever is repeatably pivotable between a retention position and a
release position, wherein said release lever is biased to said
retention position via interaction between a holster/lever biasing
element attached or coupled to a portion of said holster body, and
wherein said release lever is capable of being pivoted to said
release position when a pivoting force is applied to said release
lever, wherein if said release lever is in said retention position,
at least a portion of a handgun locking portion of said release
lever is positioned so as to extend through an aperture in a wall
portion of said holster body, and protrude into a portion of said
holster cavity a sufficient distance to engage at least a portion
of an ejection port of an inserted handgun, and wherein if said
release lever in said release position, said handgun locking
portion is withdrawn from said holster cavity a sufficient distance
to disengage from said ejection port of said handgun to allow said
handgun to be withdrawn from said holster cavity.
11. The holster of claim 10, wherein said at least partial holster
cavity includes a holster frame top portion and a holster frame
bottom portion.
12. The holster of claim 10, wherein said at least partial holster
cavity includes a holster slide portion and a holster trigger guard
portion.
13. The holster of claim 10, wherein said holster includes at least
one holster frame attachment portion, which provides one or more
areas, portions, or devices for fastening said holster to a belt
loop or other holster holding device.
14. The holster of claim 10, wherein said release lever is
pivotally connected to said holster body, via said release lever
pivot pin, so that said release lever is repeatably pivotable
between said retention position and said release position.
15. The holster of claim 10, wherein a release lever pivot pin may
extend either all or part of said way across a release lever
extension portion, joining said thumb/finger engagement portion and
said locking engagement portion.
16. The holster of claim 10, wherein said handgun locking portion
includes a substantially planar portion having a substantially
planar surface formed so as to extend into at least a portion of
said ejection port of an inserted handgun and engage a surface of
said ejection port.
17. A holster for a handgun, comprising: a holster body defining an
at least partial holster cavity; and a release lever pivotably
attached or coupled to said holster body, wherein said release
lever is repeatably pivotable between a retention position and a
release position, and wherein said release lever is capable of
being pivoted to said release position when a pivoting force is
applied to said release lever, wherein if said release lever is in
said retention position, at least a portion of a handgun locking
portion of said release lever is positioned so as to extend through
an aperture in a wall portion of said holster body, and protrude
into a portion of said holster cavity a sufficient distance to
engage at least a portion of an ejection port of an inserted
handgun, and wherein if said release lever in said release
position, said handgun locking portion is withdrawn from said
holster cavity a sufficient distance to disengage from said
ejection port of said handgun to allow said handgun to be withdrawn
from said holster cavity.
18. The holster of claim 17, wherein said holster includes at least
one holster frame attachment portion, which provides one or more
areas, portions, or devices for fastening said holster to a belt
loop or other holster holding device.
19. The holster of claim 17, wherein said release lever is
pivotally connected to said holster body, via said release lever
pivot pin, so that said release lever is repeatably pivotable
between said retention position and said release position.
20. The holster of claim 17, wherein a release lever pivot pin may
extend either all or part of said way across a release lever
extension portion, joining said thumb/finger engagement portion and
said locking engagement portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/658,740, filed Oct.
21, 2019, which is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/683,566, filed Aug. 22, 2017, now U.S. Pat.
No. 10,451,382, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/378,648, filed Aug. 23, 2016, the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
[0004] The disclosure of this patent document contains material
that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
rights whatsoever. Unless otherwise noted, all trademarks and
service marks identified herein are owned by the applicant.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
1. Field of the Present Disclosure
[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
holsters. More specifically, the presently disclosed systems,
methods, and/or apparatuses relate to a locking holster adaptable
to be used with a handgun or other firearm.
2. Description of Related Art
[0006] It is generally known to carry a handgun in a holster
designed to protect the handgun and hold it securely. Holsters can
be worn in a number of ways, such as on a belt at the waist, on the
thigh, attached or coupled to a plate carrier or tactical vest,
under an arm, or around an ankle.
[0007] In certain instances, a handgun must be secured or retained
within the holster, but quickly and easily removed from the
holster, regardless of the type of holster used. Additionally,
users need to be assured that, when not in use, the handgun will
remain safely in the holster.
[0008] Some holsters rely solely on friction to secure the handgun
in place. This combination might not be suitable for situations
where the gun/holster is subject to a great deal of movement
because such movement could cause the handgun to lose frictional
engagement with the holster.
[0009] Certain other holsters include a variety of strap or flap
arrangements that prevent the removal of the firearm from the
holster while the strap or flap is in place. With designs that rely
on this method to retain a handgun, a user must first unfasten
and/or rotate the strap/flap before the firearm can be withdrawn.
Then, to re-secure the handgun in the holster once the handgun has
been re-holstered, the user must physically refasten and/or rotate
the strap/flap before the firearm is securely retained within the
holster. Some users might not prefer these designs because of the
time required to release and/or re-secure the handgun.
[0010] Still other types of holsters include a release lever that
is pivotably attached or coupled to the holster body so as to
pivot, about a pivot pin or fulcrum point, between a locked
position, wherein a protrusion from the release lever is capable of
engaging a portion of the handguns trigger guard, and an unlocked
position, wherein the release lever is pivoted such that the
protrusion is removed from the portion of the handguns trigger
guard, to allow the handgun to be withdrawn from the holster.
[0011] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices,
articles, or the like, which has been included in the present
specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of
these matters form part of the prior art base or were common
general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure
as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this
application.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0012] However, the typical locking holster arrangements have
various shortcomings.
[0013] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the currently known
holster arrangements and/or to provide an improved holster, in
various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the holster of the
present disclosure comprises at least some of a holster body
defining an at least partial holster cavity; a hood pivotably
attached or coupled to the holster body, wherein the hood is
repeatably pivotable between a closed position and an open
position, wherein the hood is biased to the open position via
interaction between a holster/hood biasing element attached or
coupled between a portion of the holster body and a portion of the
hood; and a release lever pivotably attached or coupled to the
holster body, wherein the release lever is repeatably pivotable
between a retention position and a release position, wherein the
release lever is biased to the retention position via interaction
between a holster/lever biasing element attached or coupled to a
portion of the holster body, and wherein the release lever is
capable of being pivoted to the release position when a pivoting
force is applied to the release lever, wherein if the release lever
is in the retention position, at least a portion of a handgun
locking portion of the release lever is positioned so as to extend
through an aperture in a wall portion of the holster body, and
protrude into a portion of the holster cavity a sufficient distance
to engage at least a portion of an ejection port of an inserted
handgun, and wherein if the release lever in the release position,
the handgun locking portion is withdrawn from the holster cavity a
sufficient distance to disengage from the ejection port of the
handgun to allow the handgun to be withdrawn from the holster
cavity, wherein if the hood is in the closed position and the
release lever is in the retention position, a tab of the
holster/lever biasing element protrudes into at least a portion of
a hood locking recess of the hood, thereby maintaining the hood in
the closed position, and wherein if the bias of the release lever
is overcome and the release lever is pivoted from the retention
position to the release position, the tab disengages from the hood
locking recess and the hood is allowed to pivot to the open
position.
[0014] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, if the hood
is in the open position, the hood does not hinder the handgun from
being withdrawn from the holster.
[0015] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the at least
partial holster cavity includes a holster frame top portion and a
holster frame bottom portion.
[0016] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the at least
partial holster cavity includes a holster slide portion and a
holster trigger guard portion.
[0017] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the holster
includes at least one holster frame attachment portion, which
provides one or more areas, portions, or devices for fastening the
holster to a belt loop or other holster holding device.
[0018] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the hood
comprises a hood pivot stop, which corresponds to a hood stop
surface formed in a surface portion of the holster body such that
the hood pivot stop and the hood stop surface are aligned such that
if the hood pivots towards the open position, the hood pivot stop
contacts the hood stop surface to stop further rotation of the hood
relative to the holster body.
[0019] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the release
lever is pivotally connected to the holster body, via the release
lever pivot pin, so that the release lever is repeatably pivotable
between the retention position and the release position.
[0020] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, a release
lever pivot pin may extend either all or part of the way across a
release lever extension portion, joining the thumb/finger
engagement portion and the locking engagement portion.
[0021] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the handgun
locking portion includes a substantially planar portion having a
substantially planar surface formed so as to extend into at least a
portion of the ejection port of an inserted handgun and engage a
surface of the ejection port.
[0022] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the holster
of the present disclosure comprises at least some of a holster body
defining an at least partial holster cavity; and a release lever
pivotably attached or coupled to the holster body, wherein the
release lever is repeatably pivotable between a retention position
and a release position, wherein the release lever is biased to the
retention position via interaction between a holster/lever biasing
element attached or coupled to a portion of the holster body, and
wherein the release lever is capable of being pivoted to the
release position when a pivoting force is applied to the release
lever, wherein if the release lever is in the retention position,
at least a portion of a handgun locking portion of the release
lever is positioned so as to extend through an aperture in a wall
portion of the holster body, and protrude into a portion of the
holster cavity a sufficient distance to engage at least a portion
of an ejection port of an inserted handgun, and wherein if the
release lever in the release position, the handgun locking portion
is withdrawn from the holster cavity a sufficient distance to
disengage from the ejection port of the handgun to allow the
handgun to be withdrawn from the holster cavity.
[0023] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the at least
partial holster cavity includes a holster frame top portion and a
holster frame bottom portion.
[0024] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the at least
partial holster cavity includes a holster slide portion and a
holster trigger guard portion.
[0025] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the holster
includes at least one holster frame attachment portion, which
provides one or more areas, portions, or devices for fastening the
holster to a belt loop or other holster holding device.
[0026] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the release
lever is pivotally connected to the holster body, via the release
lever pivot pin, so that the release lever is repeatably pivotable
between the retention position and the release position.
[0027] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, a release
lever pivot pin may extend either all or part of the way across a
release lever extension portion, joining the thumb/finger
engagement portion and the locking engagement portion.
[0028] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the handgun
locking portion includes a substantially planar portion having a
substantially planar surface formed so as to extend into at least a
portion of the ejection port of an inserted handgun and engage a
surface of the ejection port.
[0029] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the holster
of the present disclosure comprises at least some of a holster body
defining an at least partial holster cavity; and a release lever
pivotably attached or coupled to the holster body, wherein the
release lever is repeatably pivotable between a retention position
and a release position, and wherein the release lever is capable of
being pivoted to the release position when a pivoting force is
applied to the release lever, wherein if the release lever is in
the retention position, at least a portion of a handgun locking
portion of the release lever is positioned so as to extend through
an aperture in a wall portion of the holster body, and protrude
into a portion of the holster cavity a sufficient distance to
engage at least a portion of an ejection port of an inserted
handgun, and wherein if the release lever in the release position,
the handgun locking portion is withdrawn from the holster cavity a
sufficient distance to disengage from the ejection port of the
handgun to allow the handgun to be withdrawn from the holster
cavity.
[0030] Accordingly, the holster of the present disclosure
separately and optionally provides a quick-release handgun
holster.
[0031] The holster of the present disclosure separately and
optionally provides a handgun holster, which is capable of
retaining a handgun securely in the holster while permitting a
release of the handgun when the user requires.
[0032] The holster of the present disclosure separately and
optionally provides a handgun holster, which is simple to
operate.
[0033] The holster of the present disclosure separately and
optionally provides a handgun holster, which secures the handgun in
the holster upon seating of the handgun in the holster, without
requiring any additional operation by the user.
[0034] The holster of the present disclosure separately and
optionally provides a handgun holster, which utilizes a firearm
locking portion to engage at least a portion of an ejection port of
an inserted handgun.
[0035] The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses
separately and optionally provide a holster that can be easily
manipulated by a user.
[0036] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the
presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses are
described in or are apparent from the following detailed
description of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the
presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses and the
accompanying figures. Other aspects and features of embodiments of
the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary
embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or
apparatuses in concert with the figures. While features of the
presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses may be
discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all
embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or
apparatuses can include one or more of the features discussed
herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as
having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features
may also be used with the various embodiments of the systems,
methods, and/or apparatuses discussed herein. In similar fashion,
while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device,
system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that such
exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices,
systems, and methods of the presently disclosed systems, methods,
and/or apparatuses.
[0037] Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are
described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not
intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential
feature(s) or element(s) of the presently disclosed systems,
methods, and/or apparatuses of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the presently
disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses are disclosed
herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary of the presently disclosed
systems, methods, and/or apparatuses that may be embodied in
various and alternative forms, within the scope of the presently
disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. The figures are not
necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized
to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
employ the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or
apparatuses.
[0039] The exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed
systems, methods, and/or apparatuses will be described in detail,
with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a front, perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a holster, according to the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear, perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a holster body, according to the present
disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear, perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a holster, according to the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of
a holster body, according to the present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of
a holster body, according to the present disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment
of a holster body, according to the present disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment
of a holster body, according to the present disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of
a holster body, according to the present disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of
a holster body, according to the present disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a holster body, according to the present
disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a holster body, according to the present
disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of
a holster body, according to the present disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates a lower, rear perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a release lever, according to the present
disclosure;
[0053] FIG. 14 illustrates an upper, rear perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a release lever, according to the present
disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 15 illustrates a first side view of an exemplary
embodiment of a release lever, according to the present
disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 16 illustrates a second side view of an exemplary
embodiment of a release lever, according to the present
disclosure;
[0056] FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of
a release lever, according to the present disclosure;
[0057] FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment
of a release lever, according to the present disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 19 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a holster, wherein the release lever is in
a retention position, according to the present disclosure;
[0059] FIG. 20 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a holster, wherein the release lever is in
a release position, according to the present disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 21 illustrates an upper, rear, perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a hood, according to the present
disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment
of a hood, according to the present disclosure;
[0062] FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment
of a hood, according to the present disclosure;
[0063] FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment
of a hood, according to the present disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 25 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment
of a hood, according to the present disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 26 illustrates an upper, perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a holster/hood biasing element, according
to the present disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 27 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment
of a holster/hood biasing element, according to the present
disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment
of a holster/hood biasing element, according to the present
disclosure;
[0068] FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment
of a holster/lever biasing element, according to the present
disclosure;
[0069] FIG. 30 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a holster, wherein the release lever is in
a retention position, according to the present disclosure;
[0070] FIG. 31 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a holster, wherein the release lever is in
a release position, according to the present disclosure; and
[0071] FIG. 32 illustrates a first side view of an exemplary
embodiment of a holster, wherein the hood is in an open position
and an exemplary handgun is aligned with the holster, according to
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
DISCLOSURE
[0072] For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and
operating principles of the holster according to the presently
disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses are explained with
reference to various exemplary embodiments of a holster according
to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.
The basic explanation of the design factors and operating
principles of the holster is applicable for the understanding,
design, and operation of the holster of the presently disclosed
systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. It should be appreciated that
the holster can be adapted to many applications where a holster can
be used.
[0073] As used herein, the word "may" is meant to convey a
permissive sense (i.e., meaning "having the potential to"), rather
than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning "must"). Unless stated
otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to
arbitrarily distinguish between the exemplary embodiments and/or
elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily
intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such
exemplary embodiments and/or elements.
[0074] The term "coupled", as used herein, is defined as connected,
although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more
unless stated otherwise.
[0075] Throughout this application, the terms "comprise" (and any
form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have"
(and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include", (and
any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") and
"contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and
"containing") are used as open-ended linking verbs. It will be
understood that these terms are meant to imply the inclusion of a
stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or
steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step,
or group of elements, integers, or steps. As a result, a system,
method, or apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes", or
"contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more
elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more
elements. Similarly, a method or process that "comprises", "has",
"includes" or "contains" one or more operations possesses those one
or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one
or more operations.
[0076] It should also be appreciated that the terms "handgun" and
"holster" are used for a basic explanation and understanding of the
operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this
invention. Therefore, the terms "handgun" and "holster" are not to
be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of
this invention.
[0077] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, for simplicity
and clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be
described with reference to a semiautomatic-type handgun being
secured within the holster of the present disclosure. However, it
should be appreciated that the operating principles of the
disclosed holster may also be employed to construct holsters or
holders for any revolver or semiautomatic-type handgun, edged
handguns as well as less than lethal products (i.e., tasers, pepper
spray, mace canisters, or batons), so long as these items have an
appropriate ledge or void that may be engaged or retained by a
locking projection or other retaining means. Furthermore, it is
also within the scope of the present invention that the present
holster may be employed as a pouch for tactical accessories, such
as ammunition magazines and/or flashlights, as well as for everyday
items such as cell phones or personal digital assistants.
[0078] Turning now to the appended drawing figures, FIGS. 1-32
illustrate certain elements and/or aspects of a first,
illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of a holster 100 according to
the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that the holster
100 is adapted to retain an exemplary semiautomatic-type handgun
180. The semiautomatic-type handgun 180 generally includes a slide
portion 183 and a frame portion 185. The slide portion 183
generally includes a barrel, while the frame portion 185 generally
includes a dust cover, a grip, a trigger guard 186, and a trigger.
The trigger guard 186 includes an outer surface 187, which defines
the outer perimeter of the trigger guard 186 and an inner surface
188, which defines an area where the trigger is located and allows
a user's finger access to the trigger.
[0079] An ejection port 184 is formed in a portion of the slide
portion 183.
[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-32, the holster 100 includes a
holster body 103 defining a holster cavity 104 for receiving and
holding at least a portion of the handgun 180. The holster cavity
104 may be formed from any number or combination of walls,
including, for example, a single, continuous wall or multiple
coupled or joined walls. Alternatively, the holster cavity 104 may
be formed by a material shaped or bent in a substantial "U" shape.
Thus, the holster cavity 104 may be formed by any holster cavity,
space, or platform that is capable of retaining an appropriate
portion of the handgun 180.
[0081] In various exemplary embodiments, the holster body 103
comprises at least some of a pair of opposed wall portions
comprising a first wall portion 106 and a second wall portion 107.
Typically, the first wall portion 106 is considered the inner side
of the holster 100 and is worn against or adjacent the user's body,
while the second wall portion 107 is considered the outer side of
the holster 100 and is worn away from the user's body.
[0082] The holster body 103 may further comprise at least some of a
fourth wall portion 109 and a third wall portion 108. Optionally,
the fourth wall portion 109 and the third wall portion 108 may
comprise extended portions of the first wall portion 106 and the
second wall portion 107.
[0083] It should also be appreciated that the holster 100 may be
formed such that one or more of the first wall portion 106, the
second wall portion 107, the fourth wall portion 109, and/or the
third wall portion 108 is/are sufficient to define the holster
cavity 104 for receiving the handgun 180 and the remaining wall
portions are not included.
[0084] It should be noted that the walls of the holster 100 may be
substantially planar. Alternatively, the walls of the holster 100
may be contoured or shaped to better accommodate a specific type or
model of handgun 180 (or other item) to be retained within the
holster 100.
[0085] The at least partial holster cavity 104 includes a holster
frame top portion 101 and a holster frame bottom portion 102 and
may be formed from any number or combination of wall portions,
including, for example, a single, continuous wall portion or
multiple coupled or joined wall portions. Thus, the holster cavity
104 may be formed by any cavity, partial cavity, space, or platform
that is capable of retaining a handgun 180.
[0086] In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the holster
body 103 merely comprises a single wall portion, such as, for
example, the first wall portion 106. Any remaining portions of the
holster 100 may be attached, coupled, or formed as a portion or
extension of the first wall portion 106 and/or the holster body
103.
[0087] In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, as
illustrated, the holster body 103 and/or the holster cavity 104
includes a holster slide portion 111 and a holster trigger guard
portion 112. At least a portion of the holster trigger guard
portion 112 is shaped to receive and accommodate at least a portion
of the trigger guard 186 of an inserted handgun 180. In various
exemplary embodiments, the holster trigger guard portion 112 is
generally formed by a portion of the body of the holster 100. The
holster trigger guard portion 112 is shaped generally to match the
contours of at least a portion of the outer surface 187 of the
trigger guard 186. The holster trigger guard portion 112 is formed
to contact at least a portion of the outer surface 187 of the
trigger guard 186 of the inserted handgun 180 and further limit how
far the handgun 180 can be inserted into the holster 100.
[0088] The construction of the holster 100 further facilitates
alignment of at least a portion of an ejection port 184 of the
handgun 180 with at least a portion of the handgun locking portion
125 by limiting lateral movement of the handgun 180 with respect to
the handgun locking portion 125 without preventing a user from
easily holstering or drawing the handgun 180.
[0089] In various exemplary embodiments, the holster 100 optionally
includes at least one holster frame attachment portion 114, which
provides one or more areas, portions, or devices for fastening the
holster 100 to a belt loop or other holster holding device.
Alternatively, the means for holster frame attachment portion 114
may comprise a clip or hook adapted to, for example, be clipped
over or to a belt. In further exemplary embodiments, the holster
frame attachment portion 114 may comprise one or more
quick-disconnect or other couplings, which may be permanently or
removably coupled to corresponding and cooperating coupling(s)
provided on a belt or other carrier or platform. In still other
exemplary embodiments, the holster 100 may comprise an integral
belt, or may comprise one or more connections for attachment to a
chest, ankle, leg, shoulder, or other harness or band, or for
otherwise securing the holster 100 to a user or the user's
apparel.
[0090] The holster 100 may be formed of a substantially rigid
material, such as, for example, a polymeric material or a polymeric
composite. Alternate materials of construction may include one or
more of the following: steel, aluminum, titanium, and/or other
metals, as well as various alloys and composites thereof,
glass-hardened polymers, polymer or fiber reinforced metals, carbon
fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers in combination
with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped glass or carbon
fibers used for injection molding compounds, laminate glass or
carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber laminates,
impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins,
polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength plastics, nylon,
glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics, thermoform and/or
thermoset sheet materials, or the like, and/or various combinations
of the foregoing.
[0091] In various exemplary embodiments, at least certain
components of the holster 100 may be formed of any known or later
developed, substantially flexible material(s) such as a polymeric
material, leather, foam, foam laminates, natural and man-made
(synthetic) fabrics, natural and man-made (synthetic) fabric
laminates, moldable honeycomb materials, or the like, and/or
various combinations of the foregoing.
[0092] Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials
used to form the holster 100 and/or various components of the
holster 100 is a design choice based on the desired appearance
and/or functionality of the holster 100.
[0093] As further shown in FIGS. 1-32, the holster 100 includes a
hood 160, pivotably coupled to the holster body 103, via
interaction of hood pivot projections 117 and hood pivot pin
apertures 162. As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 32, the
hood 160 is repeatably pivotable between a closed position for
securing the handgun within the holster cavity 104 and an open
position for insertion or removal of the handgun.
[0094] The hood 160 is pivotably coupled to the holster body 103,
via interaction between hood pivot pin apertures 162 and hood pivot
projections 117. In various exemplary embodiments, the hood 160 is
pivotably coupled, via the hood pivot projections 117, to opposing
portions of the first wall portion 106 and the second wall portion
107. Alternatively, the hood 160 may be pivotably coupled, via the
hood pivot projections 117, to opposing portions of the fourth wall
portion 109.
[0095] The hood 160 is biased, via the holster/hood biasing element
175, to the open position, whether the release lever 120 is in the
retention position or the release position. In various exemplary
embodiments, the holster/hood biasing element 175 comprises a
biasing spring.
[0096] The holster/hood biasing element 175 is attached or coupled
to or within a portion of the holster body 103 and two or within a
portion of the hood 160.
[0097] When appropriately positioned relative to the hood 160 and
the holster body 103, the holster/hood biasing element 175 biases
or urges the hood 160 towards the open position.
[0098] In various exemplary embodiments, the hood 160 comprises a
hood pivot stop 168, which corresponds to a hood stop surface 113
formed in a surface portion of the holster body 103. The hood pivot
stop 168 and the hood stop surface 113 are aligned such that when
the hood 160 pivots towards the open position, the hood pivot stop
168 contacts the hood stop surface 113 to stop further rotation of
the hood 160, such that contact between the hood pivot stop 168 and
the hood stop surface 113 defines an arc of rotation of the hood
160 relative to the holster body 103. As shown in the drawing
figures, the hood 160 includes a first hood pivot stop 168, which
corresponds to a hood stop surface 113 formed in the first wall
portion 106. However, in various exemplary embodiments, the hood
160 comprises two hood pivot stops 168, each of which corresponds
to a hood stop surface 113 formed in the holster body 103.
[0099] The release lever 120 includes a first side 121 facing
generally outward from the holster 100, away from the holster
cavity 104 formed by the holster 100, and a second side 122 facing
toward the holster cavity 104 formed by the holster 100. The
release lever 120 comprises at least some of a thumb/finger
engagement portion 123 and a locking engagement portion 124. The
thumb/finger engagement portion 123 and the locking engagement
portion 124 are generally joined by a release lever extension
portion 130.
[0100] The thumb/finger engagement portion 123 may be smooth and
non-textured such that the thumb/finger engagement portion 123 will
not impede the user's thumb/finger as the user's thumb/finger
engages the surface of the thumb/finger engagement portion 123,
establishes a grip on the frame portion 185 of the handgun 180,
applies a pivoting force to the release lever 120, or pivots the
release lever 120 to a release position. Alternatively, the first
side 121 of the thumb/finger engagement portion 123 may include a
textured portion 129 so that the user's thumb/finger does not
easily slip off of the thumb/finger engagement portion 123 or so
that the thumb/finger engagement portion 123 may be distinguished
tactilely from other portions of the release lever 120 and/or the
holster 100.
[0101] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the release
lever 120 is pivotally connected to the first wall portion 106, via
the release lever pivot pin 140, so that the release lever 120 is
repeatably pivotable between a retention position and a release
position. The release lever pivot pin 140 may be positioned
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis, A.sub.L, of the
holster 100, substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis,
A.sub.L, of the holster 100, at a substantially acute angle
relative to a longitudinal axis, A.sub.L, of the holster 100, or at
a substantially obtuse angle relative to a longitudinal axis,
A.sub.L, of the holster 100. Thus, the release lever pivot pin 140
may be positioned at any angle relative to a longitudinal axis,
A.sub.L, of the holster 100.
[0102] It should be appreciated that the release lever pivot pin
140 may extend either all or part of the way across the release
lever extension portion 130 and/or the release lever 120.
[0103] In certain exemplary embodiments, the release lever 120 may
include one or more protrusions that replace the release lever
pivot pin 140 and extend from the release lever 120. Corresponding
indentions, indentations, notches, grooves, or dimples may be
formed in the first wall portion 106. In these exemplary
embodiments, the protrusions are formed so as to operate in
cooperating relationship with the first and second dimples such
that the release lever 120 may be pivotally attached, via the
protrusions and the dimples, to the first wall portion 106
approximately between a thumb/finger engagement portion 123 and the
locking engagement portion 124. Thus, the release lever 120 is able
to snap fit into the first wall portion 106.
[0104] Alternatively, the positions of the protrusions and the
first and second may be reversed, such that the release lever 120
may include dimples while the first wall portion 106 includes
protrusions. In these exemplary embodiments, the dimples are formed
so as to operate in cooperating relationship with the protrusions
such that the release lever 120 may be pivotably attached, via the
dimples and the protrusions, to the first wall portion 106
approximately between the thumb/finger engagement portion 123 and
the locking engagement portion 124.
[0105] While FIGS. 1-32 show the release lever 120 coupled to the
first wall portion 106, it should be appreciated that in various
exemplary embodiments, the release lever 120 may be coupled to the
second wall portion 107.
[0106] The locking engagement portion 124 includes a handgun
locking portion 125 formed of a protrusion on the second side 122
of the locking engagement portion 124. The release lever 120 is
pivotable between a retention position and a release position. When
the release lever 120 is in the retention position, at least a
portion of the handgun locking portion 125 is positioned so as to
extend through an aperture 105 in the first wall portion 106 of the
holster body 103 and protrude into a portion of the holster cavity
104 a sufficient distance to engage at least a portion of the
ejection port 184 of the handgun 180 appropriately seated within
the holster cavity 104. When the release lever 120 in the release
position, the handgun locking portion 125 is withdrawn from the
holster cavity 104, through the aperture 105, a sufficient distance
to disengage from the ejection port 184 of the handgun 180
appropriately seated within the holster cavity 104 to allow the
handgun 180 to be withdrawn from the holster cavity 104.
[0107] The handgun locking portion 125 includes a substantially
planar portion 127 having a substantially planar surface facing
toward the holster frame bottom portion 102. The substantially
planar portion 127 is generally formed so as to extend into at
least a portion of the ejection port 184 of an inserted handgun 180
and engage a surface of the ejection port 184. In this manner, when
the release lever 120 is in the retention position, the
substantially planar portion 127 of the handgun locking portion 125
extends into at least a portion of the ejection port 184 of an
inserted handgun 180 and contacts a surface of the ejection port
184 and resists a withdrawing force applied to the handgun 180,
maintaining the handgun 180 within the holster cavity 104.
[0108] When the release lever 120 is pivoted to the release
position and the substantially planar portion 127 is withdrawn and
does not contact a surface of the ejection port 184, the handgun
180 can be withdrawn from the holster cavity 104.
[0109] In various exemplary embodiments, a ramp portion 126 is
included in a portion of the handgun locking portion 125 facing
toward the holster frame top portion 101. The ramp portion 126 is
generally formed so as to be contacted by a portion of the slide
portion 183 or any other portion of an inserted handgun 180, as the
handgun 180 is being inserted within the holster cavity 104, to
urge the release lever 120 toward the release position as the
handgun 180 is inserted within the holster cavity 104.
[0110] In certain exemplary embodiments, particularly those in
which the ramp portion 126 is included, when the handgun 180 is
returned to the holster cavity 104, the slide portion 183 or other
portion of the inserted handgun 180 may contact the ramp portion
126 of the handgun locking portion 125 and displaces the handgun
locking portion 125 sufficient to pivot the release lever 120 such
that the substantially planar portion 127 of the handgun locking
portion 125 is displaced relative to the holster cavity 104. Thus,
the substantially planar portion 127 does not prohibit insertion of
the handgun 180 into the holster cavity 104 and may no longer pivot
the release lever 120 far enough to the release position that the
hood locking portion 128 no longer blocks the hood 160 from being
pivoted to the closed position.
[0111] Otherwise, if the ramp portion 126 is not included and/or
the terminal end of the handgun locking portion 125 does not
protrude far enough into the holster cavity 104 to contact the
slide portion 183 or any other portion of an inserted handgun 180,
the hood 160 cannot be moved to the closed position unless the user
appropriately manipulates the release lever 120.
[0112] The release lever 120 is biased, via interaction between the
holster/lever biasing element 172 and the release lever 120, to the
retention position. In various exemplary embodiments, the
holster/lever biasing element 172 comprise a portion of spring
steel having a tab 173 extending from a distal portion of the
holster/lever biasing element 172.
[0113] The holster/lever biasing element 172 is attached or coupled
to or within a portion of the holster body 103. In certain
exemplary embodiments, the holster/lever biasing element 172 is
molded or embedded within a portion of the holster body 103.
[0114] The tab 173 is formed so as to interact with the hood
locking recess 167, when the hood 160 is in the closed position and
the release lever 120 is in the retention position, to maintain the
hood 160 in the closed position.
[0115] When the release lever 120 is pivoted towards or to the
release position, the hood tab 173 is withdrawn from the hood
locking recess 167 a sufficient distance so as to disengage from
the hood locking recess 167 and release the hood 160 and allow the
hood 160 to pivot to the open position.
[0116] When the release lever 120 is in the retention position, the
handgun locking portion 125 is positioned so as to extend through
an aperture 105 in the first wall portion 106 of the holster body
103, into a portion of the holster cavity 104. When the hood 160 is
in the closed position and the release lever 120 is in the
retention position, the tab 173 protrudes into at least a portion
of the hood locking recess 167 of the hood 160, thereby maintaining
the hood 160 in the closed position.
[0117] In various exemplary embodiments, the hood locking recess
167 comprises a recess extending through a portion of the hood
160.
[0118] When the bias of the release lever 120 is overcome and the
release lever 120 is pivoted from the retention position to the
release position, the tab 173 disengages from the hood locking
recess 167 and the hood 160 is allowed to pivot to the open
position. When the hood 160 is in the open position, the hood 160
no longer interferes with a portion of the handgun 180 and no
longer hinders the handgun 180 from being withdrawn from the
holster 100.
[0119] As the release lever 120 continues to be pivoted towards the
release position, the handgun locking portion 125 is withdrawn a
sufficient distance from within the holster cavity 104 to disengage
from the ejection port 183 of the handgun 180 and allow the handgun
180 to be removed from the holster 100.
[0120] When the hood 160 is in the open position and the pivoting
force is removed from the release lever 120, the release lever 120
returns to the biased retention position.
[0121] In various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of this
invention, when the hood 160 is in the open position and the
release lever 120 is in the retention position, the tab 173 is
optionally positioned so as to block the hood 160 from being
pivoted to the closed position. Thus, the release lever 120 must be
rotated at least partially toward the release position to allow the
hood 160 to be pivoted to the closed position.
[0122] It should be appreciated that if the release lever 120 has
not been sufficiently pivoted towards the release position, the
handgun 180 may not be removed from the holster 100 until the
release lever 120 has been sufficiently pivoted towards the release
position. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, as the release
lever 120 is pivoted towards the release position, the tab 173 is
first withdrawn from the hood locking recess 167, then, as the
release lever 120 is pivoted further towards the release position,
the handgun locking portion 125 locking portion 125 is withdrawn a
sufficient distance from within the holster cavity 104 to allow the
handgun 180 to be removed from the holster 100.
[0123] During use of the holster 100, the holster 100 is initially
presented in an empty condition with the hood 160 biased to the
open position.
[0124] During use or operation of the holster 100, as a user begins
to holster a handgun 180 in the holster 100, the handgun 180 is
inserted into the holster cavity 104 of the holster, muzzle first,
and is guided into position by at least some of the first wall
portion 106, the second wall portion 107, the fourth wall portion
109, and the third wall portion 108.
[0125] In certain exemplary embodiments, wherein the ramp portion
126 is included and the terminal end of the handgun locking portion
125 protrudes far enough into the holster cavity 104 to contact the
slide portion 183 or another portion of an inserted handgun 180, as
the handgun 180 is inserted further into the holster cavity 104, an
outer surface of the handgun 180 contacts and rides along the
terminal end of the handgun locking portion 125 and/or the ramp
portion 126. When the handgun 180 is seated in the holster cavity
104, the ejection port 184 or another portion of an inserted
handgun 180 passes a point of contact with the handgun locking
portion 125 and at least a portion of the terminal end of the
handgun locking portion 125 protrudes within the ejection port 184
of the handgun 180 a sufficient amount such that the substantially
planar portion 127 engages a surface of the ejection port 184 to
block the handgun 180 from being withdrawn from the holster cavity
104.
[0126] When the handgun 180 in seated in the holster cavity 104 the
release lever 120 can be pivoted towards the release position to
allow the hood 160 to be manually pivoted towards the closed
position.
[0127] When the hood 160 is pivoted to the closed position, the tab
173 engages the hood locking recess 167 and the release lever 120
can be manually released and the bias of the release lever 120
causes the release lever 120 to return to the biased retention
position.
[0128] When the hood 160 is in the closed position and the release
lever 120 is biased to the retention position, the handgun locking
portion 125 protrudes, from the release lever 120, through the
aperture 105 of the holster body 103, and engages a defining
surface of the ejection port 184 of the handgun 180.
[0129] Thus, the handgun 180 is secured in the holster cavity 104
of the holster 100 by operation of the handgun locking portion 125
engaging a portion of the ejection port 184 and interaction between
the tab 173 and the hood locking recess 167 maintain the hood 160
in a closed position, thereby blocking removal of the handgun 180.
While the handgun 180 is fully seated in the holster cavity 104,
with the hood 160 maintained in the closed position, removal of the
handgun 180 is not permitted, as of the tab 173 engages a portion
of the ejection port 184 and the hood 160 covers at least a portion
of the handgun 180 (i.e., the rear slide portion 183, the hammer,
or the backstrap, depending on the type and model of handgun) and
does not allow the handgun 180 to pass by.
[0130] In order to release and unholster the handgun 180, the user
merely grasps the handgun 180 in a manner to establish a normal
grip on the handgun 180. As the user's grip is established, the
user's thumb contacts and applies pressure to the thumb/finger
engagement portion 123, such that the bias of the release lever 120
is overcome and the release lever 120 is pivoted to a release
position.
[0131] As the bias of the release lever 120 is overcome, the
release lever 120 is pivoted to the release position and the tab 73
disengages from the hood locking recess 167, allowing the biasing
force of the holster/hood biasing element 175 to pivot the hood 120
to the open position. As the release lever 120 is pivoted further
toward the release position, the handgun locking portion 125 is
withdrawn from the ejection port 184 of the handgun 180. When the
release lever 120 is pivoted sufficiently such that the handgun
locking portion 125 is sufficiently withdrawn from the holster
cavity 104 to clear or disengage from the ejection port 184 of the
handgun 180, a removal force may be applied to the handgun 180 and
the handgun 180 may be removed from the holster 100.
[0132] When the handgun 180 has been removed from the holster 100,
interaction between the holster/lever biasing element 172 release
lever 120 bias the release lever 120 to the retention position.
[0133] The holster 100, as shown and described, is oriented such
that the release lever 120 is generally accessible by the user's
thumb. However, in various other exemplary embodiments, the release
lever 120 may optionally be positioned so that it is generally
accessible by one or more of the user's other fingers.
[0134] It should be appreciated that the holster 100 is generally
illustrated as being a right-hand holster. However, the structure
and/or elements of the holster 100 may be positioned so as to
provide a left-hand holster.
[0135] While the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or
apparatuses has been described in conjunction with the exemplary
embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description of exemplary
embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or
apparatuses, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting and the fundamental disclosed systems, methods, and/or
apparatuses should not be considered to be necessarily so
constrained. It is evident that the presently disclosed systems,
methods, and/or apparatuses is not limited to the particular
variation set forth and many alternatives, adaptations
modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled
in the art.
[0136] Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is
understood that every intervening value, between the upper and
lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value
in that stated range is encompassed within the presently disclosed
systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. The upper and lower limits of
these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller
ranges and is also encompassed within the presently disclosed
systems, methods, and/or apparatuses, subject to any specifically
excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes
one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those
included limits are also included in the presently disclosed
systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.
[0137] It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology
employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of
limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed
systems, methods, and/or apparatuses belongs.
[0138] In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of
the inventive variations described herein may be set forth and
claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of
the features described herein.
[0139] Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary
embodiments will reveal the general nature of the presently
disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses, such that others
may, by applying current knowledge, change, vary, modify, and/or
adapt these exemplary, non-limiting embodiments for various
applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the
presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses and
elements or methods similar or equivalent to those described herein
can be used in practicing the presently disclosed systems, methods,
and/or apparatuses. Any and all such changes, variations,
modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended to be
comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the
disclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the presently disclosed
systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.
[0140] Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a", "and", "said", and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Conversely, it is contemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to
require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated
to be so here in the text or drawings. This statement is intended
to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology
as "solely", "only", and the like in connection with the recitation
of claim elements or the use of a "negative" claim
limitation(s).
* * * * *