Taser holster

Abstract

A taser holster comprises a first holder for removably attaching to a user and configured to receive a taser for storage and a second holder configured to be coupled to the first holder and configured to receive a taser cartridge for storage. The second holder comprises a retaining flap having a first fastener member that is configured to engage a second fastener member provided on the first holder to affix the second holder in a first configuration so that a taser cartridge may be stored in the second holder. The first fastener member is configured to disengage the second fastener member to provide the second holder in a second configuration so that a taser cartridge may be placed in the second holder.

Description

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to taser holsters. In particular, the present invention relates to a taser holster comprising an attached cartridge storage area.

BACKGROUND

Many different types of holsters are used as carrying cases for guns or other law enforcement or military equipment. A variety of known holsters are made of leather or a like material and are often in the form of an enlarged pocket. Holsters are generally attached to the waist, leg or shoulder portions of the body of the user by means of a belt, strap or harness. Oftentimes, a holster is provided with a closure strap or flap that may be secured over the top or opening of the holster pocket and the handgrip portion of the gun carried therein in various ways such as by means of a snap fastener. Such closure straps or flaps are typically provided to prevent unintentional dislodgement of the taser from the holster.

Tasers are typically held in holsters which may be attached to the body of a person. Despite the availability of a variety of taser holsters, many of these known holsters are not ideally configured for efficient use by an individual. For example, some known taser holsters require a large amount of space along an individual's belt, strap or harness. In addition, many known taser holsters do not include an area for storage, dispensing, and/or presentation of taser cartridges (e.g., spent or new cartridges). Accordingly, user's oftentimes place new or spent cartridges in their pockets or other areas that are inconvenient or not easily accessible to the user. In some cases, users must carry separate cartridge holders that are attached to the user's belt, strap or harness in addition to the taser holster. Further, many known taser holsters are not configured to prevent a person who is not authorized to use the taser from removing the taser from the holster without the user's consent and/or knowledge. Similarly, many known taser holsters are not configured to minimize the risk of the unintentional removal of the cartridge from the taser gun when moving or removing the taser gun from the holster.

In view of these problems, it would be desirable to provide a taser holster that is configured to fit on a belt while minimizing the amount of space required as an attachment on the belt. It would further be advantageous to provide a holster that comprises a cartridge pouch configured for easy dispensing and loading of cartridges. It would further be desirable to provide a holster that minimizes the risk of unintentional discharge or removal of the taser gun. It would further be advantageous to provide a holster that minimizes the risk of unintentional removal of the cartridge from the taser gun when moving or removing the taser gun from the holster. It would further be advantageous to provide a device for securing a taser gun that meets all of the exigencies of use that may be encountered in police, security or other law enforcement or military activity while avoiding the encumbrances of conventional holsters.

It would be advantageous to provide a holster or the like of a type disclosed in the present application that provides any one or more of these or other advantageous features. The present holster further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a taser holster comprising a first holder for removably attaching to a user and configured to receive a taser for storage and a second holder configured to be coupled to the first holder and configured to receive a taser cartridge for storage. The second holder comprises a retaining flap having a first fastener member that is configured to engage a second fastener member provided on the first holder to affix the second holder in a first configuration so that a taser cartridge may be stored in the second holder. The first fastener member is configured to disengage the second fastener member to provide the second holder in a second configuration so that a taser cartridge may be placed in the second holder.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a taser holster comprising a first holder configured to removably attach to a user and to receive a taser for storage and a second holder configured to be coupled to the first holder and configured to receive one or more taser cartridges for storage. The first holder comprises an open end to receive the taser and a closed end to support the taser when provided in the first holder. The second holder is configured to be coupled to the first holder proximate the closed end of the first holder. The second holder comprises a retaining flap having a first fastener member that is configured to engage a second fastener member provided on the first holder to affix the second holder in a closed position so that taser cartridges may be stored in the second holder. The first fastener member is configured to disengage the second fastener member provided on the first holder to provide the second holder in an open configuration so that taser cartridges may be received in the second holder.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a holster for receiving a taser comprising providing a first holder configured to removably attach to a user and to receive a taser for storage, providing a second holder configured to be coupled to the first holder and configured to receive one or more taser cartridges for storage, configuring the first holder to comprise an open end to receive the taser and a closed end to support the taser when provided in the first holder, configuring the second holder to be coupled to the first holder proximate the closed end of the first holder, providing a retaining flap on the second holder having a first fastener member that is configured to engage a second fastener member provided on the first holder to affix the second holder in a closed position so that taser cartridges may be stored in the second holder, and configuring the first fastener member to disengage the second fastener member to provide the second holder in an open configuration so that taser cartridges may be received in the second holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a taser holster according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the taser holster of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the taser holster of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a taser holster according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of a taser holster according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of a taser holster according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a taser holster according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the taser holster of FIG. 4 taken along line 8-8 according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a holster 10 for carrying a taser gun, which is provided in holster 10. While the taser illustrated is shown as a Taser® X26 taser gun, holster 10 is equally useful for carrying other types of tasers, such as an Advanced Taser® M26 taser gun, Taser® M22 taser gun, each available from Taser International, of Scottsdale, Ariz., or any other suitable taser available from other manufacturers. Holster 10 may also be used with various types of tasers including air taser guns, non-air taser guns, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, holster 10 includes a taser holder 12 and a cartridge holder 14 coupled to taser holder 12 by fasteners 16. Taser holder 12 is configured to receive a taser gun for storage and cartridge holder 14 is configured to receive one or more taser cartridges for storage. As shown in FIG. 3, holder 12 is preferably formed from two single cut-out pieces of material, a blank 18, making endwalls 22, 24 and a sidewall 26, and a blank 20, making sidewall 28. Blank 20 includes a groove 21a (e.g., bend groove) that is configured to allow blank 20 to fold (e.g., at a 90° angle) for stitching to blank 20 to blank 18. Referring to FIG. 1, blank 18 and blank 20 are sewn together along stitch lines 29. According to an exemplary embodiment, the stitching used to attach the blanks together may be of a “French edge stitch” or “corner stitch” configuration. According to various alternative embodiments, any suitable stitching types may be used (e.g., box stitch, corner stitch, 90 degree angle stitch, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, holder 14 may be removed from holder 12 according to a user's particular circumstances (e.g., a user may utilize holder 12 but not holder 14). Holder 14 may be manufactured for sale as a component of holster 10 and/or may be manufactured to be sold separately from holder 12.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a thumb break 30, which extends upward from inner sidewall 28 and is connected by a snap fastener 32 to a flap 34 that extends upward from outer sidewall 26 and wraps around the handle of the holstered taser to provide holder 12 in a closed configuration (e.g., stowing or storage position) and keep the taser in holster 10. Flap 34 preferably covers the end of the taser handle, leaving the grip of the taser exposed to provide a full-grip clearance at the web of the wearer's thumb when the taser is still in holster 10. Thumb break 30 preferably has a low profile, and extends upwardly. A stiff reinforcing plate 36, preferably metal, is disposed to stiffen thumb break 30 for securing of flap 34 with one hand, and extends upward from snap fastener 32, having its upper end preferably fastened to thumb break 30, preferably by a rivet 37.

Referring to FIG. 3, snap fastener 32 includes a first member 32a and a second member 32b. According to an exemplary embodiment, snap fastener 32 is a “hard action” snap socket configuration. An individual in close proximity to a user wearing holster 10 is unlikely to know about the amount of force used to disengage the hard action fastener. Disengaging the “hard action” snap fastener is intended to be difficult and/or time consuming for one who is not accustomed to the motion of snap fastener 58 and who is not wearing holster 10. According to various alternative embodiments, the snap fastener may be a “medium action,” “easy action,” “one directional security snap,” and/or other suitable socket configuration. According to various alternative embodiments, any number of suitable attachment devices may be used on the thumb break (e.g., Velcro® brand hook and loop fasteners, clips, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 3, holder 14 is formed from two single cut-out pieces of material, a blank 40, making bottom wall 44, and a blank 42, making front wall 46 and sidewalls 48, 50. Blank 40 includes groove 21b (e.g., bend groove) that is configured to allow blank 40 to bend at an angle (e.g., 90° angle) and be stitched to 42. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, blank 40 and blank 42 are sewn together along stitch lines 52. According to an exemplary embodiment, the stitching used to attach the blanks together may be of a “French edge stitch” or “corner stitch” configuration. According to various alternative embodiments, any suitable stitching types may be used (e.g., box stitch, corner stitch, 90 degree angle stitch, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 3, mating fasteners 16 (e.g., truss head machine screws) pass through openings 38 in blank 40 and openings 54 in blank 20, thereby coupling blank 40 to blank 20. Fasteners 16 are configured to couple blank 40 to blank 20 together so that a user may position (e.g., slide) a belt between blank 20 and blank 40 (below upper fasteners 16 and above lower fastener 16). Fasteners 16 pass through to blank 20 and are spaced apart to provide a belt-receiving space therebetween. Fasteners 16, thereby simultaneously secure both blanks 20 and 40 together, as well as providing a belt hanger area 92.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a thumb break 56 extends upward from front wall 46 and is connected to front wall 46 by a fastener, such as rivet 62. Thumb break 56 includes a snap fastener 58 and a flap 60. Flap 60 is intended to couple front wall 46 to blank 18 to provide holder 14 in a closed position (e.g., stowing or storage position) so that holder 14 may store cartridges. Thumb break 56 preferably has a low profile, and extends upwardly. Snap fastener 58 includes a first member 58a and a second member 58b. According to an exemplary embodiment, snap fastener 58 comprises a one directional security snap socket configuration, such as that of a PULL-The-DOT® snap fasteners available from DOT® Manufacturing Company or LIFT-The-SPOT™ snap fasteners available from YKK Snap Fasteners America. A one directional security snap fastener may be cocked, or tilted, in order to engage, disengage or unsnap the two members from each other in a rollover motion, unlike “easy action,” “medium action,” or “hard action” snap fasteners which may be simply pulled apart in no particular orientation. A one directional security snap fastener is intended to remain engaged if a user brushes against another person or object, thereby preventing unintended opening of holder 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, a strap 64 is coupled to blank 42 at sidewall 48 with snap fastener 72. Snap fastener 72 is disposed through opening 70 on strap 64 and opening 76 on sidewall 48. Strap 64 includes fastener 66 and fastener 68. Fastener 68 is configured to engage snap fastener 72 provided on sidewall 48 and fastener 66 is configured to engage snap fastener 74 provided on sidewall 50. Strap 64 is intended to hold together holder 12 and holder 14, thereby providing additional support so that holder 14 may store one or more cartridges.

As shown in FIG. 3, rear endwall 24 preferably extends generally upwardly from the taser cartridge attachment area to cover at least a portion of the trigger guard. It preferably leaves the uppermost portion of the trigger guard uncovered, to provide full-grip clearance at the knuckle of the wearer's index finger when the taser is still in the holster. Rear endwall 24 is substantially parallel to front endwall 22. According to alternative embodiments, the endwalls may be configured to be non-parallel to each other, so that portions of the endwalls are angled with respect to each other (e.g., a first portion at a first angle and a second portion at a second angle, and share a single angle with each other).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, sidewall 26 and sidewall 28 are substantially parallel to each other. By providing sidewall 26 directly across from sidewall 28, a snug fit on the taser gun in holder 12 is provided. The configuration of holster 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 reduces the risk that a person other than the wearer could move the taser backward far enough to discharge the taser or slide the taser from underneath flap 34, lift upward and remove the taser from the holster without releasing the thumb break.

FIGS. 4 through 7 illustrate the operation of holster 12 for access to holders 12 and 14. Referring to FIG. 4, holders 12 and 14 are provided in a position so that the taser may be stored in holder 12 and one or more cartridges may be stored in holder 14. Flap 34 is curved to fit over a taser handle so that member 32b of fastener 32 engages member 32a. Member 58a is engaged with member 58b so that fastener 58 couples flap 60 to sidewall 26. Fastener 68 engages fastener 72 and fastener 66 engages fastener 74 so that strap 64 supports holder 14 for the storage of one or more cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 5, thumb break 30 is shown after being disengaged so that flap 34 is separated from sidewall 28. Snap fastener 32 is shown disconnected as member 32b has been moved apart from member 32a. Fastener 68 of strap 64 is shown disconnected from fastener 72. Member 58a of flap 60 is shown disconnected from member 58b of fastener 58.

Referring to FIG. 6, flap 34 of blank 18 is shown in an extended position (e.g., open position) so that a taser may be placed in holder 12 or removed from holder 12 with minimal interference from flap 34. Holder 14 is shown in an extended position (e.g., open position) so that taser cartridges may be placed in holder 14 or removed from holder 14 with minimal interference from the walls of holder 14. Holder 14 is intended to pivot downward to allow a user access to cartridges. Back portion 88 is provided adjacent to a user's body or equipment and can support holder 14 when in the open configuration so that holder 14 does not open too far or allow cartridges to fall out of holder 14 in an undesired manner. Strap 64 and flap 60 are intended to provide a relatively easy mechanism for securing holder 14 in a closed position and for allowing holder 14 to be provided in an open position.

FIG. 7 provides an illustration of a front view of holder 14 in an extended or open position. The outline of two cartridges 82 and 84 are shown in broken lines and are positioned in holder 14. The open configuration and/or position of holder 14 allows a user to gain quick access to cartridges provided in holder 14 and/or quickly place cartridges in holder 14 as needed during use of a taser. The position of holder 14 below holder 12 saves space along a user's belt. For example, a user is able to place other items along the belt line because the cartridge holder is attached to a lower portion of the holster (e.g., the cartridge does not take up additional lateral space along the belt). In addition, the configuration of the holders shown in the FIGURES is intended to be compact enough that the total length of the holster does not unnecessarily interfere with a user's maneuverability.

FIGS. 4 through 6 also show a belt clip 80 that is attached to a back side of blank 20. According to various exemplary embodiments, the belt clip may be attached to the holster according to any suitable manner (e.g., adhesive, fasteners, etc.) and at any suitable location on the holster. According to various exemplary embodiments, the belt clip may clip onto a belt according to any suitable manner, (e.g., clip, slide, snap, etc.). The configuration of the holster is intended to allow the holster to pivot (e.g., or “give” slightly) as a user crouches or sits (e.g., such as when a user is seated in a vehicle). FIG. 8 provides a cross-sectional view of holster 10 that illustrates details of the construction of holster 10 and shows a belt 90 in broken lines provided in belt hanger area 92 between blanks 20 and 40.

As described above, reinforcing plate 36 is disposed on blank 20 of holster 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plate is between about 0.1 and 0.22 inches thick. This reinforcing plate can be removed and replaced by removing fasteners 32 and 37.

According to an exemplary embodiment, blank 40 which forms a belt hanger when attached to blanks 20 is made of a single sheet of 0.100 inch to 0.220 inch thick leather material. According to an exemplary embodiment, blanks 18, 20, 40 are each made from single sheets of 1/32 inch to 3/16 inch thick leather material (e.g., 4 to 12 ounce leather). According to various exemplary embodiments, any of the parts and/or components (e.g., the blanks, straps, flaps, etc.) of the holster may be manufactured from leather, synthetic leather, Kydex®, canvas, nylon, and/or any other suitable material in any suitable amount.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the holster may be configured to attach to a user at any suitable location (e.g., leg shroud or strap, ankle strap, belt line, shoulder strap, etc.). As shown in the FIGURES, holders 12 and 14 are generally box shaped (e.g., square shaped) and are intended to protect the taser and/or cartridges. The holders are not intended to take the exact form of the taser and cartridges. The generally overall box shape is intended to provide protection to the cartridges attached to the taser gun as the taser is placed in the holder and removed from the holder.

The numerous fasteners described in this system are, in general, self-locking machine screws and tee nuts. The heads of the machine screws are provided a low silhouette (e.g., truss head or oval head with a finishing washer). Tee nuts are fastening devices having thin, substantially circular heads with small barbs extending therefrom to prevent rotation, and internally threaded bodies extending therefrom to receive the screws. The self-locking feature may be implemented in any of the conventional ways known to those of skill in the art (e.g., polymer plug, polymer patch, anaerobically curing thread-locking compound, elliptical or other deformation of threads, etc.).

It is important to note that the above-described embodiments are illustrative only. Although the assembly has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, different types of devices (e.g., any suitable taser gun) and assemblies may be used in addition to or instead of the those described herein. Accordingly, these and all other such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A taser holster comprising:

a first holder for removably attaching to a user and configured to receive a taser for storage; and

a second holder configured to be coupled to the first holder and configured to receive a taser cartridge for storage;

wherein the second holder comprises a retaining flap having a first fastener member that is configured to engage a second fastener member provided on the first holder to affix the second holder in a first configuration so that a taser cartridge may be stored in the second holder; and

wherein the first fastener member is configured to disengage the second fastener member to provide the second holder in a second configuration so that a taser cartridge may be placed in the second holder.

2. The holster of claim 1, wherein the first holder comprises a retaining flap for retaining a taser in the carrier and including a third fastener member, the flap configured to extend upwardly from a portion of the first holder, to pass over a rear surface of the taser, and to be engaged with a fourth fastener member affixed to a thumb break.

3. The holster of claim 1, wherein the first configuration comprises a closed position.

4. The holster of claim 1, wherein the second configuration comprises an open position.

5. The holster of claim 1, wherein the second holder further comprises a second retaining flap having a fifth fastener member that is configured to engage a sixth fastener member provided on the second holder to affix the second holder in the first configuration so that a taser cartridge may be stored in the second holder.

6. The holster of claim 5, wherein the fifth fastener member of the second retaining flap is configured to disengage the sixth fastener member to provide the second holder in the second configuration so that a taser cartridge may be received in the second holder.

7. The holster of claim 1, wherein the second holder is configured to receive more than one cartridge at a time.

8. The holster of claim 1, wherein the first and second holders comprise leather.

9. The holster of claim 1, wherein the first fastener member is a hard action snap fastener.

10. A taser holster comprising:

a first holder configured to removably attach to a user and to receive a taser for storage; and

a second holder configured to be coupled to the first holder and configured to receive one or more taser cartridges for storage;

wherein the first holder comprises an open end to receive the taser and a closed end to support the taser when provided in the first holder;

wherein the second holder is configured to be coupled to the first holder proximate the closed end of the first holder;

wherein the second holder comprises a retaining flap having a first fastener member that is configured to engage a second fastener member provided on the first holder to affix the second holder in a closed position so that taser cartridges may be stored in the second holder; and

wherein the first fastener member is configured to disengage the second fastener member provided on the first holder to provide the second holder in an open configuration so that taser cartridges may be received in the second holder.

11. The holster of claim 10, further comprising an attaching device provided on a rear side of the first holder for attaching the first holder to the user.

12. The holster of claim 10, wherein the first and second holders comprise leather.

13. The holster of claim 10, wherein the first holder comprises a retaining flap for retaining a taser in the carrier and including a third fastener member, the flap configured to extend upwardly from a portion of the first holder, to pass over a rear surface of the taser, and to be engaged with a fourth fastener member affixed to a thumb break.

14. The holster of claim 10, wherein the second holder further comprises a second retaining flap having a fifth fastener member that is configured to engage a sixth fastener member provided on the second holder to affix the second holder in the first position so that a taser cartridge may be stored in the second holder.

15. The holster of claim 14, wherein the fifth fastener member of the second retaining flap is configured to disengage the sixth fastener member provided on the second holder to provide the second holder in the second position so that a taser cartridge may be received in the second holder.

16. A method of manufacturing a holster for receiving a taser comprising:

providing a first holder configured to removably attach to a user and to receive a taser for storage;

providing a second holder configured to be coupled to the first holder and configured to receive one or more taser cartridges for storage;

configuring the first holder to comprise an open end to receive the taser and a closed end to support the taser when provided in the first holder;

configuring the second holder to be coupled to the first holder proximate the closed end of the first holder;

providing a retaining flap on the second holder having a first fastener member that is configured to engage a second fastener member provided on the first holder to affix the second holder in a closed position so that taser cartridges may be stored in the second holder; and

configuring the first fastener member to disengage the second fastener member to provide the second holder in an open configuration so that taser cartridges may be received in the second holder.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first and second holders comprise leather.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

providing a retaining flap on the first holder for retaining a taser in the carrier and including a third fastener member; and

configuring the flap configured to extend upwardly from a portion of the first holder, to pass over a rear surface of the taser, and to be engaged with a fourth fastener member affixed to a thumb break.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a second retaining flap on the second holder having a fifth fastener member that is configured to engage a sixth fastener member provided on the second holder to affix the second holder in the closed configuration so that a taser cartridge may be stored in the second holder.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising configuring the fifth fastener member of the second retaining flap to disengage the sixth fastener member to provide the second holder in the open configuration so that a taser cartridge may be received in the second holder.