Weapon Holster System

Abstract

A weapon holster system is described that includes a holster with a quick-release latch device configured to retain a handgun equipped securely in a holster while permitting a quick release when the user requires. The quick-release holster system provided herein is simple and safe to operate with one hand because it does not require the use of any area around the trigger or trigger guard to secure the weapon. The quick-release holster system is versatile because the latch device is compatible with any light/laser system attached to the frame of the handgun, and is reliable and durable because it provides a strong retaining force constructed from durable material.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 60/854,819, filed Oct. 27, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates generally to weapon holster systems. In particular, this disclosure relates to holster systems for securing a handgun in a holster.

BACKGROUND

Many users of firearms like handguns attach lights or light systems to the frame of the handgun, particularly military and law enforcement personnel. The handgun with the attached light system is carried 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, under an armpit, or around an ankle.

Certain users of handguns must be able to quickly and easily insert and remove a handgun with an attached light from a holster regardless of the type of holster and/or light system. Additionally, these users need to be assured that, when not in use, the handgun will remain safely in the holster. Because some methods of retaining a handgun in a holster do not permit a user to quickly release the handgun and attached light system using one hand only, a need exists for an improved handgun holster retainer latch that can be easily operated with the same hand that withdraws the firearm and attached light system from the holster.

Conventional holsters can rely solely on friction to secure the handgun and light system in the holster. This combination however 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 and attached light to loose frictional engagement with the holster.

Conventional holsters can also 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. Use of the strap/flap to secure the handgun requires a user to first unfasten the strap/flap before the firearm can be withdrawn. Some users might not prefer this design because of the time required to release the handgun.

Conventional holsters can also include a lever device that can be operated by the same hand used to withdraw the firearm. The lever arm of the conventional lever device engages the trigger guard of a handgun in order to retain a handgun without an attached light system in the holster. This design, however, does not allow for attachment of a light system to the handgun. The position of the lever device, as it engages the trigger guard, interferes with any attachable light system, so it is not compatible with handguns that have attached light systems. Furthermore, this conventional lever device engages the trigger area of the handgun and might not be considered safe by some users. Consequently, there is a need for a holster system that allows for secure carriage and immediate safe access to a handgun having an attached light system.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Each patent, patent application, and/or publication mentioned in this specification is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent, patent application, and/or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of the weapon holster system that includes a latch device securing a firearm, under an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the latch device of the weapon holster system, under an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the weapon holster system, under an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the weapon holster system that includes a latch device securing a firearm, under an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A weapon holster system is described herein that includes a holster with a quick-release latch device configured to retain a handgun equipped with an attached light system securely in a holster while permitting a quick release when the user requires. The quick-release holster system provided herein is simple and safe to operate with one hand because it does not require the use of any area around the trigger or trigger guard to secure the weapon. The quick-release holster system is versatile because the latch device is compatible with any light/laser system attached to the frame of the handgun, and is reliable and durable because it provides a strong retaining force constructed from durable material.

In the following description, numerous specific details are introduced to provide a thorough understanding of, and enabling description for, embodiments of the weapon holster system. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will recognize that these embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other components, systems, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown, or are not described in detail, to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of the weapon holster system 100 that includes a latch or latch device 102 securing a firearm 190 in a pocket or holster, under an embodiment. A tactical light 110 is attached to the firearm 190. The latch device 102 generally engages the ejection port 192 of the firearm 190. In addition to the latch, the weapon holster system 100 may include other components for securing the firearm in the holster (e.g., straps, flaps, etc.) as appropriate to the type of holster, and/or type and/or configuration of weapon which the holster is intended to receive.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the latch device 102 of the weapon holster system 100, under an embodiment. The latch device 102 includes a finger button 122, an engagement region 124 or end, and a pivot 126 or pivot point.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the weapon holster system 100, under an embodiment. In addition to the latch device 102, the system 100 includes an adjustable side support 104 or side wall support. The side support 104 is adjustable in order to accommodate different weapons and different holsters 100. The holster system 100 is configured to include the side support 104 on an interior wall of the holster 100 opposite the side of the holster that includes the latch device 102. The side support 104 of this example embodiment is shown as a one-piece support, however the side support of alternative embodiments can include any number of components located in any combination of positions in the holster 100 as appropriate to a configuration of the holster 100 and/or the handgun the holster is configured to accept.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the weapon holster system 100 that includes a latch device 102 securing a firearm 190, under an embodiment. The latch device 102 generally engages the ejection port 192 of the firearm 190. The side support 104 is adjustable by a user to accommodate a variety of handgun configurations.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the holster 100 is shaped to enclose a handgun and can comprise any suitable material such as leather, woven nylon cloth, and/or any of a variety of polymers or plastics. Additionally, the holster 100 can include one or more additional elements such as a clip or loop for attaching the holster 100 to a belt, and/or straps for securing the holster 100 around a user's shoulder or ankle.

The latch device 102 is a quick-release device attached to the holster 100 and, when so attached, takes the place of a portion of the holster 100. A holstered weapon's movement in a direction away from the latch device 102 is controlled and restricted by the holster 100, while movement of the weapon in all other directions is restricted by the latch device 102. The latch device 102 is molded from a plastic material such as nylon and can be secured to the holster 100 by rivets, high-strength adhesive, and/or any other suitable method.

The latch device 102 includes a lever 102 having an engagement end 124 and a release end 122 or finger button end 122. The engagement end 124 comprises a locking face and a ramp surface. The lever 102 is attached to a support wall by a fulcrum or pivot 126. The pivot 126 can extend all or part of the way across the width of the lever 102. The pivot 126 can be thinner than the support wall and the lever 102 to ensure that the pivot 126 flexes properly when the finger button end 122 is urged but is not so limited. The latch device 102 position is molded to fit the shape of the particular handgun used.

The side support 104 is opposite the support wall of the lever 102. The support wall and the side wall 104 are spaced apart from each other a distance slightly in excess of the width or outside limits of the top portion (e.g. slide) of the particular handgun used. The support wall and the side wall 104 can be substantially parallel to each other, but are not so limited. The support wall and the side wall 104, by conforming to the dimensions of the firearm slide, control the lateral movement of the particular handgun used while it is in the holster 100 yet are not spaced so close so as to prevent a user from easily holstering or drawing the firearm. The support wall and the side wall 104 are joined to an outer wall 106 of the holster 100. Together, the support wall, the side wall 104, and the outer wall 106 form an open end 108 proximal to the finger button end 122 of the lever 102.

In operation, the latch device 102 of the holster system secures a slide-type handgun within the holster by action of the locking face of the latch device 102 engaging the ejection port of the handgun. As a user begins to holster the handgun 190 the slide enters the open end of the holster. The slide is guided by the side wall 104, the support wall and the outer wall 106. As the handgun 190 is inserted further, the slide contacts the ramp surface of the latch device 102 and displaces the engagement end 124 of the lever 102 away from the slide. The lever 102 will continue to move until the ejection port 192 has cleared the ramp surface, whereupon the lever 102 will snap back into the original position. At this point the tension of the tension-loaded or spring-loaded lever 102 holds the engagement end 124 against the open area of the slide surrounding the ejection port 192. The handgun 190 is secured in place by operation of the engagement end 124 in contact with the ejection port 192. Any removal force applied will have no effect unless the finger button end 122 is urged.

The finger button 122 is activated to release the handgun simultaneously with or as part of the user's draw stroke when drawing the handgun 190 from the holster 100. To release the handgun 190, the finger button end 122 of the lever 102 is urged inward towards the support wall. At some point the support wall will stop the inward movement of the finger button end 122, thus eliminating the possibility that the finger button end 122 can prevent the removal of the handgun 190 by contacting the handgun 190. As the engagement end 124 clears the inner surface of the ejection port 192, the handgun is released from secure carriage by the holster 100. At this time the user releases the finger button end 122, whereupon the lever 102 will return to its original position, and continues drawing the handgun 190 from the holster 100. The handgun 190 will no longer be locked in place and the user can now grasp the grip and draw the weapon.

The weapon holster system of an embodiment includes a holster for a handgun having an ejection port and attached light system. The holster system includes a pocket shaped region to receive the handgun and attached light system. The holster system includes a latch device that includes a moveable lever with an engagement end and a finger button end. The moveable lever is configured to pivot at a point located between the engagement end and the finger button end. The holster system includes a locking face on the engagement end. The locking face shaped and positioned to secure the handgun in the holster by engaging the ejection port such that the removal of the handgun with or without the attached light system from the holster requires urging of the finger button end.

The latch device of the weapon holster system of an embodiment includes a side wall located proximal to the moveable lever. The side wall is configured to align the ejection port of the handgun with the engagement end by restricting the movement of the handgun in a direction away from the moveable lever.

The engagement end of the weapon holster system of an embodiment includes a ramp surface proximal to the locking face configured such that, as the handgun is inserted into the holster, the ejection port will contact the ramp surface and displace the engagement end in a direction away from the ejection port until a point at which the ramp surface is no longer in contact with the ejection port. The engagement end then moves in a direction toward the ejection port and secures the handgun in the holster.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word “or” is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

The above description of embodiments of the weapon holster system is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the systems and methods to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the weapon holster system are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the systems and methods, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the weapon holster system provided herein can be applied to other systems and methods, not only for the systems and methods described above.

The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the weapon holster system in light of the above detailed description.

Claims

1. A holster comprising:

a pocket shaped to receive a handgun having a slide and an ejection port;

a latch including an engagement end and a release end, wherein the engagement end is positioned opposite the release end;

a pivot connecting the latch to an interior of the pocket, the pivot configured to allow positioning of the latch in an engage position and a release position relative to the handgun; and

a locking face on the engagement end of the latch, the locking face shaped and positioned to secure the handgun in the pocket when the latch is in the engage position by engaging the ejection port.

2. The holster of claim 1, wherein the locking face is shaped and positioned to release the handgun from the pocket when the latch is in the release position by disengaging the ejection port.

3. The holster of claim 2, wherein the release end of the latch is shaped and positioned such that urging of the release end by a finger of a user causes the disengaging.

4. The holster of claim 1, comprising a tension device connected to the latch, the tension device positioned to retain the latch in the engage position.

5. The holster of claim 4, wherein the tension device is positioned such that urging of the release end of the latch by a finger of a user causes the disengaging.

6. The holster of claim 1, comprising a side wall connected to the pocket and opposite the latch, wherein the side wall is configured to align the ejection port with the engagement end by limiting an amount of movement of the handgun in a direction away from the latch.

7. The holster of claim 1, wherein the engagement end of the latch includes a ramp surface proximal to the locking face.

8. The holster of claim 7, wherein the ramp surface is configured such that, as the handgun is inserted into the pocket, the ramp surface contacts the slide and displaces the engagement end in a direction away from the ejection port, wherein with the handgun positioned in the pocket and absent contact between the ramp surface and the slide the latch changes position resulting in the locking face making contact with the ejection port.

9. The holster of claim 1, wherein the pocket is configured to accept the handgun when a lighting device is connected to a lower portion of the handgun.

10. A holster comprising:

a pocket shaped to receive a handgun having a slide and an ejection port;

a latch connected to the pocket at a pivot, the latch including an engagement end and a release end, wherein the pivot is located between the engagement end and the release end; and

a locking face on the engagement end of the latch, the latch and the locking face shaped and positioned to secure the handgun in the holster by engaging an interior portion of the ejection port, the latch and the locking face shaped and positioned to release the handgun from the holster by disengaging the ejection port when a user exerts pressure on the release end of the latch.

11. The holster of claim 10, wherein the locking face is shaped and positioned to release the handgun from the pocket when the latch is in the release position by disengaging the ejection port.

12. The holster of claim 11, wherein the release end of the latch is shaped and positioned such that urging of the release end by a finger of a user causes the disengaging.

13. The holster of claim 10, comprising a tension device connected to the latch, the tension device positioned to retain the latch in the engage position.

14. The holster of claim 13, wherein the tension device is positioned such that urging of the release end of the latch by a finger of a user causes the disengaging.

15. The holster of claim 10, comprising a side wall connected to the pocket and opposite the latch, wherein the side wall is configured to align the ejection port with the engagement end by limiting an amount of movement of the handgun in a direction away from the latch.

16. The holster of claim 10, wherein the engagement end of the latch includes a ramp surface proximal to the locking face.

17. The holster of claim 16, wherein the ramp surface is configured such that, as the handgun is inserted into the pocket, the ramp surface contacts the slide and displaces the engagement end in a direction away from the ejection port, wherein with the handgun positioned in the pocket and absent contact between the ramp surface and the slide the latch changes position resulting in the locking face making contact with the ejection port.

18. The holster of claim 10, wherein the pocket is configured to accept the handgun when a lighting device is connected to a lower portion of the handgun.