TACTICAL STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

An actuated holster for a tactical shelf moves from a stowed position to a deployed position automatically when the tactical shelf is opened. The deployed position allows a user to draw a handgun from the tactical shelf safely with one hand. The actuated holster may be moved back to the stowed position to close the tactical shelf. In some embodiments of the actuated holster a biasing mechanism rapidly moves the holster from the stowed position to the deployed position simultaneously with the opening of the tactical shelf gun compartment. In some embodiments the biasing mechanism comprises one or more springs that urge the holster from the stowed position to the deployed position. A stop member is provided to resist the biasing mechanism when the holster reaches a desired deployed position.

Claims

1. A tactical storage device comprising: a fixed shelf; a door panel pivotably connected to said fixed shelf, thereby forming an internal storage compartment therebetween, said door panel being rotatable between a closed position and an open position, thereby moving the storage device between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and a holster assembly having a holster body pivotably mounted within said storage compartment, said holster body being moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, thereby moving said holster assembly between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein said holster body defines a holster cavity that is configured for receiving and holding an object to be selectively stored within and retrieved from the storage compartment, wherein said holster assembly is held in the stowed configuration when the storage device is in the closed configuration, and wherein said holster body is biased towards the deployed position when the storage device is in the open configuration.

2. The tactical storage device according to claim 1, wherein: said holster assembly comprises a biasing mechanism engaged with said holster body, said biasing mechanism applying a biasing force to said holster body; a stowing force is applied to said holster body when the storage device is in the closed configuration; and the stowing force overcomes the biasing force of said biasing mechanism, thereby retaining said holster body in the stowed position when the storage device is in the closed configuration.

3. The tactical storage device according to claim 2, wherein: said biasing mechanism comprises a spring engaged with said holster body; and the stowing force is removed from said holster body as the storage device is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, thereby causing said holster assembly to move from the stowed configuration towards the deployed configuration.

4. The tactical storage device according to claim 3, wherein: said holster assembly further comprises a stop feature that is configured to inhibit movement of said holster body beyond the deployed position.

5. The tactical storage device according to claim 4, wherein: the object is a handgun; and the holster cavity is configured to hold the handgun in an engaged position with a barrel of the handgun extending into the holster cavity and a grip of the handgun extending therefrom.

6. The tactical storage device according to claim 5, wherein: said holster assembly further comprises a retaining device configured for securely retaining the handgun within the holster cavity when the handgun is in the engaged position.

7. The tactical storage device according to claim 6, wherein: said retaining device comprises a magnet positioned within the holster cavity and configured for magnetically interacting with the handgun when the handgun is in the engaged position.

8. The tactical storage device according to claim 5, wherein: said holster body comprises a trigger guard extending over a trigger of the handgun when the handgun is in the engaged position.

9. The tactical storage device according to claim 5, wherein: said holster body defines an indexing guide slot extending over a first portion of the barrel of the handgun when the handgun is in the engaged position, the indexing guide slot being configured for allowing a user to orient the user's grip on the handgun when retrieving the handgun from said holster assembly.

10. The tactical storage device according to claim 5, wherein: said holster body further comprises a front sight guide defined within said holster cavity and configured for receiving a front sight of the handgun.

11. The tactical storage device according to claim 1, wherein: said holster body is pivotably mounted to an inner surface of said door panel within the storage compartment.

12. The tactical storage device according to claim 11, wherein: contact between said holster body and an inner surface of said fixed shelf causes said holster body to pivot towards the stowed position as the storage device moves towards the closed configuration.

13. The tactical storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: an attachment device positioned within said storage compartment and configured to selectively mount accessory objects within said storage compartment.

14. A method of using a tactical storage device to conceal a firearm, the tactical storage device having a fixed shelf; a door panel pivotably connected to the fixed shelf forming an internal storage compartment therebetween; and a holster assembly having a holster body pivotably mounted within the storage compartment; the method comprising: pivoting the door panel towards an open position until the storage device moves into an open configuration, thereby providing access to the storage compartment; pivoting the holster body towards a deployed position as the door panel is pivoted towards the open position; pivoting the door panel towards a closed position until the storage devices moves into a closed configuration, thereby enclosing the storage compartment and concealing holster body; and pivoting the holster body towards a stowed position as the door panel is pivoted towards the closed configuration.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: placing the firearm within a holster cavity of the holster body, thereby moving the firearm to an engaged configuration; and retaining the firearm in the engaged configuration as the storage devices moves between the closed and opened configurations.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: removing the firearm from the holster cavity with the holster body in the deployed position.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the holster assembly further comprises a stop, the method further comprising: engaging the stop of the holster assembly with an engagement surface, thereby inhibiting movement of the holster body beyond the deployed position.

18. A holster assembly for a handgun, the holster assembly comprising: a holster body defining a holster cavity, the holster cavity being configured for receiving and holding the handgun in an engaged position; an attachment mechanism having a first portion coupled to said holster body and a second portion that is configured to couple to a support structure, thereby facilitating coupling of the holster assembly to the support structure, wherein said attachment mechanism is configured to facilitate movement of said holster body between first and second positions relative to the support structure, thereby facilitating movement of the holster assembly between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration; and a biasing mechanism having a first portion engaged with said holster body, said biasing mechanism being configured for biasing said holster assembly towards the deployed configuration.

19. The holster assembly according to claim 18, further comprising: a stop feature associated with said holster body, said stop feature being configured to inhibit movement of said holster body beyond the first position, thereby inhibiting movement of the holster assembly beyond the deployed configuration.

20. The holster assembly according to claim 18, said holster body defining: a trigger guard extending over a trigger of the handgun when the handgun is in the engaged position, said trigger guard being configured to inhibit accidental engagement of the trigger; and an indexing guide slot extending over a first portion of a barrel of the handgun when the handgun is in the engaged position, the indexing guide slot being configured to facilitate placement of an extended index finger on the first portion of the barrel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tactical shelf embodying the present invention, the tactical shelf shown in a closed configuration.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tactical shelf shown in an open configuration.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a right, perspective view of an embodiment of a gun storage compartment of the tactical shelf.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a left, perspective view of the gun storage compartment of the tactical shelf.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a left, side, elevational view of a holster body of the present invention, with internal components shown in phantom lines.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a right, side, elevational view of the holster body of FIG. 5, with internal components shown in phantom lines.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a front, elevational view of the holster body of FIG. 5.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a back, elevational view of the holster body of FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, end, elevational view of a holster assembly of the present invention, the holster assembly being attached to a support structure and being shown in a deployed configuration.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional, end, elevational view of the holster assembly of FIG. 9, the holster assembly being shown in a stowed configuration.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a left, side, elevational view of the holster body of FIG. 5, the holster body being shown holding a handgun in an engaged configuration.

[0026] FIG. 12 is the left, side, elevational view of FIG. 11, a portion of the holster body being transparent to show otherwise concealed portions of the handgun.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a right, side, elevational view of the holster body of FIG. 5, the holster body being shown holding a handgun in an engaged configuration.

[0028] FIG. 14 is the right, side, elevational view of FIG. 13, a portion of the holster body being transparent to show otherwise concealed portions of the handgun.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a front, elevational view of the holster body of FIG. 5, the holster body being shown holding a handgun.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a back, elevational view of the holster body of FIG. 5, the holster body being shown holding a handgun, with the non-viewable portions of the handgun and the holster body shown in phantom lines.

[0031] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 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 variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, The present invention discloses a tactical storage device 2 and method for selectively concealing a firearm 34 and allowing quick and safe access to the firearm 34. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage device 2 includes an holster body 12 pivotably attached within a storage compartment 8 of the storage device 2, the holster body 12 being configured for pivoting movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. In a preferred embodiment, the holster body 12 is configured for receiving and holding a handgun; however, in alternative embodiments, the holster body 12 is configured for receiving and holding other types of firearms 34 or any other objects to be concealed.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the storage device 2 is a tactical shelf having a fixed, top shelf portion 4 and a lower door 6 coupled thereto. The lower door 6 is configured for selectively allowing access to an internal gun storage compartment 8 of the tactical shelf, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. It will be appreciated that certain features of the present invention can be adapted for a tactical storage drawer, a safe, a portable carrying case, or other type of tactical storage device 2. Preferably, the storage device of the present invention provides an inconspicuous appearance when in a closed configuration, such as but not limited to having the outward appearance of a standard floating shelf, cabinet, or other household item.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-16, the storage device 2 includes a holster assembly for retaining a firearm 34 within storage compartment 8. In varying embodiments of the present invention, the holster assembly is configured to automatically move from a stowed configuration when the storage device 2 is in a closed configuration to a deployed configuration when the storage device 2 is in an open configuration. With the storage device 2 in the closed configuration and the holster assembly in its stowed configuration, the storage device 2 is configured for concealing and housing a firearm 34 within the internal gun storage compartment 8. As will be further described in relation to the figures, in the stowed configuration, the holster assembly is substantially folded such that a holster body 12 of the holster assembly is positioned between or against a fixed top shelf portion 4 and/or a door panel 6 of the storage device 2. When a user causes the storage device 2 to open, the holster assembly automatically actuates from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, thereby moving the holster body 12 from a stowed position to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the holster body 12 is positioned partially or substantially upright so that the firearm 34 is positioned for a more natural and ergonomic draw movement. When the holster body 12 is in the deployed position, a user may safely and easily draw a firearm 34 from the holster 12 with one hand and with reduced risk of accidental discharge of the firearm.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a tactical shelf 2 is depicted in its closed configuration, showing a fixed, top shelf portion 4 and a lower door panel 6 and giving the appearance of a standard household shelf. Upon actuation of a latch mechanism 42, the door panel 6 pivots downwardly from the fixed shelf 4 into the open configuration shown in FIG. 2, providing a user access to a gun storage compartment 8. In an exemplary embodiment of the tactical shelf 2, the door panel 6 is attached to the fixed shelf 4 by hinges 44, dampers 10, and/or other types of hardware. The details of the mechanism used to attach and control the latch mechanism 42 and/or the opening and closing of the door panel 6 shall not be limiting of the claimed invention. In alternative embodiments, the latch mechanism includes a concealed button, a push-to-open actuator, a magnetic or RFID control, or any other type of mechanism or other means, or combinations thereof, now known or later developed. An embodiment of the holster body 12 is shown in FIG. 2 with a firearm 34 disposed therein.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, right and left side, perspective views of the gun storage compartment 8 are depicted, with the holster body 12 in its deployed position. In the depicted embodiment, the holster assembly is mounted on the upper surface of the door panel 6, and the holster body 12 pivots upwardly from its stowed position to its deployed position. In other embodiments, the holster assembly is mounted to the fixed shelf 4, such as on the lower surface thereof, and the holster body 12 pivots downwardly from a stowed position to a deployed position. In some embodiments, the holster body 12 is pivotably attached to a support structure, such as the door panel 6, by a pivotal attachment 26. In the depicted embodiment, the pivotal attachment 26 comprises a hinge, but in other embodiments of the inventive device, various pivotal attachment mechanisms are used. In embodiments of the present invention, other attachment devices 38, such as an accessory magnet as shown in FIG. 4, are provided within the gun storage compartment 8 to releasably secure accessories, such as a loaded magazine 36, to the storage device 2. In some embodiments, the storage device 2 includes lights 40, such as motion sensor lights, positioned within and/or directing light into the storage compartment 8, such as towards the holster assembly and/or the attachment device 38.

[0038] In some embodiments, the holster assembly includes a biasing mechanism 32 to cause the holster body 12 to automatically move from the stowed position to the deployed position when the door panel 6 is moved to its open configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the biasing mechanism 32 comprises two coil springs that exert a biasing force on the holster body 12 to push it away from the door panel 6. In other embodiments, the biasing mechanism 32 comprises one or more different types of springs or other mechanisms for applying a biasing force as is known in the art. In additional embodiments, the biasing mechanism 32 comprises a mechanical attachment of the holster body 12 to some other part of the tactical shelf 2, such as but not limited to a pivoting rod that movably connects the holster body 12 to the fixed shelf 4. In further embodiments, a biasing mechanism is not necessary because gravity biases the holster body 12 to a deployed configuration.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 11, and 12, the holster body 12, both with and without a firearm 34 engaged therewith, are depicted. The holster body 12 defines a holster cavity 14 for receiving and holding a firearm 34. In the depicted embodiment, the holster body 12 includes a retention device 22 associated with the holster cavity 14. In this embodiment, the retention device 22 comprises a magnet attached to an inner surface of the holster body 12, thereby partially defining the holster cavity 14. In a preferred embodiment, the magnet is positioned so as to define a front or grip-side part of an upper, inner surface of the holster cavity 14, but alternative magnet positioning can also be utilized. In some embodiments, multiple retention magnets are utilized. In further embodiments, the retention device 22 comprises friction fittings or any other typical device used to retain engagement of a firearm with a holster subject to external forces, such as the opening force of the door 6, while still allowing a user to draw the firearm 34 from the holster without needing excessive force.

[0040] In some embodiments, the inner surfaces of the holster body 12 further define or include other features, such as grooves or protrusions, that engage the firearm 34 to orient it and hold it within the holster cavity 14. In the depicted embodiment, a beveled front sight guide 24 is defined by the upper inside surface of the holster body, thereby effectively extending the holster cavity 14. The beveled sight guide 24 helps protect the handgun's front sight from damage or misalignment when the handgun 34 is placed within or drawn from the holster body 12. Additional embodiments of the holster body 12 are provided with a holster cavity shape to accommodate a tactical light or other accessories commonly attached to a firearm, such as by the rail attachment beneath the barrel of many handguns.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the holster body 12 defines, comprises, or is otherwise associated with an engagement feature 28, such as a spring socket, for engaging with a first end of a biasing mechanism 32. The biasing mechanism 32 applies a force to the holster body 12 to move it from its stowed position to its deployed position. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing mechanism 32 is configured to move the holster body 12 and an inserted firearm 34 from the stowed position to the deployed position simultaneously with the opening of the door panel 6. In some embodiments, the holster assembly provides a plurality of biasing mechanisms 32 and associated engagement features 28.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 13, and 14, the holster body 12 of the embodiment shown defines an angled stop 16. The stop 16 is configured to engage with an engagement surface, such as a surface on which the holster 12 is mounted, to provide a mechanical stop for the holster body 12 at the desired deployed position.

[0043] In the depicted embodiment, the angled stop 16 is provided on a lower surface of the holster body 12 because the holster body 12 is mounted on the door panel 6 of a tactical shelf that angles downwardly in the open position. The stop 16 is angled so that the grip end of the firearm 34 is substantially in a vertical position when the holster body 12 is in the deployed position. In the depicted embodiment, the stop 16 is defined by a bottom surface of the holster body 12 and is angled with respect to opposing sides of the holster body 12. This angle results in the sides of the holster body 12 being substantially vertical when the depicted embodiment is in the deployed position. In other embodiments, the angles of the stop 16 or the holster cavity 14 are modified to achieve an alternative desired position for the firearm 34 when the holster body 12 is in the deployed position.

[0044] In further embodiments of the present invention, the holster stop 16 comprises a separate piece attached to or protruding from the holster body 12, attached to the door panel 4, or attached to another surface on which the holster 12 is mounted. In embodiments utilizing an angled surface for stop 16, the angle of the stop surface can be altered as necessary to accommodate the angle of the door panel 6 in the open configuration, or to achieve a desired deployed position for a user. In some embodiments, the stop 16 is adjustable so a user can adjust the deployed position of the holster body 12 as desired.

[0045] In the depicted embodiment, the holster body 12 further includes a trigger guard 18 on one or both sides to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm 34 as it is drawn from the holster body 12. The trigger guard 18 is configured for covering a trigger of the firearm 34 so that a user cannot unintentionally engage the trigger.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the holster body 12 provides an indexing guide slot 20 through one or both sides of the holster body 12. The indexing guide slot 20 allows a user to place his or her index finger along the barrel of the firearm 34 as it is withdrawn from the holster 12. This allows a user to safely orient his or her grip with respect to the trigger as the firearm 34 is drawn. In the depicted embodiment, an indexing slot 20 is shown only on the right side of the holster body 12, which is intended for a right-handed user. A holster body 12 of the present invention for a left-handed user may provide an indexing slot 20 on the left side of the holster body 12, or the holster body may provide indexing slots 20 on both sides of the holster 12.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, 15, and 16, the holster cavity 14 of some embodiments of the present invention is provided with varying dimensions to create appropriate spaces for a barrel of the firearm 34 at a barrel end of the holster cavity 14 and to fit a trigger of the firearm 34 near a grip end of the holster cavity 14. In these end views, the angle of stop surface 16 is clearly visible with respect to the opposing sides of the holster body 12.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 10, the holster assembly is depicted in the stowed configuration in an example installation and mounting. In this embodiment, the holster body is held substantially against the door panel 6 by a stowing force applied by the fixed shelf 4 (when the storage device is in the closed configuration) or by some other component or feature thereof which are not show in the figure. The stowing force overcomes the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 32, thereby retaining the holster assembly in the stowed configuration. When the stowing force is removed or otherwise diminished, such as by moving the storage device to the opened configuration, the biasing force causes the holster assembly to move to the deployed configuration, such as by pivoting the holster body 12 about the hinge 26 to the deployed position shown in FIG. 9. In the embodiment shown, the biasing mechanism 32 comprises first and second springs positioned between respective first and second engagement features 28 of the holster body 12 and respective first and second engagement features 30 of the door panel 6.

[0049] Certain terminology is used in the description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right, and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Additionally, anatomical terms are given their usual meanings. For example, proximal means closer to the trunk of the body, and distal means further from the trunk of the body. Said terminology shall include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning

[0050] “Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. “Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0051] Changes may be made in the above methods, devices and structures without departing from the scope hereof. Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative and exemplary of the invention, rather than restrictive or limiting of the scope thereof Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one of skill in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriately detailed structure. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0052] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.