Abstract
A holster for receiving and withdrawing a handgun has a proximal wall portion with a handgun retention mechanism thereon. The mechanism having a first lever with a tab portion for actuation and release of a trigger guard, the lever having a snap fit into a lever region without a separate pin. A belt engaging member covers the lever region capturing the first lever therein. If a second retention mechanism is used, another lever with a tab portion is positioned so the tabs are stacked, depressing one also depresses the tab behind it, such that both mechanisms are released. Overmolded polymer layers in the holster body provides a softer interior handgun engagement surfaces. The holster body is split forwardly with a threaded fastener for clamping onto the handgun. No holster body is beneath or rearward of the tab portion, configured as a thumb button, allowing smooth transition to gripping the handgun.
Claims
1. A holster for receiving a handgun, comprising: a holster body comprising a plurality of holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity and a rearward opening, the plurality of holster wall portions comprising a user proximal wall portion and a user distal wall portion; a first user actuatable handgun retention mechanism at the proximal wall portion for selectively preventing the handgun, when in the cavity, from being withdrawn from the cavity, the first handgun retention mechanism comprising one of an actuation tab and a thumb button; and a pair of thumb guides positioned above and below the one of an actuation tab and a thumb button, the thumb guides projecting laterally outward from the holster body proximal wall portion beyond an undepressed position of the one of an actuation tab and a thumb button.
2. The holster of claim 1 wherein the thumb guides each extend laterally outward from an outward surface of the proximal wall portion a distance of at least 0.35 inches.
3. The holster of claim 1 wherein the proximal wall portion comprises an opening, wherein one of an actuation tab and a thumb button comprises the actuation tab and the thumb button; the first handgun retention mechanism comprises a first lever mounted on the proximal wall and comprising the actuation tab, wherein the first lever further comprises a blocking portion forwardly positioned on the lever, the lever configured and positioned such that depression of the actuation tab rotates the lever to move the blocking portion from a blocking position to a non-blocking position, wherein the holster comprises a second handgun retention mechanism comprising a pivoting shroud positioned rearwardly of the rearward opening, the second handgun retention mechanism comprising a second lever, the second lever comprising the thumb button, the actuation tab of the first lever position behind the thumb button whereby depression of the thumb button also depresses the actuation tab of the first lever, activating both the first user actuatable handgun retention mechanism and the second handgun retention mechanism.
4. The holster of claim 1, the proximal wall portion further comprising: a lever receiving region, wherein the first lever is seated in the lever receiving region on the proximal wall portion, and at least one threaded boss for receiving a holster engagement member dispersed around the lever receiving region for receiving a belt engaging member, and wherein when the belt engaging member is attached to the at least one threaded boss, the first lever is captured within the lever receiving region.
5. The holster of claim 1, wherein the holster body comprises an upper wall portion comprising a pair of inclined wall portions defining a joint, a lower wall portion with a slit extending from a forward opening to proximate a trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body defining a pair of forward clamping wall portions, and a threaded fastener extending between the pair of forward clamping portions for adjusting the forward clamping portions about a forward portion of a handgun.
6. The holster of claim 5, wherein the forward clamping body portions of the holster body are configured to engage the handgun at four corners of the handgun, two upper corners defined by the handgun slide and two lower corners defined by the handgun body.
7. The holster of claim 1, the holster body further comprising an inner layer and an outer layer formed of different polymers with one of the inner layer and outer layer being overmolded onto the other of the inner layer and outer layer, the inner layer formed of a polymer that is softer than the outer layer.
8. A holster for receiving a handgun, comprising: a holster body comprising a plurality of holster wall portions defining a rearward opening cavity, the plurality of holster wall portions comprising a user proximal wall portion and a user distal wall portion; a first handgun retention mechanism disposed at the proximal wall portion; a second handgun retention mechanism, disposed at the proximal wall portion comprising a shroud that is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the shroud is configured to selectively pivot between a handgun retaining position in which the shroud extends across a portion of a rearward opening of the cavity and a release position in which the shroud is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so that a withdrawal path of a handgun is unobstructed by the shroud, wherein one of the first handgun retention mechanism and the second handgun retention mechanism comprises a thumb receiving button configured to activate both the first handgun retention mechanism and the second handgun retention mechanism.
9. The holster of claim 8, wherein the first handgun retention mechanism comprises a first lever comprising an actuation tab at a first end of the first lever, and a blocking portion movable in and out of a handgun blocking position, wherein the second handgun retention mechanism comprises a second lever comprising an actuation tab at a first end of the second lever, wherein one of the actuation tab at a first end of the first lever and the actuation tab at a first end of the second lever comprises the thumb receiving button and is positioned in front of the other actuation tab, whereby depression of the thumb receiving button also depresses the other actuation tab.
10. The holster of claim 9, wherein the actuation tab of the second lever comprises the thumb receiving button, and wherein the thumb receiving button is not depressed, the actuation tab of the first lever is spaced therefrom such that the thumb receiving button moves a range of distance when depressed before the thumb receiving button engages with the actuation tab of the first lever.
11. The holster of claim 9, one of the proximal wall portion and the first lever comprising a unitary pair of C-shaped portions, and the other of the proximal wall portion and the first lever comprising a pair of unitary cooperating pin portions.
12. The holster of claim 9, the proximal wall portion further comprising a lever receiving region comprising at least two unitary pivot portions, receiving the first lever comprising at least two unitary pivot portions cooperating with the unitary pivot portions of the lever receiving region, neither the lever receiving region nor the first lever comprising metal pins.
13. The holster of claim 9, the proximal wall portion further comprising: a lever receiving region, wherein the first lever is seated in the lever receiving region on the proximal wall portion, and at least one threaded boss for receiving a holster engagement member dispersed around the lever receiving region for receiving a belt engaging member, and wherein when the belt engaging member is attached to the at least one threaded boss, the first lever is captured within the lever receiving region.
14. The holster of claim 13, wherein when the belt engaging member is not attached, the first lever may be removed from the receiving region without tools, wherein when the belt engaging member is not attached, the first lever may be removed by simply prying the first lever outwardly from its seated position.
15. The holster of claim 8, the holster body further comprising at least one threaded boss, the holster further comprising a belt engaging member, comprising at least one threaded fastener extending into the at least one threaded boss, a column portion positioned such that the thumb receiving button is positioned between the holster body and the column portion, and a pair of ribs comprising their elongate dimension extending forwardly and rearwardly and positioned to at least partially define an access path rearwardly of the thumb receiving button.
16. The holster of claim 15, wherein the belt engaging member is a jacket slot belt loop comprising a pair of clamping belt loop portions extending from the column portion, each of the clamping belt loop portions adjustable with respect to the column portion by a respective threaded fastener.
17. The holster of claim 8, the holster body further comprising an inner layer and an outer layer formed of different polymers with one of the inner layer and outer layer being overmolded onto the other of the inner layer and outer layer, the inner layer formed of a polymer that is softer than the outer layer.
18. A holster for receiving a handgun having a handgun body, a handgrip, a slide, and a trigger guard, the holster comprising: a holster body comprising a plurality of holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity, a rearward opening to the cavity and a forward opening to the cavity; an inner layer and an outer layer formed of different polymers with one of the inner layer and outer layer being overmolded onto the other of the inner layer and outer layer, the inner layer formed of a polymer that is softer than the outer layer.
19. The holster of claim 18, wherein the holster body comprises a proximal wall portion having a handgun retention mechanism thereon comprising a thumb button configured for releasing a holstered handgun; the holster body comprising: a pair of inclined wall portions extending from a forward margin of the holster body to a rearward margin of the holster body, the inclined wall portions configured as a peak and defining a joint between the proximal wall portion and a distal wall portion, the lower wall portion of the holster body comprising a rearward slit extending from the forward opening to proximate a trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body defining a pair of split holster forward clamping body portions, one clamping body portion associated with the proximal wall portion and the other clamping body portion associated with the distal wall portion, and a threaded fastener extending through the pair of forward clamping body portions whereby rotation of the threaded fastener pulls together or expands the forward clamping body portions about the joint.
20. The holster of claim 18, the proximal wall portion further comprising: a lever receiving region, wherein the first lever is seated in the lever receiving region on the proximal wall portion, and at least one threaded boss for receiving a holster engagement member dispersed around the lever receiving region for receiving a belt engaging member, and wherein when the belt engaging member is attached to the at least one threaded boss, the first lever is captured within the lever receiving region.
21. The holster of claim 18, comprising the outer layer overmolded over the inner layer, the inner layer formed of a polymer that is softer than the outer layer.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a handgun and a holster in accordance with the detailed description.
(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a handgun and a holster in accordance with the detailed description.
(4) FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and a lever.
(5) FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and a lever.
(6) FIG. 3C is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and a lever.
(7) FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and a lever.
(8) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including a lever and a handgun having a trigger guard. The handgun is cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 5.
(9) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including a lever and a handgun having a trigger guard. The handgun is cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 6.
(10) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembly including a lever and a handgun having a trigger guard. The handgun is cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 7.
(11) FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views of an assembly including a lever and a handgun having a trigger guard. The handgun is cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
(12) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectioned perspective view of an assembly including a holster and a handgun having a trigger guard. The holster and the handgun are cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 9.
(13) FIG. 10 is a plan view of an assembly including a holster and a handgun having a trigger guard. The holster and the handgun are cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 10.
(14) FIGS. 11A-11C are stylized cross-sectional views each showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.
(15) FIG. 12 is a stylized cross-sectional view showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.
(16) FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.
(17) FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a handgun and a holster in accordance with the detailed description.
(18) FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and two active handgun retention mechanisms operated by a single thumb button.
(19) FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing retention mechanisms seen in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 15.
(20) FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view further illustrating some of the elements seen in the sub-assembly of FIG. 16.
(21) FIG. 18A is a perspective view of components of handgun retention mechanisms.
(22) FIG. 18B is an exploded view of the components of FIG. 18A.
(23) FIG. 19 is a further exploded view of components of the handgun retention mechanisms including a housing for securing the pivoting thumb button.
(24) FIG. 20 is a further exploded view of components of the handgun retention mechanisms taken from the side opposite that of FIG. 19.
(25) FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a holster with a with thumb button operating a single retention mechanism and a thumb button guard.
(26) FIG. 22 is a plan view of a holster with a holstered handgun and a user's hand about the grasp the handgun.
(27) FIG. 23 is a plan view of a holster with a holstered handgun and a user's hand engaging the handgun.
(28) FIG. 24 is a plan view of a holster with a holstered handgun and a user's hand engaging the handgun.
(29) FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a holster including a hood spring, a lever spring, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the hood spring, the lever spring, and the tab spring are each illustrated a second time at a location spaced away from the holster.
(30) FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an assembly including a lever, a lever spring, a tab, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the lever spring and the tab spring are each illustrated a second time at a location spaced away from the assembly.
(31) FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an assembly including a lever, a lever spring, a tab, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the lever spring and the tab spring are each illustrated a second time at a location spaced away from the assembly.
(32) FIGS. 28A and 28B are perspective views showing an assembly including a hood assembly and a thumb receiving tab.
(33) FIGS. 29A and 29B are perspective views showing an assembly including a hood assembly and a thumb receiving tab.
(34) FIG. 30A is a plan view showing a hood assembly part having a lug portion and a thumb receiving tab having a protrusion portion that selectively engages the lug portion of the hood assembly part. FIG. 31A is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 30A. In the embodiments of FIGS. 30A and 31A, the hood assembly part is in a handgun retaining position.
(35) FIG. 30B is a plan view showing a hood assembly part having a lug portion and a thumb receiving tab having a protrusion portion that selectively engages the lug portion of the hood assembly part. FIG. 31B is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 30B. In the embodiments of FIGS. 30B and 31B, the hood assembly part is in a handgun releasing position.
(36) FIG. 32A is a perspective view showing a holster in accordance with the detailed description.
(37) FIG. 32B is a perspective view showing selected parts from the holster shown in FIG. 32A. The parts shown in FIG. 32B include a U-shaped shroud, a bracket and a finger receiving tab.
(38) FIG. 32C is a perspective view further illustrating the parts shown in FIG. 32B. In FIG. 32C, the U-shaped shroud, the bracket and the finger receiving tab are shown from a different viewpoint.
(39) FIGS. 33A and 33B are two perspective views showing a holster including a U-shaped shroud. In the embodiment of FIG. 33A, the U-shaped shroud is in a handgun retaining position. In the embodiment of FIG. 33B, the U-shaped shroud is in a release position.
(40) FIGS. 34A and 34B are perspective views of a belt engaging member.
(41) FIG. 35A is a front view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.
(42) FIG. 35B is a right side view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.
(43) FIG. 35C is a top view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.
(44) FIG. 35D is a rear view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.
(45) FIG. 35E is a left side view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.
(46) FIG. 35F is a bottom view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.
(47) FIGS. 36A and 36B are two perspective views showing a holster having a first handgun retention mechanism including a pivotable lever and a second handgun retention mechanism including a U-shaped shroud. In the embodiment of FIGS. 36A and 36B, the U-shaped shroud is in a handgun retaining position.
(48) FIG. 37A is a front view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.
(49) FIG. 37B is a right side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.
(50) FIG. 37C is a top view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.
(51) FIG. 37D is a rear view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.
(52) FIG. 37E is a left side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.
(53) FIG. 37F is a bottom view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.
(54) FIGS. 38A and 38B are two perspective views showing a holster having a handgun retention mechanism including a pivotable lever.
(55) FIG. 39A is a front view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.
(56) FIG. 39B is a right side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.
(57) FIG. 39C is a top view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.
(58) FIG. 39D is a rear view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.
(59) FIG. 39E is a left side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.
(60) FIG. 39F is a bottom view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.
(61) FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and a lever.
(62) FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and a lever.
(63) FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and two locking mechanisms.
(64) FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and two locking mechanisms.
(65) FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and the lever shown in FIG. 40.
(66) FIG. 45 is a top view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and the lever shown in FIG. 40.
(67) FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and the locking mechanisms shown in FIG. 42.
(68) FIG. 47 is a top view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and the locking mechanisms shown in FIG. 42.
(69) FIGS. 48A and 48B are perspective views of a belt engaging member.
(70) FIG. 49A is a front view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B.
(71) FIG. 49B is a right side view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B.
(72) FIG. 49C is a top view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B.
(73) FIG. 49D is a rear view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B.
(74) FIG. 49E is a left side view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B.
(75) FIG. 49F is a bottom view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B.
(76) FIGS. 50A and 50B are two perspective views showing a holster having a first handgun retention mechanism including a pivotable lever and a second handgun retention mechanism including a U-shaped shroud. In the embodiment of FIGS. 50A and 50B, the U-shaped shroud is in a handgun retaining position.
(77) FIG. 51A is a front view of the holster shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B.
(78) FIG. 51B is a right side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B.
(79) FIG. 51C is a top view of the holster shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B.
(80) FIG. 51D is a rear view of the holster shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B.
(81) FIG. 51E is a left side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B.
(82) FIG. 51F is a bottom view of the holster shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B.
(83) FIGS. 52A and 52B are two perspective views showing a holster having a handgun retention mechanism including a pivotable lever.
(84) FIG. 53A is a front view of the holster shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B.
(85) FIG. 53B is a right side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B.
(86) FIG. 53C is a top view of the holster shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B.
(87) FIG. 53D is a rear view of the holster shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B.
(88) FIG. 53E is a left side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B.
(89) FIG. 53F is a bottom view of the holster shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B.
(90) While the embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(91) Referring to FIGS. 1-4, perspective views of a handgun 80 and a holster 100 are shown. FIG. 1 shows the handgun 80 withdrawn from the holster 100 and FIG. 2 shows the handgun inserted into the holster 100. The handgun being conventional and having a forward end 82, a handgun body 84, a grip 86 at a rearward end 87 of the handgun 80, a trigger guard 90, a back strap 92 with a backstrap recess 94, a slide 98 positioned above the handgun body, and a rail 99 positioned below the slide. In embodiments, the holster 100 for receiving and withdrawing the handgun having a trigger guard 90 comprises a polymer holster body 102, an elongate polymer pivoting lever 104 that is part of a first handgun retention mechanism 106 that is thumb actuated. The pivoting lever has an actuation tab 107 configured as by a thumb receiving button that is disposed in an opening 105 in the holster body, actuation of the thumb receiving button moves a trigger guard block portion 128 of the lever between retention and release positions. The retention mechanism 106 has two distinct separated pivoting connections 109 each formed from a pair of cooperating connector pivot portions 110, one of each pair unitary with the holster body and the other of each pair unitary with the lever. In embodiments, the pivot portions 110 of the lever 104 and pivot portions 110 of the holster body 102 are coupled using a simple assembly process with no separate hinge pin.
(92) The holster body has three unitary bosses 111 on a proximal wall portion 113 for attachment to a plate portion of a user attachment means, such as a belt engaging member. See FIGS. 12 and 13. The holster having a proximal side toward and holster body having a proximal
(93) Continuing to referring to FIGS. 1-4, in embodiments, the holster body 102 has a plurality of holster wall portions defining a cavity 108 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 110H. In embodiments, the retention mechanism 106 comprises a lever 104 pivotally supported by the holster body 102 and retained by holster attachment plate portion 165 or by other means. The lever 104 may comprise an elongate central portion 124 integrally formed with a first forward pivot portion 112 and the holster body 102 may comprises a second forward pivot portion 114 integrally formed with one of the holster wall portions. The first forward pivot portion 112 may mate with the second forward pivot portion 114 to form a forward pivoting connection 109. In embodiments, the lever 104 further comprises a first rearward pivot portion 116 integrally formed with the elongate central portion 124 of the lever 104 and the holster body 102 comprises a second rearward pivot portion 118 integrally formed with one of the holster wall portions. The first rearward pivot portion 116 may mate with the second rearward pivot portion 118 to form a rearward pivoting connection 109. In embodiments all pivot portions of the retention mechanism are axially aligned and co-axial when assembled.
(94) Continuing to referring to FIGS. 1-4, in embodiments, is a retention mechanism having a lever that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is contacting the a thumb button portion of the lever. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a lever having a thumb button portion, and the lever pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a lever that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis.
(95) Referring to FIGS. 5-8B, in embodiments, the lever 104 of the retention mechanism 106 has an elongate central portion 124, a thumb receiving portion 107, configured as a thumb button, and a blocking portion 128. The thumb receiving portion of the lever comprising a first arm 130 extending away from the elongate central portion 124 in a first direction, the elongate central portion 124 and the first arm 130 cooperating to form a first L-shaped portion 132. The blocking portion 128 of the lever 104 comprises a second arm 134 extending away from the elongate central portion 124 in a second direction opposite the first direction, the elongate central portion 124 and the second arm 134 cooperating to form a second L-shaped portion 136.
(96) Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the lever 104 is elongate in the direction of the axis X and has a lever length L1. The pivot portions 112, 116 have a separation distance D1 and have a pivoting connection length L2. The pivoting connection length L2 to the overall lever length L1 is in embodiments greater than 0.70 or 70%; in embodiments, greater than 0.60 or 60%; in embodiments greater than 0.80 or 80%.
(97) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a forward or handgun insertion direction Z and a rearward or handgun withdrawal direction −Z are illustrated using arrows labeled “Z” and “−Z,” respectively. An upward direction Y and a downward direction −Y are illustrated using arrows labeled “Y” and “−Y,” respectively. A direction X extending away from the user's body and the user attachment side of the holster is illustrated using an arrow labeled “X.” A direction −X extending toward the user's body and the user attachment side of the holster is illustrated using an arrow labeled “−X.” The directions illustrated using these arrows may be conceptualized, by way of example and not limitation, from the point of view of a user who is wearing a holster hung from a service belt and inserting a handgun into the holster. The directions illustrated using these arrows may also be conceptualized, by way of example and not limitation, from the point of view of a user holding a handgun in a normal firing position and viewing the gunsights of the handgun. The directions illustrated using these arrows may be applied to the apparatus shown and discussed throughout this application. In embodiments, the Z direction and the −Z direction are both generally orthogonal to the XY plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction. In embodiments, the X direction and the −X direction are both generally orthogonal to the ZY plane defined by the Z direction and the −Z direction. In embodiments, the Y direction and the −Y direction are both generally orthogonal to the ZX plane defined by the Z direction and the X direction. Various direction-indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that many direction indicating terms are related to the instant orientation of the object being described. It will also be appreciated that the objects described herein may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, direction-indicating terms such as “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “forwardly,” “rearwardly,” etc. should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims.
(98) Referring to FIG. 9, a cross-sectioned perspective view of a holster body 102 is shown. In the example embodiment of FIG. 9, the holster body 102 is formed from two polymers, one overmolded onto the other, providing an interior layer 138 and an exterior layer 140. In embodiments, the interior layer 138 is softer than the exterior layer 140 minimizing any wear, damage or markings on the exterior surface of the handgun that is received in the cavity 108 defined by the holster. In embodiments, the interior layer 138 and the exterior layer 140 are combined using an assembly process. In embodiments, the interior layer 138 comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and the exterior layer 140 a thermoplastic material. In embodiments, the interior layer 138 comprises Hytrel® polymer, available from DuPont, and the exterior layer 140 comprises nylon. The exterior layer being harder and stiffer than the interior layer.
(99) Referring to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view of a holster body 102 is shown. In embodiments, the holster body 102 is formed to provide a handgun fitting function that can be adjusted by rotating a tensioning screw 142. The shape of the forward portion of the handgun can be conceptualized as a four cornered geometric figure, roughly a rectangle, and the shape of the cavity 108 defined by the holster body 102 can be configured to make point contact with the four corners of the figure or rectangle. In embodiments, the shape of the cavity 108 defined by the holster body 102 can be conceptualized as two opposing V-shapes, an upper V-shape 148 and a lower V-shape 146. The upper V-shape 148 and the lower V-shape 146 are shown using dashed lines in FIG. 10. The two legs of the upper V-shape 148 and the two legs of the lower V-shape 146 may each contact one corner of the figure or rectangle. In embodiments, the lower V-shape 146 defines a slot 144 near the lower end of the lower V-shape 146. A tensioning screw 142 is positioned to selectively decrease the angle between the two legs of the lower V-shape 146. As the angle between the two legs of the lower V-shape 146 decreases, the two legs of the lower V-shape 146 apply upwardly directed component forces to two lower corners 150 of the rectangle. The forces applied to the lower corners 150 of the rectangle urge the two upper corners 152 of the rectangle against the two legs of the upper V-shape 148.
(100) The components herein may be formed of thermoplastic polymers using an injection molding process.
(101) Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 11A-11C, a retention mechanism 106 for a holster 100 may include a lever pivotally supported by the holster body 102. The lever 104 may comprise an elongate central portion 124 integrally formed with a first forward pivot portion 112, and the holster body 102 may comprise a second forward pivot portion 114 integrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body 102. The first forward pivot portion 112 may be mated with the second forward pivot portion so that the lever 104 is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In embodiments, one of the forward pivot portions 112, 114 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the forward pivot portions 112, 114 is a C-shaped pin receiving portion 156. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees; in embodiments greater than 185°; and in embodiments greater than 190°. In embodiments, one of the forward pivot portions 112, 114 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the forward pivot portions 112, 114 is a U-shaped pin receiving portion 156.
(102) With continuing reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 11A-11C, the lever 104 may further comprise a first rearward pivot portion 116 integrally formed with the elongate central portion 124 and the holster body 102 may comprise a second rearward pivot portion 118 integrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body 102. The first rearward pivot portion 116 may be mated with the second rearward pivot portion so that the lever 104 is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In embodiments, one of the rearward pivot portions 116, 118 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the rearward pivot portions 116, 118 is a C-shaped pin receiving portion 156. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees; in embodiments greater than 185°; and in embodiments greater than 190°. In embodiments, one of the rearward pivot portions 116, 118 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the rearward pivot portions 116, 118 is a U-shaped pin receiving portion 156.
(103) Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, a holster 100 in accordance with this detailed description may comprise a holster attachment plate portion 165 that is part of or all of a user attachment means for the holster which may be a belt engaging member. The plate portion 165 may retain the lever 104 in a pivoting connection arrangement with the holster body 102. The lever 104 may be pivotally supported by the holster body 102 and may be moveable between a handgun trigger guard capture position and a handgun trigger guard release position. In embodiments, the plate portion 165 is fixed to the holster body 102 by a plurality of screws 162. The lever 104, may be, for example, captured between the belt engaging member 160, or other user attachment means, and the holster body 102. In embodiments, the lever 104 can be freely separated from the holster body 102 after the belt engaging member 160 is removed from the holster body 102. In embodiments, the belt engaging member 160 comprises a first belt loop portion 164 defining a first passageway 166 to receive a belt and a second belt loop portion 168 defining a second passageway 170 for receiving the belt.
(104) The user attachment means 160 may comprise various holster supporting devices without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Examples of holster supporting devices that may be suitable in some applications are disclosed in the following United States Patents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S.D653,848, U.S.D567,707, U.S.D508,318, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,134,093, 8,783,532, 8,517,234, 8,469,245, 8,297,562, 8,251,266, 8,235,263, 7,866,515, 7,320,420, 9,423,210, 9,664,480, 9,841,255, 9,222,751, 8,544,706, 8,215,525, 8,100,304, 7,971,762, 7,922,050, 7,690,541, 6,478,202, 6,189,751, and 5,467,909.
(105) Referring to FIGS. 14-17, in embodiments, a holster 100 has a first handgun retention mechanism 106′ that engages the trigger guard as previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-13, and a second handgun retention mechanism 106′ with a pivoting lever 104′. A dual actuation member 179 with a thumb button 180 actuates both the first handgun retention mechanism 106′ and the second handgun retention mechanism 174. In embodiments, each handgun retention mechanism selectively prevents the handgun 80 from being withdrawn from the cavity 108 defined by the wall portions 109 of the holster body 102.
(106) The second handgun retention mechanism 106′ comprises a slide retention member configured as a U-shaped shroud 176 that is pivotally supported by the holster body 102 so that the U-shaped shroud 176 selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the U-shaped shroud 176 extends across a portion of a rearward opening 178 of the cavity 108 and a release position in which the U-shaped shroud 176 extends forward of the rearward opening 178 so that a withdrawal path of the handgun 80 is unobstructed. In embodiments, the U-shaped shroud 176 pivots about a shroud pivot axis AC that extends laterally and is perpendicular to the handgun insertion and withdrawal axis AA.
(107) Referring to FIGS. 15-20, in embodiments, the first handgun retention mechanism 106′ comprises a lever 104′ pivotally supported by the holster body 102. The lever 104′ may be similarly configured to the lever 106 of FIGS. 1-13. In embodiments, the lever 104′ has an elongate central portion 124, a depressible actuation portion 186, and a trigger guard blocking portion 128. The depressible actuation portion 186 of the lever 104 comprises a first arm 130 extending away from the elongate central portion 124 in a first direction so that the elongate central portion 124 and the first arm 130 cooperate to form a first L-shape 182. The trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the lever 104′ comprises a second arm 134 extending away from the elongate central portion 124 in a second direction opposite the first direction so that the elongate central portion 124 and the second arm 134 cooperate to form a second L-shape 184. In embodiments, the lever 104′ is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the lever 104′ pivots about a lever axis 110 that extends in upward and downward directions as the holster is worn or forward and rearward with respect to the handgun. In embodiments, the lever pivots between a handgun trigger guard blocking or capture position and a handgun trigger guard non-blocking or release position. The trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the lever 104 extends into a trigger guard portion of the holster body 102 when the lever 104′ is disposed in the handgun trigger guard capture position.
(108) Continuing to referring to FIGS. 15-20, a feature and benefit of embodiments is a retention mechanism having a lever that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is used to rotate the lever. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a lever that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. In embodiments, the lever pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster. In embodiments, the thumb-actuated button pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster.
(109) Referring to FIGS. 16-20, the second handgun retention mechanism is illustrated. The slide blocking member configured as a shroud 176 is part of a hood assembly 188. Fasteners 197, 198 pivotally secure the U-shaped shroud, second handgun retention mechanism housing 201, bracket 190 with slot 144, to the holster body. Fastener 199 secures the opposite side of the shroud to the holster body. The second handgun retention mechanism 174 utilizes the retention mechanism housing 201 to secure components of the retention mechanism in place. The housing has two cooperating components, and inward member 202 and an outward member 204, that may be arranged in a clamshell-like fashion that captures the leaf spring 194 and a pivoting shaft 206 of the dual actuation member 179 within the housing 201. In embodiments, the holster includes a spring 196 that biases the U-shaped shroud 176 to pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the holster 100 includes the leaf spring 194 that is received in the slot 144 of the bracket 190 when the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the handgun retaining position. The base 195 of the leaf spring 194 is fixed with respect to the holster body and the tip 196 of the leaf spring 194 can flex inwardly and outwardly. The bracket 190 is attached to the U-shaped shroud 176 such that as the leaf spring 194 keeps the bracket from rotating forwardly it also keeps the shroud from rotating forwardly. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tab or button 180 through a first range of rotary motion causes deflection of the leaf spring 194 so that a distal portion of the leaf spring 194 moves outside of the slot 144 allowing the bracket 190 and also the shroud 176 to rotate forwardly. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb button 180 through a second range of rotary motion causes the thumb button 180 to engage the depressible actuation portion 186 of the lever 104 causing at least part of the trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the lever to be withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body 102. In this embodiment, the thumb receiving portion of the lever 104 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 has been replaced with an actuation portion or depressible portion that is depressed by the inner side of the thumb receiving tab 180.
(110) The first and second active handgun retention mechanisms may be arranged such that the second and first mechanisms can actuate sequentially or simultaneously, in embodiments.
(111) Referring to FIG. 21, another embodiment of a holster 300 comprising a holster body 306 similar to that of FIGS. 14 and 15 with a top or forward wall portion that mostly covers the slide of a handgun holstered therein, a pair of bosses 310 that can receive components of a second active handgun retention mechanism or, as illustrated in FIG. 21, a removable thumb button guard 312 secured to the bosses with fasteners 316. The lever 104 may be configured as discussed previously with respect to FIGS. 1-9 and has a thumb button 180. The plate portion 165 of a belt engaging member may capture the pivoting lever onto the holster body.
(112) Referring to FIGS. 22-24, the sequence of gripping and drawing a handgun 80 from a holster 100 having a optimally positioned thumb button 107 is illustrated. The handgrip 330 of the handgun 80 has a backstrap 322 region with a backstrap recess 324 that receives the user's hand 340 initially by the webbing 342 of the hand contacting the recess 324. The user will then wrap his middle, ring, and pinky fingers 350, 351, 352 around the grip as shown in FIG. 23 and will have his forefinger 353 in a longitudinal recess for said finger on the side of the holster opposite the thumb button. The thumb 354 will naturally be positioned at the thumb button 107 such that a normal grasping action of the grip, consistent with the “master grip” will depress the thumb button 107 and actuate the retention mechanism 104. Referring to FIGS. 22-25, 36A, 36B, 38A, 38B and 40-43, the master grip and ergonomics are further facilitated in embodiments where the thumb button 180 is positioned with no holster body directly rearward of the rearward margin of the thumb button 180, as well as no holster body portions below the thumb button 180. In use, as the handgun 80 is gripped prior to actuation of the thumb button 180, the user's thumb is in the natural gripping position at the surface of the thumb button 180, the thumb button 180 is depressed, coincident with grasping the handgun 80, and as the handgun 80 is withdrawn, the user's thumb slides off of the thumb button 180 into immediate contact with the handgun 80. That is, there is no engagement with the exterior surface of the holster body 102 by the user's thumb either during actuation of the release of the retention mechanism or as the handgun 80 is withdrawn. In that the thumb button 180 is positioned in close proximity to the surface of the handgun 80, the thumb movement inward as the thumb transitions from engagement with the thumb button 180 to engagement with the body of the handgun 80 is minimal.
(113) Referring to FIGS. 25-27, in embodiments, the holster includes the hood spring 196, a lever spring 198 and a tab spring 200. In embodiments, each spring comprises a length of wire, the wire of the spring forming a first leg 208, a second leg 210 and a coil 212 disposed between the first leg 208 and the second leg 210. In embodiments, the first leg 208 of the hood spring 196 is fixed relative to the holster body 102 and the second leg 210 of the hood spring 196 is seated against the hood assembly 188 so that the U-shaped shroud 176 is biased to pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the lever spring 198 is positioned and adapted to bias the lever 104 to rotate toward the handgun trigger guard capture position. In embodiments, the first leg 208 of the lever spring 198 is seated against to the holster body 102 and the second leg 210 of the lever spring 198 is seated against the lever 104. In embodiments, the tab spring 200 is positioned and adapted to bias the thumb receiving tab 180 to rotate in a direction that moves a distal end of the thumb receiving tab 180 away from the holster body 102. In embodiments, the first leg 208 of the tab spring 200 is seated against to the holster body 102 and the second leg 210 of the tab spring 200 is seated against the thumb receiving tab 180.
(114) Referring to FIGS. 28A-31B, in embodiments, the U-shaped shroud 176 is part of a hood assembly 188. In embodiments, a bracket 190 of the hood assembly 188 includes a lug portion 214 and the thumb receiving tab 180 includes a protrusion portion 216 that engages the lug portion 214 of the hood assembly 188 while the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the handgun retaining position. In embodiments, the holster 100 further includes a hood spring 196 that biases the U-shaped shroud 176 to pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the hood spring 196 biases the lug portion 214 of the hood assembly 188 against the protrusion portion 216 of the thumb receiving tab 180 while the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the handgun retaining position. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tab 180 through a first range of rotary motion causes the protrusion portion 216 of the thumb receiving tab 180 to disengage from the lug portion 214 of the hood assembly 188. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tab 180 through a second range of rotary motion causes the thumb receiving tab 180 to engage the tab receiving portion of the lever 104 causing at least a portion of the trigger guard retaining portion of the lever 104 to be withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body 102.
(115) Referring to FIGS. 33A and 33B, a feature and benefit of embodiments is a retention mechanism having a lever 104′ that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is contacting a thumb receiving tab 180. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb receiving tab 180 that pivots about a first axis and a lever 104′ that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. In embodiments, the lever 104′ pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis 110H of the holster 100. In embodiments, the thumb receiving tab 180 pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster 100. FIGS. 33A and 33B are two perspective views showing a holster including a U-shaped shroud. In the embodiment of FIG. 33A, the U-shaped shroud is in a handgun retaining position. In the embodiment of FIG. 33B, the U-shaped shroud is in a release position.
(116) Referring to FIGS. 1-47, in embodiments, an exteriorly worn holster 100 for receiving a handgun 80 has a holster body 102 having a plurality of unitary holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity 108 and a rearward opening 88. In embodiments, the handgun has a handgun body 84, a handgrip 86, a slide 98, and a trigger guard 90. In embodiments, the holster body 102 has a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 110H. In embodiments, the plurality of holster wall portions comprise a user proximal wall portion 113 and a user distal wall portion 115, the proximal wall portion 113 having thumb button recess 218 with a thumb button recess edge portion 220 defining the thumb button recess 218. In embodiments, the thumb button recess 218 extends forwardly from the rearward opening 88.
(117) In embodiments, a first user actuatable handgun retention mechanism 106 of the holster 100 is located at the proximal wall portion 113 for selectively preventing the handgun 80, when in the cavity 108, from being withdrawn from the cavity 108. In embodiments, the first handgun retention mechanism 106 comprises a first lever 104 pivotally mounted on the proximal wall portion 113 of the holster body 102 with a first axis of rotation. In embodiments, the first lever 104 has an actuation tab 107 rearwardly positioned on the lever 104 and positioned within the thumb button recess 218. In embodiments, the actuation tab 107 has an upper margin 222, a rearward margin 224, and a lower margin 226. In embodiments, the lever 104 further has a trigger guard blocking portion 128 forwardly positioned on the lever 104, the lever 104 being configured and positioned such that depression of the actuation tab 107 rotates the lever 104 about its respective axis of rotation to move the trigger guard blocking portion 128 from a trigger guard blocking position to a non-blocking position.
(118) In embodiments, an upper portion 242 of the thumb button recess edge portion 220 extends rearwardly of the actuation tab 107 along the upper margin 222 of the actuation tab 107 and a lower portion 246 of the thumb button recess edge portion 220 extends rearwardly of the actuation tab 107 at the lower margin 226 of the actuation tab 107.
(119) In embodiments, the holster 100 has only a single user actuatable handgun retention mechanism 106 and the actuation tab is configured as an actuation tab 107. In embodiments, the holster 100 comprises a pair of thumb guides 230 positioned above and below the actuation tab 107, the thumb guides 230 projecting laterally outward from the holster body proximal wall portion 113 beyond an undepressed position of the actuation tab 107. In embodiments, the thumb guides 230 each extend laterally outward from an outward surface of the proximal wall portion 113 a distance of at least 0.35 inches.
(120) In embodiments, the holster 100 has a second handgun retention mechanism 174 including a pivoting shroud 176 positioned rearwardly of the slide 98 of the handgun 80 holstered in the holster 100. In embodiments, the second handgun retention mechanism 174 comprises a second lever 104′, the second lever 104′ having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button 180, the actuation tab of the first lever position behind the thumb button 180 whereby depression of the thumb button 180 also depresses the actuation tab of the first lever.
(121) In embodiments, the holster 100 further comprises a pair of thumb guides 230 positioned above and below the thumb button 180, the thumb guides 230 projecting laterally outward from the holster body 102 proximal wall portion 113 beyond an undepressed position of the thumb button 180.
(122) In embodiments, one of the thumb guides 230 is positioned above the thumb button 180 and comprises a housing for the second handgun retention mechanism 174.
(123) In embodiments, a belt engaging member 160 is attached to the holster body 102 with a plurality of threaded fasteners 162 extending into the holster body 102.
(124) In embodiments, one of said threaded fasteners 162 is positioned above the first lever 104, one of the plurality of threaded fasteners 162 is positioned below the first lever 104, and one of the plurality of threaded fasteners 162 is positioned forward of the first lever 104, wherein the first lever 104 is captured between the holster body 102 and the belt engaging member 162.
(125) In embodiments, a column portion of the belt engaging member 160 extends rearwardly, wherein when the handgun 80 is holstered. In embodiments, the thumb button 180 is positioned between the handgun body 84 and the belt engaging member 160, wherein the belt engaging member 160 has a pair of ribs 232 having their elongate dimension extending forwardly and rearwardly and positioned to confront the thumb guides 230 whereby access to the thumb button 180 is restricted on four sides of the thumb button 180 and an access path for the thumb is provided rearwardly of the thumb button 180.
(126) In embodiments, the belt engaging member 160 comprises a jacket slot belt loop 228 having a pair of clamping belt loop portions 234 extending from the column portion 236, each of the clamping belt loop portions 234 being adjustable with respect to the column portion 236 by a respective threaded fastener 262. In embodiments, the thumb guides 230 each extend laterally outward from an outward surface of the proximal wall portion 113 a distance of at least 0.35 inches. In embodiments, the thumb guides 230 each extend laterally outward from an outward surface of the proximal wall portion 113 a distance of at least 0.35 inches and the ribs 232 extend outwardly from a surface of the column portion 236 a distance of at least 0.15 inches.
(127) In embodiments, the first lever 104 is seated in a lever receiving region 238 on the proximal wall portion 113 of the holster body and the proximal wall portion 113 has three threaded bosses 240 dispersed around the lever receiving region 238 for receiving a belt engaging member 160. In embodiments, the proximal wall portion 113 further has a plurality of lever region containment wall portions 244 extending from the outer surface of the proximal wall portion 113 and each of the plurality of lever containment wall portions 244 connect to at least one of the three threaded bosses 240. In embodiments, the three threaded bosses 240 are positioned for receiving a belt engaging member 160 utilizing a plurality of threaded fasteners 162.
(128) In embodiments, the first lever 104 is seated in a lever receiving region 238 on the proximal wall portion 113 and the proximal wall portion 113 has three threaded bosses 240 dispersed around the lever receiving region 238 for receiving a belt engaging member 160 and, when the belt engaging member 160 is attached, the first lever 104 is captured within the lever receiving region 238. In embodiments, the first lever 104 may be removed from an engagement with the proximal wall portion 113 when the belt engaging member is not attached to the proximal wall portion 113. In embodiments, the first lever 104 may be removed without tools when the belt engaging member is not attached. In embodiments, the first lever 104 may be removed by simply prying the first lever 104 outward when the belt engaging member 160 is not attached.
(129) In embodiments, the holster body 102 has an upper wall portion having a pair of inclined wall portions defining a joint, a lower wall portion with a slit 250 extending from a forward opening to proximate a trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body defining a pair of forward clamping wall portions 248. In embodiments, a threaded fastener 142 is positioned so as to extend between the pair of forward clamping wall portions 248 for adjusting the forward clamping wall portions 248 about a forward portion of the handgun 80.
(130) Referring to FIGS. 1-47, in embodiments, a holster 100 is provided for receiving a handgun 80 having a handgun body 84, a slide 98, and a trigger guard 90. In embodiments, the holster 100 comprises a holster body 102 having a plurality of holster wall portions defining a rearward opening cavity 108 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 110H for receiving and holding the handgun 80. In embodiments, the plurality of holster wall portions comprise a user proximal wall portion 113 and a user distal wall portion 115. In embodiments, the holster includes a first handgun retention mechanism 106′ and a second handgun retention mechanism 174, disposed at the proximal wall portion 113, each handgun retention mechanism selectively preventing the handgun 80, when in the cavity 108, from being withdrawn from the cavity 108. In embodiments, the first and second handgun retention mechanisms have a respective first lever 104′ having a first axis of rotation and a second lever 180 with an axis of rotation, each lever having a respective actuation tab portion on one end of the lever where depression of the actuation tab rotates the lever about its respective axis of rotation, one of the two actuation tabs configured as a thumb receiving button with an outer thumb receiving surface, the other of the two actuation tabs positioned behind the thumb receiving button such that depression of the thumb receiving button effects a depression of the other of the two actuation tab portions, whereby depression of the thumb receiving button actuates both the first handgun retention mechanism 106′ and the second handgun retention mechanism 174. In embodiments, the first lever 104′ of the first handgun retention mechanism 106′ is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In embodiments, the first lever 104′ comprises an elongate central portion 124 and a blocking portion 128 at an end opposite the respective actuation tab, the blocking portion 128 movable in and out of a handgun blocking position. In embodiments, the second handgun retention mechanism 174 comprising a U-shaped member 176 that is pivotally supported by the holster body 102 so that the U-shaped member 176 selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the U-shaped member extends across a portion of a rearward opening of the cavity 108 and a release position in which the U-shaped member 176 is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so that a withdrawal path of the handgun 80 is unobstructed by U-shaped member 176.
(131) The following United States patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,048,735, 5,100,036, 5,129,562, 5,275,317, 5,284,281, 5,372,288, 5,395,021, 5,419,474, 5,449,103, 5,509,591, 5,573,157, 5,810,221, 5,810,221, 5,918,784, 5,918,784, 6,112,962, 6,189,751, 6,230,946, 6,267,279, 6,276,581, 6,533,149, 6,547,111, 6,547,111, 6,634,527, 6,641,009, 6,641,009, 6,752,300, 6,752,300, 6,769,582, 6,799,392, 6,854,626, 7,200,965, 7,434,712, 7,461,765, 7,461,765, 7,530,456, 7,530,456, 7,556,181, 7,556,181, 7,841,497, 7,841,497, 7,922,050, 7,922,050, 8,141,758, 8,141,758, 8,177,108, 8,235,263, 8,474,670, 8,517,235, 8,602,276, 8,602,276, 8,631,981, 8,631,981, 8,646,665, 8,720,753, 8,720,753, 8,720,754, 8,720,755, 8,851,344, 8,985,412, 9,022,262, 9,022,262, 9,057,579, 9,057,580, 9,134,093, 9,134,093, 9,175,925, 9,175,925, 9,228,802, 9,267,760, 9,347,741, 9,383,165, 9,410,767, 9,500,426, 9,777,986, and 9,835,400. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized with embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).
(132) The patents and other references mentioned above in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
(133) All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
(134) Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
(135) The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes.
(136) Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.
