LOCKING HOLSTER FOR HANDGUNS WITH NON-TRADITIONAL FORM FACTORS

Abstract

A holster for receiving an integrally suppressed handgun having a trigger guard and a complementary interlocking feature located forward of a forward-most end of the trigger guard. The holster comprising a holster body having a forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall extending therebetween. The holster wall defining a cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis. The holster including a retention mechanism comprising a lever pivotally supported by the wall of the holster body with the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis. A blocking member of the lever being dimensioned and adapted to be received in the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun. The lever being positioned so that the blocking member extends through an aperture and into the forward portion of the cavity at least when the lever is in the blocking position.

Claims

1. A combination of a holster for receiving a handgun and a handgun, the handgun comprising a frame having a handgrip portion, a barrel supported by the frame, the barrel having a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel wall, the barrel wall extending along a barrel axis in a forward direction from the breech end to the muzzle end, a trigger guard located forward of the handgrip portion, the trigger guard being supported by the frame, the handgun comprising a forward suppressor unit located forward of the trigger guard, the forward suppressor unit being supported by the frame, the forward suppressor unit comprising a complementary interlocking feature located forward of a forward-most surface of the trigger guard, the complementary interlocking feature comprising a rearwardly facing stop surface, the forward suppressor unit comprising a sound suppressing assembly located forward of the muzzle end of the barrel; the holster comprising a holster body having a forward end and a rearward end, the holster body comprising a holster wall defining a cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly; the holster body further defining the cavity as having a rearward portion, a trigger guard portion forward of the rearward portion, and a forward portion forward of the trigger guard receiving portion, the holster wall defining an aperture opening into the forward portion of the cavity; a retention mechanism comprising a lever pivotally supported by the holster wall, the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis, the lever having a finger engaging portion disposed on a first side of the pivot axis and a blocking member disposed on a second side of the pivot axis, the lever being positioned so that the blocking member extends through the aperture and into the forward portion of the cavity at least when the lever is in the blocking position, the blocking member of the lever being dimensioned and adapted to be positioned at the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun when the handgun is holstered; the lever being selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member of the lever is positioned at the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member of the lever is displaced away from the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the complementary interlocking feature defines a notch.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the complementary interlocking feature comprises a surface perpendicular or oblique to the barrel axis of the handgun.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein the finger engaging portion of the lever is adapted and positioned for actuation via contact with a first phalanx of an index finger of a holster user while a grip portion of the handgun is disposed between the index finger and a thumb of the holster user.

5. The combination of claim 1 further including a spring member applying a torque to the lever, the torque having a torque direction such that the lever is biased to pivot toward the blocking position.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein: the cavity has a height dimension and a width dimension; and an aspect ratio of the height dimension to the width dimension is greater than about two.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein: the lever comprises a first arm, a second arm and a corner portion disposed between the first arm and the second arm, the first arm extending rearward from the corner portion, and the second arm extending forward and downward from the corner portion; the second arm includes a first side surface facing generally away from the holster cavity and a second side surface facing generally toward the holster cavity; the blocking member comprises a protrusion extending beyond the second side surface of the engagement member in a direction toward the holster cavity.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the protrusion comprises a forwardly facing surface for engaging a rearwardly facing surface of the complementary interlocking feature.

9. The combination of claim 7 wherein the protrusion comprises a forwardly facing surface for engaging the complementary interlocking feature.

10. The combination of claim 7 wherein the forward facing surface comprises a convex surface.

11. The combination of claim 7 wherein the forward facing surface comprises a planar surface, the planar surface having a skewed orientation relative to the handgun insertion and withdrawal axis such that the planar surface extends rearward as the planar surface extends upward.

12. The combination of claim 7 wherein the complementary interlocking feature comprises a concave surface.

13. The combination of claim 7 wherein the first arm extends rearward to a point rearward of the forward end of the trigger guard when the handgun is received in the cavity.

14. The combination of claim 7 wherein the first arm extends rearward to a point forward of the rearward end of the trigger guard when the handgun is received in the cavity.

15. The combination of claim 7 wherein a rearward end of the first arm is located rearward of the forward end of the trigger guard when the handgun is received in the cavity.

16. The combination of claim 7 wherein a rearward end of the first arm is located forward of the rearward end of the trigger guard when the handgun is received in the cavity.

17. The combination of claim 1 wherein the sound suppressing assembly comprises a plurality of starboard wall portions, a plurality of opposing port wall portions, and a plurality of baffle wall portions extending between the starboard wall portions and the port wall portions, the wall portions defining a plurality of expansion chambers, each baffle wall portion defining a bullet passageway, the baffle wall portions being arranged along the barrel axis with the barrel axis intersecting the bullet passageway defined by each baffle wall portion.

18. A combination of a holster for receiving a handgun and a handgun: the handgun comprising a trigger guard and a forward suppressor unit having a complementary interlocking feature defining a rearward and laterally outward facing notch located forward of a forward-most end of the trigger guard; the holster comprising a holster body having a forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall, the holster wall defining a cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly; the holster body further defining the cavity as having a rearward portion, a trigger guard portion forward of the rearward portion, and a forward portion forward of the trigger guard receiving portion, the trigger guard receiving portion being disposed between the forward portion and the rearward portion, the holster wall defining an aperture opening into the forward portion of the cavity; a retention mechanism comprising a lever pivotally supported by the holster wall, the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis, the lever having a finger engaging portion disposed on a first side of the pivot axis and a blocking member disposed on a second side of the pivot axis, the blocking member of the lever being dimensioned and adapted to be received in the notch defined by the complementary interlocking feature of the forward suppressor unit; the lever being positioned so that the blocking member extends through the aperture and into the forward portion of the cavity at least when the lever is in the blocking position; the lever being selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member of the lever is positioned in the notch of the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member of the lever is displaced away from the notch of the complementary interlocking feature of the forward suppressor unit.

19. A combination of a holster for receiving a handgun and a handgun, the combination comprising: the holster and the handgun, the handgun comprising a frame having a handgrip portion supporting a pair of grips, the handgun further comprising a trigger guard located forward of the handgrip, the trigger guard being supported by the frame, the handgun comprising a forward suppressor unit located forward of the trigger guard, the forward suppressor unit being supported by the frame, the forward suppressor unit comprising a complementary interlocking feature located forward of a forward-most surface of the trigger guard, the complementary interlocking feature having a rearwardly facing surface; the handgun further comprising a barrel supported by the frame, the barrel having a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel wall, the barrel wall extending along a barrel axis in a forward direction from the breech end to the muzzle end; the forward suppressor unit comprising a sound suppressing assembly located forward of the muzzle end of the barrel, comprising a plurality of starboard wall portions, a plurality of opposing port wall portions, and a plurality of baffle wall portions extending between the starboard wall portions and the port wall portions, the wall portions defining a plurality of expansion chambers, each baffle wall portion defining a bullet passageway, the baffle wall portions being arranged along the barrel axis with the barrel axis intersecting the bullet passageway of each baffle wall portion; the holster comprising a holster body having a forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall, the holster wall defining a cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly; the holster body further defining the cavity as having a rearward portion, a trigger guard portion forward of the rearward portion, and a forward portion forward of the trigger guard receiving portion, the trigger guard receiving portion being disposed between the forward portion and the rearward portion, the holster wall defining an aperture opening into the forward portion of the cavity; a retention mechanism comprising a lever pivotally supported by the holster wall, the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis, the lever having a finger engaging portion disposed on a first side of the pivot axis and a blocking member disposed on a second side of the pivot axis, the blocking member of the lever being dimensioned and adapted to confront the rearwardly facing surface of the complementary interlocking feature of the forward suppressor unit; the lever being positioned so that the blocking member extends through the aperture and into the forward portion of the cavity at least when the lever is in the blocking position; the lever being selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member of the lever is positioned to confront the rearwardly facing surface of the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member of the lever is displaced away from the complementary interlocking feature of the forward suppressor unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a handgun and a holster.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a handgun and a holster.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a handgun and a lever of a locking mechanism.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a handgun.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a handgun.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a handgun.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a lever.

[0040] FIG. 8A is a front view of a lever in accordance with an embodiment described in the detailed description.

[0041] FIG. 8B is a right side view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

[0042] FIG. 8C is a top view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

[0043] FIG. 8D is a rear view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

[0044] FIG. 8E is a left side view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

[0045] FIG. 8F is a bottom view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

[0046] FIG. 9A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodiment described in the detailed description.

[0047] FIG. 9B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

[0048] FIG. 9C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

[0049] FIG. 9D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

[0050] FIG. 9E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

[0051] FIG. 9F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

[0052] FIG. 10A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodiment described in the detailed description.

[0053] FIG. 10B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

[0054] FIG. 10C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

[0055] FIG. 10D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

[0056] FIG. 10E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

[0057] FIG. 10F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

[0058] FIG. 11A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodiment described in the detailed description.

[0059] FIG. 11B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

[0060] FIG. 11C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

[0061] FIG. 11D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

[0062] FIG. 11E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

[0063] FIG. 11F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

[0064] FIG. 12A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodiment described in the detailed description.

[0065] FIG. 12B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

[0066] FIG. 12C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

[0067] FIG. 12D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

[0068] FIG. 12E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

[0069] FIG. 12F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

[0070] FIG. 13A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodiment described in the detailed description.

[0071] FIG. 13B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

[0072] FIG. 13C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

[0073] FIG. 13D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

[0074] FIG. 13E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

[0075] FIG. 13F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

[0076] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a handgun. The handgun of FIG. 14 may form part of a combination including the handgun of FIG. 14 and the holsters described in the instant patent application.

[0077] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a handgun. The handgun of FIG. 15 may form part of a combination including the handgun of FIG. 15 and the holsters described in the instant patent application.

[0078] FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view further illustrating the handgun shown in FIG. 14.

[0079] FIG. 17 is a partially exploded perspective view further illustrating the handgun shown in FIG. 15.

[0080] FIG. 18 is a partially cross-sectioned perspective view further illustrating the handgun shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0081] FIG. 19 is a partially exploded perspective view further illustrating the handgun shown in FIG. 14.

[0082] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly including a lever, a spring member, and a pin.

[0083] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly including a lever, a spring member, and a pin.

[0084] FIG. 22A is a front view of a holster in accordance with an embodiment described in the detailed description.

[0085] FIG. 22B is a right side view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

[0086] FIG. 22C is a top view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

[0087] FIG. 22D is a rear view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

[0088] FIG. 22E is a left side view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

[0089] FIG. 22F is a bottom view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

[0090] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a handgun holstered in a holster.

[0091] While 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

[0092] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-3 and 14-19, a combination of a holster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 and a handgun 122 is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises a frame 220 having a rearward grip portion 232 and a barrel 222 supported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the barrel 222 has a breech end 224, a muzzle end 226, and a barrel wall 228, the barrel wall 228 extending along a barrel axis 230 in a forward direction from the breech end 224 to the muzzle end 226. In one or more embodiments, a trigger guard 124 is located forward of the grip portion 232, the trigger guard 124 being supported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 further comprises a forward suppressor unit 240 located forward of the trigger guard 124, the forward suppressor unit 240 being supported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240 comprises a complementary interlocking feature 132 located forward of a forward facing surface 102 of the trigger guard 124. In one or more embodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132 comprises a rearwardly facing stop surface 106. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240 comprises a sound suppressing assembly 238 located forward of the muzzle end 226 of the barrel 222. In one or more embodiments, the sound suppressing assembly 238 comprises a plurality of baffle wall portions 248 that cooperate with starboard wall portions 242 and port wall portions 244 to define a plurality of expansion chambers 246. In one or more embodiments, the holster 120 comprises a holster body 134 having a forward end 136 and a rearward end 138. In one or more embodiments, the holster body 134 comprises a holster wall 140 defining a cavity 146 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148 extending forwardly and rearwardly. In one or more embodiments, the holster body 134 further defines the cavity 146 as having a rearward portion 150, a trigger guard receiving portion 256 forward of the rearward portion 150, and a forward portion 152 forward of the trigger guard receiving portion 256. In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156 opening into the cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, the combination includes a retention mechanism 158 comprising a lever 160 pivotally supported by the holster wall 140, the lever 160 being pivotable about a pivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 has a finger engaging portion disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 and a blocking member 166 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends through the aperture 156 and into the cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in the blocking position. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted to be positioned at the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 when the handgun 122 is holstered. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is positioned at the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is displaced away from the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122.

[0093] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-9, a holster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 having a trigger guard 124 and a complementary interlocking feature 132 located forward of a forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 comprises a holster body 134 having a forward end 136, a rearward end 138, and a holster wall 140 extending therebetween. The holster wall 140 extends in a forward direction from the rearward end 138 to the forward end 136 and extends in the rearward direction from the rearward end 138 to the forward end 136. The holster wall 140 comprises a starboard side portion 142 and a port side portion 144. The holster wall 140 defines a holster cavity 146 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148. The handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148 extends forwardly and rearwardly.

[0094] The holster cavity 146 comprises a rearward portion 150, a forward portion 152, and a trigger guard receiving portion 164 disposed between the forward portion 152 and the rearward portion 150. The holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156 that opens into the forward portion 152 of the holster cavity 146. A retention mechanism 158 of the holster 120 is supported by the holster wall 140. The retention mechanism 158 comprises a lever 160 pivotally supported by the holster wall 140. The lever 160 is pivotable relative to the holster body 134 about a pivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 pivots about a pin 304 that extends along the pivot axis 162. The lever 160 comprises a finger engaging portion 164 disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 and a blocking member 166 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162. The blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted to engage a complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted to be received in a notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132. In one or more embodiments, the notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132 may be defined by a starboard wall portion xx. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted to be received in a notch 190 of a mating interlocking feature xx. In one or more embodiments, the notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature xx may be defined by a port wall portion xx.

[0095] The lever 160 of the holster 120 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends through the aperture 156 and into the forward portion 152 of the holster cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in the blocking position. The lever 160 is selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 engages the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is disengaged from the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 is retained in the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 is engaging the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and the handgun 122 may be withdrawn from the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is disengaged from the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 is retained in the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 is received in the notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and the handgun 122 may be withdrawn from the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is located outside of the notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132. In one or more embodiments, a spring member 302 of the holster applies a torque to the lever 160. In one or more embodiments, the torque has a torque direction such that the lever 160 is biased to pivot toward the blocking position.

[0096] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, a handgun 122 in accordance with this detailed description may comprise a frame 220 supporting a barrel 222. In one or more embodiments, the barrel has a breech end 224, a muzzle end 226, and a barrel wall 228 extending therebetween. The barrel wall 228 extends along a barrel axis 230 in the forward direction from the breech end 224 o the muzzle end 226 and extends along the barrel axis 230 in a rearward direction from the muzzle end 226 to the breech end 224. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises a rearward grip portion 232 of the frame and a forward block portion 130 supported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the rearward grip portion 232 and the forward block portion 130 each extend in a generally downward direction away from the barrel 222. The handgun 122 comprises a trigger guard 124 having a rearward-most end 128, a forward-most end 126, and an intermediate portion 236 extending therebetween. The rearward-most end 128 of the trigger guard 124 being fixed to a forward facing surface of the rearward grip portion 232. The forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 being fixed to a rearward facing surface of the forward block portion 130. In one or more embodiments, the forward block portion 130 of the handgun 122 comprises a complementary interlocking feature 132. In one or more embodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132 is disposed forward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124. In one or more embodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132 is disposed downward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 of the retention mechanism comprises a first arm 168, a second arm 170 and a corner portion 172 disposed between the first arm 168 and the second arm 170. In one or more embodiments, the first arm 168 extends rearward from the corner portion 172 and the second arm 170 extends forward and downward from the corner portion 172. In one or more embodiments, the first arm 168 of the lever 160 extends rearward to a point rearward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the first arm 168 of the lever 160 extends rearward to a point forward of the rearward-most end 128 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, a rearward end 138 of the first arm 168 is located rearward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, a rearward end 138 of the first arm 168 is located forward of the rearward-most end 128 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, a rearward end 138 of the first arm 168 is located upward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the forward block portion of the handgun comprises a notch 190 dimensioned and configured to receive at least a portion of a blocking member 166 of a retention mechanism 158 of a holster 120. The retention mechanism 158 of the holster 120 comprises a lever 160 pivotally supported by the holster wall 140. The lever 160 is pivotable about a pivot axis 162 with a finger engaging portion 164 of the lever 160 disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 and a blocking member 166 of the lever 160 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162. The lever 160 of the holster 120 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends through the aperture 156 and into the forward portion 152 of the holster cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in the blocking position. The lever 160 is selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 engages the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is disengaged from the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 is retained in the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 is engaging the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and the handgun 122 may be withdrawn from the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is disengaged from the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 is retained in the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 is received in a notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and the handgun 122 may be withdrawn from the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is located outside of the notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132. A spring member 302 of the holster applies a torque to the lever 160. In one or more embodiments, the torque has a torque direction such that the lever 160 is biased to pivot toward the blocking position.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156 that opens into the holster cavity 146 and the lever 160 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends through the aperture 156 at least when the lever 160 is in the blocking position. In one or more embodiments, the aperture 156 is disposed forward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, the aperture 156 is disposed downward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 is disposed forward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 is disposed downward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, the holster cavity 146 comprises a rearward portion 150, a forward portion 152, and a trigger guard receiving portion 164 disposed between the forward portion 152 and the rearward portion 150. In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156 that opens into the forward portion 152 of the holster cavity. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 of a retention mechanism 158 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 extends through the aperture 156 and into the forward portion 152 of the holster cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in the blocking position.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 comprises a first arm 168, a second arm 170 and a corner portion 172 disposed between the first arm 168 and the second arm 170. In one or more embodiments, the first arm 168 extends rearward from the corner portion 172 and the second arm 170 extends forward and downward from the corner portion 172. In one or more embodiments, the second arm 170 includes a first side surface 192 facing generally away from the holster cavity 146 and a second side surface 194 facing generally toward the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 comprises a protrusion 174 extending beyond the second side surface 194 in a direction toward the holster cavity 146. Referring to FIGS. 1-11, an upward direction U and a downward direction D are illustrated using arrows labeled U and D. A forward direction F and a rearward direction R are illustrated using arrows labeled F and R, respectively, in FIG. 1. A starboard direction S and a port direction P are illustrated using arrows labeled S and P, respectively, in FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, these directions may be conceptualized from the point of view of a user who is holding a firearm and/or viewing a device affixed to the firearm. The directions illustrated using these arrows may 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. The directions illustrated using these arrows are applicable to the apparatus shown and discussed throughout this application. The port direction may also be referred to as the portward direction.

[0102] It will be appreciated that direction indicating terms may be 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, backwardly, portwardly, and starboardly, should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims. Various direction-indicating terms may be used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures.

[0103] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-11, a Y-axis generally extends in the upward direction U and the downward or lower direction D and an X-axis generally extends in the starboard direction S and the port direction P. A Z-axis generally extends in the forward direction F and the rearward direction R. In one or more embodiments, the X, Y and Z axes are mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis is generally orthogonal to an YZ plane defined by the Y-axis and the Z-axis. The Y-axis is generally orthogonal to an XZ plane defined by the X-axis and the Z-axis. The Z-axis is generally orthogonal to an XY plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the upward direction is generally opposite the downward direction. In one or more embodiments, the upward direction and the downward direction are both generally orthogonal to an XZ plane defined by the forward direction and the starboard direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward direction is generally opposite the rearward direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward direction and the rearward direction are both generally orthogonal to a XY plane defined by the upward direction and the starboard direction. In one or more embodiments, the starboard direction is generally opposite the port direction. In one or more embodiments, starboard direction and the port direction are both generally orthogonal to a YZ plane defined by the upward direction and the forward direction. Various direction-indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures.

[0105] FIG. 9A through FIG. 9F are elevation and plan views showing six sides of the handgun 122. Engineer graphics textbooks generally refer to the process used to create views showing six sides of a three dimensional object as multiview projection or orthographic projection. It is customary to refer to multiview projections using terms such as front view, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, and bottom view. In accordance with this convention, FIG. 9A may be referred to as a front view of the handgun 122, FIG. 9B may be referred to as a right side view of the handgun 122, and FIG. 9C may be referred to as a top view of the handgun 122. FIG. 9A through FIG. 9F may be referred to collectively as FIG. 9. Terms such as front view and right side view are used herein as a convenient method for differentiating between the views shown in FIG. 9. It will be appreciated that the elements shown in FIG. 9 may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, the terms front view, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, bottom view, and the like should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims. FIG. 9D may be referred to as a rear view of the handgun 122, FIG. 9E may be referred to as a left side view of the handgun 122, and FIG. 9F may be referred to as a bottom view of the handgun 122.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 10A through FIG. 10F, views showing six sides of a handgun 250. In the field of engineer graphics, the process used to create views showing six sides of a three dimensional object may be referred to as multiview projection or orthographic projection. It is also customary to refer to multiview or orthographic projection using terms such as front view, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, and bottom view. In accordance with this convention, FIG. 10A may be referred to as a front view of the handgun 250, FIG. 10B may be referred to as a right side view of the handgun 250, and FIG. 10C may be referred to as a top view of the handgun 250. FIG. 10A through FIG. 10F may be referred to collectively as FIG. 10. Terms such as front view and right side view are used herein as a convenient method for differentiating between the views shown in FIG. 10. It will be appreciated that the elements shown in FIG. 10 may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, the terms front view, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, bottom view, and the like should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims. FIG. 10D may be referred to as a rear view of the handgun 250, FIG. 10E may be referred to as a left side view of the handgun 250, and FIG. 10F may be referred to as a bottom view of the handgun 250. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, an accessory 252 is supported by a mounting rail of the handgun 250. The accessory 252 defines a complementary interlocking feature 132. Weapon-mounted firearm accessories, such as accessory 252, have become an important tool for military, police, militia, and civilian firearm users. Examples of popular firearm accessories include targeting devices, such as LASER sighting devices, and target illuminators, such as flashlights. Many handgun designs incorporate mounting rails for supporting these accessories. Using an accessory rail interface, a given accessory may be mounted to a variety of firearms or firearms platforms Likewise, if a particular firearm includes a rail interface, a variety of accessories may be interchangeably mounted to the firearm. The interchangeability of accessories is of particular importance to military and law enforcement personnel attached to special operations units, as this allows a single firearm to be reconfigured to meet certain mission specific needs.

[0107] FIG. 11A through FIG. 11F are elevation and plan views showing six sides of a handgun 260. Engineer graphics textbooks generally refer to the process used to create views showing six sides of a three dimensional object as multiview projection or orthographic projection. It is customary to refer to multiview projections using terms such as front view, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, and bottom view. In accordance with this convention, FIG. 11A may be referred to as a front view of the handgun 260, FIG. 11B may be referred to as a right side view of the handgun 260, and FIG. 11C may be referred to as a top view of the handgun 260. FIG. 11A through FIG. 11F may be referred to collectively as FIG. 11. Terms such as front view and right side view are used herein as a convenient method for differentiating between the views shown in FIG. 11. It will be appreciated that the elements shown in FIG. 11 may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, the terms front view, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, bottom view, and the like should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims. FIG. 11D may be referred to as a rear view of the handgun 260, FIG. 11E may be referred to as a left side view of the handgun 260, and FIG. 11F may be referred to as a bottom view of the handgun 260. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, a forward block portion 130 of handgun 260 defines a surface 262 that is generally orthogonal to a barrel axis 230 of the handgun 260.

[0108] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-3 and 14-19, an assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments comprises the combination of a holster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 and the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises a frame 220 having a rearward grip portion 232 supporting a pair of grips. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 further comprises a trigger guard 124 located forward of the grip portion 232, the trigger guard 124 being supported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises a forward suppressor unit 240 located forward of the trigger guard 124, the forward suppressor unit 240 being supported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240 comprises a complementary interlocking feature 132 located forward of a forward facing surface 102 of the trigger guard 124. In one or more embodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132 is located on a starboard side of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or more embodiments, the mating interlocking feature 100 comprises a notch 190 defined by a starboard wall portion 242 of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240 comprises a mating interlocking feature 100 located forward of a forward facing surface 102 of the trigger guard 124. In one or more embodiments, the mating interlocking feature 100 is located on a port side of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or more embodiments, the mating interlocking feature 100 comprises a notch 190 defined by a port wall portion 244 of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 further comprises a barrel 222 supported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the barrel 222 has a breech end 224, a muzzle end 226, and a barrel wall 228. In one or more embodiments, the barrel wall 228 extends along a barrel axis 230 in a forward direction from the breech end 224 to the muzzle end 226.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240 comprises a sound suppressing assembly 238 located forward of the muzzle end 226 of the barrel 222. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240 comprises, a plurality of starboard wall portions 242, a plurality of opposing port wall portions 244, and a plurality of baffle wall portions 248 extending between the starboard wall portions 242 and the port wall portions 244. In one or more embodiments, the wall portions define a plurality of expansion chambers 246. In one or more embodiments, each of the baffle wall portions 248 defines a bullet passageway 254. In one or more embodiments, the baffle wall portions 248 are arranged along the barrel axis 230 with the barrel axis 230 intersecting the bullet passageway 254 defined by each of the baffle wall portions 248.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the holster 120 comprises a holster body 134 having a forward end 136, a rearward end 138, and a holster wall 140. In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines a cavity 146 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148, the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148 extending forwardly and rearwardly. In one or more embodiments, the holster body 134 further defines the cavity 146 as having a rearward portion 150, a trigger guard receiving portion 256 forward of the rearward portion 150, and a forward portion 152 forward of the trigger guard receiving portion 256. In one or more embodiments, the trigger guard receiving portion 256 is disposed between the forward portion 152 and the rearward portion 150. In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156 opening into the forward portion 152 of the cavity 146. An assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments further comprises a retention mechanism 158 comprising a lever 160 that is pivotally supported by the holster wall 140. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is pivotable about a pivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 has a finger engaging portion 164 disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 and a blocking member 166 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted to be received in a complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends through the aperture 156 and into the forward portion 152 of the cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in the blocking position. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is positioned at the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is displaced away from the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122.

[0111] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-3 and 14-19, an assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments comprises the combination of a holster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 and the handgun 122. The holster 120 may be a holster as described herein. The handgun 122 may be, by way of example and not limitation, a revolver including a cylinder 108 that holds cartridges and selectively rotates to put a cartridge in a firing position.

[0112] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-3 and 14-19, a combination of a holster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 and a handgun 122 is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises a trigger guard 124 and a forward suppressor unit 240 having a complementary interlocking feature 132 defining a rearward and laterally outward facing notch 190 located forward of a forward facing surface 102 and/or a forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124. In one or more embodiments, the holster 120 comprises a holster body 134 having a forward end 136, a rearward end 138, and a holster wall 140. In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines a cavity 146 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148, the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148 extending forwardly and rearwardly. In one or more embodiments, the holster body 134 further defines the cavity 146 as having a rearward portion 150, a trigger guard receiving portion 256 forward of the rearward portion 150, and a forward portion 152 forward of the trigger guard receiving portion 256. In one or more embodiments, the trigger guard receiving portion 256 is disposed between the forward portion 152 and the rearward portion 150. In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156 opening into the cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, a retention mechanism 158 of the holster 120 comprises a lever 160 pivotally supported by the holster wall 140. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is pivotable about a pivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 has a finger engaging portion disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 and a blocking member 166 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted to be received in the notch 190 defined by the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 includes a forwardly facing surface that is dimensioned and adapted to confront a rearwardly facing surface 106 of the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends through the aperture 156 and into the cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in the blocking position. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is positioned in the notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the forward suppressor unit 240 and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is displaced away from the notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the forward suppressor unit 240.

[0113] The following United States patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,784, U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,962, U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,279, U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,111, U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,009, U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,300, U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,712, U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,765, U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,456, U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,181, U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,497, U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,050, U.S. Pat. No. 8,141,758, U.S. Pat. No. 8,177,108, U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,263, U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,670, U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,235, U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,276, U.S. Pat. No. 8,631,981, U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,753, U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,755, U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,344, U.S. Pat. No. 8,985,412, U.S. Pat. No. 9,022,262, U.S. Pat. No. 9,057,579, U.S. Pat. No. 9,057,580, U.S. Pat. No. 9,134,093, U.S. Pat. No. 9,175,925, U.S. Pat. No. 9,267,760, U.S. Pat. No. 9,347,741, U.S. Pat. No. 9,383,165, U.S. Pat. No. 9,410,767, U.S. Pat. No. 9,500,426, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,83,5400. Published U.S. Patent Application US2017/0205172 is hereby incorporated by reference herein. All U.S. patents issuing from and claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/261,079 are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0114] The above references to U.S. patents in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized with embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).

[0115] The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.