CASE WITH QUICK-ACCESS WEAPON HOLDER

Abstract

A case has a quick-access weapon holder assembly that moves from a concealed position to an accessible position. The weapon carried by the weapon holder assembly may be a firearm, a chemical-based defense weapon, a baton, or an electricity-based (electroshock) weapon. The weapon holder assembly may include a holster designed to secure the weapon in the manner of a traditional holster so that the weapon is securely held by the weapon holder assembly and so the weapon does not unintentionally fall out of the holder assembly during normal use of the case. The movement of the weapon holder assembly is actuated without the need for the user to remove his hand from the normal case-carrying position. The normal case-carrying position is one wherein the user's hand is positioned on a handle of a hard-sided case or positioned on the lower portion of the front portion of a strap of a soft-sided case or purse.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field

The disclosure generally relates to concealed weapon carriers and, more particularly, to a weapon holder concealed in a case in a manner that allows the holder of the case to obtain quick-access to a firearm in a quick and natural movement.

2. Description of the Prior Art

An increasing number of jurisdictions allow citizens to carry concealed weapons. Some casual carriers do not wish to carry their weapon on their body but desire a method to carry the weapon in a ready-access location. Other persons who need ready-access to a firearm are security personnel charged with protecting dignitaries, businessmen, property, facilities, or government officials. These security personnel may carry one firearm in a traditional belt or shoulder holster while desiring ready access to another firearm. These persons also benefit from having ready access to a ballistic shield.

Cases with hidden firearm compartments are known in the art. Some of these cases have latches that open the compartments to provide access to the firearm but the user is required to make a movement toward the latch that telegraphs his intention to access the weapon. Another problem is that the user often must reach for the weapon using an unnatural movement after opening the weapon compartment. There a need for a case having a quick-access weapon holster having a hidden compartment which can be opened with a natural movement that deploys a weapon which may be grasped with a natural movement. Such a case or container should, for all appearances, look like a conventional briefcase, purse, or soft-sided computer case from the exterior.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure provides cases having a quick-access weapon holder assembly that moves from a concealed position to an accessible position. The weapon holder assembly may be deployed through an end wall of the case. The weapon carried by the weapon holder assembly may be a firearm, a chemical-based defense weapon, a baton, or an electricity-based (electroshock) weapon. The weapon holder assembly may include a holster designed to secure the weapon in the manner of a traditional holster so that the weapon is securely held by the weapon holder assembly and so the weapon does not unintentionally fall out of the holder assembly during normal use of the case. The movement of the weapon holder assembly is actuated without the need for the user to remove his hand from the normal case-carrying position. The normal case-carrying position is one wherein the user's hand is positioned on a handle of a hard-sided case or positioned on the lower portion of the front portion of a strap of a soft-sided case or purse.

In one configuration, the handle of the hard-sided case is twisted to actuate the movement of the weapon holder assembly. This configuration allows the user to twist the handle and actuate the deployment of the weapon while moving the case from his side to a position in front of him where the user's other hand can grasp the weapon in a natural movement. The weapon holder assembly may be deployed through a wall or panel of the case or, in another configuration, the walls or panels of the case pivot away from the weapon holder assembly to provide access to the weapon.

In another configuration, the actuator is positioned in or adjacent a shoulder strap where the user's hand is typically located when carrying the case with the strap over his shoulder. This allows the user to actuate the movement of the weapon while moving the case from his side to a position in front of him where the user's other hand can grasp the weapon in a natural movement.

The different cases are configured to be carried by either hand of the user. The users may select to carry the cases in the user's weak hand or on the user's weak side such that the weapon is deployed for grasping by the user's strong hand. For example, a left-handed person will carry the case in his right hand.

In these configurations, the weapons may be held within a traditional holster such that the weapon and holster may be move rapidly to the accessible position without causing the weapon to fall out of the holster. Such holsters may accommodate a weapon with lights or sights. In the configurations wherein the weapon holder assembly includes a holster, the retention force of the holster may be adjustable. The weapon holster may be carried by an assembly that rides on ball bearings for a fast and smooth and reliable deployment of the weapon. The assembly is designed in such a way that different holsters suited for different manufactures, models and calibers of weapons may be changed out to allow the case to deploy different weapons.

In one configuration of the above, the disclosure provides a case having a separate compartment within the case for the weapon. The walls of the compartment may be configured to help secure the weapon within the case. Locating the weapon in a separate compartment prevents items that are normally carried in the case from interfering with the actuation mechanism or the weapon itself. This configuration allows the case to be opened in a public location without allowing the weapon to be viewed.

The cases may include anti-ballistic protection panels or the walls of the cases may be fabricated from or include anti-ballistic materials so that the cases may be used as a shield by the user after the weapon has been removed from the case. In one configuration, the bottom wall of the case includes a recess in which the user may place the wrist of his arm holding the weapon so that the case is securely held between the user's two arms and in front of the user.

One configuration of the case provides a pair of quick-access weapon holder assemblies designed to allow the holder of the case quick-access to one of the weapons and a person behind or beside him to have quick-access to the other weapon. This configuration uses similar weapon holder assemblies on opposite ends of the case.

The case may be counterweighted with a customizable weight that balances the weight of the weapon and holster held within the case such that the case may be carried in a nature way and does not feel heavier or top heavy on the weapon side of the case. The weight makes the case more balanced during transportation. The weight is removable and when the weapon is not loaded into the holster of the case so it will feel more balanced without the firearm being present.

The disclosure also provides one configuration of a case having a quick-access firearm holster that provides an ammunition magazine for the firearm such that the ammunition may be readily loaded into a firearm with a one-handed twist operation. The ammunition clip may be carried by the door panel that pivots out of the case. The ammunition clip is carried in a manner that allows it to be detached from the door panel when the clip is twisted in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

The disclosure provides one configuration with a light disposed in the handle. The light may be LED powered and may or may not include a lens. The light may be positioned so that when it is activated by the user it is oriented in the same direction as the weapon is deployed illuminating the target area and allowing the user to confirm the identity and assess if force may be necessary. The light maybe used independent from the weapon deployment mechanism for reasons such as illuminating a dark parking lot or walkway, illuminating a room, or illuminating a lock in a dark area to make it easier to use a key to unlock a door. The on—off switch for the light may be located on the briefcase handle so that the user can turn the light on and off with one finger without changing the grip of the hand on the handle. The batteries for the LED light are located inside the case portion of the briefcase to allow the batteries to be changed easily. These batteries may be used to offset the weight of the weapon to help balance the case. In a tactical situation the user can set the case down on the ground and using both hands to use his weapon more accurately while side stepping the case allowing the light to remain on and blind the attacker. If the attacker has a firearm and is firing at the location of the light on the case, this action allows the user of the case to seek more or better cover while the attacker is focused on the light.

In one configuration, the method of deploying the weapon includes the step of twisting the handle that is used to carry the case. The twisting of the handle causes the weapon to be moved to the accessible position through a wall of the case such that movement of the case around the front of the user marries the weapon with the user's strong hand for rapid deployment. The case of the disclosure doesn't require the user to shift his grip on the case. In a lethal confrontation any movement may be considered hostile and give away the user's intention to deploy a weapon. The twist handle of the case of this disclose allows the weapon to be deployed in a natural motion without signaling intentions. When the case is provided in the form of a briefcase, softcase, or purse, deployment of the weapon through the side or end wall locates the weapon in a convenient location for grasping with the user's strong hand. An initial step of releasing a safety mechanism may be used. The safety may be a manual switch or an electronic switch such as a fingerprint scanner.

In one configuration, the area inside the case is covered with MOLLE (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing to allow additional MOLLE pockets, pouches, magazine pouches, medical gear, radios and cell phones to be carried inside of the case so that they are not free to move around inside the case.

In another configuration of the disclosure, less-than-lethal devices like an electroshock weapon may be carried in the case in a similar holster as the different firearms in the event that the user wishes to carry a non-lethal device for protect. Tear gas, pepper spray, or any of a variety of batons can be carried in the case in a concealed but tactically ready configuration.

In some configurations, the case includes an on-board rechargeable power supply for different cell phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices that will charge while being carried inside the case. This power supply may be used to help balance the case. The case has a small power cord that is plugged into a standard wall outlet in order to charge the on board power supple. The rechargeable power supply will power the fingerprint scanner and the built in flash light.

In some of the configurations described above, the use of the case in an emergency or tactical situation as a ballistic shield does not require the case to be opened spilling the contents of the briefcase.

When a plurality of these cases are being used by a plurality of professionals, the professionals may form a 360 degree ring of protection around the principal that not only protects the user/operators but that also protects principle. The ballistic nature of the cases provides protection from bullets and from shrapnel produced by explosive devices.

One configuration of the case moves the weapon out of the case to an accessible position along with the extension or pivoting of the handle and a cover panel that functions to hide the weapon from view during the normal everyday use of the case. These configurations may be actuated by twisting the handle of the case.

Another configuration of the case moves the weapon out of the top of the case by connecting the weapon to the shoulder strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary case having a quick-access weapon holder.

FIG. 2 is a view of the handle of the case showing an example of a light used with the case.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the side of the case which opens to deploy the weapon.

FIG. 4 shows how the handle is twisted to actuate the deployment of the weapon.

FIG. 5 shows the accessible position of the weapon through the side of the case.

FIG. 6 shows how an ammunition magazine is positioned to the side of a firearm when the case is being closed.

FIG. 7 shows an example of how the ammunition magazine may be held is position that allows it to be removed with a right-hand or left-hand twist.

FIG. 8 is how the ammunition magazine may be removed with the twist.

FIG. 9 shows an example of how the weapon is secured inside the case within a separate container.

FIG. 10 is a view of an exemplary case showing reinforcements to the case and showing the relative movement of the weapon holder and the door panel when the weapon holder is in the accessible position.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view showing the weapon holder and the spring configuration.

FIG. 12 is another close-up view of how the door panel is mounted.

FIG. 13 is a view of an exemplary latch that deploys the weapon when the handle of the case is twisted.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a soft-sided case with a quick-access weapon holder.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a case with a notch defined by its bottom wall to receive the user's wrist in a shooting position.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a case showing a power source.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the top corner of an alternative configuration for a case having a quick-access weapon holder wherein the end wall of the case includes the corner of the case such that the end wall separates from the other panels of the case at the ends of the front and rear panels.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the bottom corner of the case of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 depicts the case of FIG. 17 with its weapon holder in the accessible position and the front panel of the case open.

FIG. 20 depicts the inside of the open end wall showing the magazine holder and the opening for the latch.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative configuration for the latch.

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary configuration for the safety latch in the handle.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative configuration for a quick-access weapon holder in the concealed position.

FIG. 24 shows the accessible position of the weapon from FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 shows the exterior of a case using the weapon holder assembly of FIGS. 23 and 24.

FIG. 26 shows the end wall of the case of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 shows the exterior of another case configuration with the weapon holder assembly in the concealed position.

FIG. 28 shows the case of FIG. 27 with the top portion open to show how the case can be used to hold personal items.

FIG. 29 shows the weapon holder assembly being moved from the concealed position to the accessible position.

FIG. 30 shows the accessible position of the weapon holder assembly.

FIG. 31 shows the latch used with the case configuration of FIGS. 27-30.

FIG. 32 shows the end wall of the case configuration of FIGS. 27-31.

FIG. 33 is a front view of another case configuration with a pair of weapons in the accessible positions.

FIG. 34 is a view of the case configuration of FIG. 33 with the case lid open.

FIG. 35 is a section view of another configuration of a case with a quick-access weapon holder in the concealed position.

FIG. 36 shows the accessible position of a holder similar to the configuration of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is an alternative configuration of the case of FIG. 35 wherein the weapon holder pivots from the concealed position to the accessible position which is depicted in FIG. 38.

FIG. 39 is a section view of another configuration of a case with a weapon attached to the shoulder strap of the case.

FIG. 40 is a top view of FIG. 39.

Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout the specification. The different exemplary configurations described herein include elements which may be combined with elements of other configurations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Exemplary case configurations having a quick-access weapon holder are indicated generally by the numeral 10 in the accompany drawings. Case 10 may be in the form of a hard-sided container in the shape of a traditional briefcase (FIGS. 1-13, 15-22, and 27-34) or a soft-sided computer bag, soft-sided briefcase, or soft-sided purse (FIGS. 14 and 23-26). Each of these configurations is referred to herein as a “case.” In each of these configurations, case 10 includes a weapon holder assembly 12 that is movable between a concealed position (FIGS. 1-3, 9, 12-18, 22, 23, 25-28, 32) to an accessible position (FIGS. 4-8, 10-11, 19-21, 24, 30, 31, 33, 34). Weapon holder assembly 12 is configured to hold a firearm or a less-than-lethal devices like an electroshock weapon, a tear gas canister, a pepper spray canister, a knife, or any of a variety of batons. The movement of the weapon holder assembly 12 is actuated without the need for the user to remove his hand from the normal carrying position of the hand on case 10. The normal carrying position of the hand is one wherein the user's hand is positioned on a handle 14 of a hard-sided case 10. The normal carrying position of the hand is one wherein the user's hand is positioned on the front of a shoulder strap 16 of a soft-sided case 10 and more particularly at the front of strap 16 near the connection between strap 16 and the body of case 10.

In one configuration, handle 14 of the hard-sided case 10 is rotated or twisted to actuate the movement of weapon holder assembly 12 from the concealed position to the accessible position. Case 10 allows the user to twist handle 14 about its longitudinal axis and actuate the movement of weapon holder assembly 12 while simultaneously moving case 10 from his side (the normal carrying position) to a position in front of him where the user's other hand can grasp the weapon in a natural movement. In another configuration shown schematically in FIG. 14, the actuator 20 for weapon holder assembly 12 is positioned in or alongside shoulder strap 16 where the user's hand is typically located when carrying case 10 with strap 16 over his shoulder (with the elbow bent). Actuator 20 allows the user to trigger the movement of weapon holder assembly 12 while moving case 10 from his side to a position in front of him where the user's other hand can grasp weapon 18 in a natural movement.

An alternative configuration of case 10 includes a pair of weapon holder assemblies 12 on opposite ends of case 10 (shown in FIGS. 33 and 34) such that first and second weapons 18 may be deployed using a single motion by the carrier of case 10. Case 10 depicted in FIGS. 33 and 34 uses a pair of weapon holder assemblies 12 described below. This configuration allows the primary weapon to be placed in the readily-accessible position while the second weapon is accessible by another person walking behind or beside the person carrying the case.

Case 10 may include integrated anti-ballistic panels 22 in at least one major wall panel or all major wall panels 22. Case 10 includes a top wall where handle 14 is located, a bottom wall opposed to the top wall, end walls, a front panel 22, and a rear panel 22. Panels 22 may be manufactured from materials known to stop bullets or may be formed to include layers of such materials. When case 10 has anti-ballistic properties, it may be held as a shield both before and after the weapon has been deployed. When case 10 holds a firearm 18, the process of accessing firearm 18 and moving case 10 up in front of him are parts of the same motion. The user may then hold case 10 in front of him as a shield with his hand on handle 14 and the wrist of the shooting hand braced against the opposite wall to support case 10 between the arms for support while allowing the user to shoot. In an optional configuration, the opposite wall of case 10 may define a recess 24 (see FIG. 15) wherein the user places his wrist while shooting and holding case 10. In another configuration, the wall opposite handle 14 may include a plurality of feet 26 that project away from case 10. These feet 26 also may be used to brace case 10 against the user's arm, hand, or wrist while shooting.

FIGS. 2, 21, and 29 depict an exemplary configuration of handle 14 for case 10 wherein twisting handle 14 actuates weapon holder assembly 12. An optional configuration of handle 14 is shown in FIG. 2 wherein handle 14 includes a light source 30 that may include a plurality of light bulbs or light emitting diode (LED) elements connected to a switch and a power source. These lights may be used with any of the case configurations having handle 14. The light may or may not include a lens. Light 30 may be positioned so that when it is activated by the user it is oriented in the same direction as the firearm 18 is deployed illuminating the target area and allowing the user to confirm the identity and assess if lethal force may be necessary. Light 30 may be turned on and off independent from the weapon deployment mechanism for reasons such as illuminating a dark parking lot or walkway, illuminating a room, illuminating a lock in a dark area to make it easier to use a key to unlock a door. The on—off switch 32 for light 30 may be located on the underside of handle 14 so that the user can turn light 30 on and off with one finger without changing the grip of the hand on handle 14. The batteries 34 for light 30 are located inside handle 14 or inside case 10 to allow batteries 34 to be changed easily. The wiring connecting batteries 34 to light 30 may be built into the walls of case 10. These batteries 34 may be used to offset the weight of the weapon 18 to help balance the case 10. Batteries 34 may be rechargeable and may be used to provide supplemental power to other electronic devices stored in case 10 as shown in FIG. 16. A detachable cord 36 is used to recharge batteries 34. In a tactical situation, the user can set case 10 down on the ground and use both hands to fire his firearm 18 more accurately while side stepping case 10 allowing light 30 to remain on and blind the attacker. If the attacker has a firearm and is firing at the location of the light on case 10, this action allows the user of case 10 to seek more or better cover while the attacker is focused on light 30.

Case 10 may include an optional counterweight positioned to even the weight distribution of the weapon and assembly 12 so that case 10 may be comfortably carried. Batteries 34 may provide some of the counterweight function.

At least FIGS. 3, 5, 17-19, 23-24, 41, and 43-44 show how weapon holder assembly 12 is moved from the concealed position to the accessible position. Assembly 12 generally includes a door panel 50 that is used to conceal the presence of the weapon. In some configurations, door panel 50 is hinged to a wall of case 10 with a hinge 51 and closes flush with the case in the concealed position. When in the concealed position, door panel 50 may close the opening in case 10 and function as part of the wall of case 10 through which weapon is accessed. A portion of the case panel may be carried by door panel 50 so that assembly 12 blends into the exterior appearance of case 10 when assembly 12 is in the concealed position. In the configuration of FIGS. 1-13, door panel 50 includes a portion of the case end wall such that door panel 50 is framed by the corners of the case when in the concealed position. In the configuration of FIGS. 17-21, door panel 50 includes the entire or a portion of the end wall of the case such that the end wall corners of the case move with door panel 50. In this configuration, the end wall has no discernible lines of separation that may give away the nature of the case to one viewing the case. In this configuration, the lines of separation for door panel 50 may be hidden by the transition from the corners to the panels as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. This configuration also increases the rigidity of door panel 50. Although the movement of the weapon through an end wall provides ready access to the weapon by the user's other hand in a natural movement, door panel 50 can move through the front, bottom, rear, or top wall of case 10 in other case configurations.

Upon actuation of assembly 12, door panel 50 rapidly moves from the concealed position to the accessible position as weapon 18 is moved to the accessible position. In some configurations, assembly 12 is biased toward the accessible position with at least one biased member 52 such as a spring 52. Spring 52 may be a coil spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a folded or rolled section of flat spring steel, or other biasing devices known in the art. Piston-cylinder mechanisms that are biased toward the extended position also may be used to provide the opening force. An electric motor also may be used to drive assembly 12 to the accessible position. These are generally referred to as biased members.

In one configuration, assembly 12 is moved by four coil springs 52 which extend between a base 54 secured to case 10 and an upper mount 56 for the weapon holder 58. Base 54 supports weapon holder 58 with a hinge pin 62 that includes bearings so that the movement of weapon holder 58 and door panel 50 are smooth and reliable. Base 54 provides support for the weapon and weapon holder 58. Base 54 may thus be secured to the bottom wall of case 10 and/or to the rear panel of case 10. Base 54 may be elongated and extend along at least a portion of or the entire of the bottom wall (an example shown in FIG. 19). Two springs 52 are disposed on either side of holder 58 and are connected at spaced locations (see FIGS. 11, 12 and 19) along holder 58 to provide consistent force to door panel 50.

In other configurations, springs 52 are directly attached to the holster (FIG. 19) instead of upper mount 56. In still other configurations (FIGS. 29 and 32), spring or springs 52 extend between the outer end of upper mount 56 and case 10. In the configuration of FIG. 32, spring 52 is connected to a cable that passes around a pulley 59 to pull on the end of an extension of upper mount 56.

The weapon or weapon holder may be used to push door panel 50 to its open or accessible position as shown in FIGS. 23-26. Door panel 50 also may be opened with a separate connector 60 (such as a hinged connector arm 60) disposed between door panel 50 and weapon holder 58 such that the force of springs 52 is transferred to door panel 50 to open it when assembly 12 is actuated. Also, connector arm 60 may be biased toward its open position with its own spring to assist the opening of door panel 50. A closure spring extending between door panel 50 and weapon holder 58 may be used used to pull door panel 50 closed when the user pushes weapon holder 58 back into case 10.

When the weapon carried by assembly 12 is a firearm 18, weapon holder 58 includes the portion of a traditional holster that is specifically configured for the firearm 18 being carried by case 10. Such traditional holsters securely retain firearm 18 and minimize the likelihood that firearm 18 will fall out of holder 58 when carried within case 10. The retention force of this holster may be adjusted. In the exemplary configuration, the traditional holster is carried between opposed portions of upper mount 56 and at least one portion of a lower mount 64. A plurality of connectors secure the holster to mounts 56 and 64. The use of the traditional holster allows the user to change the type of firearm used with case 10 by swapping the holster as needed. Lower mount 64 is the structure that is hinged to base 54. In some configurations, the holster itself is hinged to base 54.

Assembly 12 is configured to position the weapon in a position that is easy to grasp when assembly 12 is in the accessible position. In the exemplary configuration, holder 58 pivots out of case 10 about 45 degrees when door panel 50 pivots farther out of case 10 so that door panel 50 does not interfere with the removal of the weapon. Door panel 50 may be configured to move about 90 degrees (FIG. 5) or farther (FIG. 10) depending on the arrangement of connector arm 60. The accessible position of holder 58 may be adjusted by changing the height of a stop 66 against which holder 58 abuts when holder 58 is in the accessible position.

Weapon and holder 58 may be secured within a weapon container 70 (FIGS. 9 and 39) or under a wall 70 disposed within case 10 that forms a separated container 70 within case 10. Container 70 prevents the weapon from being seen when case 10 is opened during normal use. Container 70 also prevents items stored inside case 10 from interfering with the weapon or holder 58. Container 70 may be secured with a lock (key or combination) that secures container 70 while allowing it to be opened and accessed. Alternatively, container 70 may be held closed with a plurality of connectors such that it is only openable when the connectors are removed. A plurality of structural braces 72 are used to reinforce case 10 and provide support for container 70.

The exemplary configuration of door panel 50 includes a mount 80 for an ammunition magazine 82. Mount 80 includes a pair of biased clips 84 that frictionally hold magazine in place on door panel 50 so that magazine does not fall off of door panel 50. FIG. 6 shows that magazine is offset to the side of firearm 18 when holder 58 is closed. Mount 80 allows magazine 82 to be removed by rotating magazine about its longitudinal axis in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This provides for easy reloading by a right- or left-handed user. FIG. 8 shows how magazine 82 is rotated for release. Normally, the rotation and removal of magazine 82 would occur after magazine 82 is snapped into firearm 18.

Case 10 includes a latch 90 that indirectly or directly holds door panel 50 in its closed position and assembly 12 in the concealed position. In the first two configurations, latch 90 is operatively linked to handle 14 such that rotation of handle 14 disengages latch 90 from door panel 50 to allow springs 52 to move door panel 50. Latch 90 is biased back to its latched position by a spring 92 disposed around a portion of the link 94 that connects latch 90 to handle 14. Link 94 may be located inside the fixed support 96 of handle 14. Link 94 is connected to handle 14 at a position offset from the longitudinal rotational axis of handle 14 such that link is pulled upwardly out of case 10 when handle 14 is rotated about its longitudinal axis (reference line 96 in FIG. 13). When link 94 is pulled up by the rotation of handle 14, latch 90 is pulled up out of engagement with door panel 50. Link 94 can be a bar as shown in FIG. 10 or a flexible cable as shown in FIG. 21. In the FIG. 10 configuration, latch 90 is pivoted up (or down) between its latched and unlatched positions. In FIG. 21, latch 90 is rotated about its longitudinal axis between its latched and unlatched positions. The hooked end of latch 90 is rotated to be aligned with a key hole (shown in FIGS. 20 and 37) to allow springs 52 to deploy the weapon.

In the configuration of FIG. 14, the user may move latch 90 directly. In the FIG. 14 configuration, latch 90 may be configured to move down into case 10 when it moves to its unlatched position so that the user may push down on latch to open door panel 50. This configuration is also biased so that it is ready to use again.

In any of these configurations, a safety latch 98 may be provided. Safety latch 98 may be a mechanical locking element that must be moved prior to moving latch 90 as shown in FIG. 22. In another configuration, safety latch 98 is controlled by a fingerprint reader which scans the user's fingerprint and matches it with a recorded image before allowing the user to deploy the weapon.

In one configuration, the area inside case 10 is covered with MOLLE webbing to allow additional MOLLE pockets, pouches, magazine pouches, medical gear, radios and cell phones to be carried inside of case 10 so that they are not free to move around inside case 10.

In one configuration, the method of deploying the weapon is initiated when the user is carrying case 10 in a normal carrying position that does not appear to be out of the ordinary. In the first two exemplary configurations, when case 10 is carried by handle 14, case 10 is disposed at the user's side and it should be carried by the less dominate hand of the user. Similarly, when case 10 is a soft-sided case, the user carries case 10 with strap 16 over the shoulder of his less dominate side. When the user needs to access the weapon, the user makes a natural motion without the need to remove his less dominate hand from its normal carrying position. This saves precious time and does not provide a clue to an attacker that the user is moving to obtain a weapon. The natural movement includes the step of moving case 10 in front of the user while simultaneously actuating latch 90 (either by twisting handle 14 or by directly moving latch 90 disposed in strap 16). Both of these motions do not require the user to move his hand from the normal carrying position and both motions cause holder 58 to move the its accessible position wherein the user may grasp the weapon with his dominate hand. In a lethal confrontation any movement may be considered hostile and give away the user's intention to deploy a firearm. The twist handle 14 of case 10 allows the weapon to be deployed in a natural motion without signaling intentions.

The configuration of case 10 depicted in FIGS. 23-26 is designed for use with a soft-sided case such as a computer bag or a purse. In this configuration, weapon 18 is enclosed within a container 70 that is carried within the soft-sided case as shown in FIGS. 14 and 25-26. Actuator 20 is disposed at the position of the person's hand who is carrying the case. Actuator 20 is pushed to the side in order to move weapon holder assembly 12 from the concealed position of FIG. 23 to the accessible position of FIG. 24. Actuator 20 is connected to a latch 90 that engages a portion of door panel 50 to hold door panel 50 closed against the force of spring 52. When actuator 20 is moved to the side, latch 90 releases door panel 50 allowing spring 52 to move weapon holder assembly 12 out through door panel 50 to the accessible position. Door panel 50 falls open via gravity or is pushed by weapon or weapon holder on hinge 51 to a position where it is out of the way. Weapon holder assembly 12 includes an arm 110 that is pivotably mounted to container 70 and connected to spring 52. The other end of spring 52 is anchored to another portion of container 70. A stop 112 is used to limit the movement of arm 110.

The configuration of case 10 depicted in FIGS. 27-32 allows a larger weapon 18 to be carried in case 10. In this configuration, the actuation of the trigger allows the front and rear portions 120 of case 10 to swing down via gravity away from the weapon holder assembly 12 to reveal the weapon with its handle positioned where the user can readily grasp the weapon's handle. The front and rear portions are supported on a pivot 122 located at the bottom rear corner of case 10 that allows them to swing down when the trigger is actuated. Each portion 120 may be configured to store items as shown with the top portion 120 being open in FIG. 28. Separate latches 126 may be used to hold top portion 120 closed. In this configuration, handle 14 moves with assembly 12.

In the concealed position, the front and rear portions 120 of case 10 are held by a latch 90 that engages an end wall panel 50 (FIG. 32). Latch 90 is operatively connected to handle 14 such that latch 90 is retracted by the twisting of handle 14 about its longitudinal axis as described above. When the case is being carried with no support under portions 120, the retraction of latch 90 allows them to swing down to reveal the weapon.

The weapon holder assembly 18 disposed between portions 120 includes sidewalls 124 that protect the weapon during deployment while allowing the handle to protrude from between the sidewalls for grasping by the user. The weapon may be held in position by a bolt that extends into the barrel as shown in FIG. 30. In other configurations, a holster may be carried by assembly 18.

In the different configurations of FIGS. 35-38, handle 14 of a hard-sided case 10 is rotated or twisted to actuate the movement of weapon holder assembly 12 from the concealed position (FIGS. 35 and 37) to the accessible position (FIGS. 36 and 38). Case 10 allows the user to twist handle 14 about its longitudinal axis and actuate the movement of weapon holder assembly 12 while simultaneously moving case 10 from his side (the normal carrying position) to a position in front of him where the user's other hand can grasp the weapon in a natural movement. In the configuration of FIGS. 35 and 36, rotation of handle 14 releases handle 14 from the case body and allows them to slide apart. In FIGS. 37 and 38, the rotation of handle 14 releases one side of handle 14 from the body of the case and they pivot apart. In both of these configurations, weapon holder 12 moves with handle 14 from the concealed position to the accessible position. In FIG. 35, the weapon holder slides on rails 210 with weapon 18 disposed inside weapon holder 12. In FIG. 36, weapon 18 is disposed in a holster that is carried on rails 210 that are pulled out of the case with handle 14. An exemplary latch is depicted in FIGS. 35 and 36 wherein handle 14 defines a recess 212 that receives a knob 214 when weapon holder 12 is concealed. Twisting of handle 14 releases knob 214 from recess 212 and at least gravity causes case to move down away from handle 14. Alternative hooked latches 212 and 214 are depicted in FIGS. 37 and 38. Springs or actuators may be used to assist this motion. In each configuration, a hatch panel or door panel 220 is used to close off the opening of the case under handle 14 when weapon holder 12 is in the concealed position.

In the configuration of FIGS. 39-40, the strap 250 of case 10 is connected directly to weapon 18 such that actuation by handle 14 opens the top 252 of case 10 and allows weapon 18 to be move out of the top of case 10 while the body of case 10 falls down via gravity (or springs or actuators). The front 254 and rear 256 of weapon 18 are disposed in slots 258, 260 to securely hold weapon 18 in place while allowing it to slide out of case as needed. Bumpers 262 are used between weapon 18 and the top 252 of case 10 to help weapon 18 push the top open and to protect the weapon. Any of variety of latches may be used. Handle 14 is actuated in any of the methods described above. Top wall 252 is formed from two portions that are hinged to open in opposite directions and handle 14 is offset to one side of case 10 to allow weapon 18 to be removed.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the words “comprise” and “include” as well as variations of those words, such as “comprises,” “includes,” “comprising,” and “including” are not intended to exclude additives, components, integers, or steps.

Claims

1. A case having a quick access weapon holder assembly, the case comprising: a body defining a storage chamber; anda weapon holder assembly carrying a weapon in a concealed position within the storage chamber in a manner that allows the holder of the case to obtain quick-access to a weapon in a quick and natural movement when the weapon holder assembly is in an accessible position.

2. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a handle; the weapon holder assembly being moved from the concealed position to the accessible position when the handle is twisted.

3. The case according to claim 2, wherein the handle has a longitudinal axis and the weapon holder assembly being moved from the concealed position to the accessible position when the handle is twisted about the longitudinal axis.

4. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a light source carried by the handle.

5. The case according to claim 4, further comprising a light switch carried by the handle.

6. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a second weapon holder assembly; the weapon holder assemblies having accessible positions disposed on opposite ends of the body of the case.

7. The case according to claim 1, wherein the body defines one of a hard-sided case configuration and a soft-sided case configuration.

8. The case according to claim 1, wherein the body of the case has a front end and a rear end; the accessible position of the weapon holder assembly being at the front end of the body.

9. The case of according to claim 8, wherein weapon holder assembly includes a door panel that defines a portion of the front end of the body of the case when the weapon holder assembly is in the concealed position.

10. The case according to claim 8, wherein the weapon holder assembly includes a portion of the front end of the body of the case with that portion of the front end of the case moving between the concealed and accessible positions.

11. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a weapon container disposed within the body; the weapon being disposed within the weapon container when the weapon holder assembly is in the concealed position.

12. The case according to claim 1, wherein the weapon holder assembly includes a mount for an ammunition magazine.

13. The case according to claim 12, wherein the mount for the ammunition magazine includes a pair of spaced-apart biased clips such that an ammunition magazine may be removed from the mount by rotating the magazine out from under the clips.

14. The case according to claim 1 further comprising a biased member that biases the weapon holder assembly from the concealed position toward the accessible position.

15. The case according to claim 1 wherein the body includes anti-ballistic materials.

16. The case according to claim 1, wherein the weapon holder pivots from the concealed position to the accessible position.

17. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a latch that engages the weapon holder assembly and an actuator adapted to move the latch to release the weapon holder assembly; the actuator disposed at the normal carrying position of the user's hand such that the user's hand may readily engage the actuator when the user is carrying the case.

18. The case according to claim 17, further comprising a safety that selectively prevents the actuator from releasing the latch.

19. The case according to claim 1 wherein the weapon is one of a firearm, a chemical-based defense weapon, a baton, or an electricity-based weapon.

20. The case according to claim 1, wherein the weapon holder slides from the concealed position to the accessible position with a handle of the case.

21. The case according to claim 20, further comprising rails that move with the handle; the weapon carried by the rails.

22. The case of according to claim 21, further comprising a hatch carried by the rails.

23. The case according to claim 1, wherein the weapon holder pivots from the concealed position to the accessible position with a handle of the case.

24. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a strap connected to the weapon with the body of the case falling away from the sides of the weapon when the weapon holder moves from the concealed position to the accessible position.

25. The case according to claim 24, wherein the body defines slots that receive a front and rear of the weapon with the body having a top that is pushed open by the weapon as the body falls away from the weapon.

26. The case according to claim 1, wherein the weapon holder includes a weapon holder pivotably connected to the body; a door panel pivotably connected to the body; a connector disposed between the weapon holder and the door panel; and a spring disposed between the weapon holder and the body urging the weapon holder from the concealed position toward the accessible position.

27. The case according to claim 1, wherein the weapon holder assembly includes a weapon holder and a door panel; the door panel pivoting away from the body through a greater arc than the pivoting movement of the weapon holder.

28. The case according to claim 27, wherein one of the weapon and the weapon holder pushes the door panel from a closed position to an open position.

29. The case of according to claim 27, further comprising a biased member connected to the weapon holder to urge the weapon holder from the concealed position toward the accessible position and a stop to limit the movement of the weapon holder to define the accessible position.

30. The case according to claim 29, wherein the weapon holder is disposed between the door panel and the biased member.

31. A case having a quick access weapon holder assembly, the case comprising: a body defining a storage chamber;the body including a handle normally used to carry the case; the handle being adapted to deploy a weapon holder assembly;the weapon holder assembly carrying a weapon in a concealed position within the storage chamber in a manner that allows the holder of the case to obtain quick-access to a weapon in a quick and natural movement when the weapon holder assembly is in an accessible position; andportions of the body moving away from the weapon holder assembly when the handle is used to deploy the weapon holder assembly.

32. The case according to claim 31, wherein the portions of the body pivot away from the weapon holder assembly.