Patent Application
20210285742
Implements, such as tools, weapons, and the like, may be temporarily encased in a carrier (such as a holster, for instance) for protection of the implement and/or the user, while providing access to the implement. For example, a carrier may allow a user to conveniently carry the implement, safely retaining the implement until needed. When the implement is to be used, the user may withdraw the implement from the carrier, and then return it to the carrier when finished. In some cases, such as with a handgun for example, a holster may allow the user to conceal the implement, or to conceal the fact that the user is carrying the implement.
In the case of a handgun, the holster should reasonably protect the handgun and the user, and should be convenient to the user for ready use. However, the holster should also be versatile enough to be comfortably carried by the user, such as when it is worn on the person of the user for an extended length of time. The holster should also be rigid and stable enough to allow the handgun to be repeatedly drawn and re-holstered, usually with the same hand.
At times it can be desirable to carry an implement such as a handgun in various locations on the user, for instance on a shoulder rig over or underneath a layer of the user's clothing. However, when doing so, it is desirable that the holster provides versatility, as well as a high level of protection to the user and also to the handgun. For example, a holster that provides adequate protection but does not allow for a user to effectively conceal the holster or the handgun may not be acceptable.
The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
For this discussion, the devices and systems illustrated in the figures are shown as having a multiplicity of components. Various implementations of devices and/or systems, as described herein, may include fewer components and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Alternately, other implementations of devices and/or systems may include additional components, or various combinations of the described components, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Shapes and/or dimensions shown in the illustrations of the figures are for example, and other shapes and or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure, unless specified otherwise.
Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an adjustable and concealable shoulder holster assembly to carry an implement (such as a handgun, for example) on the body of a user. The shoulder holster assembly is arranged to be worn with a main strap around the midsection or torso of the user and a support strap over a shoulder of the user.
A holster, carrier, pouch, sheath, or accessory case (hereinafter “holster”) is integrated with or coupled to the main strap, and may be worn under a user's arm (for example) for temporarily and safely carrying the implement or accessory, while making the implement or accessory easily accessible to the user. It can also be used to support an implement in another location not on a user.
In various embodiments, the holster may be adapted for use with a particular implement (handgun, for example). For instance, the holster may be sized, shaped, or tailored to accommodate the particular implement. In other embodiments, the holster may be formed as a generic carrier or pouch to fit a variety of implements (e.g., handguns or other weapons, tools, etc.).
An example shoulder holster assembly 100 is shown in an example wear position on a user in
Techniques and devices are discussed with reference to example handgun holsters illustrated in the figures. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and is for ease of discussion and illustrative convenience. The techniques and devices discussed may be applied to a holster or to any of various cases, carriers, sheaths, containers, implements, tools, objects, and the like, and remain within the scope of the disclosure.
Further, the shape and quantity of the components illustrated in the figures may vary to accommodate various applications. In alternate embodiments, fewer, additional, or alternate components may be used and/or combined to form a shoulder holster assembly 100 having equivalent function and operation.
Implementations are explained in more detail below using a plurality of examples. Although various implementations and examples are discussed here and below, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples.
As shown in
As shown at
As shown at
The pocket 112 receives the implement for storage while the implement is not in use. The holster 102 safely and securely retains the implement within the pocket 112 while providing easy access to the implement by the user. The implement is retrieved from the pocket 112 for use, and replaced in the pocket 112 (e.g., holstered) when finished.
In an embodiment, as shown at
The intentional curves 602 and 604 on the top edge and the bottom edge, respectively, of the backer 108 may have functional and/or decorative aspects. For example, the intentional curves 602 and/or 604 (in conjunction with intentional stitching 702 of the cover 110 to the backer 108) can define the size and the shape of the pocket. For instance, the intentional curves 602 and/or 604 can provide a sufficient size and shape to the pocket 112 and/or the holster 102 for a particular implement intended to be holstered within.
The intentional curves 602 and/or 604 can also provide additional stability to the holster 102 or provide protection between the user and the implement. For instance, in some embodiments, the intentional curves 602 and/or 604 form a greater width of the backer 108 and the holster 102 at one or more locations along a length of the holster 102. The areas of the backer 108 having a greater width can accommodate portions of the implement that extend above or below the width of the main strap 104 while holstered. Also, the intentional curves 602 and/or 604 may provide a more comfortable fit for a user, or allow the user more freedom of unrestrained movement. Further, the intentional curves 602 and/or 604 may provide a more pleasing appearance to the holster 102.
In an embodiment, the cover 110 includes one or more of the intentional curves 602 and/or 604 on the top edge and/or the bottom edge of the cover 110, respectively. In the embodiment, the profile or perimeter shape of the cover 110 is stacked and aligned to the matching profile or perimeter shape of the backer 108, including aligning the intentional curves 602 and/or 604 on the cover 110 to the corresponding intentional curves 602 and/or 604 on the backer. In an example embodiment, as shown at
The cover 110 may be coupled (e.g., sewn, glued, riveted, etc.) to the backer 108 at one or more additional locations of the cover 110 (e.g., along a portion of the top edge or along one or more side edges, or across a middle section area of the cover 110) to provide a desired size or shape for the pocket 112. For example, the cover 110 may be stitched or glued to the backer 108 along a middle portion of the cover 110 at one or more places (see 702 at
The backer 108 and/or the cover 110 may be comprised of multiple stacked layers of materials. For instance, the backer 108 and/or the cover 110 may be comprised of one or more layers comprising natural or synthetic animal hides, man-made materials such as formed polymers, natural or synthetic textiles such as cottons, nylons, or aramids, blends of materials, or combinations of layers of various materials.
In an example embodiment, a backer 108 may be comprised of multiple stacked layers including a porous and comfortable textile (such as neoprene, for example), a moisture-wicking fabric, or the like, to be disposed against the body of the user, a pad or stiffening layer (such as a foam or plastic layer, or the like) to add some rigidity to the backer, and a durable outer material (such as a nylon, an aramid, a natural or synthetic leather, or the like) arranged to be next to the implement. In various embodiments, the backer 108 may include one or more removable layers. For instance, one or more layers near the user may be removable from the backer 108 for cleaning, and so forth.
In an example embodiment, the cover 110 may be comprised of multiple stacked layers including a durable inner material (such as a nylon, an aramid, a natural or synthetic leather, or the like) arranged to be next to the implement, a pad or protective layer (such as a foam or plastic layer, or the like) to add protection to the cover 110, and a decorative outer material for aesthetic appeal. In various embodiments, alternate and/or additional layers may be included in a backer 108 and/or a cover 110. Further, the backer 108 and/or the cover 110 may be comprised of fewer layers of material.
In various implementations, one layer of a stack of multiple layers of material that makes up a cover 110 or a backer 108 may comprise a protective layer 114, to provide protection in an area of the holster 102 where a trigger (or other portion of an implement) is intended to be located while the implement is holstered. The presence of the protective layer 114 can make it safer to carry an implement within the pocket 112 of the holster 102, by providing a more rigid cover 110 or backer 108 over the implement (and particularly the trigger area of a handgun).
In the implementations, a protective layer 114 may comprise one or more full layers or partial sections of a substantially stiff durable fabric or sheet of material (such as a thermo-plastic elastomer (TPE), a polymer, a natural or synthetic leather, a natural or synthetic rubber, paper or cardboard with or without natural or synthetic textile fibers and/or with or without coatings, a composite, an aramid, combinations of these materials, and the like). For example, one or more protective layers 114 may be disposed between material layers of the backer 108 and/or the cover 110.
In an embodiment, as shown at
In an alternate embodiment, a protective layer 114 can be coupled to an inside portion of a pocket 112. For instance, the protective layer 114 may be inserted into one or both inside surfaces of the pocket 112, and sewed and/or glued onto the other layers of the multiple stacked layers making up the backer 108 and/or the cover 110.
In various examples, as shown at
The retention strap 502 may be released from the cover 110, for example, to allow access to the pocket 112 or to allow the implement to be removed from the pocket 112. Accordingly, the retention strap 502 is removably coupled to the cover 110 using a removable fastener 902 that is reasonably secure when engaged, but which can be disengaged quickly (often with one hand) when access to the implement is needed.
Removable couplers 902 used with the retention strap 502 and the cover 110 may include magnets (two magnets or a magnet and a metal component), snaps, hook and loop material, or other removable couplers. In alternate embodiments, a retention strap 502 may be fixed to the cover 110 and removably coupled to the backer 108 (or other suitable location on the holster 102). Further, the retention strap 502 may be removably coupled to the holster 102 at both ends of the retention strap 502. In one alternate implementation, the retention strap 502 is comprised of two or more strap sections that may be coupled together to retain the implement within the pocket 112 of the holster 102.
In various implementations, the main strap 104 is configured to be wrapped around the torso of the user, under the arms of the user. In an implementation, the main strap 104 is comprised of at least 2 separate strap sections 104A and 104B. Each of the main strap sections 104A and 104B are coupled to or integral to the holster 102, with one main strap section (104A or 104B) at each of opposite ends of the holster 102.
The main strap 104, including the main strap sections 104A and 104B, comprises a strip of material or a strip of a plurality of materials, stacked into layers and coupled together. The plurality of materials may include layers of the same or different materials, depending on the application. For example, the main strap 104 may be comprised of one or more durable materials, such as natural or man-made materials, including natural or synthetic leathers, high strength or ballistic textiles (including nylons, aramids, and the like), or combinations of materials. Additionally, decorative materials may be used at some surfaces of the main strap 104, for instance at the outside surface of the main strap section 104A, or other locations. Further, comfortable materials, such as natural or synthetic textiles (such as neoprene, for example), moisture wicking materials, or the like, may be used at some surfaces that may contact the body of the user, such as the inside surface of main strap section 104B, or other locations.
In some alternate embodiments, the main strap 104 may include one or more elastic sections, such as a section of stretchable materials. In the embodiments, an elastic section may be disposed between non-stretchable sections of the main strap 104, or it may be disposed between the holster 102 and the main strap 104. An elastic section may help to maintain a snug fit of the main strap 104 on the torso of the user during extended wear.
The main strap sections 104A and 104B are configured to be coupled together to form a main strap 104 loop (which includes the holster 102) to be wrapped around the torso of the user. In various embodiments, the main strap sections 104A and 104B are adjustable in their attachment, to allow the main strap 104 to fit a variety of sizes of users. For example, the first main strap section 104A is arranged to couple to the second main strap section 104B in an adjustable way to provide a variety of main strap 104 lengths.
For instance, in an embodiment as shown at
In alternate implementations, the main strap sections 104A and/or 104B may include other coupling materials or mechanisms (e.g., buckle, snap, toggle, hook, etc.) to adjustably couple the main strap sections 104A and 104B together.
In various embodiments, as shown at
In various implementations, a shoulder holster assembly 100 includes a support strap 106, comprising a strip of a single material or a plurality of stacked and layered materials. For example, the support strap 106 may be comprised of one or more durable materials, such as natural or man-made materials, including natural or synthetic leathers, high strength or ballistic textiles (including nylons, aramids, and the like), or combinations of materials. Additionally, decorative materials may be used at some surfaces of the support strap 106. Further, comfortable materials, such as natural or synthetic textiles (such as neoprene, for example), moisture wicking materials, or the like, may be used at some surfaces that may contact the body of the user, such as the inside surface of the support strap 106.
In the implementations, the support strap 106 is coupled to the main strap 104 or to the holster 102 at a first end of the strap 106. For example, the first end of the support strap 106 may be coupled to the backer 108 or to the main strap 104 near the backer 108. The first end of the support strap 106 may be coupled to the holster 102 or main strap 104 in a fixed configuration (e.g., sewn, glued, riveted, etc.) or in an adjustable arrangement. For example, the first end of the support strap 106 may be coupled to the holster 102 or the main strap 104 using an adjustable clip or the like.
The support strap 106 can be removably and/or adjustably coupled to the main strap 104 at the second end of the support strap 106. For example, the second end of the support strap 106 may be coupled to the main strap 104 at either of the main strap sections 104A or 104B.
In an embodiment, as shown at
In one embodiment, where the outer surface of the main strap section 104B includes loop material, the second end of the support strap 106 may attach to the main strap section 104B using hook material (or vice versa), which can be disposed on the connection device 302. In the embodiment, the second end of the support strap 106 may attach to the main strap 104 at any location along the loop material of the main strap 104, for a fully customizable fit. In an implementation, the inner surface of the connection device 302 can include hook material for ease in coupling the main strap sections 104A to 104B.
In an embodiment, the second end of the support strap 106 is coupled to the main strap 104 with a coupler 302, such as a ring, a clip, an adjustable buckle, or the like. In another embodiment, the support strap 106 is adjustable at a point along a length of the support strap 106. For instance, as shown at
In an implementation, the support strap 106 is coupled to the holster 102 and/or the main strap 104 in an adjustable manner. For example, the support strap 106 may thread through a slot in a strap clip, or the like, fastening back on itself using one or more adjustable strap adjusters, or the like, for instance. This allows for infinite adjustments over the length of the support strap 106, and for a user-specific fit.
The support strap 106 is configured to be disposed over a shoulder of the user to help retain the main strap 104 and the holster 102 in a desired position, and to help support the weight of an implement when holstered. A snug fit of the support strap 106 can also be helpful for comfortable extended wear, as it can prevent excessive movement of the support strap 106, the main strap 104, and the holster 102. In alternate embodiments, alternate or other straps may also be included with the shoulder holster assembly 100.
In various implementations, a shoulder holster assembly 100 may include additional or alternate components, or have different shapes or sizes than those illustrated. The shoulder holster assembly 100 components disclosed herein have been illustrated to be used with handgun holsters. However, the assembly 100 components disclosed herein may also be used with the holders or cases of any tools or implements. Further, the shoulder holster assembly 100 may be used to secure or mount any of various items, and particularly where concealed carry on a body of the user are desired.
Although various implementations and examples are discussed herein, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples.
Although the implementations of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the claims.
