TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to the field of molded firearm and pistol holsters. In particular, aspects of this disclosure relate to Level III retention holsters configured to use various restraints or devices to keep a firearm in place within the holster.
BACKGROUND
Modern firearms, and in particular, handguns or pistols, have developed into modular firearms that may be accessorized with various tactical devices such as red dot and other optics and flashlights. Accordingly, there is a need for a Level III retention firearm holster that can accommodate and protect such firearms equipped with various tactical accessories.
SUMMARY
This Summary introduces a selection of concepts relating to this technology in a simplified form as a prelude to the Detailed Description that follows. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features.
In some aspects, a firearm holster is disclosed that may include a molded body, a hood configured to protect an optic device, an ejection port locking device, and a tension screw configured to friction lock a firearm in the molded body. In one example, the molded body may be configured to secure a firearm having a mounted optic and/or a mounted illumination device. In some examples, the molded body may be a fiber reinforced polymer. In other examples, the molded body may be a fiber reinforced polymer, a polymer, a composite, a metal, an alloy, or combinations thereof. In some examples, an ejection port locking device may be configured to engage a slide ejection port. In another example, the ejection port locking device may further include a spring-loaded release lever configured to disengage the ejection port locking device from the slide ejection port when depressed. In other examples, the hood may include a spring tensioned release. In still other examples, a hood release button engaged with the spring tensioned release, and the hood release button may be configured to release the hood from a closed position to an open position. In yet another example, a barrel plug may be positioned within an interior of the holster and configured to engage a barrel of the firearm inserted into the holster. In one example, the tension mechanism may be positioned on an underside of the holster, and the tension mechanism may be configured to engage a trigger guard of the firearm. In another example, the tension mechanism may include a tension screw configured to increase or decrease an amount force applied to the trigger guard.
In another aspect, method of making a firearm holster is disclosed that may include the steps of forming a molded body from a fiber reinforced polymer, forming a hood configured to protect an optic device, forming an ejection port locking device, and forming a tension mechanism configured to friction lock a firearm in the molded body.
In other aspects, a firearm holster is disclosed that may include a molded body configured to engage a firearm and an illumination device positioned below a barrel of the firearm, a hood movably engaged to an upper portion of the molded body in which the hood may be configured to move from an open position to a closed position, an ejection port locking device configured to engage a slide of the firearm, and a tension mechanism configured to friction tighten the firearm in the molded body. In some examples, the hood is configured to cover the firearm slide or an optic device attached to the firearm when in the open position. In another example, the holster may include a hood release button engaged with a spring tensioned release that may be engaged with the hood, and the hood release button may be configured to release the hood from a closed position to an open position. In some examples, the holster may be formed of a fiber reinforced polymer. In other examples, the illumination device is a light. In yet another example, the illumination device may be an IR pointer. In yet another example, the illumination device may be a laser. In one example, the holster may include a barrel plug configured to engage an end of the barrel of the firearm. In another example, the slide may include an ejection port, and the ejection port locking device may be configured to engage the slide ejection port.
In some aspects, a firearm holster system is disclosed that may include a firearm and a holster configured to secure the firearm. In some examples, the holster may include a molded body configured to secure a firearm, a hood movably engaged to an upper portion of the molded body and configured to protect the firearm slide and an optic device attached to the firearm, an ejection port locking device configured to engage a slide of the firearm, and a tension screw configured to friction lock the firearm in the molded body.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings, where various embodiments of the design illustrate how concepts of this disclosure may be used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of features described herein and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features.
FIG. 1 is a front-right perspective view of a molded holster with a hood in the closed position as disclosed herein.
FIG. 2 is a front-right view of the molded holster of FIG. 1 with the hood in the open position as disclosed herein.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a holster tension mechanism as disclosed herein.
FIG. 4 is a rear-left perspective view of the molded holster of FIG. 1 and the hood release button and the ejection port lock release button as disclosed herein.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a molded holster and barrel plug as disclosed herein.
FIG. 6 is a rear-left perspective view of a molded holster and ejection port lock release button in the depressed position as disclosed herein.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear-left perspective view of the ejection port lock release button and leaf spring of FIG. 6 as disclosed herein.
FIG. 8 is a front-right partial-sectional view of a released ejection port lock of FIG. 6 as disclosed herein.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged front-right partial-sectional view of the ejection port lock of FIG. 8 as disclosed herein.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a hood mechanism for a molded holster moving from a closed to open position as disclosed herein.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the hood mechanism of FIG. 10 as disclosed herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings identified above and which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which features described herein may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope described herein. Various features are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various different ways.
As noted above, aspects of the disclosure generally relate to a firearm holster that can accommodate firearms equipped with the various tactical accessories. In particular, aspects of the disclosure relate to Level III holsters. A Level III holster of the disclosure may use a friction device and/or additional restraints to keep a firearm in place within the holster for safety and security reasons. Types of friction and restrain devices may include tension devices, thumb straps, flip-up straps or covers, automatic locks, releasable locks, and/or other devices. Level II holsters are generally designed to balance safety, security, and accessibility and are commonly used by the military, law enforcement, security personnel, and civilians. Aspects of example embodiments and implementations are discussed in greater detail throughout this disclosure, including the accompanying drawings.
A Level III holster and related components for firearms or pistols described herein may include materials such as a fiber reinforced polymer, carbon fiber or carbon based materials, plastics, composites, metals, alloys, leather, or combinations thereof. The holster may include a hood that can rotate from a closed to an open position to protect optics attached to the pistol or other firearm and may provide protection for the slide. In some examples, the hood may be movable from a locked and closed position to an unlocked an open position. The holster may include an ejection port locking device configured to secure a firearm within the holster. The ejection port locking device may be moveable to an unlocked position allowing an individual to remove the pistol or firearm from the holster. The ejection port locking device and the hood may each include a thumb release lever configured to move the ejection port locking device and/or the hood from locked to unlocked positions, and/or from closed to opened positions. In some examples, the molded holster disclosed herein may be configured to be compatible with or without optics, such as red dots, magnifiers/scopes, or holographic devices. In other examples, the molded holster disclosed herein may be compatible with or without lighting devices, lasers, IR pointers, or other related devices. In another example, the molded holster disclosed herein may include a tension screw for Level I friction locking to maintain the pistol or other firearm in a holstered and secured position.
To introduce the concepts directed to the holster described herein and the systems and methods using them, reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, holster 100 may include a double loop attachment 102 having at least two loops 103. Double loop attachment 102 may be configured to secure to various belt types via loops 103. In another example, double loop attachment 102 may be configured to engage a tactical belt or a cartridge belt to secure holster 100 to an individual's body. Loop attachment 102 may be constructed of fiber reinforced polymer, carbon fiber or carbon based materials, plastics, composites, metals, alloys, leather, or combinations thereof. In some examples, loop attachment 102 may be integrally formed with holster 100. In other examples, loop attachment 102 may be a separate component mechanically affixed to holster 100 via mechanical or composite fasteners 105.
As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, holster 100 may include optic or accessory hood 104. Accessory hood or optic hood 104 may rotate about hood hinge 106. In some examples, optic hood 104 may have two positions to include an open position in which firearm 200 may be removed from holster 100, and a second position in which optic hood 104 is in a closed/locked position that covers the optic or other accessory and provides a barrier preventing withdrawal of firearm 200 from holster 100. In an alternative configuration, optic hood 104 may be spring-loaded such that when in the closed position, a release device, button, or lever may be actuated allowing optic hood 104 to spring or return back to an open position. In another example, an individual may return firearm 200 to holster 100 and manually thumb or close optic hood 104 to the closed and spring-loaded position. Optic hood 104 may be mechanically locked in the closed position by a manual release. Optic hood 104 may be formed with an elevated and palpable thumb of finger tab 107 on one or both sides of optic hood 104 configured to allow an individual to place optic hood in the closed position. Tab 107 may be generally tear-drop shaped and may be configured to engage hood hinge 106. Hood hinge 106 may be positioned within the center of the tear drop shape of tab 107 and may be configured to movably secure optic hood 104 to holster 100. When hood 104 is in the open position, sight channel 108 is exposed allowing firearm or pistol 200 to be inserted into holster 100. Holster 100 may include slide cutout 110 and trigger guard cutout 112 configured to accommodate pistol or firearm 200 in holster 100 and provide a friction fit around the firearm trigger guard and firearm slide.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, holster 100 may include tension mechanism 114. Tension mechanism 114 may be positioned on an underside or bottom portion of holster 100 and may be configured to engage a firearm trigger guard 202 to releasably secure firearm 200 in holster 100 via friction. Tension mechanism 114 may be configured to adjustably increase or decrease a mechanical force (i.e., friction) on firearm 200 making is more or less difficult to remove firearm 200 from holster 100.
As shown in FIG. 3, holster 100 may include adjustable tension mechanism 114. In some examples, tension mechanism 114 may be contained within or encapsulated in a raised adjustment channel positioned on a lower rear portion of holster 100. Tension mechanism 114 may include tension lever 115 movably engaged with tension screw 116. Tension screw 116 may be accessible by adjustment port 117 positioned below trigger guard cutout 112. Tension screw 116 may be tightened via a screw driver or similar tool. Tightening tension screw 116 forces tension lever 115 upwards increasing the mechanical force or pressure on the firearm trigger guard 202 and increasing the friction and thus force needed to remove or insert firearm 200 into holster 100. Conversely, loosening tension screw 116 forces tension lever 115 downwards decreasing the mechanical force on the firearm trigger guard 202 and decreasing the friction and thus force needed to remove or insert firearm 200 into holster 100. Tension screw 116 and tension lever 117 may be constructed of a fiber reinforced polymer, a polymer, a composite, a metal, an alloy, or combinations thereof. In certain examples, tension lever 117 may be formed as a separate component and secured to holster 100 via a metal, polymer, or composite fastener. In another example, tension lever 117 may be integrally formed with holster 100.
As shown in FIG. 4, molded holster 100 may include hood release button 120 and ejection port lock release button 122 positioned on an interior side of holster 100 closest to an individual's hip. In one example, each of loop attachment 102, tab 107, hood release button 120, and ejection port lock release button 122 may be reversible and positioned on either side of holster 100 for left or right handed shooters. As discussed above, optic hood 104 is shown in a closed/locked position covering an optic or other accessory and provides a barrier preventing withdrawal of firearm 200 from holster 100. Optic hood 104 may be spring-loaded such that when in the closed position, hood release button 120 may be actuated allowing optic hood 104 to spring to or return back to an open position. Hood release button 120 may physically hold or prevent optic hood 104 from returning to an open position. Pressing hood release button 120 via a finger or thumb at a distal end may rock or rotate a distal end of hood release button 120 away from firearm 200 releasing spring-loaded optic hood 104 and allowing optic hood 104 to return to an open position. Alternatively, pressing hood release button 120 via a finger or thumb may move release button 120 forward away from optic hood 104 releasing spring-loaded optic hood 104 and allowing optic hood 104 to return to an open position (see FIG. 10).
In another example, an individual may return firearm 200 to holster 100 and manually thumb or close optic hood 104 to the closed and spring loaded position. Optic hood 104 may be mechanically locked in the closed position by a distal end of hood release button 120. Alternatively, optic hood 104 may be mechanically locked in the closed position by a proximate end from the thumb tab 123 (see FIG. 10) of hood release button 120. An interior side of holster 100 may include adjustment screws 118 configured to engage double loop attachment 102 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners. Notably, hood release button 120 is a separate locking device from ejection port lock release button 122 to improve safety and security of firearm 200. In some examples, ejection port lock release button 122 may be positioned below hood release button 120 on an interior of holster 100. In other examples, ejection port lock release button 122 and hood release button 120 may be actuated via an individual's thumb.
As shown in FIG. 5, holster 100 may include barrel plug 124 configured to engage barrel 204 of firearm 200. Barrel plug 124 may be configured to increase retention of firearm 200 within holster 100 and to increase resistance to compression in a physical altercation with firearm 200 holstered. In some examples, barrel plug 124 may be integrally formed with holster 100. In other examples, barrel plug 124 may be removable and replaceable. In other examples, barrel plug 124 may be configured to engage specific barrel types or specific barrels for a particular caliber, such as 9 mm, .45ACP, etc. Firearm 200 may also include lower accessory 210. In some examples, lower accessory 210 may be a detachable illumination device such as a light, a laser, or other IR device.
As shown in FIGS. 6-9, holster 100 may include ejection port locking device 121 configured to engage firearm 200 slide 208 to secure firearm 200 in holster 100. As shown in FIG. 6, ejection port lock release button 122 may be engaged with ejection port locking device 121 and configured to move from a locked position to a release position. In some examples, ejection port locking device 121 may be spring-loaded in a locked position. Ejection port lock release button 122 may be positioned below and forward of optic hood 104. As shown in FIG. 7, ejection port lock 121 and ejection port lock release button 122 may be engaged with leaf spring 126. Leaf spring 126 may keep tension on ejection port lock 121 thereby securing firearm slide 208 to holster 100 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Depressing ejection port lock release button 122 via a finger or thumb at a proximate end nearest the shooter (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6) may rock or rotate a distal end of ejection port lock release button 122 and ejection port lock 121 upward and away from firearm 200 (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 8) unlocking ejection port lock 121 and releasing firearm 200 slide 208 allowing firearm 200 to be withdrawn or removed from holster 100. In some examples, firearm 200 may be inserted in holster 100 and ejection port lock 121 may be forced upward and outward by the force of inserting firearm 200 into holster 100 until leaf spring 126 can retract ejection port lock 121 into slide ejection port 210 as shown in FIG. 9.
As shown in FIG. 10, holster 100 may include optic hood 104. Optic hood 104 may be movably engaged with release spring 126 and hood release button 120. Optic hood 104 may include notch 128 configured to engage a corresponding notch 130 on hood release button 120. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 10, hood release button 120 is configured to allow an individual to use a single digit, such as a thumb, to move or push hood release button 120 forward to disengage hood release button notch 130 from optic hood notch 128. Optic hood 104 may be spring-loaded in the closed position via release spring 126 such that by disengaging hood release button notch 130 from optic hood notch 128 allows optic hood 104 to spring-back or return back to an open position. In some examples, both optic hood 104 and hood release button 120 are tensioned by release spring 126. Hood release button 120 may then be returned to an aft position re-tensioning release spring 126 after hood release button 120 is moved forward to disengage hood release button notch 130 from optic hood notch 128. In another example, optic hood 104 may be returned to a closed position by rotating optic hood 104 from the open position rear-ward/downward to a point in which optic hood notch 128 engages optic hood notch 128 mechanically locking optic hood 104 in the closed position, re-tensioning release spring 126, to protect firearm 200 and to provide an additional restraint to keep firearm 200 within holster 100.
As shown in FIG. 11, holster 100 may further include optic hood cover 109 engaged with optic hood 104 and configured to prevent dust and debris from entering an interior of holster 100 in an effort to protect an optic or other device attached to firearm 200 and covered by hood 104. Hood release button 120 is shown as vertically stacked above ejection port lock release button 122. The unique design and positioning of hood release button 120 and ejection port lock release button 122 allows an individual to use a single digit, such as a thumb, to release optic hood 104 into the open position via hood release button 120, and to transition to unlocking ejection port locking device 121 via ejection port release button 122 thus allowing the removal or drawing of firearm 200 from holster 100.
The foregoing has been presented for purposes of example. The foregoing is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit features to the precise form disclosed. The examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain principles and the nature of various examples and their practical application to enable one skilled in the art to use these and other implementations with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of this disclosure encompasses, but is not limited to, any and all combinations, sub combinations, and permutations of structure, operations, and/or other features described herein and in the accompanying drawing figures.
Although examples are described above, features and/or steps of those examples may be combined, divided, omitted, rearranged, revised, and/or augmented in any desired manner. Various alterations, modifications, and improvements will, in view of the foregoing disclosure, readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this description, though not expressly stated herein, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not limiting.
Patent Application
20250060192
