The present disclosure relates generally to holsters for firearms, such as handguns, and, more particularly, to holster systems that are repositionable with respect to the user, such as while the holster system is being worn by the user, as well as components of repositionable holster systems and methods related to repositionable holster systems.
The present disclosure contemplates that law enforcement personnel, military personnel, and other users may carry a variety of firearms, including handguns such as pistols and revolvers. A handgun may be carried in a holster, which may be constructed from materials such as molded plastic, leather, and/or imitation leather. A firearm holster may be secured to the user's body, such as by being worn on a duty belt.
The present disclosure contemplates that it may be desirable for a firearm holster to be repositionable, such as by allowing adjustment of the holster's orientation (e.g., cant angle) and/or location (e.g., drop height). For example, a user may adjust the cant angle and/or drop height of a holster to hold the firearm at a desired position with respect to the user's body. Some firearm holsters are adjustable, but adjustment may require removal of the holster from the user's body and at least partial disassembly of the holster.
The present disclosure contemplates that, in some circumstances, it may be desirable for a user to reposition a firearm holster while the holster is being worn. For example, it may be desirable for a user to reposition a firearm holster when the user moves from a standing position to a sitting position and/or when the user moves from a sitting position to a standing position.
Although some holsters may be repositionable while being worn, the present disclosure contemplates that there is a need for additional improvements related to repositionable holsters for firearms, particularly with respect to repositionable holsters configured to facilitate one-handed operation and/or operation under stress (e.g., employing muscle-memory and gross motor skills).
It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a holster system including an attachment component configured to be secured on a user, a firearm holster configured to hold a firearm, and/or a holster adapter operatively coupling the firearm holster and the attachment component. The holster adapter may be configured for one-handed repositioning of the firearm holster relative to the attachment component along an arcuate path between a first position and a second position while the holster system is worn by the user. The first position may include a first location and a first orientation, and the second position may include a second location, different from the first location, and a second orientation, different from the first orientation.
The first position may be associated with a standing position of the user and/or the second position may be associated with a sitting position of the user. The holster adapter may be configured so that the firearm holster is disposed relative to an upper body of the user in substantially the same orientation in both of the first position and the second position.
The holster adapter may be configured so that movement of the firearm holster relative to the attachment component along the arcuate path simultaneously changes both a relative orientation and a relative location of the firearm holster with respect to the attachment component.
The holster adapter may be repositionable from the second position to the first position by a one-handed, gross-motor-skill movement of the firearm holster along the arcuate path. The holster adapter may include a selectively actuated locking mechanism configured to selectively secure the holster adapter in the first position.
The holster adapter may be repositionable from the first position to the second position by one-handed disengagement of the locking mechanism and movement the firearm holster along the arcuate path. The holster adapter may include a retaining element configured to releasably retain the holster adapter in the second position. The retaining element may be releasable by application of force on the firearm holster in a direction generally from the second position toward the first position.
In another aspect, a holster adapter may be configured to operatively couple a firearm holster and an attachment component, the firearm holster being configured to hold a firearm and the attachment component being configured to be secured on a user's body. The holster adapter may include an attachment component element configured to be secured relative to the user via the attachment component, a holster element configured to be secured to the firearm holster, and/or a locking mechanism configured to selectively secure the holster element with respect to the attachment component element in a first position. The first position may include a first location and/or a first orientation. One of the attachment component element or the holster element may include a traveler and the other of the attachment component element or the holster element may include a track. The track may define an arcuate path along which the traveler may be selectively movable between the first position and a second position. The second position may include a second location, different from the first location, and a second orientation, different from the first orientation.
The traveler and the track may be configured so that movement of the traveler relative to the track along the arcuate path simultaneously changes both a relative orientation and a relative location of the holster element with respect to the attachment component element. The track may include an elongated channel configured to slidably receive the traveler at least partially therein. The attachment component element may include the traveler and the holster element may include the track.
The locking mechanism may include a spring-biased latch bolt configured to selectively engage the traveler to secure the traveler with respect to the track when the traveler is in the first position. The locking mechanism may include an actuator operable to retract the latch bolt from the traveler. The holster adapter may include a housing at least partially containing the traveler. The actuator may include a depressible button disposed on a generally forward-facing portion of the housing relative to the user's body when a holster system comprising the holster adapter is worn by the user. The locking mechanism may be configured to automatically engage the traveler when the traveler is moved into the first position.
The holster adapter may include a retaining element configured to selectively retain the traveler in the second position. The retaining element may include a spring-biased tab extending from the track to releasably engage the traveler when the traveler is in the second position. The retaining element may be releasable by application of force on the traveler in a direction generally from the second position toward the first position.
A holster system may include the holster adapter and the attachment component. At least a portion of the attachment component element may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the attachment component. The holster system may include the firearm holster. At least a portion of the holster element may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the firearm holster.
In another aspect, a method of assembling a holster system may include assembling a holster adapter by operatively connecting (i) an attachment component element configured to be secured to an attachment component, (ii) a holster element configured to be secured to a firearm holster, and (iii) a locking mechanism. The holster element may be repositionably coupled to the attachment component element for movement along an arcuate path relative to the attachment component between a first position and a second position. The locking mechanism may be configured to selectively secure the holster element with respect to the attachment component element in the first position. The first position may include a first location and a first orientation, and the second position may include a second location, different from the first location, and a second orientation, different from the first orientation. Movement along the arcuate path may simultaneously change both a relative orientation and a relative location of the holster element relative to the attachment component element.
The method may include (i) integrally forming the attachment component element and at least a portion of the attachment component, and/or (ii) coupling the attachment component element and the attachment component. The method may include attaching the attachment component to a duty belt. The method may include securing the holster element to the firearm holster.
Assembling the holster adapter may include operatively connecting a traveler and a track. The holster element may include the traveler and/or the attachment component element may include the track. The track may define the arcuate path. The traveler may be selectively movable along the arcuate path between the first position and the second position. Assembling the holster adapter may include installing a latch bolt arranged to selectively secure the holster element relative to the attachment component element when the holster element is in the first position. The method may include installing a retaining element configured to selectively retain the holster element in the second position.
The above and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass devices, methods, and techniques relating to holsters for firearms. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments discussed below are examples and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that variations of the exemplary embodiments contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art shall concurrently comprise part of the instant disclosure. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure includes, among other things, holsters for firearms, such as handguns, and, more particularly, to holster systems that are repositionable with respect to the user, such as while the holster system is being worn by the user, as well as components of repositionable holster systems and methods related to repositionable holster systems. Some exemplary embodiments according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may allow a user to readily reposition a firearm holster between a plurality of positions, such as a position suitable for standing and a position suitable for sitting.
Referring to
The present disclosure contemplates that in some high-stress situations, such as situations requiring the use of a firearm, the human body may instinctively rely upon “muscle-memory” and “gross motor skills.” In these high-stress situations, the human body may be unable to perform actions requiring “fine motor skills.” Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates that some training for firearm users may be designed to condition the user's reflexes to draw a firearm quickly and efficiently while relying on muscle-memory and gross motor skills. This training may be compromised if a firearm holster is positioned substantially differently when the user draws the firearm (e.g., in a high-stress situation) than during the training.
Referring to
Referring to
The exemplary holster adapter 100 may include a holster element 104, which may be configured to be secured with respect to the firearm holster 16. For example, the holster element 104 may be secured to the firearm holster 16 by one or more threaded fasteners, which may extend generally as indicated by arrows in the exploded view of
In some exemplary embodiments, the attachment component element 102 and the holster element 104 may comprise a slidable track and traveler mechanism. For example, the attachment component element 102 may comprise a track 106 and/or the holster element 104 may comprise a traveler 108. The track 106 and/or the traveler 108 may be configured so that the traveler 108 is movable along a path 110 as the holster system 10 is moved between the first position and the second position. The path 110 may be at least partially defined by the track 106. The track 106 may comprise an elongated channel 112 configured to slidably receive the traveler 108 at least partially therein. The track 106 may be generally arcuate to at least partially define an arcuate path 110 for the traveler 108. In some exemplary embodiments, the arcuate path 110 may be arranged so that movement of the traveler 108 along the arcuate path 110 simultaneously changes both a relative orientation and a relative location of the holster element 104 relative to the attachment component element 102. For example, movement along the arcuate path 110 may change a relative orientation (e.g., angle), a relative ride height (e.g., generally vertical location), and/or a generally forward-rearward location of the holster element 104 relative to the attachment component element 102. In some exemplary embodiments, the attachment between the firearm holster 16 and the holster element 104 may be substantially rigid. For example, the firearm holster 16 may not be freely rotatable relative to the holster element 104. Further, the angle of the holster element 104 relative to the attachment component element 102 may determine the relative angle of the firearm holster 16 relative to the attachment component 18.
Referring again to
The locking mechanism 200 may include a mechanism locking element 202 arranged to selectively engage a traveler locking element 114. For example, the mechanism locking element 202 may comprise a movable latch bolt 204, which may be biased by a spring 206 from an unlocked position (
The latch bolt 204 may be moveable by a user-operated actuator 208. For example, a button 210 may be depressible by a user to retract the latch bolt 204. The actuator 208 may be operatively coupled to the latch bolt 204 by a pivotable crank 212. The crank 212 may be pivotable about an axis 214, which may be defined by one or more pins 216. The crank 212 may include a first arm 218 coupled to the actuator 208 and/or a second arm 220 coupled to the latch bolt 204. The first arm 218 may include a slot 222 configured to slidably and/or pivotably engage a pin 224 disposed on the actuator 208. Similarly, the second arm 220 may include a slot 226 configured to slidably and/or pivotably engage a pin 228 disposed on the latch bolt 204.
The latch bolt 204 may include an angled face 232. The angled face 232 may be oriented generally towards traveler 108 when the traveler 108 is in the second position, thus allowing the traveler 108 to push the latch bolt 204 aside as the traveler 108 moves from the second position to the first position.
The exemplary holster adapter 100 may include one or more springs 118, which may be arranged to bias the traveler 108 away from the first position. For example, the springs 118 may be disposed proximate the first-position portion of the track 106 so that the traveler 108 at least partially compresses the springs 118 as the traveler 108 reaches the first position. While the traveler 108 is held in the first position by the latch bolt 204, the springs 118 remain compressed. When the latch bolt 204 is retracted (e.g., by the user depressing button 210), the springs 118 may move the traveler 108 away from the first position and towards the second position. When moving from the second position to the first position, the user may overcome the force of springs 118 to place the traveler 108 into the first position.
The exemplary holster adapter 100 may include one or more retaining elements 234 configured to selectively retain the traveler 108 in the second position. An exemplary retaining element may comprise a tab 236 which may be biased towards the channel 112 by a spring 238. The tab 236 may be rounded and/or may be arranged to selectively engage a cutout 120 on the traveler 108. In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement of the tab 236 with the cutout 120 may be sufficient to hold the traveler 108 in the second position, such as sufficient to maintain the traveler 108 in the second position despite weight of the firearm 14 and firearm holster 16. In some exemplary embodiments, the retaining element(s) 234 may be releasable by application of external force on the firearm 14 and/or the firearm holster 16 in a direction generally from the second position toward the first position (e.g., by a user). Accordingly, the holster adapter 100 may be repositionable from the second position to the first position by a one-handed, gross-motor-skill movement of the firearm holster 16 along the arcuate path 110.
Some exemplary holster adapters 100 may include one or more housing elements, 122, 124, which may be configured to provide structural support for and/or to contain various other components. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
Referring to
An exemplary holster system 10 according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may be operated as follows. Starting in the first position (e.g.,
Starting in the second position (e.g.,
An exemplary method of assembling a holster system 10 according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may include assembling a holster adapter 100 by operatively connecting an attachment component element 102, a holster element 104, and a locking mechanism 200. The method may include installing various other components of the holster adapter 100 described herein. The method may include integrally forming at least a portion of the attachment component element 102 and at least a portion of the attachment component 18 and/or coupling the attachment component element 102 and the attachment component 18. The method may include attaching the attachment component 18 to a duty belt or webbing attachment system (e.g., MOLLE) and/or securing the holster element 104 to the firearm holster 16.
The description above and the drawings referenced therein have focused on exemplary embodiments associated with holsters for firearms and batons. Alternative exemplary embodiments may be associated with other law enforcement or military carrying apparatus for other objects, such as knives, nightsticks, flashlights, ammunition cartridges, or other devices. Further, other alternative embodiments may be associated with carrying objects for civilian use (e.g., not law enforcement, not military). Generally, any aspect or feature of any exemplary embodiment described herein may be utilized in connection with any other embodiment.
Although the description and drawings have focused on exemplary embodiments configured for use on a user's right hip, various alternative exemplary embodiments may be configured for use in other locations on a user's body, such as on the left hip, at any other location around or near the waist, under or adjacent to either armpit, on either leg, on either ankle or calf, on the chest, or on other locations on a user's body.
The description and drawings have focused on exemplary embodiments in which the firearm holster 16 or the baton holster 304 comprises a single piece or assembly that is intended to remain attached to the holster adapter 100, 308. Alternative exemplary embodiments may comprise holsters having quick attachment/detachment features. For example, an alternative firearm holster may include an attachment system comprising a locking fork and a locking receiver. The locking receiver may be secured to the holster adapter and/or the locking fork may be secured to the portion of the holster holding the firearm. The locking fork may be selectively attached to and detached from the locking receiver, thereby allowing the user to mount and unmount the portion of the holster holding the firearm. A user may utilize such as system to quickly switch holsters or firearms on a duty belt or to move a holster or firearm to a different duty belt, for example.
While the present disclosure includes a description of various exemplary embodiments, and while these exemplary embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features shown and described herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The disclosure in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/994,054, filed Mar. 24, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62994054 | Mar 2020 | US |