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, the 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 a pocket of a user's clothing. However, when doing so, it is still desirable to have a holster that provides a high level of protection to the user and also to the handgun. Currently available holsters designed for pocket use are not always as robust and convenient to use, while fitting within the user's pocket. Additionally, it can be undesirable in many cases for the holster or the handgun to show through the pocket, especially when the user desires to conceal the presence of the handgun in the pocket.
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 a pocket holster assembly 100 to support and to carry an implement (such as a handgun, for example) in a pocket (or the like) of a user. The pocket holster assembly 100 is arranged to be worn in a pocket of a user's clothing or within a user's accessories for temporarily and safely carrying the implement, while making the implement easily accessible to the user. For instance, it can be worn in a pocket of a user's pants, coat, shirt, purse, bag, or the like. It can also be wom on another part of a user's person, or can be used to support an implement or implement holster in another location not on a user.
In various embodiments, the pocket holster assembly 100 (“assembly 100”) can be used with or without a holster (such as a holster shell, for example) coupled to the assembly 100. Using the assembly 100 with a holster or holster shell can add to the protection to the user and to the implement while carrying the implement, as discussed further below. In various examples, a variety of holsters or holster shells may be temporarily or permanently coupled to the assembly 100, to accommodate a variety of implements (e.g., handguns, etc.).
For instance, a variety of holsters or holster shells may be removably coupled to an assembly 100 to carry different implements with the assembly 100. One holster shell may be user-removed from the assembly 100, and another holster shell user-installed onto the assembly 100 when the user desires to use the assembly 100 with a different handgun, for example. In one implementation, a selection of modular holster shells may be interchangeable with each other for coupling to the assembly 100, including holster shells configured for specific implements as well as generic holster shells that may fit a variety of implements.
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. For the purposes of this disclosure, the generic term “carrier” is used to indicate any or all of the above.
Additionally, the techniques and devices as discussed may be used to support an implement or a carrier in various other manners (e.g., attached to a vehicle, an object of furniture, another object, etc.). In alternate implementations, the techniques and devices may be employed in other ways or with other devices, systems, instruments, or the like.
Further, the shape and quantity of the assembly 100 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 an assembly 100 or a pocket holster system 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
If included, the thumb push 102 comprises a rigid surface or component that can be used to assist in removing the implement from the assembly 100. The thumb push 102 may be coupled to or integral to the cradle 104, to the base 106, or to another component or portion of the assembly 100, in various examples. As such, the thumb push 102 may have a rigid connection or interaction to the cradle 104, to the base 106, or to another component or portion of the assembly 100. The rigid connection or interaction provides that pushing against the thumb push 102 also pushes against (or applies a force against) the cradle 104, the base 106, or another component or portion of the assembly 100.
In alternate embodiments, the thumb push 102 may include some mechanical action to assist in releasing the implement from the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002. For example, the action may be applied by pushing the thumb push 102, and may result in the implement being ejected from the assembly 100 by one or more components mechanically coupled to the thumb push 102. A lever action represents one example.
In an embodiment, the thumb push 102 includes distinct features 112, such as ridges, patterns, raised or recessed portions, or the like, on one or more surfaces of the thumb push 102, to help locate the thumb push 102 by feel (for instance, when the assembly 100 is within a pocket).
In an implementation, the cradle 104 is coupled to or integral to the base 106. In various embodiments, the cradle 104 comprises a rigid and substantially planar component, which extends from the base. For instance, in some examples, the cradle 104 is an extension of the base 106, and may extend within a general plane of the base 106.
The cradle 104 can be configured and arranged to assist in guiding the implement as it is holstered and withdrawn. For example, the implement can be slid against the cradle 104 to align the implement to the base 106 of the assembly 100 for holstering the implement. Further, the cradle 104 can be configured and arranged to support the implement while the implement is holstered within the assembly 100. The cradle 104 can be arranged to be disposed against the implement, contacting the implement or nearly contacting the implement, while the implement is holstered, to give support to the implement.
In some embodiments, the cradle 104 may be formed to have one or more bends, grooves, channels, or like features 202. The features 202 may be integral to a shape of the cradle 104, or may be formed within a surface of the cradle 104. The features 202 can be configured to conform to a portion of the implement, to provide a guide to the implement for holstering or withdrawing the implement from the assembly 100. The features 202 may also be used to conform to the implement while the implement is holstered within the assembly 100, for support of the implement.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In various embodiments, the base 106 comprises a rigid planar component, whereupon other components of the assembly 100 are coupled or integrated. The base 106 may be vertically arranged with respect to the implement (parallel to a plane of the implement when holstered), with the cradle 104 extending substantially in a same plane (or a parallel plane) from the base 106.
In an implementation, the base 106 includes a retention component 302 extending substantially normal to the plane of the base 106. The retention component 302 extends inward, toward a holstered implement, so as to engage a portion of the implement while the implement is holstered (e.g., mounted to the assembly 100). In an implementation, the retention component 302 is a passive device, and may be rigid, flexible, spring-loaded, or the like, and/or shaped to keep hold of the portion of the implement until a sufficient force is applied to pull the implement from the assembly 100.
For instance, in various embodiments, the retention component 302 comprises a post, tab, hook, barb, or the like, configured to engage the portion of the implement when the implement is holstered. In an embodiment, the retention component 302 automatically engages the portion of the implement (such as a trigger guard of a handgun, for instance) while the implement is inserted into the assembly 100. For instance, the retention component 302 may include a shaped portion 502, having a wedge, an incline, or other shape arranged to allow the portion of the implement to easily move past the retention component 302 in a first direction (while holstering), and resist movement of the portion of the implement in the opposite direction (when withdrawing). Thus, the retention component 302 can resist the removal of the implement from the assembly 100 until a sufficient force is applied to pull the implement from the assembly 100, such as when a user intentionally withdraws the implement.
In some embodiments, the pocket holster assembly 100 includes a retention mechanism, such as the retention device 116 (or the like) as shown in
In some embodiments, the tension of the retention component 302 is adjustable, via the retention device 116. For instance, as shown in
As shown in
In an implementation, as shown in
In various embodiments, the hook catch 106 is a safety feature of the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002. The hook catch 106 is configured to ensure the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 is not removed from the user's pocket when the implement is withdrawn, including when the user does not push on the thumb push 102 (intentionally or accidentally).
In an implementation, the concealer hook 110 comprises a rigid extension to the pocket holster assembly 100, and can have any of various shapes to provide a generic (or preselected) imprint to camouflage the implement. The concealer hook 110 is coupled to or integral to the hook catch 108, the base 106, or another portion of the assembly 100.
Referring to
The carrier 1000 may be removably or permanently coupled to the assembly 100 to form the pocket holster 1002. In some cases, the carrier 1000 may be directly coupled to the assembly 100 via screws, bolts, or other suitable fasteners. In other examples, the carrier 1000 may couple to the assembly 100 by snapping onto a portion of the assembly 100, sliding onto a portion of the assembly 100, or otherwise engaging a portion of the assembly 100.
In one implementation, the carrier 1000 couples to the base 106. In other implementations, the carrier 1000 may couple to other portions or components of the assembly 100. In various embodiments, the carrier 1000 is interchangeable with other carriers 1000, including carriers 1000 with a different size or shape. This allows the assembly 100 to be used with different implements, by interchanging the carrier 1000 with different ones as desired. Multiple carriers 1000 may be configured with a common attachment arrangement (common fastener holes, coupler components, or the like) that fit the base 106 in the same manner, allowing the carriers 1000 to be interchangeable on the base 106.
As shown in
In various embodiments, the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 is placed into the user's pocket naturally, with the “back” of the assembly 100 in an upward and/or outward orientation, where it is accessible to the user. The back of the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 is defined as the end having the thumb push 102. The implement may be holstered by putting the implement into the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 while the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 is in the pocket, or while the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 is removed from the pocket. The implement slides into the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 from the back of the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002, and may automatically engage a retention component 302, if included.
To withdraw the implement from the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002, the user locates the implement by hand, then pulls the implement from the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002, again from the back of the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002.
In one example, the user may push on the thumb push 102 (e.g., with the user's thumb) while pulling on the implement, to separate the implement from the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002. In an example, the thumb push 102 may be rigidly coupled to the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002, providing a firm surface to push against while pulling the implement.
In the example, the thumb push 102 is designed to ensure a safe draw of the implement, while keeping the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 inside the user's pocket. Often with other holster designs, the holster can come out of the user's pocket when the implement is withdrawn, and either falls to the ground, or remains attached to the implement. Either case can be problematic, particularly in urgent situations. The thumb push 102 ensures a quicker draw, with safer and more reliable results, since the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 remains in the user's pocket and the implement is safely separated from the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002.
In another example, the user may withdraw the implement from the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 by locating the implement by hand, and pulling on the implement (with or without engaging the thumb push 102). In the example, the hook catch 108 catches on the pocket of the user's clothing, trapping the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002, and keeping the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 inside the user's pocket while the implement is withdrawn.
In various embodiments, the hook catch 108 may have various shapes adapted to catch the inside of the user's pocket when the hook catch 108 is pulled upwards and/or outwards towards the opening of the pocket. For instance, the hook catch 108 may have an angled shape, a curved shape, a hooked shape, and so forth. In some cases, the user may pull the implement at a particular angle, or the like, with respect to the user's pocket, to cause or to ensure that the hook catch 108 will catch on the user's pocket when the implement is withdrawn.
To remove the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 from the user's pocket (with or without the implement holstered), the user can tilt, angle, turn, or otherwise purposefully orient the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 while pulling on assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 to prevent the hook catch 108 from catching on the user's pocket.
Referring to
For instance, the shape of the concealer hook 110 (along with the shape of the carrier 1000 and/or the shape of the cradle 104, for example) can provide a camouflage for the shape of the implement, making it less obvious that the implement is carried in the user's pocket. As shown in
In various implementations, one or more of the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, and/or the concealer hook 110 are comprised of one of various plastics, or the like. For example, the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, and/or the concealer hook 110 may be comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or similar material. In an embodiment, the carrier 1000 is also comprised of a TPE or similar material. In an alternate embodiment, the carrier 1000 is comprised of a natural or synthetic leather, or the like. In alternate implementations, the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, the concealer hook 110 and/or the carrier 1000 may be comprised other materials (e.g., composites, metal, etc.) or a combination of materials.
The use of an injection molded TPE for components of the assembly 100 or the pocket holster 1002 provides rigid and stable components for drawing and re-holstering the implement, for instance. In various embodiments, the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, the concealer hook 110 and/or the carrier 1000 have flexibility and stability properties based on a particular material selected and a thickness of the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, the concealer hook 110 and/or the carrier 1000.
Some TPE materials that may be used to form assembly 100 components include styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s), polyolefin blends (TPE-o), elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), Thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, combinations of the same, and the like.
In an implementation, the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, and/or the concealer hook 110 are partially or fully formed using an injection molding process. Accordingly, the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, and/or the concealer hook 110 can be custom molded as desired for the user and/or as needed for holstering an implement, such as the example implement of
In an implementation, the carrier 1000 comprises a removable, modular plastic shell section formed using an injection molding process to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the implement. Further, in various embodiments, the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, and/or the concealer hook 110 are custom molded to at least partially conform to the implement. For example, the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, and/or the concealer hook 110 may be molded in various shapes and sizes to accommodate a particular implement, or a range of implements. For example, the thumb push 102, the cradle 104, the base 106, the hook catch 108, and/or the concealer hook 110 may be shaped and sized to accommodate a particular model of handgun, or a series of handguns.
In various implementations, an assembly 100 may include additional or alternate components, or have different shapes or sizes than those illustrated. The assembly 100 components disclosed herein have been illustrated to be used with handgun holsters and holster shells. However, the assembly 100 components disclosed herein may also be used with the holders or cases of any tools or implements.
The pocket holster assembly 100 and the pocket holster 1002 are discussed in terms of securing an implement, but either may be used to secure or mount any of various items, 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.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/631,430, filed Feb. 15, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62631430 | Feb 2018 | US |