US20150285587A1 - Safety holster locking mechanism and mounts - Google Patents
Safety holster locking mechanism and mounts Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150285587A1 US20150285587A1 US13/261,895 US201213261895A US2015285587A1 US 20150285587 A1 US20150285587 A1 US 20150285587A1 US 201213261895 A US201213261895 A US 201213261895A US 2015285587 A1 US2015285587 A1 US 2015285587A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- holster
- mount
- bracket
- pistol
- pinion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41C—SMALLARMS, e.g. PISTOLS, RIFLES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- F41C33/00—Means for wearing or carrying smallarms
- F41C33/02—Holsters, i.e. cases for pistols having means for being carried or worn, e.g. at the belt or under the arm
- F41C33/0209—Pouch or pocket like containers for small arms covering all or most of the small arm
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41C—SMALLARMS, e.g. PISTOLS, RIFLES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- F41C33/00—Means for wearing or carrying smallarms
- F41C33/02—Holsters, i.e. cases for pistols having means for being carried or worn, e.g. at the belt or under the arm
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41C—SMALLARMS, e.g. PISTOLS, RIFLES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- F41C33/00—Means for wearing or carrying smallarms
- F41C33/02—Holsters, i.e. cases for pistols having means for being carried or worn, e.g. at the belt or under the arm
- F41C33/0281—Holsters, i.e. cases for pistols having means for being carried or worn, e.g. at the belt or under the arm with means for assisting in cocking or loading the small arm
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41C—SMALLARMS, e.g. PISTOLS, RIFLES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- F41C33/00—Means for wearing or carrying smallarms
- F41C33/02—Holsters, i.e. cases for pistols having means for being carried or worn, e.g. at the belt or under the arm
- F41C33/04—Special attachments therefor
- F41C33/041—Special attachments therefor for connecting a holster to a belt, webbing or other object
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to handgun holsters, and more specifically, to locking mechanisms for safety holsters and mounts for attaching same to the wearer.
- Some firearm holsters currently used by law enforcement officers for semi-automatic/automatic pistols have a two-step lock release process to allow the pistol to be withdrawn from the holster unit for emergencies.
- a right-handed police officer would depress a “thumb” lock release button on the left hand side, or body side of the holster unit, to unlock the “rear flip cap/strap” locking feature, and permit the officer to flip/rotate the cap/strap ninety degrees forward with his or her thumb, to clear the exit path for the pistol to be removed from the holster housing unit.
- the officer must then depress the second lock release button, located near the pistol grip of the pistol, with his or her middle finger to release the breach frame locking measure, to allow the pistol to be removed from the holster unit.
- This is awkward and inefficient and slows down the release of the pistol from the holster, and can be improved.
- the lock mechanisms must be impervious to dirt, or the holster sealed from the outside, so that the holster will work as anticipated even in adverse environments. If dirt or water enter the pistol they can interfere with the mechanical processes therein, and in particular it is important to prevent debris or water from entering the barrel as this is the discharge path and leads directly to the chamber.
- holsters currently in use also restrict the positioning of the holster and pistol in a vertical position, parallel to the officer's body, and results in the holstered pistol to angle awkwardly outwards, away from the body.
- This outward angling of the holstered pistol offers greater risk of potential contact of the loaded pistol with furniture or doorframes.
- a mount would offer a number of positions for holding the holster against the wearer's body so that the position and orientation may be modified to accommodate different body types.
- a better positioning of the holster not only increases comfort for the wearer, but improves draw performance
- a new holster design which locks a pistol within the holster until use, when a mechanism can be used to release the pistol when desired, and prevent unauthorized release at other times.
- the holster should also protect the pistol from water and dirt, and should be resistant to both for its own operation. Further, a highly adjustable mount improves comfort for the wearer and performance on drawing the pistol.
- the invention discloses a locking mechanism for a self-loading holster having a slide bar, the mechanism having locked and release positions, comprising a connecting rod having a button and having a geared rack along a top edge, a pivoting latch biased to a locked position, for retaining a trigger guard, and a rotating pinion, having gears around part of its circumference, and a flat portion on another part of its circumference, biased to a locked position wherein the pinion projects into a depression of the side bar, preventing movement of the slide bar, wherein when the button is pushed, the locking mechanism is moved to a release position wherein the connecting rod pushes the latch to a release position and pushes the rack to move past the pinion gears, rotating the pinion and exposing the flat portion to the depression, such that the pinion no longer projects into the depression and the slide bar is free to move.
- the latch pivots on a pin, and the end of the latch opposite the pin has a truncated wedge that is pushed upwards when impacted by a trigger guard, the wedge closing on the trigger guard as the trigger guard passes the wedge and biased to close by means of a spring.
- the above locking mechanism wherein in a release position the connecting rod impacts a tab projecting from the latch so as to pivot the latch into an open position. Also disclosed is the above locking mechanism wherein a segment of the pinion is absent to form the flat portion.
- the sagitta of the flat portion is equal in distance to the amount that the pinion projects into the depression. Also disclosed is the locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the connecting rod is biased into an extended position by one or more springs, so as to return to an extended position when no force is applied to the button.
- a barrel plug assembly for sealing the barrel of a pistol to prevent the entry of foreign materials, comprising a support rod projecting coaxially with the barrel, for positioning within the barrel, the support rod mounted to a base fastened within a holster, a plug slidingly penetrated by the support rod; and a spring fitted between the plug and the base and penetrated by the support rod, for biasing the plug against the barrel.
- the plug is made of rubber.
- a mounting system for a holster having a grooved stud
- the mounting system comprising a mount for attachment to a wearer, a bracket affixed to the mount, the bracket having an upper and lower retention point, lower retention point comprising a track with a lower limit for receiving and retaining the grooved stud, and a lever lock unit for attachment to the holster, the lever lock unit having an aperture for the upper retention point and a lever handle pivotally mounted within the lever lock unit for releasably fastening the upper retention point.
- the upper mounting retention point is a hook having an upper groove.
- the lever handle comprising a handle and locking flange, wherein by movement of the lever handle the locking flange is received within the upper groove of the hook such that the hook is releasably locked within the aperture.
- the mount is a waist mount, a leg mount or a vest mount. Further disclosed is the above mounting system, wherein the mount is a vest mount, and the garment material is sandwiched between the vest mount and the bracket. Also disclosed is the above mounting system, wherein the mount is a leg mount and comprises one or more side ridges for mounting accessories, and central basin for attachment to the bracket.
- the mount is an arcuate belt mount for attachment to a duty belt
- the belt mount comprising a lower extension fastened to the bracket, the fastening point forming a pivot, a first set of holes, and a second, lower set of holes, each position of the lower set of holes at the midpoint of a corresponding position in the upper set of bolt holes and the pivot point such that the angle of the mount on the bracket is adjustable by different positioning of bolts in the holes.
- FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a one-button self-loading holster
- FIG. 1 b is an exploded view of the one-button self-loading holster showing the locking mechanism
- FIG. 2 a is a side elevation view of the holster
- FIG. 2 b is a perspective view from below showing the locking mechanism
- FIG. 2 c is a detail view of the locking mechanism in isolation
- FIG. 3 a is a side cut-away view of the holster
- FIG. 3 b is a side cut-away perspective view of the holster, from the opposite side;
- FIG. 4 a is a third side cut-away view of the holster
- FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of the barrel plug assembly
- FIG. 4 c is a rear perspective view of the barrel plug assembly
- FIG. 4 d is a front perspective view of the barrel plug assembly
- FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of the holster showing the belt mount
- FIG. 5 b is a detail view of the belt mount in isolation
- FIG. 5 c is a detail view of the belt mount attached to the bracket
- FIG. 6 is a detail view of the bracket and belt mount
- FIG. 7 a is an exploded view of the bracket, holster and lever lock unit
- FIG. 7 b is an exploded view of the bracket, holster, and an alternate lever lock unit
- FIG. 8 is a detail view of three different length brackets
- FIG. 9 is a detail front and rear view of the bracket and vest mount
- FIG. 10 a is a perspective view of a first leg mount for the holster.
- FIG. 10 b is perspective view of a second leg mount for the holster.
- the locking mechanism and mount described herein are for a self-loading holster, wherein the pistol can be loaded within the holster prior to being removed.
- the self-loading holster is comprised of a holster body 10 and a slide bar 80 slidingly mounted therein. It also has a belt mount 120 attached to the slide bar 80 , and a button 15 for releasing a locking mechanism and permitting the pistol 1 to be reloaded while within the holster 10 , and removed from the holster 10 .
- the slide bar 80 which is attached to the belt mount 120 , engages with the slide (not shown) of an automatic pistol, and the pistol 1 (not shown) fits within the holster 10 .
- the slide bar 80 and pistol 1 slide remain in position, and as a result the pistol 1 chambers a round of ammunition while in the holster.
- the locking mechanism in the holster 10 is automatically engaged by placing of the pistol 1 (not shown) within the holster 10 , so as to retain the pistol (not shown) within the holster 10 until the locks are disengaged by pushing the button 15 .
- it consists of a locking mechanism comprising two locks which retain the pistol 1 (not shown) within the holster 10 , until disengaged by release of the mechanism by depressing the release button 15 .
- FIG. 1 b an exploded diagram of the components making up the holster 10 are shown, including the components of the locking mechanism and their position relative to the other components with which they interact. The components and their operation will become clear as it is described below.
- the holster 10 is shown in partial side elevation view, and the locking mechanism (not shown) is contained within the holster casing 12 .
- the locking mechanism (not shown) is moved to a release position as the button is pushed, and returns to a locking position on release of the button 15 .
- the button 15 projects from the holster body 10 in the direction of the pistol 1 grip (not shown).
- the button 15 is spring-loaded and when not depressed returns to the locking position.
- the holster is shown from below in cut-away, from viewpoint A marked on FIG. 2 a .
- the pistol is shown in mesh.
- the trigger lock consists of a latch 30 which has at one side an aperture 35 which accommodates a pin 37 affixed within the casing 12 , such that the latch 30 may pivot up and down around the axis created by fixed pin 37 .
- the other end of the latch 30 consists of a truncated wedge 40 , for engagement with the trigger guard 45 .
- the latch 30 is biased to a locked position (downward relative to the drawing) by means of a latch spring 39 mounted on a peg 36 , which spring 39 exerts downward pressure on the top of the latch 30 .
- the wedge 40 When contacted by the trigger guard 45 , the wedge 40 is pushed upwards and to a release position, against the spring 39 biasing force, as the trigger guard 45 slides below the wedge 40 . Once the trigger guard 45 has passed the wedge 40 and no longer holds the wedge 40 up, the wedge 40 closes on the trigger guard 45 and locks the trigger guard behind the wedge 40 .
- the wedge 40 may be raised to a release position to permit release of the trigger guard by pushing the button 15 , which pushes the connecting rod 49 attached to the button 15 into the tab 51 , which tab 51 is part of, or attached to, the latch 30 , and pivots said latch 30 into a release position.
- a stop 47 is present and attached to the casing, to receive the trigger guard 45 and prevent over-insertion.
- the fitment of the latch 30 and the stop 47 is dependent on the design of the pistol 1 , which varies between manufacturers. Therefore the latch 30 and stop 47 , and indeed all parts in the holster, may be changed in orientation or dimension to accommodate the pistols of different manufacturers and models.
- FIG. 3 a shows a cutaway of the holster 10 , with the holster surface cut away so as to show the internal workings including the slide bar 80 .
- FIG. 3 b shows a cutaway view from the opposite side.
- the locking mechanism consists of a button 15 , and a sliding connecting rod 49 , which sits within a rod housing 55 .
- the rod 49 has limiters 59 at either side which fit within grooves (not shown) of the rod housing 55 .
- the limiters 59 restrict the rod 49 to move within a certain restricted range, and therefore restrict the movement of the push button mechanism within that same range.
- the rod 49 is biased by springs 50 pushing against the spring perches 63 , so that the button 15 is always in the extended position unless depressed by a wearer.
- the rod 49 has a rack 65 at its upper edge, consisting of a set of gears. As the rack 65 is connected to the rod 49 its movement is directly related to the movement of the rod 49 .
- the lower end of the connecting rod 49 also has an interface with the trigger guard lock mechanism, impacting the tab 51 .
- the rod 49 when moved by depression of the button 15 , moves lower in the housing 55 and pushes the tab 51 .
- the tab 51 pivots the wedge 40 of the latch 30 upwards to an open position to release the trigger lock.
- the slide lock serves to prevent movement of the slide relative to the holster body in a self-loading holster, preventing the pistol from being loaded within the holster or being removed from the holster.
- the slide lock consists of a geared rotating pinion 70 which is operatively engaged to a corresponding geared rack 65 on the rod 49 .
- the pinion 70 is geared 72 along part of its circumference, and the opposite side is cut away along a chord or sagitta of the pinion, so as to produce a flat portion 74 .
- the flat portion 74 may be produced by cutting entirely through the pinion 70 , or by cutting partially through the pinion 70 , leaving a semi-circular “slice” of the pillion 70 exposed as in the present embodiment, to be used for alignment within the mechanism.
- the rack 65 moves up and down adjacent to the pinion 70 . Since the pinion gears 72 are engaged with the geared rack 65 , the movement of the rack 65 also rotates the pinion 70 .
- the pinion 70 may be positioned in one of two positions, the lock position and the release position.
- the pinion 70 projects from the slide housing 77 on which it is mounted into a semi-circular depression 81 on the slide bar 80 , such that the slide bar 80 cannot move while the pinion 70 is projecting into the depression.
- the geared rack 65 engages with the gears 72 of the pinion 70 , rotating the pinion 70 such that the flat portion 74 of the pinion 70 is positioned to form a flush surface with the slide housing 77 , permitting the slide bar 80 to move relative to the holster body 10 .
- the pinion no longer fills the depression and the slide 80 is free to move.
- pushing the button 15 moves the connecting rod 49 down against the biasing springs 50 , and moves two locks to the release position: i) the trigger guard lock is moved to the release position by the rod 49 pushing a tab 51 which results in the pivoting up of the wedge 40 releasing said lock, and ii) the slide bar lock is moved to the release position by turning the pinion 70 so that the flat portion 74 is flush with the slide bar 80 . Therefore if the button 15 is pushed, then the pistol can be i) reloaded within the holster, and ii) removed from the holster.
- the locking mechanism is dust and dirt resistant, and also works when wet.
- the single button 15 reduces the number of perforations of the holster 10 and makes it more resistant to adverse environments, as compared with multiple lock releases.
- the locking mechanism can be positioned in a locking position, which is the case when no pressure is applied to the button 15 and it is consequently extended by the force on the rod 49 by the rod springs 50 .
- the rod 49 extended there is no force on the tab 51 so the latch 30 is biased downward to a locked position over the trigger guard by the latch spring 39 .
- the pinion will also be in its locking position with the rod 49 extended, therefore the pinion 70 extends into, and locks with, the depression 81 , preventing the slide 80 from moving. So when no pressure is exerted on the button 15 , the pistol cannot be removed and the slide cannot move so as to chamber a round.
- the locking mechanism can be placed into a release position by applying pressure to button 15 .
- the button 15 When the button 15 is depressed, the rod 49 moves against springs 50 , to apply a force to tab 51 .
- the force against the tab 51 applies a counterforce to the latch 30 against the latch spring 39 , so as to open the latch 30 and release the trigger guard.
- the rod 49 and its rack 65 moves past the pinion 70 , rotating the pinion 70 by the meshing of the gears 72 , such that the flat portion 74 turns to fall flush with the slide housing 77 , permitting the slide bar 80 to move. Therefore, pushing the button 15 to put the lock mechanism in a release position allows the slide bar 80 to be moved, so the pistol 1 can be loaded within the self-loading holster 10 . Also, the pistol 1 may be removed from the holster 10 , with or without loading the pistol 1 within the holster 10 first.
- FIG. 4 a a cut-away view of the pistol 1 within the holster is shown, with the pistol shown as ghost.
- FIGS. 4 b , 4 c and 4 d show details of the barrel plug assembly.
- the barrel (not shown) is sealed with a rubber plug 100 , which under the pressure of a plug spring 102 is always in contact with the barrel opening (not shown).
- the barrel plug consists of a frustoconical rubber plug 100 having small and large diameters, which is designed so the small diameter is smaller than the barrel (not shown) allowing the plug 100 to enter the barrel, and the large diameter is larger than the barrel (not shown) so that the plug 100 may form a seal within the barrel.
- the plug 100 is biased against the barrel (not shown) by a plug spring 102 . Both the plug spring 102 and the plug 100 are slidingly penetrated by a support rod 104 which projects coaxially with the barrel (not shown) from the holster body 10 .
- the support rod 104 When the pistol 1 is positioned within the holster 10 , the support rod 104 enters the barrel (not shown) and the spring-biased plug 100 pushes up against the barrel opening (not shown) to form a seal.
- the support rod 104 is mounted in a base 103 that fastens within the holster 10 , the base 103 being exchangeable to accommodate different dimensions of holster 10 or pistol 1 .
- the end of the slide bar has a hole 31 to accommodate the barrel plug assembly.
- the plug 100 size and plug spring 102 strength can be changed according to the barrel (not shown) diameter and distance from the end of the holster 10 , as well as the properties of the material of the plug 100 .
- the slide bar 80 has two slide bar springs 106 shown in FIG. 2 , which springs are mounted to the base 103 by means of a connective pin 107 , which is positioned and held within the base 103 .
- FIGS. 5 a , 5 b , 5 c and 6 a rear perspective of the holster 10 showing a mounting system comprising a holster, mount and bracket.
- a mount such as the displayed belt mount 120 facilitates attachment to a wearer by a duty belt, and is generally symmetrical so it can worn on either side.
- a belt mount 120 is shown having two belt loops 124 therein.
- the arcuate belt mount 120 has an extension 125 below to facilitate attachment to the bracket 140 , the extension 125 having a bolt therethrough forming a pivot point 129 .
- the belt mount 120 has two sets of bolt holes, an upper set 130 a and lower set 130 b that are adjustable in several different positions depending on through which holes the bolts 128 are positioned. If the holes are very close together, the lower set 130 b in particular may consist of a slot instead. Depending on the bolt positioning and the orientation of the sets of bolt holes 130 a, 130 b, an angle of up to 30° from center may be achieved. Each set of bolt holes 130 , 130 b sits in a corresponding sink 131 a, 131 b so that the bolts 128 are flush with the surface.
- the belt mount 120 position on the bracket 140 is adjustable by means of the bolts 128 in the bolt holes 130 a , 130 b being moved into different positions, each adjustable bolt holes 130 having several holes therethrough, each beside one another, while the belt mount 120 pivots around the pivot point 129 through the extension 125 , the position of pivot point 129 being fixed.
- the belt mount is shown from the bracket side, the bracket 140 having been removed from the holster 10 .
- the bracket 140 is seen with bolts 128 , 129 therein and having adjustable bolt strips 133 , wherein the bolt positions may be altered so that the bracket 140 sits higher or lower relative to the belt mount 120 .
- the bracket 140 has a lower retention point 150 and an upper retention point 160 .
- the lower retention point 150 in formed around an aperture 156 and consists of an up-facing wider entry 151 and a restricted track 152 , restricted by two sides 153 projecting into the track 152 , which sides join at a lower end to form a U-shaped lower limit 154 , and each terminate at the upper end in a lip 155 projecting from the surface of the bracket 140 .
- the upper retention point 160 is a hook in the form of a modified frustoconical projection with an upper groove 162 on its upper side.
- the bracket 140 may use certain alignment tabs to assist aligning the bracket 140 with the belt mount 120 .
- the lower retention point 150 of the bracket 140 is adapted to receive the projecting stud 167 fastened to the slide bar 80 .
- the stud 167 projects through a slot 168 in the holster 10 , so that the holster containing the pistol 1 body may be pushed downward around the slide bar 80 to load the pistol 1 .
- the slide bar 80 is, by means of the lower and upper retention points 150 , 160 attached to the wearer and remains in place while the rest of the holster 10 descends to reload the pistol 1 .
- the diameter of the stud 167 is broader than the restricted track 152 ; however the stud has a circumferential groove 170 which is narrower than and fits within the corresponding track 152 .
- Plate 84 on the slide bar 80 has two attachment posts 83 and an opening 85 for the tip of the upper retention point 160 .
- a lever lock unit 175 is fastened to the slide bar 80 by posts 83 , which fit through post holes 179 in the lever lock unit. The post holes 179 are affixed over the posts by bolts (not shown) that are countersunk.
- the lever lock unit 175 has a lever handle 180 pivotally mounted within it, the lever handle 180 having a locking flange 182 attached, which flange 182 is for placement within upper groove 162 .
- the lever lock unit has a retention aperture 184 for receiving the upper retention point 160 . Once positioned within the retention aperture 184 , the upper retention point 160 of the bracket 140 is releasably fastened therein by a lowering of the lever handle 180 to be flush with the side of the lever lock unit 175 , which in turn slides the flange 182 into the upper groove 162 of the upper retention point 160 .
- the lever handle 180 is raised, which causes the flange 182 within the lever lock unit 175 to slide out of the upper groove 162 of the upper retention point 160 and out of the way.
- the holster 10 may be easily removed from and replaced on the bracket 140 and belt mount 120 , and may also be replaced on the vest mount 200 (not shown) and leg mount 210 (not shown).
- the vest mount 200 (not shown) is more appropriate, narrowing the body's profile and allowing access even in confined spaces.
- the lever lock unit is available in several thicknesses as shown in FIG. 7 b .
- a thicker lever lock unit would be preferable, so that the pistol does not catch on the vest as it is being removed from the holster.
- the angle should be closer to the body hence the thinner lever lock unit is selected for this application.
- holster may be fastened to the mount directly or to the mount by means of the bracket by any other means, such as bolts or strapping, and need not use the removable and replaceable system using upper and lower retention points as described above; use of another fastening means does not deviate from the scope of the invention.
- Bracket 192 is shorter in length to accommodate a shorter holster 10 for a shorter pistol. As a result of its length, bracket 192 has only three holes for each bolt strip 133 . Bracket 194 is shorter than bracket 196 . Each has five bolt holes 134 in each bolt strip 133 , however the bolt strips 133 on bracket 194 are set lower than the bolt strips 133 on bracket 196 , in order that they are able to fit in the shorter overall length.
- the lower retention point 150 is of the same dimensions for all three embodiments, as are the upper retention points 160 .
- the bracket 140 can be used with several other mounts as well, in addition to the belt mount 120 described above.
- a vest mount 200 is shown, which also attaches to the bracket 140 .
- the bracket is fastened to the vest mount 200 by four bolts 202 , which pass through the bolt holes 134 in the bolt strips 133 , and are affixed into the nuts 207 .
- the structure of the vest mount 200 is as a convex piece of smooth rigid material with reinforcing ridges 205 along its width and a reinforcing ridge 209 from top to bottom, to ensure rigidity of the vest mount 200 .
- the garment material for example material of a tactical vest, is placed between the vest mount 200 and that bracket 140 , anywhere the wearer chooses, such that the bolts 202 passthrough the material (not shown) in affixing the two pieces together, with the vest mount 200 and bracket 140 sandwiching the material.
- the vest mount 200 may be affixed to a bulletproof vest but does not pierce the material of the vest itself, rather the cover of the bulletproof vest only.
- the area of attachment using the four bolts 202 is broad enough that the vest mount provides a stable platform on which to mount the holster.
- a leg mount is shown in a first accessories leg mount 210 and a second holster leg mount 211 .
- the holster leg mount 211 is for mounting the holster 10 (not shown) to a leg, while the accessories leg mount 210 is for holding accessories and providing a counterweight to the holster leg mount, as the holster leg mount 211 can weigh 2 kg-3 kg encumbered with a pistol and holster.
- Each leg mount 210 , 211 has two side ridges 215 perforated with bolt holes 216 for mounting accessories (not shown) to, such as a knife, ammunition, a first aid kit or a flashlight pouch.
- the accessories leg mount 210 has a further center ridge 220 to which further accessories (not shown) may be mounted.
- the holster leg mount 211 has a positive center attachment point for the bracket 140 in the form of a central basin 222 on the leg mount 211 perforated by bolt holes 216 and surrounded by a lip 223 in the outline of the bracket 140 .
- the bracket 140 may then bolted to the leg mount 211 , and once mounted resists twisting as a result of the lip 223 .
- the holster 10 (not shown) may be removably attached.
- Each of the leg mounts 210 and 211 have lower loops 230 which are typically attached to a rubber or fabric leg strap (not shown).
- Upper loops 232 are present to attach the leg mount 210 , 211 to the waist belt, so the leg mounts 210 , 211 do not creep down the leg as the wearer is walking, for instance.
- the upper loops 232 are intended to be used in conjunction with lower loops 230 , and either or both set of loops 230 , 232 may be ribbed 233 to hinder the strap (not shown) from moving through the loop.
- the mounts described above and holster 10 may be made from plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber or metal, and construction techniques for these materials would be known in the art.
- FIG. 11 for reference the four drawings demonstrate the reverse spring-loaded action of the self-loading holster for semi-automatic and automatic pistols, an action enabling the pistol 1 to change from an unloaded state, shown in Stage 1 to a loaded state shown in Stage 3 , while still in the holster. This functions from the movement of the holster body 10 and the slide bar 80 relative to one another, shown in
- Stage 2 The slide bar 80 remains affixed to the duty belt (not shown) by means of belt mount 120 , securing the upper portion of the pistol 1 , or the “breech block” of the pistol 1 in a fixed position relative to the duty belt (not shown).
- the holster body 10 which contains the lower portion of the pistol 1 , moves downward, resulting in the loading of a live round of ammunition into the pistol's firing chamber as the breach block and the lower portion of the pistol 1 move relative to one another.
- the loaded pistol 1 may then be removed from the holster 10 and discharged, as shown in Stage 4 .
Abstract
A self-loading pistol holster has a locking mechanism for the slide consisting of a pinion protruding into a depression of the slide bar, preventing movement of the slide bar. As the spring-loaded button is pushed the geared pinion is rotated to reveal a flat portion to the depression, enabling movement of the slide bar. A spring-biased latch within the holster which holds the trigger guard of the pistol is also disengaged simultaneously on application of the button, releasing the pistol for removal from the holster. Within the holster is a rubber barrel plug which seals the pistol barrel while the pistol is in the holster. The holster is removably mounted on a bracket having upper and lower retention points by means of a lever lock unit, and the bracket may be attached to belt, vest or leg mounts.
Description
- This invention generally relates to handgun holsters, and more specifically, to locking mechanisms for safety holsters and mounts for attaching same to the wearer.
- Some firearm holsters currently used by law enforcement officers for semi-automatic/automatic pistols have a two-step lock release process to allow the pistol to be withdrawn from the holster unit for emergencies.
- Based on one of the popular holster model types, a right-handed police officer would depress a “thumb” lock release button on the left hand side, or body side of the holster unit, to unlock the “rear flip cap/strap” locking feature, and permit the officer to flip/rotate the cap/strap ninety degrees forward with his or her thumb, to clear the exit path for the pistol to be removed from the holster housing unit.
- The officer must then depress the second lock release button, located near the pistol grip of the pistol, with his or her middle finger to release the breach frame locking measure, to allow the pistol to be removed from the holster unit. This is awkward and inefficient and slows down the release of the pistol from the holster, and can be improved. Furthermore the lock mechanisms must be impervious to dirt, or the holster sealed from the outside, so that the holster will work as anticipated even in adverse environments. If dirt or water enter the pistol they can interfere with the mechanical processes therein, and in particular it is important to prevent debris or water from entering the barrel as this is the discharge path and leads directly to the chamber.
- Some of the holsters currently in use also restrict the positioning of the holster and pistol in a vertical position, parallel to the officer's body, and results in the holstered pistol to angle awkwardly outwards, away from the body. This outward angling of the holstered pistol offers greater risk of potential contact of the loaded pistol with furniture or doorframes. Ideally, a mount would offer a number of positions for holding the holster against the wearer's body so that the position and orientation may be modified to accommodate different body types. A better positioning of the holster not only increases comfort for the wearer, but improves draw performance
- Therefore there is a need for a new holster design which locks a pistol within the holster until use, when a mechanism can be used to release the pistol when desired, and prevent unauthorized release at other times. The holster should also protect the pistol from water and dirt, and should be resistant to both for its own operation. Further, a highly adjustable mount improves comfort for the wearer and performance on drawing the pistol.
- The invention discloses a locking mechanism for a self-loading holster having a slide bar, the mechanism having locked and release positions, comprising a connecting rod having a button and having a geared rack along a top edge, a pivoting latch biased to a locked position, for retaining a trigger guard, and a rotating pinion, having gears around part of its circumference, and a flat portion on another part of its circumference, biased to a locked position wherein the pinion projects into a depression of the side bar, preventing movement of the slide bar, wherein when the button is pushed, the locking mechanism is moved to a release position wherein the connecting rod pushes the latch to a release position and pushes the rack to move past the pinion gears, rotating the pinion and exposing the flat portion to the depression, such that the pinion no longer projects into the depression and the slide bar is free to move.
- Further disclosed is the above locking mechanism wherein the latch pivots on a pin, and the end of the latch opposite the pin has a truncated wedge that is pushed upwards when impacted by a trigger guard, the wedge closing on the trigger guard as the trigger guard passes the wedge and biased to close by means of a spring.
- Further disclosed the above locking mechanism, wherein in a release position the connecting rod impacts a tab projecting from the latch so as to pivot the latch into an open position. Also disclosed is the above locking mechanism wherein a segment of the pinion is absent to form the flat portion.
- Further disclosed is the above locking mechanism wherein the sagitta of the flat portion is equal in distance to the amount that the pinion projects into the depression. Also disclosed is the locking mechanism of
claim 1 wherein the connecting rod is biased into an extended position by one or more springs, so as to return to an extended position when no force is applied to the button. - Disclosed herein is a barrel plug assembly, for sealing the barrel of a pistol to prevent the entry of foreign materials, comprising a support rod projecting coaxially with the barrel, for positioning within the barrel, the support rod mounted to a base fastened within a holster, a plug slidingly penetrated by the support rod; and a spring fitted between the plug and the base and penetrated by the support rod, for biasing the plug against the barrel. Also disclose is the above plug assembly wherein the plug is made of rubber.
- Further disclosed is a mounting system for a holster, the holster having a grooved stud, the mounting system comprising a mount for attachment to a wearer, a bracket affixed to the mount, the bracket having an upper and lower retention point, lower retention point comprising a track with a lower limit for receiving and retaining the grooved stud, and a lever lock unit for attachment to the holster, the lever lock unit having an aperture for the upper retention point and a lever handle pivotally mounted within the lever lock unit for releasably fastening the upper retention point.
- Also disclosed is the above mounting system wherein the upper mounting retention point is a hook having an upper groove. Further disclosed is the above mounting system, the lever handle comprising a handle and locking flange, wherein by movement of the lever handle the locking flange is received within the upper groove of the hook such that the hook is releasably locked within the aperture.
- Disclosed is the above mounting system, wherein the mount is a waist mount, a leg mount or a vest mount. Further disclosed is the above mounting system, wherein the mount is a vest mount, and the garment material is sandwiched between the vest mount and the bracket. Also disclosed is the above mounting system, wherein the mount is a leg mount and comprises one or more side ridges for mounting accessories, and central basin for attachment to the bracket. Also disclosed is the above mounting system, wherein the mount is an arcuate belt mount for attachment to a duty belt, the belt mount comprising a lower extension fastened to the bracket, the fastening point forming a pivot, a first set of holes, and a second, lower set of holes, each position of the lower set of holes at the midpoint of a corresponding position in the upper set of bolt holes and the pivot point such that the angle of the mount on the bracket is adjustable by different positioning of bolts in the holes.
-
FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a one-button self-loading holster; -
FIG. 1 b is an exploded view of the one-button self-loading holster showing the locking mechanism; -
FIG. 2 a is a side elevation view of the holster; -
FIG. 2 b is a perspective view from below showing the locking mechanism; -
FIG. 2 c is a detail view of the locking mechanism in isolation; -
FIG. 3 a is a side cut-away view of the holster; -
FIG. 3 b is a side cut-away perspective view of the holster, from the opposite side; -
FIG. 4 a is a third side cut-away view of the holster; -
FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of the barrel plug assembly; -
FIG. 4 c is a rear perspective view of the barrel plug assembly; -
FIG. 4 d is a front perspective view of the barrel plug assembly; -
FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of the holster showing the belt mount; -
FIG. 5 b is a detail view of the belt mount in isolation; -
FIG. 5 c is a detail view of the belt mount attached to the bracket; -
FIG. 6 is a detail view of the bracket and belt mount; -
FIG. 7 a is an exploded view of the bracket, holster and lever lock unit; -
FIG. 7 b is an exploded view of the bracket, holster, and an alternate lever lock unit; -
FIG. 8 is a detail view of three different length brackets; -
FIG. 9 is a detail front and rear view of the bracket and vest mount; -
FIG. 10 a is a perspective view of a first leg mount for the holster; and -
FIG. 10 b is perspective view of a second leg mount for the holster. - With reference to
FIG. 1 a, the locking mechanism and mount described herein are for a self-loading holster, wherein the pistol can be loaded within the holster prior to being removed. With reference toFIG. 1 a the self-loading holster is comprised of aholster body 10 and aslide bar 80 slidingly mounted therein. It also has abelt mount 120 attached to theslide bar 80, and abutton 15 for releasing a locking mechanism and permitting thepistol 1 to be reloaded while within theholster 10, and removed from theholster 10. Theslide bar 80, which is attached to thebelt mount 120, engages with the slide (not shown) of an automatic pistol, and the pistol 1 (not shown) fits within theholster 10. When thepistol 1 grip and theholster 10 are pushed down and up again, theslide bar 80 andpistol 1 slide remain in position, and as a result thepistol 1 chambers a round of ammunition while in the holster. - With further reference to
FIG. 1 a, the locking mechanism in theholster 10 is automatically engaged by placing of the pistol 1 (not shown) within theholster 10, so as to retain the pistol (not shown) within theholster 10 until the locks are disengaged by pushing thebutton 15. As will be seen below, it consists of a locking mechanism comprising two locks which retain the pistol 1 (not shown) within theholster 10, until disengaged by release of the mechanism by depressing therelease button 15. - With reference to
FIG. 1 b, an exploded diagram of the components making up theholster 10 are shown, including the components of the locking mechanism and their position relative to the other components with which they interact. The components and their operation will become clear as it is described below. - With reference to
FIG. 2 a, theholster 10 is shown in partial side elevation view, and the locking mechanism (not shown) is contained within theholster casing 12. The locking mechanism (not shown) is moved to a release position as the button is pushed, and returns to a locking position on release of thebutton 15. Thebutton 15 projects from theholster body 10 in the direction of thepistol 1 grip (not shown). Thebutton 15 is spring-loaded and when not depressed returns to the locking position. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 b, 2 b and 2 c, the holster is shown from below in cut-away, from viewpoint A marked onFIG. 2 a. The pistol is shown in mesh. The trigger lock consists of alatch 30 which has at one side anaperture 35 which accommodates apin 37 affixed within thecasing 12, such that thelatch 30 may pivot up and down around the axis created by fixedpin 37. The other end of thelatch 30 consists of atruncated wedge 40, for engagement with thetrigger guard 45. Thelatch 30 is biased to a locked position (downward relative to the drawing) by means of alatch spring 39 mounted on apeg 36, which spring 39 exerts downward pressure on the top of thelatch 30. When contacted by thetrigger guard 45, thewedge 40 is pushed upwards and to a release position, against thespring 39 biasing force, as thetrigger guard 45 slides below thewedge 40. Once thetrigger guard 45 has passed thewedge 40 and no longer holds thewedge 40 up, thewedge 40 closes on thetrigger guard 45 and locks the trigger guard behind thewedge 40. Thewedge 40 may be raised to a release position to permit release of the trigger guard by pushing thebutton 15, which pushes the connectingrod 49 attached to thebutton 15 into thetab 51, whichtab 51 is part of, or attached to, thelatch 30, and pivots saidlatch 30 into a release position. Astop 47 is present and attached to the casing, to receive thetrigger guard 45 and prevent over-insertion. The fitment of thelatch 30 and thestop 47 is dependent on the design of thepistol 1, which varies between manufacturers. Therefore thelatch 30 and stop 47, and indeed all parts in the holster, may be changed in orientation or dimension to accommodate the pistols of different manufacturers and models. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 b, 2 c, 3 a and 3 b, the locking mechanism is shown.FIG. 3 a shows a cutaway of theholster 10, with the holster surface cut away so as to show the internal workings including theslide bar 80.FIG. 3 b shows a cutaway view from the opposite side. The locking mechanism consists of abutton 15, and a sliding connectingrod 49, which sits within arod housing 55. Therod 49 haslimiters 59 at either side which fit within grooves (not shown) of therod housing 55. Thelimiters 59 restrict therod 49 to move within a certain restricted range, and therefore restrict the movement of the push button mechanism within that same range. Therod 49 is biased bysprings 50 pushing against the spring perches 63, so that thebutton 15 is always in the extended position unless depressed by a wearer. Therod 49 has arack 65 at its upper edge, consisting of a set of gears. As therack 65 is connected to therod 49 its movement is directly related to the movement of therod 49. The lower end of the connectingrod 49 also has an interface with the trigger guard lock mechanism, impacting thetab 51. Therod 49, when moved by depression of thebutton 15, moves lower in thehousing 55 and pushes thetab 51. Thetab 51 in turn pivots thewedge 40 of thelatch 30 upwards to an open position to release the trigger lock. - With reference to
FIGS. 2 c, 3 a and 3 b, the slide lock is shown, which serves to prevent movement of the slide relative to the holster body in a self-loading holster, preventing the pistol from being loaded within the holster or being removed from the holster. The slide lock consists of a geared rotatingpinion 70 which is operatively engaged to a corresponding gearedrack 65 on therod 49. Thepinion 70 is geared 72 along part of its circumference, and the opposite side is cut away along a chord or sagitta of the pinion, so as to produce aflat portion 74. Theflat portion 74 may be produced by cutting entirely through thepinion 70, or by cutting partially through thepinion 70, leaving a semi-circular “slice” of thepillion 70 exposed as in the present embodiment, to be used for alignment within the mechanism. As thebutton 15 is pushed and released, therack 65 moves up and down adjacent to thepinion 70. Since the pinion gears 72 are engaged with the gearedrack 65, the movement of therack 65 also rotates thepinion 70. Thepinion 70 may be positioned in one of two positions, the lock position and the release position. In the lock position thepinion 70 projects from theslide housing 77 on which it is mounted into asemi-circular depression 81 on theslide bar 80, such that theslide bar 80 cannot move while thepinion 70 is projecting into the depression. To move from a lock position to a release position, the gearedrack 65 engages with thegears 72 of thepinion 70, rotating thepinion 70 such that theflat portion 74 of thepinion 70 is positioned to form a flush surface with theslide housing 77, permitting theslide bar 80 to move relative to theholster body 10. In this release position, the pinion no longer fills the depression and theslide 80 is free to move. - Accordingly, pushing the
button 15 moves the connectingrod 49 down against the biasing springs 50, and moves two locks to the release position: i) the trigger guard lock is moved to the release position by therod 49 pushing atab 51 which results in the pivoting up of thewedge 40 releasing said lock, and ii) the slide bar lock is moved to the release position by turning thepinion 70 so that theflat portion 74 is flush with theslide bar 80. Therefore if thebutton 15 is pushed, then the pistol can be i) reloaded within the holster, and ii) removed from the holster. The locking mechanism is dust and dirt resistant, and also works when wet. Thesingle button 15 reduces the number of perforations of theholster 10 and makes it more resistant to adverse environments, as compared with multiple lock releases. - With reference to
FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 3 a, 3 b, 4 a and 4 b, the locking mechanism can be positioned in a locking position, which is the case when no pressure is applied to thebutton 15 and it is consequently extended by the force on therod 49 by the rod springs 50. With therod 49 extended, there is no force on thetab 51 so thelatch 30 is biased downward to a locked position over the trigger guard by thelatch spring 39. The pinion will also be in its locking position with therod 49 extended, therefore thepinion 70 extends into, and locks with, thedepression 81, preventing theslide 80 from moving. So when no pressure is exerted on thebutton 15, the pistol cannot be removed and the slide cannot move so as to chamber a round. - The locking mechanism can be placed into a release position by applying pressure to
button 15. When thebutton 15 is depressed, therod 49 moves againstsprings 50, to apply a force totab 51. The force against thetab 51 applies a counterforce to thelatch 30 against thelatch spring 39, so as to open thelatch 30 and release the trigger guard. At the same time, therod 49 and itsrack 65 moves past thepinion 70, rotating thepinion 70 by the meshing of thegears 72, such that theflat portion 74 turns to fall flush with theslide housing 77, permitting theslide bar 80 to move. Therefore, pushing thebutton 15 to put the lock mechanism in a release position allows theslide bar 80 to be moved, so thepistol 1 can be loaded within the self-loadingholster 10. Also, thepistol 1 may be removed from theholster 10, with or without loading thepistol 1 within theholster 10 first. - With reference to
FIG. 4 a, a cut-away view of thepistol 1 within the holster is shown, with the pistol shown as ghost. AccompanyingFIGS. 4 b, 4 c and 4 d show details of the barrel plug assembly. To ensure the safety and cleanliness of the barrel when the gun to be holstered, the barrel (not shown) is sealed with arubber plug 100, which under the pressure of aplug spring 102 is always in contact with the barrel opening (not shown). The barrel plug consists of afrustoconical rubber plug 100 having small and large diameters, which is designed so the small diameter is smaller than the barrel (not shown) allowing theplug 100 to enter the barrel, and the large diameter is larger than the barrel (not shown) so that theplug 100 may form a seal within the barrel. Theplug 100 is biased against the barrel (not shown) by aplug spring 102. Both theplug spring 102 and theplug 100 are slidingly penetrated by asupport rod 104 which projects coaxially with the barrel (not shown) from theholster body 10. When thepistol 1 is positioned within theholster 10, thesupport rod 104 enters the barrel (not shown) and the spring-biasedplug 100 pushes up against the barrel opening (not shown) to form a seal. Thesupport rod 104 is mounted in a base 103 that fastens within theholster 10, thebase 103 being exchangeable to accommodate different dimensions ofholster 10 orpistol 1. As can be seen fromFIG. 2 c the end of the slide bar has ahole 31 to accommodate the barrel plug assembly. Theplug 100 size and plugspring 102 strength can be changed according to the barrel (not shown) diameter and distance from the end of theholster 10, as well as the properties of the material of theplug 100. Theslide bar 80 has two slide bar springs 106 shown inFIG. 2 , which springs are mounted to thebase 103 by means of aconnective pin 107, which is positioned and held within thebase 103. - With reference to
FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 6, a rear perspective of theholster 10 showing a mounting system comprising a holster, mount and bracket. A mount such as the displayedbelt mount 120 facilitates attachment to a wearer by a duty belt, and is generally symmetrical so it can worn on either side. InFIGS. 5 a-c, abelt mount 120 is shown having twobelt loops 124 therein. Thearcuate belt mount 120 has anextension 125 below to facilitate attachment to thebracket 140, theextension 125 having a bolt therethrough forming apivot point 129. Thebelt mount 120 has two sets of bolt holes, anupper set 130 a andlower set 130 b that are adjustable in several different positions depending on through which holes thebolts 128 are positioned. If the holes are very close together, thelower set 130 b in particular may consist of a slot instead. Depending on the bolt positioning and the orientation of the sets of bolt holes 130 a, 130 b, an angle of up to 30° from center may be achieved. Each set of bolt holes 130, 130 b sits in acorresponding sink bolts 128 are flush with the surface. Thebelt mount 120 position on thebracket 140 is adjustable by means of thebolts 128 in the bolt holes 130 a, 130 b being moved into different positions, each adjustable bolt holes 130 having several holes therethrough, each beside one another, while thebelt mount 120 pivots around thepivot point 129 through theextension 125, the position ofpivot point 129 being fixed. - With reference to
FIGS. 6 and 7 a, the belt mount is shown from the bracket side, thebracket 140 having been removed from theholster 10. Thebracket 140 is seen withbolts bracket 140 sits higher or lower relative to thebelt mount 120. Thebracket 140 has alower retention point 150 and anupper retention point 160. Thelower retention point 150 in formed around anaperture 156 and consists of an up-facingwider entry 151 and a restrictedtrack 152, restricted by twosides 153 projecting into thetrack 152, which sides join at a lower end to form a U-shapedlower limit 154, and each terminate at the upper end in alip 155 projecting from the surface of thebracket 140. Theupper retention point 160 is a hook in the form of a modified frustoconical projection with anupper groove 162 on its upper side. Thebracket 140 may use certain alignment tabs to assist aligning thebracket 140 with thebelt mount 120. - With further reference to
FIG. 7 a, thelower retention point 150 of thebracket 140 is adapted to receive the projectingstud 167 fastened to theslide bar 80. Thestud 167 projects through aslot 168 in theholster 10, so that the holster containing thepistol 1 body may be pushed downward around theslide bar 80 to load thepistol 1. Theslide bar 80 is, by means of the lower and upper retention points 150, 160 attached to the wearer and remains in place while the rest of theholster 10 descends to reload thepistol 1. The diameter of thestud 167 is broader than the restrictedtrack 152; however the stud has a circumferential groove 170 which is narrower than and fits within thecorresponding track 152. This limits the groovedstud 167 within thetrack 152, so that it enters the lower retention point via theentry 151, the groove 170 fits within the track and so thatstud 167 can slide into thetrack 152 to rest in thelower limit 154 such that the grooved stud is retained therein. It is removed by the reverse process, always constricted by thetrack 152 within the groove 170.Plate 84 on theslide bar 80 has twoattachment posts 83 and anopening 85 for the tip of theupper retention point 160. Alever lock unit 175 is fastened to theslide bar 80 byposts 83, which fit throughpost holes 179 in the lever lock unit. The post holes 179 are affixed over the posts by bolts (not shown) that are countersunk. Thelever lock unit 175 has alever handle 180 pivotally mounted within it, the lever handle 180 having a lockingflange 182 attached, which flange 182 is for placement withinupper groove 162. The lever lock unit has aretention aperture 184 for receiving theupper retention point 160. Once positioned within theretention aperture 184, theupper retention point 160 of thebracket 140 is releasably fastened therein by a lowering of the lever handle 180 to be flush with the side of thelever lock unit 175, which in turn slides theflange 182 into theupper groove 162 of theupper retention point 160. To release theupper retention point 160 from theretention aperture 184, thelever handle 180 is raised, which causes theflange 182 within thelever lock unit 175 to slide out of theupper groove 162 of theupper retention point 160 and out of the way. In this way theholster 10 may be easily removed from and replaced on thebracket 140 andbelt mount 120, and may also be replaced on the vest mount 200 (not shown) and leg mount 210 (not shown). Moving the holster between mount locations (waist, leg and vest) is mandatory where a certain location is inconvenient, for instance where the wearer enters a confined space such as an armored vehicle. In this case the vest mount 200 (not shown) is more appropriate, narrowing the body's profile and allowing access even in confined spaces. For adjusting for the appropriate angle for the holster to lean away from the wearer, the lever lock unit is available in several thicknesses as shown inFIG. 7 b. For example, where the wearer is wearing a tactical or bulletproof vest, a thicker lever lock unit would be preferable, so that the pistol does not catch on the vest as it is being removed from the holster. Where the wearer has a civilian uniform or no body protection the angle should be closer to the body hence the thinner lever lock unit is selected for this application. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the holster may be fastened to the mount directly or to the mount by means of the bracket by any other means, such as bolts or strapping, and need not use the removable and replaceable system using upper and lower retention points as described above; use of another fastening means does not deviate from the scope of the invention. - With reference to
FIG. 8 , threeadjustable brackets 140 are shown, 192, 194 and 196.Bracket 192 is shorter in length to accommodate ashorter holster 10 for a shorter pistol. As a result of its length,bracket 192 has only three holes for eachbolt strip 133.Bracket 194 is shorter thanbracket 196. Each has fivebolt holes 134 in eachbolt strip 133, however the bolt strips 133 onbracket 194 are set lower than the bolt strips 133 onbracket 196, in order that they are able to fit in the shorter overall length. Thelower retention point 150 is of the same dimensions for all three embodiments, as are the upper retention points 160. - The
bracket 140 can be used with several other mounts as well, in addition to thebelt mount 120 described above. In one embodiment, with reference toFIG. 9 , avest mount 200 is shown, which also attaches to thebracket 140. The bracket is fastened to thevest mount 200 by fourbolts 202, which pass through the bolt holes 134 in the bolt strips 133, and are affixed into the nuts 207. The structure of thevest mount 200 is as a convex piece of smooth rigid material with reinforcingridges 205 along its width and a reinforcingridge 209 from top to bottom, to ensure rigidity of thevest mount 200. The garment material, for example material of a tactical vest, is placed between thevest mount 200 and thatbracket 140, anywhere the wearer chooses, such that thebolts 202 passthrough the material (not shown) in affixing the two pieces together, with thevest mount 200 andbracket 140 sandwiching the material. Thevest mount 200 may be affixed to a bulletproof vest but does not pierce the material of the vest itself, rather the cover of the bulletproof vest only. The area of attachment using the fourbolts 202 is broad enough that the vest mount provides a stable platform on which to mount the holster. - With reference to
FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, a leg mount is shown in a firstaccessories leg mount 210 and a secondholster leg mount 211. Theholster leg mount 211 is for mounting the holster 10 (not shown) to a leg, while theaccessories leg mount 210 is for holding accessories and providing a counterweight to the holster leg mount, as theholster leg mount 211 can weigh 2 kg-3 kg encumbered with a pistol and holster. Eachleg mount side ridges 215 perforated withbolt holes 216 for mounting accessories (not shown) to, such as a knife, ammunition, a first aid kit or a flashlight pouch. Theaccessories leg mount 210 has afurther center ridge 220 to which further accessories (not shown) may be mounted. Theholster leg mount 211 has a positive center attachment point for thebracket 140 in the form of acentral basin 222 on theleg mount 211 perforated bybolt holes 216 and surrounded by alip 223 in the outline of thebracket 140. Thebracket 140 may then bolted to theleg mount 211, and once mounted resists twisting as a result of thelip 223. Once thebracket 140 is mounted, as previously described the holster 10 (not shown) may be removably attached. Each of the leg mounts 210 and 211 havelower loops 230 which are typically attached to a rubber or fabric leg strap (not shown).Upper loops 232 are present to attach theleg mount upper loops 232 are intended to be used in conjunction withlower loops 230, and either or both set ofloops - The mounts described above and
holster 10 may be made from plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber or metal, and construction techniques for these materials would be known in the art. With reference toFIG. 11 , for reference the four drawings demonstrate the reverse spring-loaded action of the self-loading holster for semi-automatic and automatic pistols, an action enabling thepistol 1 to change from an unloaded state, shown inStage 1 to a loaded state shown in Stage 3, while still in the holster. This functions from the movement of theholster body 10 and theslide bar 80 relative to one another, shown in - Stage 2. The
slide bar 80 remains affixed to the duty belt (not shown) by means ofbelt mount 120, securing the upper portion of thepistol 1, or the “breech block” of thepistol 1 in a fixed position relative to the duty belt (not shown). Theholster body 10, which contains the lower portion of thepistol 1, moves downward, resulting in the loading of a live round of ammunition into the pistol's firing chamber as the breach block and the lower portion of thepistol 1 move relative to one another. The loadedpistol 1 may then be removed from theholster 10 and discharged, as shown in Stage 4. - Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1. A locking mechanism for a self-loading holster having a slide bar, the mechanism having locked and release positions, comprising:
a. a connecting rod having a button and a geared rack along a top edge;
b. a pivoting latch for retaining a trigger guard and biased to a locked position; and
c. a rotating pinion, having gears around part of its circumference, and a flat portion on another part of its circumference, biased to a locked position wherein the pinion projects into a depression of the side bar, preventing movement of the slide bar;
wherein pushing of the button causes the locking mechanism to move from the locked position to a release position, the connecting rod pushing the latch to a release position and pushing the rack to move past the pinion gears, rotating the pinion and exposing the flat portion to the depression, such that the pinion no longer projects into the depression and the slide bar is free to move.
2. The locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the latch pivots on a pin, and the end of the latch opposite the pin has a truncated wedge that is pushed upwards when impacted by a trigger guard, the wedge closing on the trigger guard as the trigger guard passes the wedge and biased to close by means of a spring.
3. The locking mechanism of claim 2 , wherein in a release position the connecting rod impacts a tab projecting from the latch so as to pivot the latch into an open position.
4. The locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the absence of a segment of the pinion forms the flat portion.
5. The locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the sagitta of the flat portion is equal in distance to the amount that the pinion projects into the depression.
6. The locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the connecting rod is biased into an extended position by one or more springs, so as to return to an extended position when no force is applied to the button.
7. A barrel plug assembly, for sealing the barrel of a pistol within a holster to prevent the entry of foreign materials, comprising:
a. a support rod projecting coaxially with the barrel, for positioning within the barrel, the support rod mounted to a base fastened within a holster;
b. a plug slidingly penetrated by the support rod; and
c. a spring fitted between the plug and the base and penetrated by the support rod, for biasing the plug against the barrel.
8. The plug assembly of claim 7 wherein the plug is made of rubber.
9. A mounting system for a holster, the holster having a grooved stud, the mounting system comprising:
a. a mount for attachment to a wearer;
b. a bracket affixed to the mount, the bracket having an upper and lower retention point, lower retention point comprising a track with a lower limit for receiving and retaining the grooved stud; and
c. a lever lock unit for attachment to the holster, the lever lock unit having an aperture for the upper retention point and a lever handle pivotally mounted within the lever lock unit for releasably fastening the upper retention point.
10. The mounting system of claim 9 wherein the upper retention point is a hook having an upper groove.
11. The mounting system of claim 10 , the lever handle comprising a handle and locking flange, wherein by movement of the lever handle the locking flange is received within the upper groove of the hook such that the hook is releasably locked within the aperture.
12. The mounting system of claim 9 , wherein the mount is a waist mount, a leg mount or a vest mount.
13. The mounting system of claim 9 , wherein the mount is a vest mount, and the garment material is sandwiched between the vest mount and the bracket.
14. The mounting system of claim 9 , wherein the mount is a leg mount and comprises one or more side ridges for mounting accessories, and a central basin for attachment to the bracket.
15. The mounting system of claim 9 , wherein the mount is an arcuate belt mount for attachment to a duty belt, the belt mount comprising:
a. a lower extension fastened to the bracket, the fastening point forming a pivot;
b. a first set of holes; and
c. a second, lower set of holes, each position of the lower set of holes at the midpoint of a corresponding position in the upper set of bolt holes and the pivot point
such that the angle of the mount on the bracket is adjustable by different positioning of bolts in the holes.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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CA2757777A CA2757777A1 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2011-11-14 | Safety holster locking mechanism and mounts |
CA2757777 | 2011-11-14 | ||
PCT/CA2012/001037 WO2013071402A1 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2012-11-14 | Safety holster locking mechanism and mounts |
Publications (1)
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US20150285587A1 true US20150285587A1 (en) | 2015-10-08 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/261,895 Abandoned US20150285587A1 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2012-11-14 | Safety holster locking mechanism and mounts |
Country Status (8)
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US (1) | US20150285587A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2780655A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104040283A (en) |
BR (1) | BR112014012234A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2757777A1 (en) |
CO (1) | CO6970577A2 (en) |
IL (1) | IL232633A0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013071402A1 (en) |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20150285588A1 (en) * | 2014-03-10 | 2015-10-08 | Kelly Irwin | Locking holster for a firearm |
USD801041S1 (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-10-31 | Vista Outdoor Operations Llc | Holster |
USD803707S1 (en) * | 2016-04-25 | 2017-11-28 | Safety Trace, LLC | Electronics enclosure for holster |
USD806382S1 (en) * | 2016-07-14 | 2018-01-02 | N82 Tactial, Inc. | Holster for a handgun |
US10066902B2 (en) | 2009-11-09 | 2018-09-04 | Vista Outdoor Operations Llc | Holster having a rotatable lockout element |
US20180347940A1 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2018-12-06 | Franco Resca | Holster |
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US3915361A (en) * | 1974-03-22 | 1975-10-28 | Safariland Ltd Inc | Holster with adjustable mounting clip |
AU4589196A (en) * | 1996-03-04 | 1997-09-11 | Two Thousand And One Technology Inc | Mobile telephone hanging device |
AT410976B (en) * | 1999-09-21 | 2003-09-25 | Glock Gaston | HOLSTER |
US6230946B1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2001-05-15 | Albert W. Vor Keller | Safety holster for preventing access to a firearm by unauthorized users |
WO2003064957A1 (en) * | 2002-01-29 | 2003-08-07 | Rassias John N | High security holster assembly and enclosure system |
US7461765B2 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2008-12-09 | Michaels Of Oregon Co. | Security hood for handgun holsters and the like |
MXPA06002638A (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2006-06-05 | John N Rassias | Security holster with locking lever. |
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EP2204630A3 (en) * | 2009-01-06 | 2013-06-12 | Evgeny Abushaev | Self-loading holster for semi-automatic or automatic pistols |
-
2011
- 2011-11-14 CA CA2757777A patent/CA2757777A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-11-14 CN CN201280067055.3A patent/CN104040283A/en active Pending
- 2012-11-14 BR BR112014012234A patent/BR112014012234A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2012-11-14 EP EP12850239.0A patent/EP2780655A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-11-14 US US13/261,895 patent/US20150285587A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-11-14 WO PCT/CA2012/001037 patent/WO2013071402A1/en active Application Filing
-
2014
- 2014-05-14 IL IL232633A patent/IL232633A0/en unknown
- 2014-06-05 CO CO14121210A patent/CO6970577A2/en unknown
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USD881557S1 (en) | 2019-01-18 | 2020-04-21 | Vista Outdoor Operations Llc | Holster |
US11268786B2 (en) | 2019-07-26 | 2022-03-08 | Shtf Gear Llc | Holster system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CO6970577A2 (en) | 2014-06-13 |
CN104040283A (en) | 2014-09-10 |
CA2757777A1 (en) | 2013-05-14 |
IL232633A0 (en) | 2014-06-30 |
EP2780655A1 (en) | 2014-09-24 |
WO2013071402A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
BR112014012234A2 (en) | 2017-06-13 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |