EP1510773A1 - Security and retention device for a hand gun - Google Patents

Abstract

The device a cover (5) that pivots towards front of a gun casing around an imaginary axis perpendicular to a vertical axis of the casing, when a carrier is introduced into or drawn out of the casing. The cover rotates around the same axis in closed position, when gun is completely reintroduced into the casing, to retain and secure the gun even when the gun is out of the casing.

Description

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a automatic safety and retention cover for sheath, particularly intended for an individual weapon of fist.

• à partir du moment où est réalisée l'unique opération d'introduction de l'arme dans la gaine;
• jusqu'au moment où, seul, le porteur décide de retirer l'arme de sa gaine par un mouvement naturel de prise en main de l'arme, en vue de son utilisation et sans autre opération.

Such a cover is part of the secure retention device of the weapon in its sheath, intended to be automatically operational:

• from the moment when the only operation of introduction of the weapon in the sheath is carried out;
• until only the wearer decides to remove the weapon from its sheath by a natural movement of grip of the weapon, for use and without further operation.

The invention also relates to the sheath handgun using said cover of security and retention.

Technological background and state of the art

Users of handguns, and mainly those who exercise a maintenance mission of public order, desire a sheath in which the weapon is secure until the moment the bearer decides to remove from the sheath.

The weapon must remain secure also during violent activities that may be necessary by public security maintenance missions, including understood during physical contact. The sheath must prevent the extraction of the weapon by other non authorized. However, it must allow stripping fast of the weapon by the carrier in case of necessity. This action must be not only fast, but also simple, safe and compatible with a stress situation.

We know different retention systems and security for handgun in a sheath but these do not present in themselves and in all cases the whole desiderata mentioned above.

Handgun sheaths made the subject of a large number of (applications for) patents, such as for example US-A-2002 / 153,396, WO-A-02 057 701, US-A-2002/017 541, US-A-6,283,351, EP-A-0 971 196, US-A-5,855 305, US-A-5,451,023, US-A-5,419,474, US-A-5,395,021, US-A-5 150,825, US-A-4,934,574, US-A-4,836,425, US-A-4,721,238, CA-A-2,108,496, AU-A-7,302,194, AU-A-671,767, etc.

As shown in Figures 1.a and 1.b, a handgun sheath 1 consists of a body which has an outer side 2 and an inner side 3, by reference at the position of the carrier of the weapon. These inner sides 3 and external 2 can be formed in one piece made in one or more subjects. This piece has a shape and characteristics such as folding it, we can unite its two ends either directly one to the other, either by a joining system.

Both sides of the sheath can also to be separate pieces that are attached to the front and to the back of the sheath, either directly or by a junction system 4. The junction system 4 can serve as a guide for the weapon in the sheath and / or as a any system of retention of the weapon in the sheath. The sheath can also be built around a frame.

In addition, the handgun sheath has a front part, which by definition is oriented towards the front of the weapon carrier and a rear part, located opposite of the front part. The aforementioned junction is usually performed in the back part.

In general, a thong or a system of straps bridged on the top of the sheath between the two aforementioned sides and helps to maintain the weapon in the sheath. This closure is either simple, under the shape of a fixed strap on one side and a tie by push button on the other, either includes a device type "thumb snap" which opens by lateral pressure of thumb of the wearer.

Thong closure is usually used on almost all ducts of the state of the even those with internal retention. The use of thongs in the sheaths presents nevertheless disadvantages. Indeed, the required gestures for the use of the thong, its opening and closure, are additional gestures to the taking of the weapon, generally complicated and not very compatible with the correct and prompt use of a handgun.

Goals of the invention

The present invention aims to provide a solution that overcomes the disadvantages of the state of the technique.

Starting from the observation that it does not exist many ways to unsheath a handgun, a goal of the invention is to provide the sheath with one or more retention systems designed and combined in such a way that taking the gun out of the sheath is the most natural possible for the wearer and very difficult and complicated for a third.

The purpose of the invention is precisely to provide an ergonomic and anatomical combination of retention implemented via a safety cover.

In addition, the invention aims to provide a handgun sheath with safety device and retention that does not require the implementation of a strap.

Main characteristic elements of the invention

• pivotant vers l'avant, d'une position fermée vers une position ouverte, lorsque le porteur introduit l'arme dans la gaine ou lorsqu'il dégaine l'arme, autour d'un axe imaginaire perpendiculaire à l'axe vertical de la gaine et situé entre le côté externe et le côté interne;
• pivotant ensuite automatiquement autour du même axe en retour vers sa position fermée sous l'effet d'une force de rappel, lorsque l'arme est complètement réintroduite dans la gaine, retenant et sécurisant par là ladite arme ou encore lorsqu'elle est sortie de la gaine.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to an automatic security and retention device for weapon sheath, preferably a handgun, said sheath comprising a body provided with an outer side and an inner side, characterized in that the device comprises a safety and retention cover, connecting from above the outer side and the inner side of the sheath body and:

• pivoting forwards from a closed position to an open position when the wearer introduces the weapon into the sheath or when unsheathing the weapon, about an imaginary axis perpendicular to the vertical axis of the sheath and located between the outer side and the inner side;
• then automatically pivoting about the same axis back to its closed position under the effect of a restoring force, when the weapon is completely reintroduced into the sheath, thereby retaining and securing said weapon or when it is released from sheath.

Advantageously, the return force is generated by a spring mechanism whose ends are fixed respectively to the cover and the body of the sheath.

According to the invention, the attachment to the intersection of the imaginary axis with the said sides of the sheath is carried out either on one side by a pivot mechanism and spring and the other side by a pivot mechanism, either by two mechanisms of pivot and spring on the two sides of the body of the sheath.

An essential characteristic of the invention, according to a first embodiment of this one, is that said cover has, in view of its opening when stripping or sheathing the weapon by the carrier, an extension capable of coming into contact ergonomically and anatomically with the lateral face external of the wearer's hand including the lateral face external of its index and the zone included in the angle metacarpal-phalangeal index finger and thumb.

Advantageously, the extension comprises a roulette facilitating the sliding of the hand against the lid.

Always according to this first modality preferred embodiment; the above-mentioned device comprises In addition, as an added security, a lock of vertically operated trigger guard, for example of the push-button type and effective along a 90 ° axis with respect to this joystick, operable by the thumb of the wearer.

According to a second execution modality preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover has, in view of its opening when stripping or sheathing the weapon by the carrier, a rim on the internal rear side lid provides an ergonomic thumb rest carrier to pivot the cover forward.

Preferably, the rim comprises notches or is shaped in such a way that it allows adaptation to the shape of the weapon and / or its referred.

Still according to this second modality preferred embodiment, the aforementioned device comprises In addition, as an added security, a lock of vertically operated trigger guard, for example of the push-button type and effective along a 90 ° axis with respect to this joystick, operable by the thumb of the wearer.

Alternatively, always according to this second preferred embodiment, the device mentioned above, in addition, as a security measure additional, a side-operated trigger guard latch, housed at a rear junction of the sheath and actionable by the wearer's thumb.

Advantageously, the lateral trigger guard latch includes a lever arm externally terminated by a leg that can be actuated by the wearer, whose fulcrum is found at the lower end of the lock, the lock proper comprising a cylindrical protuberance truncated capable of penetrating the sheath inside the weapon's trigger, when it is introduced completely in the sheath and a return spring now at rest the latch against the inner wall of the sheath, said protuberance being then prominent to the place from inside the trigger guard.

Still advantageously, the device of the invention further comprises a strap of safety bridge, once secured, between the two sides above the sheath or on one side of the sheath of a part and on the cover and / or the lock on the other hand.

Preferably, the strap is fixed either permanently on one side of the sheath and removably by a push button on the other side, on the lid and / or on the lock, or removably by a button to pressure on each side.

Still according to the invention, the lid covers rear sight organs of the weapon, possibly also on the front part of the sheath, especially visible parts in the dark said organs.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a handgun sheath comprising a automatic security and retention device possessing the characteristics set out above.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a side-operated dowel lock for sheath handgun, housed at a rear junction of the sheath and actuable by the thumb of the carrier of the weapon, characterized in that it comprises a completed lever arm externally by a tab configured to be operated by the wearer's thumb, whose fulcrum is at the lower end of the lock, the lock itself comprising a truncated cylindrical protrusion capable of penetrate into the sheath inside the weapon's trigger guard, when it is inserted completely into the sheath and a return spring now at rest the latch against the inner wall of the sheath whose protuberance is then protruding at the place of the interior of the trigger guard.

Advantageously, when introducing the weapon in the sheath, the passage of the pontet force automatically removing the truncated protuberance, this one then blocking the trigger guard automatically in the opposite direction after the introduction of the weapon.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1.a, already mentioned above, schematically represents a form of execution of a safety cover 5 for handgun according to the invention, in open position corresponding to the natural position of the hand taking the weapon. Lid safety device is combined with a sleeve having a system internal retention type jumper lock.

Figure 1.b, already mentioned above, schematically represents the safety cover of the Figure 1.a in closed position by automatic return.

Figure 2.a schematically represents a cover with side caster 6 outer side. This kind of cover is only used with a trigger guard vertical push type. The outer face of the index finger supports on the roulette of the lid while the thumb of the other side pushes the trigger guard lock down to release the lock.

Figure 2.b shows that by entering the the butt of the weapon, the outer face of the index finger, which relies on the wheel 6 of the cover 5, releases it completely. On the other side, the thumb clears completely the trigger guard lock.

Figure 2.c shows a rear view showing the thumb pressing the lock control trigger guard 8 which releases it. The outer face of the index has elsewhere cleared the lid by tilting it towards forward.

Figure 3.a shows a view, in position closed, of a mechanical device of axis and spring of the security cover of the invention.

Figure 3.b shows in view, in position open, the device of Figure 3.a.

Figures 4.a and 4.b represent schematically, respectively in the closed position and open, an embodiment of internal trigger lock with lateral control, according to the invention.

Figures 5.a, 5.b, 5.c and 5.d represent different lid designs with inner rim opening and control tab of the internal lock of the trigger guard.

Figures 6.a and 6.b show, in one view exterior and interior view respectively, the thumb position in the natural movement of the hand for grab the weapon in the sheath.

Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

The present invention has the following remarkable features.

Automatic safety and retention cover (Fig. 1.a and 1.b)

The lid 5 is a part made in one material which may be rigid or stiffened either by an armature, either by a stiffening treatment. This room is installed on the upper part of the body of the sheath 1. It connects from the top the side internal 3 and the outer side 2 of the sheath.

The lid 5 pivots to the front of the sheath around an imaginary axis located between the side internal 3 and the outer side 2 of the sheath. This pivoting forward defines the open position of the cover (Fig. 1.a.). Fixing at the intersection of the imaginary axis with said sides is realized, on one side by a mechanism of pivot and spring attached to said side of the body of the sheath and by a pivot system on the other side of the body of the sheath, or by two mechanisms of pivot and spring on both sides of the body of the sheath.

An example of a particular embodiment for this mechanism is shown in Figure 3.a. The part of fixing on the cover 51 is pivoting around the part attaching to the side of the sheath 57, around a pivot axis 55 (for a left sheath, we return the piece in the other direction). The cover is back by a spring 54 attached on the one hand to a pin 53 integral with the portion 51 and secondly with a pin 56 integral with part 57. Pin 53 is housed in a location of attachment of spring 52 for straight duct (or 58 for left sheath).

The lid and its system of pivots and springs can also be installed on the frame of the sheath or on the frame (or an extension of it) of a internal retention system of the weapon in the sheath.

The pivoting of the lid is limited to forward at a distance necessary and sufficient for allow the weapon to be released from the sheath by pulling it upwards (Fig. 3.b). Pivoting backwards, defining the closed position of the lid, is limited so that the lid is in the axis of verticality duct (Fig. 3.a) and to prevent the extraction of the weapon, possibly accidental or malicious. The lid 5 is held in position closed or is pushed to this rear position by the spring system 54 coupled to the axis system 55 of the cover of the sheath.

The shape of the lid, its ergonomics, its positioning on the sheath relative to the weapon, its functioning, its compatibility with other security or retention and the combination of these different elements give the sheath remarkable security of the weapon as found in the sheath that during its extraction out of the sheath and when introducing the weapon into the sheath. These advantages do not exist on securing and retaining the state of the art or in any case on these devices used alone.

In addition, the operating principle of the cover encourages the wearer to adopt a grip of the correct weapon and complies with the safety rules of the stripping.

The lid covers a significant part the weapon and its organs, making access to it very limited, without presenting the major disadvantages of traditional lids.

By the implementation of the cover of the invention, it is made very difficult to another person than the wearer to adopt a position of taking into hand which opens the security cover and which releases the internal retention system.

Opening the lid

By pivoting forward, opening of the lid is carried out mainly in two ways described below.

First, this opening is done by the hand of the wearer in a proper movement for grab a handgun out of a sheath for his use in compliance with safety standards elementary.

To do this, according to the present invention and as shown in Figures 2.a and 2.b, one of the forms preferred embodiment of the lid 5 is such that extension 6 of the cover, the outer side of the sheath and towards the back come, when straightening by the wearer, naturally in contact with the external lateral face of the shooter's hand including the outer lateral face of his index finger and the zone included in the metacarpal-phalangeal angle index finger and thumb. This extension can be equipped with a rolling system (roulette 6), or a other artifact on demand, facilitating the slide of this part of the hand against the lid. This roulette however, is an optional accessory.

The shape of the lid 5 is such that it is automatically pushed to the open position by the natural movement of the shooter's hand when it picks up the butt of the handgun to extract it from the sheath in accordance with basic safety standards, for example and without limitation, a firm hold and definitive without having the index on the trigger of the weapon at when it is extracted from the sheath but in position such that the shooter can, immediately and once the firing position reached, decide to achieve this touch with the relaxation. Advantageously, no other operation than that which corresponds to the correct handling of the weapon for stripping for this type of sheath and security, is not necessary.

Second, this lid opening 5 is performed spontaneously by the handgun itself during the movement of natural introduction of the weapon in the sheath.

Closing the lid

According to the present invention, the closure of the lid 5 is automatic. First, once the weapon is completely reintroduced into the sheath she releases the lid from its open position, brought previously pivoted forward. The lid 5 can then pivot back and return automatically in its closed position. This movement is caused by the spring system 54 coupled to the pivot mechanism 55 of the cover of the sheath.

Once the weapon is introduced into the sheath, the safety cover, automatically closed, prevents the weapon to be extracted from the sheath because the upper part of the bridge cover between the inner sides 3 and outer 2 of the sheath prevents the extraction of the weapon out of the sheath.

The lid forms at the same time a protection for the cartridge firing system if the dog of the firing system is external to the weapon. In this case, the lid supports the setting of the weapon in the sheath with the armed dog or with the unarmed dog.

Thus, the simple complete reintroduction of the weapon in the sheath automatically secures the weapon without another additional maneuver.

Second, when the weapon is extracted from the sheath, the lid closes automatically. We could imagine that it remains stuck in position opened. However, the principle is, on the one hand, that the weapon is automatically secured by the introduction in the sheath and, on the other hand, that it can be used natural way by the wearer. The need to have a open locking system and therefore also unlocking would go against this principle and would be moreover a complication useless and dangerous.

Coverage of target organs

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closed lid covers the rear sight organs of the weapon and in particular the sighting devices provided with visible parts in the dark or near-darkness able to equip handguns, thus decreasing the danger for the wearer to be more easily spotted. The The design of the lid may also be such as to provide also this cover of the rear target body on the front part of the sheath.

Positioning the lid with respect to the weapon .

This one is obtained by plays of parts forming the separation thickness of the back junction two sides of the sheath, the outer side and the inner side.

Generally, several types, models or different brands of handguns are available, especially for law enforcement and security forces.

The principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the body of the sheath and the cover are standard or quasi-standard (2 or 3 models basic). Only the set of parts of the rear junction of the sheath is specific to a given weapon, its design marrying the shape the part constituted by the trigger guard and the under the carcass or barrel of the handgun.

Thus, according to the invention, the same body of sheath can be common to several weapon models, which is not currently the case with the separation pieces at the junction of both sides of the sheath described in the state of the art.

Locking strap

In addition, a thong can be coupled to security cover of the invention (not shown). This strap is used during interventions where the security of the weapon must be reinforced, such as crowd control, where in principle the use of the weapon fire is only tolerated as a last resort and on order express. The strap can be fixed either permanent on one side and detachably by one or several snap buttons on the other side of the sheath, on the body of the sheath or ideally on the lid of in such a way, depending on its design or shape, to block the functioning, either by snap buttons on both sides of the sheath, on the body of the sheath on one side and either on the body of the sheath or ideally on the cover on the other side, in such a way, according to his drawing or its shape, to block its operation. The thong blocks the opening of the lid. It can also block the internal retention system by the same principle that it can block the lid, the type of fastening of the strap on the retention system of the trigger guard depending on the specific system installed.

Use in conjunction with other retentions (Patented)

The safety cover of the invention can be used in cooperation with other systems of retention of the weapon in the sheath, including of retention at the level of the bridge of the weapon that are usually attached to or form the joining system back of the inner side and the outer side of the body of the sheath (see US-A-5,419,474 or corresponding patents CA-A-2 108,496, AU-A-7,302,194 and AU-A-671,767).

These systems also advocate release of the weapon from its safe position in the sheath compatible with the correct grip of the weapon for stripping. This movement is compromised by the thong or the "thumb snap" which serves to avoid a stripping too easy by a third party. The invention finds a solution to this issue.

Optional lanyard can be used together with the device of the invention but its use is limited to certain situations well accurate.

Side locking system of the trigger guard

It has been found that a locking system automatic jumper operated with the thumb so to actuate a push-button releasing a lock of trigger guard, itself operating on a 90 ° axis relative to at the push stick, can sometimes pose a problem when we want to make it work automatically (recall and automatic lock).

To optimize the combination of such a lock with the use of the safety cover according to the invention, it is necessary to adopt a simpler principle trigger lock operation. In the option proposed, the thumb is used to open the security cover; for this purpose, a rim 7 is arranged on the rear part cover 5 (see Figures 5.a to 5.d).

The lid 5 thus has a flange 7 on the inner side of its rear part, this edge serving to receive the thumb pressure that rocks the cover forward as the index did it using roulette.

Still according to another embodiment, the pusher that controls the trigger guard latch is replaced by a side- operated tab 80 which is part of, or is attached to, the latch.

According to the invention, the latch 80 is housed in a structure that attaches to the rear junction a sheath (Figure 4.a). This internal bolt lock lateral control comprises a carcass 81, a bottom 82, a cover 83 (which can be part of the body of the sheath), a rear screw system of the body of the sheath 84, a return spring 85, the lock proper 86 and the control tab of the lock 87. As such, it is located on the sheath in a similar way to the control lock vertical; he can even use the existing structure vertical devices (possibly patented).

The latch 80 pivots like a lever 87 whose fulcrum is at the end lower. The bolt makes leverage and is maintained glued to the inner wall of the sheath by a spring of 85. The joystick for the thumb extends the lever arm.

The face of the lock that is applied against the inner wall of the sheath has a protuberance truncated cylindrical 88 that enters the sheath at the place of the inside of the trigger guard when the weapon is introduced completely into the sheath.

The truncated upward portion 88 of the sheath also serves to open the lock by the pressure of the trigger of the weapon which is introduced into the sheath. When the weapon is introduced into the sheath, after the trigger guard has forced the opening of the lock, it closes by the action of the return spring 85, the protuberance cylindrical 88 thus being in the passage of the trigger guard and thus preventing the weapon from being extracted.

The joystick for the thumb that extends the latch is used to rotate the latch on its fulcrum, which removes the cylindrical protrusion 88 of the passage of the trigger guard and allows to extract the weapon of the sheath (Figure 4.b).

The joystick for the thumb is extended until coming sufficiently high above the handle of the weapon in the sheath, at an ideal position for that the thumb can control it in the movement of seizure of the weapon. This height may therefore vary according to weapon type, the exact shape of the joystick in its part contact with the thumb may also vary depending on the type of weapons that differ in shape, angle and the butt thickness and according to the type of sheath on which the system is installed (the controller can also be configured for the middle finger of the hand that grips the buttstock of the weapon).

This lock device, however, does not offer only all the necessary security guarantees. He must be implemented in combination with the lid of safety of the invention.

Basic features of the security cover

The basic principle of the safety cover is to give it a design or shape which, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in combination with another compatible retention, in addition to preventing the weapon to be extracted easily from the sheath by a third party and to keep the weapon in the sheath safely, allows its opening by the wearer according to the natural gesture and grab the weapon to extract it from the sheath and hold it ready for shooting.

Figures 5.a to 5.d show the principle a lid formed with a flange 7 for its opening by the thumb and some possible forms of realization.

This flange 7 on the inner rear side of the lid is shaped to offer the thumb of the hand grabbing the weapon a fulcrum to rotate the cover forward and release the weapon.

The extension of the rim 7 on a part more or less of the rear edge, as well as its shape or its different forms of indentation 71, or what other combination, facilitate the passage of one or the other weapon according to the form of it or its organs of aiming. The present invention accords in this respect without limitation to possible variations of weapon models. The forms can obviously be studied to suit simultaneously to the greatest number of weapons.

Figures 6.a and 6.b show the principle operating the lid according to Figures 5.a to 5.d, by the movement of the thumb alone.

The lid alone may not be a sufficient security according to certain requirements to ensure the protection of the weapon against unauthorized third parties. This lid will then work preferably with and is compatible with one or more security (s) additional (s).

The trigger guard locking system side control works very well with the lid with rim and fully meets the requirements of the concept basic.

The lid with rim combined with the Simplified retention of side-operated jumpers for inch ensures the unblocking of the weapon in the same movement natural capture of the weapon by the wearer.

The grubbing up is made very difficult for a third party, even if he knows the functioning of the securities: from the front or the side, a successful pulling is practically impossible; from behind, you have to practically that the third party is trained in the handling of the sheath and that the wearer presents himself ideally for allow this movement to the third, arm sufficiently distant and torso leaning forward, for example.

• désengagement du verrou de pontet par le pouce,
• ouverture du couvercle par le pouce.

As with the indexing wheel cover, the rim lid functions equally well with a thumb-operated thumb-operated locking system with vertical thrust, regardless of the mechanical system that may be used (AU-A-7 302 194, AU-A-671 767, ...). The opening of such a combination requires two phases in the same movement of entry of the weapon:

• disengage the trigger lock by the thumb,
• opening the lid with your thumb.

It possibly works with others similar systems. For example, in US-A-4,934,574, the weapon is pushed down to open the lock; in US-A-5,419,474, the weapon must pivot laterally to be clear lock, etc. Obviously, if this system of dart retention requires unnatural movement for function, this unnatural movement will keep the disadvantages that supposes. This last possibility does not necessarily fulfill the conditions of the basic concept and is not an essential part of the present invention.

Moreover, the cover with roulette for the index is preferably combined with a lock system to vertical push, as already described, because the movement Natural weapon seizure is very well respected. he however, is not very compatible with the lock simplified as described above because the opening movement of one and the other are not of the same nature (vertical forward for the index and lateral for the thumb).

• couvercle à extension pour commande métacarpienne, avec ou sans roulette, ou couvercle à rebord combiné à un verrou de pontet à commande verticale et une lanière de blocage : sécurité maximale, vol pratiquement impossible ; une fois la lanière libérée, on se retrouve dans le cas de figure ci-après ;
• couvercle à roulette avec verrou de pontet à commande verticale : le déblocage de l'arme se fait de deux côtés distincts par deux parties de la main différentes (d'une part angle métacarpien index-pouce et d'autre part pouce); très haute sécurité. Le mouvement est naturel mais avec deux exigences et la mise en oeuvre de deux doigts. Le verrouillage de l'arme dans la gaine peut être totalement automatique si le verrou à commande verticale le permet et fonctionne correctement ;
• couvercle à rebord et verrou de pontet à commande verticale : haute sécurité, tout le système étant concentré dans la partie interne de la gaine, le déblocage de l'arme se fait avec le pouce mais en deux phases consécutives qui peuvent être éventuellement très rapides. Le verrouillage de l'arme dans la gaine peut être totalement automatique si le verrou à commande verticale le permet et fonctionne correctement ;
• couvercle à rebord et verrou de pontet simplifié à commande latérale : grande sécurité, mouvement naturel et instinctif en une seule phase et uniquement avec le pouce, rapidité d'action ; tout le système est concentré dans la partie interne de la gaine. Le verrouillage de l'arme dans la gaine est toujours automatique à 100% ;
• les deux combinaisons précédentes : "couvercle à rebord et verrou de pontet à commande verticale" et "couvercle à rebord et verrou de pontet simplifié" offrent en outre l'avantage de ne présenter absolument aucune contradiction psycho-motrice au niveau de l'index qui est réservé exclusivement à la détente de l'arme ; à cet égard, le système d'ouverture du couvercle par le pouce semble supérieur au système utilisant l'angle métacarpien-phalangien de l'index et du pouce, ainsi que la roulette. En effet l'index est le doigt qui va directement commander la mise à feu et qui est donc la dernière interface entre le cerveau du tireur et l'arme. L'expérience montre que l'utilisation de l'index à une autre tâche dans le processus conduisant au tir peut, dans la situation de stress qui est toujours présente, provoquer une confusion mentale ou un confusion dans l'acquis d'entraínement. L'angle métacarpien-phalangien pouce/index qui appuie sur la roulette est fort proche de l'index, surtout au niveau de la représention de son positionnement spatial. Il pourrait ainsi en résulter, sous un stress violent, une confusion passagère dans la coordination de l'index et du cerveau ;
• chaque niveau précité de sécurité peut être combiné avec la présence d'une lanière.

The security cover in its various forms offers the advantage of presenting the following range of modular security according to the requirements of the user and the type of mission while respecting the basic concept of the invention:

• extension cover for metacarpal control, with or without a wheel, or rimmed lid combined with a vertically operated trigger guard and locking strap: maximum safety, virtually impossible flight; once the thong is released, we find ourselves in the following case;
• wheeled lid with vertically-operated trigger guard: the release of the weapon is done on two distinct sides by two different parts of the hand (on the one hand metacarpal angle index-thumb and on the other hand thumb); very high security. The movement is natural but with two requirements and the implementation of two fingers. The locking of the weapon in the sheath can be fully automatic if the vertically operated latch allows it and functions properly;
• upright lid and vertically-operated trigger guard lock: high security, the whole system being concentrated in the inner part of the sheath, the release of the weapon is done with the thumb but in two consecutive phases which can be possibly very fast. The locking of the weapon in the sheath can be fully automatic if the vertically operated latch allows it and functions properly;
• flip-top lid and simplified side-mounted trigger guard lock: high security, natural and instinctive movement in one phase and only with the thumb, quick action; the whole system is concentrated in the inner part of the sheath. The lock of the weapon in the sheath is always 100% automatic;
• the two previous combinations: "rim lid and vertically operated trigger guard latch" and "flanged lid and simplified bridge lock" also offer the advantage of presenting absolutely no psychomotor contradiction at the level of the index which is reserved exclusively for the relaxation of the weapon; in this respect, the system of opening the lid by the thumb seems superior to the system using the metacarpal-phalangeal angle of the index finger and the thumb, as well as the wheel. Indeed, the index is the finger that will directly control the firing and that is the last interface between the shooter's brain and the weapon. Experience shows that the use of the index for another task in the process leading to the shooting may, in the stress situation that is still present, cause mental confusion or confusion in the training acquis. The metacarpal-phalangeal angle thumb / index that presses the wheel is very close to the index, especially at the level of the representation of its spatial positioning. This could result, under severe stress, in transient confusion in the coordination of the index and brain;
• each aforementioned level of security can be combined with the presence of a strap.

Claims (17)

Automatic security and retention device for weapon sheath, preferably a handgun, said sheath comprising a body (1) provided with an outer side (2) and an inner side (3), characterized in that that the device comprises a security and retention cover (5), connecting from above the outer side (2) and the inner side (3) of the sheath body and: pivoting forwards from a closed position to an open position when the wearer introduces the weapon into the sheath or when unsheathing the weapon, about an imaginary axis perpendicular to the vertical axis of the sheath and located between the outer side (2) and the inner side (3); then automatically pivoting about the same axis back to its closed position under the effect of a restoring force, when the weapon is completely reintroduced into the sheath, thereby retaining and securing said weapon or when it is released from sheath. Automatic safety and retention device according to claim 1, characterized in that the restoring force is generated by a spring mechanism (54) whose ends are fixed respectively to the cover (53) and to the body (57) of the sheath. . Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing at the intersection of the imaginary axis with said sides of the sheath is carried out either on one side by a pivot and spring mechanism and on the other side by a pivot mechanism, or by two mechanisms of pivot and spring on both sides of the body of the sheath. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said cover (5) has, for its opening when stripping or sheathing the weapon by the wearer, an extension (6) capable of contact ergonomically and anatomically with the external lateral face of the hand (10) of the wearer comprising the external lateral face of his index finger and the zone included in the metacarpal-phalangeal angle of the index finger and the thumb. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the extension (6) comprises a caster facilitating the sliding of the hand against the lid. Device according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it additionally comprises, as an additional safety feature, a vertically-controlled bridge lock (8), for example of the push-button type and effective along a 90 ° axis. ° relative to this lever, actuated by the thumb of the carrier. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover (5) has, for its opening when the weapon is unsheathed by the wearer, a flange (7) located on the internal rear side cover (5) providing an ergonomic fulcrum to the wearer's thumb to pivot the cover forward. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the flange (7) has indentations or is formed such that it allows adaptation to the shape of the weapon and / or its sights. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it additionally comprises, as an additional safety feature, a vertically-controlled bridge lock (8), for example of the push-button type and effective along a 90 ° axis. ° relative to this lever, actuated by the thumb of the carrier. Device according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it additionally comprises, as an additional safety feature, a side-operated jump lever latch (80) housed at a rear junction of the sleeve and actuatable by the thumb of the wearer. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the lateral bridge lock (80) comprises a lever arm (87) externally terminated by a leg which can be actuated by the carrier, whose fulcrum is at the lower end of the lock, the latch itself including a truncated cylindrical protuberance (88) capable of penetrating into the sheath within the weapon's bridge, when it is fully inserted into the sheath and a return spring (85) now at rest the latch against the inner wall of the sheath, said protrusion (88) is then protruding at the location of the interior of the bridge. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a fixed safety strap, once fixed, between the two aforementioned sides (2, 3) of the sheath or on one of the sides of the sheath (2,3) on the one hand and on the cover (5) and / or on the lock (8,80) on the other hand. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the strap is fixed either permanently on one side of the sheath and removably by a push button on the other side, on the cover (5) and / or on the latch (8, 8), or removably by a press button on each side. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (5) covers rear sight members of the weapon, possibly also on the front part of the sheath, in particular parts visible in the darkness of said organs. Sheath for handgun including a automatic safety and retention device according to any one of the preceding claims. Laterally operated trigger guard latch (80) for a handgun sheath, housed at a rear junction of the sheath and operable by the thumb of the weapon wearer, characterized in that it comprises an arm of lever (87) terminated externally by a tab configured to be operated by the wearer's thumb, whose fulcrum is at the lower end of the latch, the latch itself including a truncated cylindrical protuberance (88) capable of penetrating in the sheath inside the bridge of the weapon, when it is fully inserted into the sheath and a return spring (85) now at rest the latch against the inner wall of the sheath, the protrusion (88). is then protruding at the place of the interior of the trigger guard. Trigger bolt according to claim 16, characterized in that , when the weapon is inserted into the sheath, the bridge causes the truncated protuberance (88) to be withdrawn, which then blocks the bridge automatically in the direction contrary after the complete introduction of the weapon.

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