US20140117064A1

US20140117064A1 - Concealment Holster for a Weapon

Info

Publication number: US20140117064A1
Application number: US13/973,964
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Evans
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-31
Filing date: 2013-08-22
Publication date: 2014-05-01

Abstract

Disclosed is a specialized holster design and system. The holster disclosed herein is intended to be used by an individual to carry a handgun on his or her person in such a way that the weapon may be partially or completely out of view, securely in place yet immediately available to be drawn from the holster when needed. The holster is variable in ways that also allow the user to make adjustments for comfort and tactical preferences. Once the weapon is drawn the holster remains open allowing one handed re-holstering. Among other attributes, four key features enable in part its broad ranges of functions. These four are the unique outer coating, the retention qualities, fold out attachment tab, and the particularly angled clip. The design enables a novel lightweight holster form fitted to the weapon and maintained securely in place firmly against the user's body in a concealed manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS & CONTINUITY DATA

This application claims the benefit of provisional application 61/720,941 filed Oct. 31, 2012, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

N/A
1. Background of the Invention
Concealed carry of a handgun requires that the user be able to carry from different positions, maintain security in retaining the weapon and provide the ability to draw the weapon quickly when needed. Other holsters are too bulky and do not conceal properly, lack sufficient positional adjustment, do not allow for the proper firing grip on the weapon prior to the draw, are difficult to put on and take off, lack a necessary range of tension adjustment for retaining the weapon, do not remain open for one handed re-holstering, move around during active use, and do not force the holster close to the body for maximum concealment. Additionally most are not specifically designed to each weapon type, and lack additional capabilities and features. Thus, there remains a considerable need for single device that effectively accomplishes these functions. The claimed invention differs from what currently exists and the preferred embodiments provide the best combination of all necessary features for an adaptable deep concealment holster. The invention is unique in how it achieves this.
2. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to firearm carry devices and systems and firearm accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The holster disclosed herein is intended to be used by an individual to carry a handgun on his or her person in such a way that the weapon may be partially or completely out of view, securely in place, and yet immediately available to be drawn from the holster when needed. The holster is variable in ways that also allow the user to make adjustments for comfort and tactical preferences. Once the weapon is drawn the holster remains open allowing a one handed re-holster of the weapon. Key elements enabling in part its function are the unique outer coating, the retention system, the attachment tab, and the particularly angled clip.
The holsters integrated, laminated non-slip outer coating and construction improves comfort and reduces carry position movement by aiding in the secure placement of the rig during activity via the exterior material texture. While held in place on the user's person, the holster further possesses unique retention qualities, carried out by the form fitting geometry of the holster's molded body in relation to the weapon shape, combined with its secure permanent closure point and its tension adjustment mechanism (FIGS. 1-3 show specific embodiments containing these elements). These parameters are unique in their combination as they relate to each specific weapon. This allows a constant secure fit of the holster to the weapon while still allowing a range of adjustment thereby varying the holsters retentive qualities without a reduction in security. The fold out, integrated attachment tab minimizes bulk, enables mounting of multiple accessories, and allows flexible positioning of the mounting accessories. The mounting clip incorporates a negative angle designed to force the holster closer to the body. This improves the conceal-ability and the stability of the holster without increasing the bulk. The mounting clips also have multiple mounting points further increasing the range of carry options and adjustments.
Thus, as described, the mounting clip, the fold out tab, the unique retention qualities in combination with the outer coating enable a novel lightweight holster device form fitted to the weapon and able to be securely maintained in place firmly against the users body in a concealed manner yet allow for rapid removal and replacement of the weapon with a single hand if needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.

In FIG. 1, element 1 refers to the molded body portion of the holster. Element 2 refers to the attachment tab, which may have a number of holes (shown) in which the screw (or other items) may be placed to secure the clip. Element 3 points to a portion of the geometrically fitted shape of the holster matching the weapon it holds. Element 4 shows the location of the top of the screw utilized for tension adjustments. Element 5 points to the joining point of the two ends of the molded body piece once folded over.

In FIG. 2, element 1 points to the weapon, a handgun, inserted into the holster. Element 2 refers to the clip, positioned at a negative angle. Element 3 points to a tension adjustment screw and element 4 points to a second adjustment screw. Elements 5 refer to a portion of the geometrically fitted shape of the holster in reference to the firearm it contains. Element 6 points to the molded body folded over to create the holster.

In FIG. 3, element 1 is the firearm inserted into the holster. Element 2 refers to the clip positioned at a negative angle as described herein. Element 3 points to screws on the lower portion of the clip. Element 4 refers to a portion of the geometrically fitted molded holster body. Element 5 refers to the expanded loop in the upper portion of the negatively angled clip. Element 6 shows the second clip of this embodiment. Element 7 refers to a second screw on the opposite side or securing a clip. Element 8 shows one the screw holes available for attachment. Element 9 refers to the molded body piece of the holster.

In FIG. 4, multiple views of one embodiment of the negatively angled clip are shown. Element 1, points to the location of the bend of the clip which creates the negative angle. Element 2 shows the tab in which some embodiments of the clip may be actuated by.

FIG. 5 shows the negative angled clip and how it is oriented with respect to a vertical axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein is a specialized holster in preferred embodiments for carrying a firearm on one's person in such a way that the weapon is potentially out of view, securely in place and yet immediately available to be drawn from the holster when needed. Various embodiments of the holster may be variable in ways that also allow the user to make adjustments for comfort and carry in a specific manner for tactical and or personal preference reasons. Various attachments may be easily put on or taken off of the user and multiple embodiments may be deployed. Once the weapon is drawn the holster remains open allowing a one handed re-holster of the weapon. As detailed herein, concealed carry of a handgun requires that the user be able to carry from different positions, maintain security in retaining the weapon in place in its holster as well as provide the ability to draw the weapon quickly when needed. The invention claimed here accomplishes these parameters in a novel manner.
The holster has an integrated, laminated non-slip outer coating (element 9 in FIG. 3) and construction which improves comfort and reduces carry position movement by aiding in the secure placement of the rig during activity via the exterior material texture. This texture and the surface tension created between it and the user's garments or body (and in some embodiments the pressure applied by the normal shooters belt) is a distinct advantage and improvement on previous designs. Lamination of this material to a molded holster body enables the holster to remain open after the weapon is removed and allows for one handed, blind, re-holstering of the weapon. This has many advantages, including improving safety and expanding the scope of use by adding versatility to the holster's potential applications. The weapon can be removed from the holster without any means of un-securing the weapon from the holster such as a strap or other type of fastener. Herein, un-securing refers to opening, unfastening, unlocking, unlatching, undoing any type of straps, buttons, fasteners, or any other type of release mechanism used to remove a weapon after it has been secured inside the holster.
The body and the integrated, laminated, non-slip outer coating are formed using heat and pressure. In preferred embodiments the body is constructed using a sheet type, thermal formed plastic. The non-slip coating is laminated to the outside of this material during the molding process. A precision two part mold is ideal to form and combine the two materials forcing the two together as the specific shape of the holster is transferred from the mold to the materials. A layer of adhesive may be used between these materials during molding to make the bond permanent as in the preferred embodiment. Once the materials are bonded and formed in the mold the holster is trimmed, buffed and assembled with the other components. These components may include rivets, fasteners, tension device parts, spacers and thermal formed mounting clip or clips and others that would be recognized by those skilled in the art. The thermal formed mounting clip is unique and in many embodiments compliments all the essential features of the holster. The thermal formed mounting clip is formed in a separate mold.
The holster is ideally suited to be used by an individual to carry a handgun on his or her person in such a way that the weapon is substantially or completely out of view. It also remains stable and securely in place, yet it is immediately available to be drawn from the holster when needed. Key to the latter is the absence of straps or other fasteners that hold a weapon in place and need to be undone to remove the weapon from the holster. The holster's various embodiments are variable in ways that allow the user to make adjustments for comfort and carry for a tactical reason or personal preference. The holster is easily put on or taken off. Once the weapon is drawn the holster remains open allowing a one handed re-holster of the weapon. The ability of the holster to retain the weapon without any straps or other fasteners that require release to draw the weapon, while at the same time remaining open for easy (i.e., one handed) re-holstering is an important and novel feature of the invention.
The holster possesses unique retention qualities, carried out by the form fitting geometry of the holster's molded body in relation to the weapon shape, combined with its secure permanent closure point and its tension adjustment mechanism. These parameters are unique in their combination as they relate to each specific weapon, a key attribute of the current invention. This allows a constant secure fit of the holster to the weapon while still allowing a range of adjustments, thereby varying the holsters retentive qualities without a reduction in security. The adjustment may be facilitated by the loosening or tightening of a screw, or other equivalent device. The adjustment point for this screw in most embodiments is on the back side of the holster so as not to interfere with any mounting component. The holes on the clip may be oval or oblong, such that they can vary the height up and down or leave room for small adjustments.
In one embodiment the holster [description of holster according to the above and specifications for specific weapon]. The form fitting geometry of the molded holster in relation to the weapon shape, the secure permanent closure point and its tension adjustment mechanism, create a specific distance across the opening of the holster at which a specific amount of pressure is applied ideally suited for a given weapon. [Build out further with specifications for a given weapon]. In certain embodiments the geometric dimensions of the holster are equal to the geometrical dimensions of the weapon it is designed to hold. In other embodiments, the dimensions may be up to 10% smaller or larger than the weapon. The outer coating may be comprised of a synthetic material, leather, soft leather, and or have suede like characteristics. As described herein one function of the outer coating is to stabilize the holster on the user's person, therefore materials with a surface texture creating friction against the users clothing are preferred. Suede type materials are used in many embodiments for this reason. The holster may be comprised of any moldable plastic, metal, or material that would be recognized by those skilled in the art.
The invention herein further comprises a fold out, integrated attachment tab (shown in FIG. 1, element 2). Among other advantages and functionalities this minimizes bulk, enables multiple mounting accessories, allows multiple positioning options for a mounting accessories, allows additional carry accessories to be mounted and positioned with and on the holster (such as but not limited to; a magazine carrier, a flashlight holder, a pocket or pouch of any kind, and many others recognizable by those of ordinary skill the art). The attachment is created by “folding out” a section of the thermal plastic material during or subsequent to the molding process while the material is malleable.
Further disclosed as part of the invention herein is a mounting clip. The mounting clip incorporates a negative angle designed to force the holster closer to the body (See Figures). This improves the conceal-ability of the holster without increasing the bulk. Additionally the clip may support a higher positional carry without compromising the positional security of the holster in use. This may facilitate faster weapon presentation from deep cover. This further works in conjunction with and improves the function and purpose of the non-slip outer coating. The mounting clips also have multiple mounting points further increasing the range of carry options and adjustments. The mounting clips open and slide down over the belt and lock in place. The clip may be actuated via a tab, and is flexed to open allowing installation or removal from the belt without the user needing to remove or unbuckle the belt.
Further key attributes of the various embodiments of the holster include its minimum bulk, its multi-positional functionality, and its deep concealment functionality. Its distinctive features enable the concealed carry of a handgun from a variety of carry positions including for example within the waistband or attached to the belt, while facilitating the acquisition of a full firing grip on the weapon prior to the draw. Inherent features given the attributes described herein are adjustments in the depth of carry, the angle of carry, the position of carry, the security of the carry, and the location of the carry on the person. Adjustments are carried out in most embodiments via unique modular mounting points on the holster and the use of variable mounting components. Combined they maximize function respective to the users: body type, deployment tactics and personal preferences. The holster is adaptive to varying operational environments and mission requirements.
The disclosed individual elements and features of the holster in it's embodiments work to function together in such a manner as to enable specialized performance of the holster well beyond what has been available or found in the prior art. The holsters integrated, laminated non-slip outer coating and construction improves comfort and reduces carry position movement by aiding in the secure placement of the rig during activity via the exterior material texture. This texture and the surface tension created between it, the users garments, body and the pressure applied by the normal shooters belt is a distinction over previous designs. Lamination of this material to a molded holster body enables the holster to remain open after the weapon is removed and allows for one handed, blind, re-holstering of the weapon. While held in place on the user's person, the holster further possesses unique retention qualities, carried out by the form fitting geometry of the holster's molded body in relation to the weapon shape, combined with its secure permanent closure point and its tension adjustment mechanism. These parameters are unique in their combination as they relate to each specific weapon, a key attribute of the current invention. This allows a constant secure fit of the holster to the weapon while still allowing a range of adjustment thereby varying the holsters retentive qualities without a reduction in security. The adjustment may be facilitated by the loosening or tightening of a screw or other equivalent means. The adjustment point for this screw in most embodiments is on the back side of the holster so as not to interfere with any mounting component. The fold out, integrated attachment tab minimizes bulk, enables multiple mounting accessories, and allows a range positions for mounting accessories. The mounting clip incorporates a negative angle designed to force the holster closer to the body. This improves the conceal-ability of the holster without increasing the bulk. This further supports a higher positional carry without compromise to the positional security of the holster in use. This facilitates faster weapon presentations from deep cover and works in conjunction with and improves the function and purpose of the non-slip outer coating. The mounting clips also have multiple mounting points further increasing the range of carry options and adjustments. The mounting clips open and slide down over the belt and lock in place. The clip in one embodiment may be actuated via a tab, and is flexed to open allowing installation or removal from the belt without the user needing to remove or unbuckle the belt. Thus, as described, the mounting clip, the fold out tab, the unique retention qualities in combination with the outer coating enable a novel lightweight holster device. The device is form fitted to the weapon and able to be securely maintained in place, while firmly against the user's body in a concealed manner. Yet, the device still allows for rapid removal and replacement of the weapon with a single hand if needed. Further, the holster is modular in nature and allows for future development of accessories and improved mounting clips with additional features that may offer an even greater range of adjustment, improved strength, and or variation in how they attach to the belt, garment or other gear. The holster offers multiple mounting points for varying the position of the mounting clips or possible accessories. The Mounting clips likewise have multiple mounting points. The holster may be employed for any number of devices including firearms, knives, flashlights, or any other item of interest.
The phrase “in one embodiment” is used repeatedly. The phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment; however, it may. The terms “comprising,” “having” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise. The following illustrations of various embodiments use particular terms by way of example to describe the various embodiments, but this should be construed to encompass and provide for terms such as “method” and “routine” and the like.
Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.
The characteristics and utilities of the present invention described in this summary and the detailed description below are not all inclusive. Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the following description. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
In this respect, by explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the description be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. The characteristics and utilities of the present invention described in this summary and the detailed description below are not all inclusive. Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the detailed description.

Claims

1. A concealed handgun holster comprising a form fitting body molded to a specific weapon, said form fitting body comprised of a single sheet of folded over material.

2. The concealed handgun holster of claim 1, further comprising an outer coating secured to the form fitting body.

3. A concealed handgun holster comprising a retention system, said retention system comprising the form fitting body of claim 1, and an adjustable means connecting two sides of said folded over material, wherein the retention qualities of the form fitting body are buffered by a laminated outer coating such that complete closure of the holster opening is prevented when no weapon is present in the holster.

4. A concealed handgun holster comprising a fold out attachment tab.

5. A mounting clip positioned at a negative angle relative to the vertical axis of a carry device such that the holster is forced against the user's body.

6. The clip of claim 5, wherein the clip is actuated via pressure on a tab, said pressure causing the clip to flex open allowing installation or removal from a user's garment.

7. The clip of claim 6, wherein the negative angle of the clip is between 5 and 40 degrees, the clip further comprising a wider loop at it's top end, and a means for attaching to a carry device.

8. A concealed handgun holster comprising:

a form fitting body molded to a specific weapon comprised of a single sheet of folded over material;

an outer coating secured to said form fitting body;

a retention system comprising said form fitting body sized to secure a specific weapon,

and an adjustable means connecting two sides of said folded over material, wherein the retention qualities of the form fitting body are buffered by the laminated outer coating such that complete closure of the holster opening is prevented when no weapon is present in the holster; and

a fold out attachment tab.

9. Claim 8, wherein the adjustable means is a comprised of a screw.

10. The holster of claim 8, wherein a two part mold is utilized to combine the outer coating and the molded body during the molding process such that the two materials are secured together as the specific weapon shape of the mold is transferred from the mold to the two materials.

11. The holster of claim 10, wherein the holster retains a weapon without any means requiring un-securing said means to remove the weapon.

12. The holster of claim 11, wherein the attachment tab enables multiple mounting accessories in multiple positions.

13. The holster of claim 12, wherein the clip is actuated via pressure on the tab, said pressure causing the clip to flex open allowing installation or removal from a user's garment.

14. The holster of claim 13, wherein the geometrical dimensions of the holster are [give specific weapon specifications, glock 19, etc]

15. The holster of claim 13, wherein the geometrical dimensions of the holster are equal to or with 10% of the geometrical dimensions of the weapon it holds.

16. The holster of claim 15, wherein the folded over material is a thermal plastic, and the outer coating is comprised of a non-slip material.

17. The holster of claim 16, wherein the outer coating is an integrated and laminated non-slip outer coating.

18. The holster of claim 17, wherein the holster retains a weapon without any means requiring un-securing said means to remove the weapon.

19. The holster of claim 18, wherein the attachment tab enables multiple mounting accessories in multiple positions.

20. Claim 19, wherein acquisition of a full firing grip on the weapon prior to the draw is made possible by the holster's design.