US3902639A

US3902639A - Holster

Info

Publication number: US3902639A
Application number: US308475A
Authority: US
Inventors: William H Rogers
Original assignee: Alpha Plastics Inc
Current assignee: Bank of America Corp; Alpha Plastics Inc; Safariland LLC
Priority date: 1972-11-21
Filing date: 1972-11-21
Publication date: 1975-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 1992-09-02

Abstract

A holster for revolvers and like sidearms is provided which can be worn at the user''s waist. The holster is formed of plastic and includes a clamshell member which permits the pistol to be drawn with an upward, a forward, or a combination upward and forward motion. A novel mounting member can be inserted inside the user''s trousers waistband, and a clip member secures the holster and mounting member to the user''s garment.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Rogers 14 1 Sept. 2, 1975 [73] Assignee: Alpha Plastics, Inc., Jacksonville,

Fla.

22 Filed: Nov. 21, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 308,475

[52] US. Cl. 224/2 B; 224/2 C [51] Int. Cl. F4lb 13/04 [58] Field of Search 224/2 B, 2 D, 2 C, 2 A, 224/2E,2F,1R,5R,26R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 307,655 11/1884 Jacob 224/2 B 653,779 7/1900 Phillips 224/2 B 1,903,084 3/1933 Arth 224/2 B 2,001,321 5/1935 Berns 224/2 B 2,037,132 4/1936 Hoyt 224/2 B 2,546,774 3/1951 Ohlemeyer 224/2 B 3,252,639 5/1966 Sloan 3,630,420 12/1971 Bianchi 224/2 B Primary Eraminer-Robert J. Spar Assistant ExaminerJerold M. Forsberg Attorney, Agent, or Firm-George H. Baldwin; Arthur G. Yeager [57] ABSTRACT A holster for revolvers and like sidearms is provided which can be worn at the users waist. The holster is formed of plastic and includes a clamshell member which permits the pistol to be drawn with an upward, a forward, or a combination upward and forward motion. A novel mounting member can be inserted inside the users trousers waistband, and a clip member secures the holster and mounting member to the users garment. 1

12 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 2 I975 sum 1 0 2 HOLSTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to holsters and more particularly concerns easy-touse holsters for relatively small revolvers and like sidearms which are to be worn at the users waist.

Law enforcement agencies, military personnel and others have long made extensive use of relatively small handguns carried. in a more or less concealed position, at the waist of the user. Holsters for such sidearms which are easy to use and which are inexpensive are thus in constant demand among persons who find it necessary to bear such arms. Numerous attempts have been made over a long period to provide holsters for such weapons which positively retain the associated weapon even while the user is running or undergoing other activity. However, it is necessary that the holster construction allow the pistol to be rapidly withdrawn since instantaneous use of the weapon is occasionally vital to the users life and safety. At present, no such holster has adequately met these demands at an economical cost despite this well-known and long-felt want.

It is accordingly a general object of the invention to provide a holster for a sidearm which permits the sidearm to be unholstered rapidly, yet which retains the sidearm positively when not in use. A more specific object of the invention is to provide a holster which positively retains the sidearm, even when the wearer is running or undergoing similar activity, yet which permits the sidearm to be quickly drawn with a forward motion, an upward motion, or a combination forward and upward action. A related object is to provide a holster which prevents withdrawal of the piston by a rearward motion, as might be attempted by a surprise adversary.

Another object is to provide a holster wherein the resilient weapon-gripping or retaining effect of the holster can be adjusted.

It is another object of the invention to provide a holster which can be carried upon the holster users body at a pre-designated using position, so that the carried firearm is positioned for rapid access.

A related object is to provide a holster having a holster mount which will snugly fit the contours of the users body, thereby permitting the sidearm to be carried snugly upon the users person. Another related object is to provide a holster which can be secured to and positively locked upon the clothing of the user without the use of straps or other cumbersome devices.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a holster which is light, strong, durable, and inexpensively manufactured.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing the novel holster and a contained firearm;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view showing the holster in further detail;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the holster showing other details of the holster parts;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially in the plane of line 4-4 in FIG. 2 showing the holster in yet further detail;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view similar to FIG. 2 showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 3 showing in further detail the alternate embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially in the plane of line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing in further detail portions of the holster securing parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS While the invention will be described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Turning more specifically to the drawings, there is shown the novel light weight and inexpensive holster 10 of the present invention carrying an exemplary pistol 11. It will be understood that other forms of pistols and, indeed, other objects can be carried in a suitably modified holster without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with the invention, the pistol 11 may be rapidly withdrawn from the holster 10. To this end, a clamshell pocket member 13 is formed of a moldable and resilient thermoplastic material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene or a phenylene oxide based resin. For example, one such material which has been found useful in constructing these novel holsters is a thermoplastic material marketed under the trade name Noryl by the General Electric Company. During formation of the holster, this material is warmed to its softening range and then molded to the general contours of the pistol 11 to be carried in the holster.

The clamshell pocket member 13 is provided with a resilient inner covering 15 such as leather or other ma terial which will prevent the carried pistol 11 from being marred or scuffed. If desired, the outer surfaces of the clamshell member 13 and other parts of the hol ster hereinafter described can also be covered with leather, or the surfaces can be provided with a nonreflective black finish, or surfaced in some other desirable known manner.

The resilient clamshell pocket member 13, is, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, formed of a single piece 16 of the resilient material and is provided with a slit 17 along the front side 18 of the holster. The slit ends 19 and 20 of the pocket member 13 are resiliently biased toward one another to form a slip side opening which permits quick removal of the pistol 11 from the holster by a forward motion. Alternatively, the pistol may be instantly readied for use by drawing it with an upward motion, or with a combined forward and upward motion, in accordance with the preference of the user. To further facilitate this drawing action, the

ends

19 and 20 forming the slit 17 are tapered from a relatively open position near the holster top to a closed position at the bottom, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5.

As can be envisioned, withdrawal of the pistol from the holster causes an outer side 21 of the clamshell member 13 to be urged away from an inner side 22, thereby permitting rapid withdrawal and use of the pistol. However, when the pistol is carried within the holster, the resilient squeezing effect imparted by the

sides

21 and 22 to the pistol encourage retention of the pistol in the holster. It is a feature of the invention that the force of the resilient squeezing effect can be adjusted by loosening or tightening an adjusting screw 23 which engages a nut 24 outer fastener 24 located in a convenient place adjacent the clamshell inner side 22.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pistol 11 is further positively retained in the holster even during running or other strenuous activities. This additional retaining effect is imparted by a bow portion 25 formed at the rear 26 of the holster and adapted to engage the top 27, side 28, and bottom 29 of the piston trigger guard 30. However. the holster is generally open at its top. and the pistol trigger guard and trigger are, if desired, entirely exposed. thereby permitting the pistol 11 to be quickly withdrawn and readied for use by a generally upward, forward, or combined motion as described above.

It is another feature of the invention that this novel holster l0 permits the pistol 11 to be carried in an easily accessible but more or less concealed position at the bearers waist. When the pistol is carried in such a posi' tion, it is important that the hammer mechanism 32 not become snagged upon the clothing or body of the wearer as the gun 11 is carried or as it is being drawn for use. To this end. a resilient flap member 34 is mounted at the front of the pocket member 13 and positioned to cover the pistol hammer mechanism 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the flap member 32 can be formed of a leather or other pliable material which will not interfere with rapid removal of the pistol from the holster.

ln further accordance with this aspect of the invention, the novel holster can be easily secured to the clothing of the wearer in a desired access position. This is accomplished by providing the holster with a mounting member 35 which is secured to the pocket member 13, as by rivets 36 or other convenient means, in such manner that the mounting member 35 is biased toward the inner side 22 of the pocket member 13. This mounting member 35 can also be formed of the above described plastic materials, and conforms in general shape to the holster users anatomy. In further accordance with the invention, the mounting member 35 is inserted inside the users trousers top or other clothing. and adjacent his body, thereby permitting the pistol to be carried snugly upon the users person with the pistol butt adjacent the user's body. A groove 36 is provided to accomodate the belt 37 of the user to additionally retain the holster in the described snug position.

To prevent the holster from working or riding its way upwards and resultant accidental loss from the users belt 37, a holster clip member 38 is affixed to the rear 39 of the pocket member 13. At its upper end. the clip member 38 is provided with a flange portion 40 extending away from the pocket member 13 and toward the mounting member 35, and is adapted to engage the holster user's belt and the outer surfaces of his clothing.

The holster 11 can be kept from moving laterally along the users belt 37, in accordance with another feature of the invention. As illustrated, the flange 40 of the clip member 38 can comprise a plurality of

prongs

42, 43 spaced apart to accomodate the users pants belt loops therebetween. When the holster is worn in the described position, the pistol is always carried in a position of ready access by the user. An alternate structure for carrying the holster on the users clothes is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Strain upon the rivets 36 and other parts and wear upon the users clothes can be relieved by including a space member between the mounting member 35 and the clamshell member 13. Security of attachment to the users clothes can be enhanced by forming a hole 52, and by including a simple prong 53 on the flange portion 40 of the clip member 38. The prong 53 is adapted to fit into the mounting member hole 52.

The holster thus provided may be worn by the user by inserting the mounting member 35 inside the top waist band of the users trousers or other garment and urging the holster downwardly until the holster is firmly seated. When the holster shown in the first embodiment of the invention is so positioned, the retaining

prongs

42, 43 are located adjacent the trousers belt as illustrated and the pants belt loop is positioned between the

prongs

42, 43. When the holster shown in the second embodiment is so positioned, the prong 53 and surrounding hole 52 firmly grasp the cloth or other material of the supporting garment. In either embodiment, the light weight holster is thus located in a predetermined position permitting quick and positive access to the contained pistol 11, and the pistol is positively retained in thc holster until its removal is desired.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A holster for pistols and the like holsterable irregular shaped objects comprising a rigid moldable thermoplastic member having a fold and forming a clamshell pocket of a molded shape to generally conform to a pistol disposable within said pocket, said pocket having a slip front opening for ready removable of a pistol therefrom. said pocket imparting a resilient squeezing effect to a pistol cylinder and barrel to inhibit inadvertent removal of a pistol forwardly or downwardly therefrom, said pocket having a front side panel with a top edge and an open bow portion in said top edge adjacent the fold thereof for substantially completely exposing a side of a trigger of a pistol, said open bow portion per mitting grasping of a handle of a pistol and simultaneous positioning of a users trigger finger on a trigger during withdrawal of a pistol from said pocket, said pocket having an unyielding non-adj ustable stop means for engaging a rear portion ofa trigger guard of a pistol thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof in an upward direction and in an upward and rearward direction while permitting withdrawal in a forward and upward direction.

2. A holster according to claim 1 wherein said pocket includes a fully open bottom to inhibit the collection of moisture and debris therein.

3. A holster according to claim 1 wherein said holster includes adjusting means for adjusting said resilient squeezing effect imparted to a pistol by said pocket, said adjusting means comprising an adjusting screw having a head for engaging the outer side of said pocket. and a screw-engaged fastener located on the inner side of said pocketv 4. A holster according to claim 1 including a resilient flap member mounted at the front of pocket and positioned for covering the pistol hammer mechanism to prevent snagging the hammer.

5. A holster according to claim 1 including a mounting member formed ofa moldable and resilient thermoplastic material, said mounting member being biased toward said pocket and extending substantially over one side of said pocket said mounting member having an irregular profile conforming in general shape to the irregular profile of the holster users body and inner surface of the holster users clothing. and a clip memvber affixed to said pocket and having a flange portion extending away from said pocket and toward said mounting member, said flange portion being adapted to engage the holster users belt and the outer surface of the holster users clothing thereby preventing inadvertent loss of said holster.

6. A holster according to claim 1 including a clip member affixed to said pocket and having a flange portion extending away from the pocket member, said clip flange portion comprising a plurality of prongs spaced apart to accommodate the users pants belt loop therebetween.

7. A holster for pistols and the like holsterable irregular shaped objects having a rear trigger guard, the holster including a unitary clamshell pocket member molded to generally conform to the shape of the ho]- sterable object, said pocket member being resilient and slit along the front portion thereof, the slit ends of said resilient member being biased toward one another to impart a resilient squeezing effect to a pistol barrel and cylinder to inhibit inadvertent removal of a pistol forwardly or downwardly therefrom and to maintain a pistol in a predetermined position in said holster, said slit ends forming a slip side opening smoothly tapered from a relatively open position near the holster top to a closed position near the bottom for quick removal of a pistol, said pocket member having an open bow including an unyielding non-adjustable stop means for engaging the rear of said pistol trigger guard to encourage retention of the pistol in said holster thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal of the pistol in all directions except forwardly through said slip side opening and forwardly and upwardly out of the open top of said holster.

8. A holster for pistols and like holsterable irregular shaped objects comprising a elamshell pocket member molded to generally conform to the shape of the holstcrable object, said pocket member including a rigid and forcibly resilient means. said pocket member being slit along the front portion thereof with the side edges of said front portion being biased toward one another by said resilient means to impart a resilient squeezing effect on multiple portions of a pistol disposable within said pocket member thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof, and inhibiting relative movement between said holster and a pistol. said side edges forming a slip front opening for ready removal of a pistol therefrom, said pocket member having a front side panel with a top edge, said pocket member having an open bow portion in said top edge adjacent the rear portion of said pocket member for substantially completely exposing a side of a trigger of a pistol and adapted to permit grasping of a handle of a pistol and simultaneous positioning of a users trigger finger on a trigger during withdrawal of a pistol from said holster, said pocket member having an unyielding and non-adjustable stop means for engaging a rear portion of a trigger guard of a pistol disposable within said pocket member thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof in an upward direction and in an upward and rearward direction while permitting withdrawal in a forward and upward direction.

9. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said resilient member is unitary with said pocket member, said pocket member being formed ofa moldable plastic material.

10. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said slip front opening is tapered from a relatively open position adjacent the top of said pocket. member to a closed position from a point spaced upwardly from the bottom of said pocket member to substantially said bottom.

11. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said stop means includes a bow portion fbrming an upper portion of the rear portion of said pocket member, said how portion being adapted to engage a rear portion and a bottom portion of a trigger guard of a pistol disposable within said pocket member.

12. A holster according to claim 8 including a resilient flap member mounted on the front portion of said pocket member and adapted to cover a hammer mechanism of a piston thereby inhibiting inadvertent snagging of the hammer mechanism.

Claims

1. A holster for pistols and the like holsterable irregular shaped objects comprising a rigid moldable thermoplastic member having a fold and forming a clamshell pocket of a molded shape to generally conform to a pistol disposable within said pocket, said pocket having a slip front opening for ready removable of a pistol therefrom, said pocket imparting a resilient squeezing effect to a pistol cylinder and barrel to inhibit inadvertent removal of a pistol forwardly or downwardly therefrom, said pocket having a front side panel with a top edge and an open bow portion in said top edge adjacent the fold thereof for substantially completely exposing a side of a trigger of a pistol, said open bow portion permitting grasping of a handle of a pistol and simultaneous positioning of a user''s trigger finger on a trigger during withdrawal of a pistol from said pocket, said pocket having an unyielding non-adjustable stop means for engaging a rear portion of a trigger guard of a pistol thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof in an upward direction and in an upward and rearward direction while permitting withdrawal in a forward and upward direction.

3. A holster according to claim 1 wherein said holster includes adjusting means for adjusting said resilient squeezing effect imparted to a pistol by said pocket, said adjusting means comprising an adjusting screw having a head for engaging the outer side of said pocket, and a screw-engaged fastener located on the inner side of said pocket.

4. A holster according to claim 1 including a resilient flap member mounted at the front of pocket and positioned for covering the pistol hammer mechanism to prevent snagging the hammer.

5. A holster according to claim 1 including a mounting member formed of a moldable and resilient thermoplastic material, said mounting member being biased toward said pocket and extending substantially over one side of said pocket said mounting member having an irregular profile conforming in general shape to the irregular profile of the holster user''s body and inner surface of the holster user''s clothing, and a clip member affixed to said pocket and having a flange portion extending away from said pocket and toward said mounting member, said flange portion being adapted to engage the holster user''s belt and the outer surface of the holster user''s clothing thereby preventing inadvertent loss of said holster.

6. A holster according to claim 1 including a clip member affixed to said pocket and having a flange portion extending away from the pocket member, said clip flange portion comprising a plurality of prongs spaced apart to accommodate the user''s pants belt loop therebetween.

7. A holster for pistols and the like holsterable irregular shaped objects having a rear trigger guard, the holster including a unitary clamshell pocket member molded to generally conform to the shape of the holsterable object, said pocket member being resilient and slit along the front portion thereof, the slit ends of said resilient member being biased toward one another to impart a resilient squeezing effect to a pistol barrel and cylinder to inhibit inadvertent removal of a pistol forwardly or downwardly therefrom and to maintain a pistol in a predetermined position in said holster, said slit ends forming a slip side opening smoothly tapered from a relatively open position near the holster top to a closed position near the bottom for quick removal of a pistol, said pocket member having an open bow including an unyielding non-adjustable stop means for engaging the rear of said pistol trigger guard to encourage retention of the pistol in said holster thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal of the pistol in all directions except forwardly through said slip side opening and forwardly and upwardly out of the open top of said holster.

8. A holster for pistols and like holsterable irregular shaped objects comprising a clamshell pocket member molded to generally conform to the shape of the holsterable object, said pocket member including a rigid and forcibly resilient means, said pocket member being slit along the front portion thereof with the side edges of said front portion being biased toward one another by said resilient means to impart a resilient squeezing effect on multiple portions of a pistol disposable within said pocket member thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof, and inhibiting relative movement between said holster and a pistol, said side edges forming a slip front opening for ready removal of a pistol therefrom, said pocket member having a front side panel with a top edge, said pocket member having an open bow portion in said top edge adjacent the rear portion of said pocket member for substantially completely exposing a side of a trigger of a pistol and adapted to permit grasping of a handle of a pistol and simultaneous positioning of a user''s trigger finger on a trigger during withdrawal of a pistol from said holster, said pocket member having an unyielding and non-adjustable stop means for engaging a rear portion of a trigger guard of a pistol disposable within said pocket member thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof in an upward direction and in an upward and rearward direction while permitting withdrawal in a forward and upward direction.

9. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said resilient member is unitary with said pocket member, said pocket member being formed of a moldable plastic material.

10. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said slip front opening is tapered from a relatively open position adjacent the top of said pocket member to a closed position from a point spaced upwardly from the bottom of said pocket member to substantially said bottom.

11. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said stop means includes a bow portion forming an upper portion of the rear portion of said pocket member, said bow portion being adapted to engage a rear portion and a bottom portion of a trigger guard of a pistol disposable within said pocket member.