Holster enhancements

Abstract

A security holster for handguns which utilizes a U-shaped rod as part of the locking and releasing mechanism. The user presses a handgun against a portion of the U-shaped rod, which pushes the U-shaped rod forward, and causes the locking tab to seat against the ejection port or another feature of the handgun.

Description

PRIORITY / CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 10 / 877,780, filed Jun. 25, 2004, which is pending, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to handgun holsters, and more particularly relates to holsters, which provide security against unauthorized withdrawal of a handgun.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]Police, security officers, and military personnel in a number of situations must be ready to withdraw and use a handgun in the line of duty at a moment's notice. In an emergency situation, withdrawing the handgun must be done in a completely natural and unobstructed manner so that it can be withdrawn as quickly as possible. The officer's life may depend on the speed with which he can withdraw the handgun. However, after the handgun is withdrawn, the situation may dictate other opt...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]This version of the holster provides for one-handed insertion of the handgun into the security holster. When a handgun is pressed into the holster, the locking tab engages a handgun feature such as a trigger guard, the slide, or preferably an ejection port. This engagement prevents the handgun from being withdrawn until the release tab is activated by the left-handed user's left thumb.

[0012]Another feature of this configuration of the device is that the locking tab engages the handgun feature with an audible indication of locking. This is typically a distinctive click, which in most environments can easily be heard and is a certain indication to the user that the handgun is engaged in the holster. The locking tab engages with sufficient force so that there is also a tactile indication of locking, which the user may feel through the handle of the handgun or through the body of the holster into his / her hip region. This version of the holster typically includes a pressure switch, which activates the locking means when the handgun is pressed into the holster with a required degree of insertion force. The pressure switch, also called a rebounding device, also operates with the releasing means, and a minimum degree of insertion force is required before the handgun is released.

[0020]Another feature of the security holster of the present invention is that the surface of the holster has one or more inlay receiving regions. Each inlay-receiving region is basically a recess in the holster's surface, surrounded by a raised edge. Into each of these recesses, an adhesive backed inlay may be placed. These inlays are the same depth as the recess so that the inlay does not extend above the surface of the holster. Due to the inlay receiving regions, the inner wall of the recess surrounds each edge of each inlay, and no inlay edge is exposed to wear. The result of this is that the recesses protect the inlays from wear, and the inlays do not tend to peel up at the edges. The purpose of the inlays is to allow the holster to receive a decorative surface to match the requirements of any particular gun user. For instance, one particular police department may require a certain style or finish on the accessories that the officers carry. In this way, a plastic holster can be covered with a decorative surface pattern, such as basket weave, to match the other accessories being carried by a police office. The inlays can also contain the insignia of an organization or artwork preferred by any particular user. The inlays can also be of a color chosen by the user and may contain reflective material to make the holster more visible at night.

[0021]A feature of all embodiments is an optional detachable overlay, which can be snapped into place on the holster of the invention. The overlay forms a protective shield around the release tab, and thus is a finger tube into which a user must place a portion of his / her finger in order to access the release tab. This feature restricts access to the release tab, and makes release of the handgun difficult for anyone other than the wearer of the holster.

[0022]One embodiment of the invention includes a release tab on the left side of the handgun. In this version, a locking means is configured to admit the handgun into the security holster. It is also adapted to engage a handgun feature of the handgun placed in the inner cavity of the security holster, thereby preventing the withdrawal of the handgun prior to release of said locking means.

Problems solved by technology

However, after the handgun is withdrawn, the situation may dictate other options or needs, requiring the officer to re-holster the handgun just as quickly.

Current holsters do not meet this demand, without some continued manipulation of security straps, before the officer knows or has confidence that the weapon is secure.

The problem results when a suspect becomes an assailant, and attacks the officer and tries to gain access to his weapon.

In the event of an attack, a holster is likely to be bumped, jostled, pried, and pressured with forces exerted on nearly any part of the holster.

Some holsters have release mechanisms that may be accidentally engaged during such an assault, releasing the weapon from the effective grip of the holster.

However, they all suffer a number of drawbacks.

This is unacceptable.

Some of them secure the handgun with a device that can be difficult to release in a fast draw situation, and therefore is a dangerous security mechanism.

Some holsters secure the weapon in place to keep it from bouncing out of the holster, but are not designed to withstand the attack of an assailant and would allow the handgun to be taken from the officer by the assailant.

Some holsters use electronic devices for fingerprint recognition and run the risk of malfunctioning or having a dead battery.

Many of the holsters are unable to address the above-mentioned problems or provide a security holster for a left-handed user.

Most security holsters provide no manner in which the holsters can be customized or individualized for an individual or specific group.

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