Auto open holster optic dust cover

Abstract

A holster for receiving and withdrawing a handgun has a first handgun retention mechanism. The mechanism having a first lever with a tab portion for actuation and release of the handgun, the lever having a snap fit into a lever region without a separate pin. A belt engaging member covers the lever region capturing the first lever therein. If a second retention mechanism is used, another lever with a tab portion is positioned so the tabs are stacked, depressing one also depresses the tab behind it, such that both mechanisms are released. An auto open red dot sight dust cover may be incorporated with the holster.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 659,389 filed Jun. 13, 2024 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] In many countries (e.g., Germany, Poland and the United States) law enforcement officers often carry a handgun in an openly visible manner while on duty. The handgun is typically carried in a holster designed to protect the handgun and hold it securely. The holster may include a belt loop that allows it to be hung from a wide belt, for example, a police officer's service belt. The holster may also include a locking mechanism to prevent an assailant from drawing the holster user's weapon and prevent the handgun from inadvertently falling out of the holster, for example, when the holster user is running, climbing over a fence, etc. It is important that the retention mechanisms are secure in such challenging situation.SUMMARY

[0003] A holster may comprise a holster body configured to receive a handgun equipped with a red dot sight (RDS), said holster body comprising a plurality of holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity and a rearward opening, the holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the plurality of holster wall portions comprising a user proximal wall portion, a user distal wall portion and an upward wall portion having a projection to accommodate at least a portion of the RDS; an auto open dust cover pivotal relative to the holster body and positioned and configured to cover at least a portion of the RDS not covered by the holster body when the auto open dust cover is in a second, closed position and to not cover the RDS when in a first, open position, the auto open dust cover further comprising a foot portion disposed at an end distal from the upward wall portion of the holster body; a cantilever spring comprising a fixed end fixed to one of the holster body and the dust cover, and a free end slidingly received in the other of the holster body and the dust cover; a first user actuable handgun retention mechanism at the user proximal wall portion for selectively preventing the handgun, when in the cavity, from being withdrawn from the cavity, the first actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a trigger guard blocking portion movable from a trigger guard blocking position to a non-blocking position; and a second user actuable handgun retention mechanism, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a shroud that is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the shroud selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the shroud extends across a portion of a rearward opening of a cavity of the holster body and a release position in which the shroud is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so a withdrawal path of the handgun is unobstructed by the shroud, the shroud further comprising a channel disposed on an interior surface of the shroud and configured to engage the foot portion of the dust cover when the shroud is in the handgun retaining position, wherein the cantilever spring biases the auto open dust cover to the open, first position, and wherein the dust cover is moved from the first, open position to the second, closed position by engagement with the channel of the shroud when the shroud is pivoted from the release position to the handgun retaining position.

[0004] In embodiments, the foot portion is disposed on a user proximal or a user distal side of the auto open dust cover, and the cantilever spring is a flat cantilever spring.

[0005] In embodiments, an adapter bracket is stationarily attached to the holster body and configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover to the holster body, wherein the adapter bracket comprises an offset length along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis with respect to the holster body.

[0006] In embodiments, the adapter bracket further comprises: a holster proximal end; a holster distal end; a user proximal side; a user distal side; two first protrusions disposed at the holster proximal end of the adapter bracket, one first protrusion extending from a user proximal side of the adapter bracket and one first protrusion extending from a user distal side of the adapter bracket, the two first protrusions configured to attach the adapter bracket to the upward wall portion of the holster body; and two second protrusions disposed at the holster distal end of the adapter bracket, one second protrusion extending from a user proximal side of the adapter bracket and one second protrusion extending from a user distal side of the adapter bracket, the two second protrusions configured to hingeably connect the auto open dust cover to the adapter bracket.

[0007] In embodiments, the auto open dust cover further comprises a central slot, and wherein the fixed end of the cantilever spring is fixed to the adapter bracket, and the free end of the cantilever spring is slidingly received in the central slot of the dust cover.

[0008] In embodiments, the adapter bracket further comprises a central channel extending from the holster proximal end to the holster distal end on an exterior side of a central portion of the adapter bracket, wherein the cantilever spring is disposed within the central channel.

[0009] In embodiments, the adapter bracket further comprises a molded post on the holster proximal end, and the cantilever spring further comprises a hole at the fixed end for receiving the molded post to fix the fixed end of the cantilever spring to the adapter bracket.

[0010] In embodiments, the auto open dust cover further comprises two holes, one hole in the user proximal side of the auto open dust cover and one hole in a user distal side of the auto open dust cover, the two holes configured to receive the two second protrusions at the holster distal end of the adapter bracket to hingeably connect the auto open dust cover to the adapter bracket.

[0011] In embodiments, the central slot extends from a holster proximal end to a holster distal end of the auto open dust cover, wherein the auto open dust cover and cantilever spring are configured such that, when the auto open dust cover is moved to the second, closed position, the free end of the cantilever spring is flexed downwardly and slides within the central slot.

[0012] In embodiments, the user proximal wall portion having a thumb button recess with a thumb button edge portion defining the thumb button recess, the thumb button recess extending forwardly from the rearward opening, and the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprising a first lever pivotally mounted on the user proximal wall portion of the holster body with a first axis of rotation, the first lever having an actuation tab rearwardly positioned on the first lever and positioned within the thumb button recess, the actuation tab having an upper margin, a rearward margin, and a lower margin, the first lever further having the trigger guard blocking portion forwardly positioned on the first lever, the first lever configured and positioned such that depression of the actuation tab rotates the first lever about its respective axis of rotation to move the trigger guard blocking portion from the trigger guard blocking position to the non-blocking position, wherein an upper portion of the thumb button recess edge portion extends rearwardly of the actuation tab along the upper margin of the actuation tab and a lower portion of the thumb button recess edge portion extends rearwardly of the actuation tab at the lower margin of the actuation tab.

[0013] In embodiments, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprising a second lever, the second lever having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button, the actuation tab of the first lever positioned behind the thumb button whereby depression of the thumb button also depresses the actuation tab of the first lever and actuates the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism and the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

[0014] In embodiments, the holster further comprises a pair of thumb guides positioned above and below the thumb button, the thumb guides projecting laterally outward from the holster body user proximal wall portion beyond an undepressed position of the thumb button, and the thumb guide is positioned above the thumb button comprises a housing for the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

[0015] In embodiments, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprises a second lever, the second lever having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button, the actuation tab of the first lever positioned behind the thumb button and spaced therefrom such that the thumb button moves a range of rotary distance when depressed before the thumb button engages with the actuation tab of the first lever, whereby depression of the thumb button actuates the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism and, after moving the range of rotary distance and depressing the actuation tab of the first lever, actuates the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

[0016] In certain embodiments, a holster, comprises a holster body configured to receive a handgun equipped with a red dot sight (RDS), said holster body comprising a plurality of unitary holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity and a rearward opening, the holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the plurality of holster wall portions comprising a user proximal wall portion, a user distal wall portion and an upward wall portion having a projection to accommodate at least a portion of the RDS and a two-position detent positioned on an interior surface of the upward wall portion; an auto open dust cover positioned and configured to cover at least a portion of the RDS not covered by the holster body when the dust cover is in a second, closed position and to not cover the RDS when in a first, open position, the auto open dust cover further comprising a foot portion disposed at an end distal from the upward wall portion of the holster body on a user proximal, the auto open dust cover further comprising a central slot; an adapter bracket stationarily attached to the holster body and configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover to the holster body, wherein the adapter bracket comprises an offset length along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis with respect to the holster body; a cantilever spring comprising a fixed end fixed to one of the adapter bracket and the dust cover, and a free end slidingly received in the other of the adapter bracket and the dust cover a first user actuable handgun retention mechanism at the user proximal wall portion for selectively preventing the handgun, when in the cavity, from being withdrawn from the cavity, the first actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a trigger guard blocking portion movable from a trigger guard blocking position to a non-blocking position; and a second user actuable handgun retention mechanism, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a shroud that is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the shroud selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the shroud extends across a portion of a rearward opening of a cavity of the holster body and a release position in which the shroud is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so a withdrawal path of the handgun is unobstructed by the shroud, the shroud further comprising a channel disposed on an interior surface of the shroud and configured to engage the foot portion of the auto open dust cover when the shroud is in the handgun retaining position, wherein the cantilever spring biases the auto open dust cover to the open, first position, and wherein the dust cover is moved from the first, open position to the second, closed position by engagement with the channel of the shroud when the shroud is pivoted from the release position to the handgun retaining position.

[0017] In embodiments, the foot portion is disposed on a user proximal or a user distal side of the auto open dust cover; the cantilever spring is a flat cantilever spring, and the fixed end of the cantilever spring is fixed to the adapter bracket and the free end of the cantilever spring is slidingly received in the dust cover.

[0018] In embodiments, the foot portion comprises a laterally extending proximal portion and a hook-like distal portion extending from the laterally extending proximal portion, wherein the channel comprises a keyed channel configured to receive the foot portion.

[0019] In embodiments, the shroud comprises one or more flaps on at least one of a forward edge and a rearward edge of the shroud.

[0020] The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a handgun and a holster in accordance with the detailed description.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a handgun and a holster in accordance with the detailed description.

[0024] FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and a lever.

[0025] FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and a lever.

[0026] FIG. 3C is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and a lever.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and a lever.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including a lever and a handgun having a trigger guard. The handgun is cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 5.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including a lever and a handgun having a trigger guard. The handgun is cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 6.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembly including a lever and a handgun having a trigger guard. The handgun is cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 7.

[0031] FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views of an assembly including a lever and a handgun having a trigger guard. The handgun is cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectioned perspective view of an assembly including a holster and a handgun having a trigger guard. The holster and the handgun are cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 9.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an assembly including a holster and a handgun having a trigger guard. The holster and the handgun are cross-sectioned for purposes of illustration in FIG. 10.

[0034] FIGS. 11A-11C are stylized cross-sectional views each showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a stylized cross-sectional view showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a handgun and a holster in accordance with the detailed description.

[0038] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and two active handgun retention mechanisms operated by a single thumb button.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing retention mechanisms seen in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 15.

[0040] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view further illustrating some of the elements seen in the sub-assembly of FIG. 16.

[0041] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of components of handgun retention mechanisms.

[0042] FIG. 18B is an exploded view of the components of FIG. 18A.

[0043] FIG. 19 is a further exploded view of components of the handgun retention mechanisms including a housing for securing the pivoting thumb button.

[0044] FIG. 20 is a further exploded view of components of the handgun retention mechanisms taken from the side opposite that of FIG. 19.

[0045] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a holster with a with thumb button operating a single retention mechanism and a thumb button guard.

[0046] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a holster with a holstered handgun and a user's hand about the grasp the handgun.

[0047] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a holster with a holstered handgun and a user's hand engaging the handgun.

[0048] FIG. 24 is a plan view of a holster with a holstered handgun and a user's hand engaging the handgun.

[0049] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a holster including a hood spring, a lever spring, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the hood spring, the lever spring, and the tab spring are each illustrated a second time at a location spaced away from the holster.

[0050] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an assembly including a lever, a lever spring, a tab, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the lever spring and the tab spring are each illustrated a second time at a location spaced away from the assembly.

[0051] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an assembly including a lever, a lever spring, a tab, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the lever spring and the tab spring are each illustrated a second time at a location spaced away from the assembly.

[0052] FIG. 28A and 28B are perspective views showing an assembly including a hood assembly and a thumb receiving tab.

[0053] FIG. 29A and 29B are perspective views showing an assembly including a hood assembly and a thumb receiving tab.

[0054] FIG. 30A is a plan view showing a hood assembly part having a lug portion and a thumb receiving tab having a protrusion portion that selectively engages the lug portion of the hood assembly part.

[0055] FIG. 31A is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 30A. In the embodiments of FIGS. 30A and 31A, the hood assembly part is in a handgun retaining position.

[0056] FIG. 30B is a plan view showing a hood assembly part having a lug portion and a thumb receiving tab having a protrusion portion that selectively engages the lug portion of the hood assembly part.

[0057] FIG. 31B is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 30B. In the embodiments of FIGS. 30B and 31B, the hood assembly part is in a handgun releasing position.

[0058] FIG. 32A is a perspective view showing a holster in accordance with the detailed description.

[0059] FIG. 32B is a perspective view showing selected parts from the holster shown in FIG. 32A. The parts shown in FIG. 32B include a U-shaped shroud, a bracket and a finger receiving tab.

[0060] FIG. 32C is a perspective view further illustrating the parts shown in FIG. 32B. In FIG. 32C, the U-shaped shroud, the bracket and the finger receiving tab are shown from a different viewpoint.

[0061] FIG. 33A and 33B are two perspective views showing a holster including a U- shaped shroud. In the embodiment of FIG. 33A, the U-shaped shroud is in a handgun retaining position. In the embodiment of FIG. 33B, the U-shaped shroud is in a release position.

[0062] FIGS. 34A and 34B are perspective views of a belt engaging member.

[0063] FIG. 35A is a front view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.

[0064] FIG. 35B is a right side view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.

[0065] FIG. 35C is a top view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.

[0066] FIG. 35D is a rear view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.

[0067] FIG. 35E is a left side view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.

[0068] FIG. 35F is a bottom view of the belt engaging member shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B.

[0069] FIG. 36A and 36B are two perspective views showing a holster having a first handgun retention mechanism including a pivotable lever and a second handgun retention mechanism including a U-shaped shroud. In the embodiment of FIGS. 36A and 36B, the U-shaped shroud is in a handgun retaining position.

[0070] FIG. 37A is a front view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

[0071] FIG. 37B is a right side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

[0072] FIG. 37C is a top view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

[0073] FIG. 37D is a rear view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

[0074] FIG. 37E is a left side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

[0075] FIG. 37F is a bottom view of the holster shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

[0076] FIG. 38A and 38B are two perspective views showing a holster having a handgun retention mechanism including a pivotable lever.

[0077] FIG. 39A is a front view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.

[0078] FIG. 39B is a right side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.

[0079] FIG. 39C is a top view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.

[0080] FIG. 39D is a rear view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.

[0081] FIG. 39E is a left side view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.

[0082] FIG. 39F is a bottom view of the holster shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.

[0083] FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and a lever.

[0084] FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and a lever.

[0085] FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and two locking mechanisms.

[0086] FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and two locking mechanisms.

[0087] FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and the lever shown in FIG. 40.

[0088] FIG. 45 is a top view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and the lever shown in FIG. 40.

[0089] FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and the locking mechanisms shown in FIG. 42.

[0090] FIG. 47 is a top view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and the locking mechanisms shown in FIG. 42.

[0091] FIG. 48A is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a level-2 holster with a RDS dust cover from an upward end of the holster.

[0092] FIG. 48B is a view of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 56A from the downward end of the holster.

[0093] FIG. 48C is a view from the user distal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 48A.

[0094] FIG. 48D is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 48A.

[0095] FIG. 48E is a view from the user distal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 48A with the dust cover in the first, open position.

[0096] FIG. 48F is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 48A with the dust cover in the second, closed position.

[0097] FIG. 49 is a view of the exemplary dust cover of FIG. 48A.

[0098] FIG. 50A is a close up view of an exemplary configuration of the followers and two-position detent.

[0099] FIG. 50B is a close up view of the exemplary configuration of the followers and two-position detent of FIG. 50A.

[0100] FIG. 51A is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a level-3 holster with a RDS dust cover from an upward end of the holster.

[0101] FIG. 51B is a view of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 51A from the downward end of the holster.

[0102] FIG. 51C is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 51A from the downward end of the holster.

[0103] FIG. 51D is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 51A.

[0104] FIG. 51E is a view from the user distal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 51A.

[0105] FIG. 51F is a view of the shroud from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 51A.

[0106] FIG. 51G is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 51A with the shroud in the release position and the dust cover in the second, closed position.

[0107] FIG. 51H is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 51A with the shroud in the release position and the dust cover in the first, open position.

[0108] FIG. 52A is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a level-3 holster with a RDS auto open dust cover from an upward end of the holster.

[0109] FIG. 52B is a view of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A from the downward end of the holster.

[0110] FIG. 52C is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A from the downward end of the holster.

[0111] FIG. 52D is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A.

[0112] FIG. 52E is a view from the user distal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A.

[0113] FIG. 52F is a view of the shroud from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 52A.

[0114] FIG. 52G is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the shroud in the release position and the auto open dust cover in the second, closed position.

[0115] FIG. 52H is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the shroud in the release position and the auto open dust cover in the first, open position.

[0116] FIG. 52I is a view from the user distal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the auto open dust cover in the first, open position, and the shroud hidden for ease of viewing.

[0117] FIG. 52J is a view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the auto open dust cover in the first, open position, and the shroud hidden for ease of viewing.

[0118] FIG. 53A is a view of the exemplary adapter bracket and auto open dust cover of FIG. 52A in the first, open position.

[0119] FIG. 53B is a view of the exemplary adapter bracket and auto open dust cover of FIG. 52A in the second, closed position.

[0120] FIG. 53C is an exterior view of the exemplary adapter bracket of FIG. 52A.

[0121] FIG. 53D is an interior view of the exemplary adapter bracket of FIG. 52A.

[0122] FIG. 53E is an interior view of the auto open dust cover of FIG. 52A.

[0123] FIG. 54A is a close up, cross-sectional, perspective view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the auto open dust cover in the first, open position, and the shroud hidden for ease of viewing.

[0124] FIG. 54B is a close up, cross-sectional, perspective view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the auto open dust cover in the second, closed position, and the shroud hidden for ease of viewing.

[0125] FIG. 54C is a close up, cross-sectional, side view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the auto open dust cover in the first, open position.

[0126] FIG. 54D is a close up, cross-sectional, side view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the auto open dust cover in the second, closed position.

[0127] FIG. 54E is a close up, side view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the auto open dust cover in the first, open position.

[0128] FIG. 54F is a close up, side view from the user proximal side of the exemplary embodiment of the holster from FIG. 52A with the auto open dust cover in the second, closed position.

[0129] FIG. 55A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a level-3 holster with a RDS auto open dust cover in a first, open position.

[0130] FIG. 55B is a right side view of the holster of FIG. 55A.

[0131] FIG. 55C is a left side view of the holster of FIG. 55A.

[0132] FIG. 55D is a top view of the holster of FIG. 55A.

[0133] FIG. 55E is a front view of the holster of FIG. 55A.

[0134] FIG. 55F is a detail view FIG. 55E.

[0135] FIG. 56 a perspective view of the shroud from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 55A.

[0136] FIG. 57A is an exterior view of the exemplary adapter bracket and auto open dust cover of FIG. 55A in the second, closed position.

[0137] FIG. 57B is an interior view of the exemplary adapter bracket and auto open dust cover of FIG. 55A in the second, closed position.

[0138] FIG. 58A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a level-3 holster with a RDS auto open dust cover in a second, closed position.

[0139] FIG. 58B is a right side view of the holster of FIG. 58A.

[0140] FIG. 58C is a left side view of the holster of FIG. 58A.

[0141] While the embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, perspective views of a handgun 80 and a holster 100 are shown. FIG. 1 shows the handgun 80 withdrawn from the holster 100 and FIG. 2 shows the handgun inserted into the holster 100. The handgun being conventional and having a forward end 82, a handgun body 84, a grip 86 at a rearward end 87 of the handgun 80, a trigger guard 90, a back strap 92 with a backstrap recess 94, a slide 98 positioned above the handgun body, and a rail 99 positioned below the slide. In embodiments, the holster 100 for receiving and withdrawing the handgun having a trigger guard 90 comprises a polymer holster body 102, an elongate polymer pivoting lever 104 that is part of a first handgun retention mechanism 106 that is thumb actuated. The pivoting lever has an actuation tab 107 configured as by a thumb receiving button that is disposed in an opening 105 in the holster body, actuation of the thumb receiving button moves a trigger guard block portion 128 of the lever between retention and release positions. The retention mechanism 106 has two distinct separated pivoting connections 109 each formed from a pair of cooperating connector pivot portions 110, one of each pair unitary with the holster body and the other of each pair unitary with the lever. In embodiments, the pivot portions 110 of the lever 104 and pivot portions 110 of the holster body 102 are coupled using a simple assembly process with no separate hinge pin.

[0143] The holster body has three unitary bosses 111 on a proximal wall portion 113 for attachment to a plate portion of a user attachment means, such as a belt engaging member. See FIGS. 12 and 13. The holster having a proximal side and the holster body having a proximal side.

[0144] Continuing to referring to FIGS. 1-4, in embodiments, the holster body 102 has a plurality of holster wall portions defining a cavity 108 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 110H. In embodiments, the retention mechanism 106 comprises a lever 104 pivotally supported by the holster body 102 and retained by holster attachment plate portion 165 or by other means. The lever 104 may comprise an elongate central portion 124 integrally formed with a first forward pivot portion 112 and the holster body 102 may comprises a second forward pivot portion 114 integrally formed with one of the holster wall portions. The first forward pivot portion 112 may mate with the second forward pivot portion 114 to form a forward pivoting connection 109. In embodiments, the lever 104 further comprises a first rearward pivot portion 116 integrally formed with the elongate central portion 124 of the lever 104 and the holster body 102 comprises a second rearward pivot portion 118 integrally formed with one of the holster wall portions. The first rearward pivot portion 116 may mate with the second rearward pivot portion 118 to form a rearward pivoting connection 109. In embodiments all pivot portions of the retention mechanism are axially aligned and co-axial when assembled.

[0145] Continuing to referring to FIGS. 1-4, in embodiments, is a retention mechanism having a lever that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is contacting the a thumb button portion of the lever. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a lever having a thumb button portion, and the lever pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a lever that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 5-8B, in embodiments, the lever 104 of the retention mechanism 106 has an elongate central portion 124, a thumb receiving portion 107, configured as a thumb button, and a blocking portion 128. The thumb receiving portion of the lever comprising a first arm 130 extending away from the elongate central portion 124 in a first direction, the elongate central portion 124 and the first arm 130 cooperating to form a first L-shaped portion 132. The blocking portion 128 of the lever 104 comprises a second arm 134 extending away from the elongate central portion 124 in a second direction opposite the first direction, the elongate central portion 124 and the second arm 134 cooperating to form a second L-shaped portion 136.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the lever 104 is elongate in the direction of the axis X and has a lever length L1. The pivot portions 112, 116 have a separation distance D1 and have a pivoting connection length L2. The pivoting connection length L2 to the overall lever length L1 is in embodiments greater than 0.70 or 70%; in embodiments, greater than 0.60 or 60%; in embodiments greater than 0.80 or 80%.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a forward or handgun insertion direction Z and a rearward or handgun withdrawal direction −Z are illustrated using arrows labeled “Z” and “−Z,” respectively. An upward direction Y and a downward direction −Y are illustrated using arrows labeled “Y” and “−Y,” respectively. A direction X extending away from the user's body and the user attachment side of the holster is illustrated using an arrow labeled “X.” A direction −X extending toward the user's body and the user attachment side of the holster is illustrated using an arrow labeled “−X.” The directions illustrated using these arrows may be conceptualized, by way of example and not limitation, from the point of view of a user who is wearing a holster hung from a service belt and inserting a handgun into the holster. The directions illustrated using these arrows may also be conceptualized, by way of example and not limitation, from the point of view of a user holding a handgun in a normal firing position and viewing the gunsights of the handgun. The directions illustrated using these arrows may be applied to the apparatus shown and discussed throughout this application. In embodiments, the Z direction and the −Z direction are both generally orthogonal to the XY plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction. In embodiments, the X direction and the −X direction are both generally orthogonal to the ZY plane defined by the Z direction and the −Z direction. In embodiments, the Y direction and the −Y direction are both generally orthogonal to the ZX plane defined by the Z direction and the X direction. Various direction-indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that many direction indicating terms are related to the instant orientation of the object being described. It will also be appreciated that the objects described herein may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, direction-indicating terms such as “upwardly,”“downwardly,”“forwardly,”“rearwardly,” etc. should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 9, a cross-sectioned perspective view of a holster body 102 is shown. In the example embodiment of FIG. 9, the holster body 102 is formed from two polymers, one overmolded onto the other, providing an interior layer 138 and an exterior layer 140. In embodiments, the interior layer 138 is softer than the exterior layer 140 minimizing any wear, damage or markings on the exterior surface of the handgun that is received in the cavity 108 defined by the holster. In embodiments, the interior layer 138 and the exterior layer 140 are combined using an assembly process. In embodiments, the interior layer 138 comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and the exterior layer 140 a thermoplastic material. In embodiments, the interior layer 138 comprises Hytrel® polymer, available from DuPont, and the exterior layer 140 comprises nylon. The exterior layer being harder and stiffer than the interior layer.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view of a holster body 102 is shown. In embodiments, the holster body 102 is formed to provide a handgun fitting function that can be adjusted by rotating a tensioning screw 142. The shape of the forward portion of the handgun can be conceptualized as a four cornered geometric figure, roughly a rectangle, and the shape of the cavity 108 defined by the holster body 102 can be configured to make point contact with the four corners of the figure or rectangle. In embodiments, the shape of the cavity 108 defined by the holster body 102 can be conceptualized as two opposing V-shapes, an upper V-shape 148 and a lower V-shape 146. The upper V-shape 148 and the lower V-shape 146 are shown using dashed lines in FIG. 10. The two legs of the upper V-shape 148 and the two legs of the lower V-shape 146 may each contact one corner of the figure or rectangle. In embodiments, the lower V-shape 146 defines a slot 144 near the lower end of the lower V-shape 146. A tensioning screw 142 is positioned to selectively decrease the angle between the two legs of the lower V-shape 146. As the angle between the two legs of the lower V-shape 146 decreases, the two legs of the lower V-shape 146 apply upwardly directed component forces to two lower corners 150 of the rectangle. The forces applied to the lower corners 150 of the rectangle urge the two upper corners 152 of the rectangle against the two legs of the upper V-shape 148.

[0151] The components herein may be formed of thermoplastic polymers using an injection molding process.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 11A-11C, a retention mechanism 106 for a holster 100 may include a lever pivotally supported by the holster body 102. The lever 104 may comprise an elongate central portion 124 integrally formed with a first forward pivot portion 112, and the holster body 102 may comprise a second forward pivot portion 114 integrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body 102. The first forward pivot portion 112 may be mated with the second forward pivot portion so that the lever 104 is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In embodiments, one of the forward pivot portions 112, 114 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the forward pivot portions 112, 114 is a C-shaped pin receiving portion 156. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees; in embodiments greater than 185°; and in embodiments greater than 190°. In embodiments, one of the forward pivot portions 112, 114 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the forward pivot portions 112, 114 is a U-shaped pin receiving portion 156.

[0153] With continuing reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 11A-11C, the lever 104 may further comprise a first rearward pivot portion 116 integrally formed with the elongate central portion 124 and the holster body 102 may comprise a second rearward pivot portion 118 integrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body 102. The first rearward pivot portion 116 may be mated with the second rearward pivot portion so that the lever 104 is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In embodiments, one of the rearward pivot portions 116, 118 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the rearward pivot portions 116, 118 is a C-shaped pin receiving portion 156. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees; in embodiments greater than 185°; and in embodiments greater than 190°. In embodiments, one of the rearward pivot portions 116, 118 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the rearward pivot portions 116, 118 is a U-shaped pin receiving portion 156.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, a holster 100 in accordance with this detailed description may comprise a holster attachment plate portion 165 that is part of or all of a user attachment means for the holster which may be a belt engaging member. The plate portion 165 may retain the lever 104 in a pivoting connection arrangement with the holster body 102. The lever 104 may be pivotally supported by the holster body 102 and may be moveable between a handgun trigger guard capture position and a handgun trigger guard release position. In embodiments, the plate portion 165 is fixed to the holster body 102 by a plurality of screws 162.

[0155] The lever 104, may be, for example, captured between the belt engaging member 160, or other user attachment means, and the holster body 102. In embodiments, the lever 104 can be freely separated from the holster body 102 after the belt engaging member 160 is removed from the holster body 102. In embodiments, the belt engaging member 160 comprises a first belt loop portion 164 defining a first passageway 166 to receive a belt and a second belt loop portion 168 defining a second passageway 170 for receiving the belt.

[0156] The user attachment means 160 may comprise various holster supporting devices without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Examples of holster supporting devices that may be suitable in some applications are disclosed in the following United States Patents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein: USD653848, USD567707, USD508318, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,134,093, 8,783,532, 8,517,234, 8,469,245, 8,297,562, 8,251,266, 8,235,263, 7,866,515, 7,320,420, 9,423,210, 9,664,480, 9,841,255, 9,222,751, 8,544,706, 8,215,525, 8,100,304, 7,971,762, 7,922,050, 7,690,541, 6,478,202, 6,189,751, and 5,467,909.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 14-17, in embodiments, a holster 100 has a first handgun retention mechanism 106′ that engages the trigger guard as previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-13, and a second handgun retention mechanism 106′ with a pivoting lever 104′. A dual actuation member 179 with a thumb button 180 actuates both the first handgun retention mechanism 106′ and the second handgun retention mechanism 174. In embodiments, each handgun retention mechanism selectively prevents the handgun 80 from being withdrawn from the cavity 108 defined by the wall portions 109 of the holster body 102.

[0158] The second handgun retention mechanism 106′ comprises a slide retention member configured as a U-shaped shroud 176 that is pivotally supported by the holster body 102 so that the U-shaped shroud 176 selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the U-shaped shroud 176 extends across a portion of a rearward opening 178 of the cavity 108 and a release position in which the U-shaped shroud 176 extends forward of the rearward opening 178 so that a withdrawal path of the handgun 80 is unobstructed. In embodiments, the U-shaped shroud 176 pivots about a shroud pivot axis AC that extends laterally and is perpendicular to the handgun insertion and withdrawal axis AA.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 15-20, in embodiments, the first handgun retention mechanism 106′ comprises a lever 104′ pivotally supported by the holster body 102. The lever 104′ may be similarly configured to the lever 106 of FIGS. 1-13. In embodiments, the lever 104′ has an elongate central portion 124, a depressible actuation portion 186, and a trigger guard blocking portion 128. The depressible actuation portion 186 of the lever 104 comprises a first arm 130 extending away from the elongate central portion 124 in a first direction so that the elongate central portion 124 and the first arm 130 cooperate to form a first L-shape 182. The trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the lever 104′ comprises a second arm 134 extending away from the elongate central portion 124 in a second direction opposite the first direction so that the elongate central portion 124 and the second arm 134 cooperate to form a second L-shape 184. In embodiments, the lever 104′ is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the lever 104′ pivots about a lever axis 110 that extends in upward and downward directions as the holster is worn or forward and rearward with respect to the handgun. In embodiments, the lever pivots between a handgun trigger guard blocking or capture position and a handgun trigger guard non-blocking or release position. The trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the lever 104 extends into a trigger guard portion of the holster body 102 when the lever 104′ is disposed in the handgun trigger guard capture position.

[0160] Continuing to referring to FIGS. 15-20, a feature and benefit of embodiments is a retention mechanism having a lever that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is used to rotate the lever. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a lever that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. In embodiments, the lever pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster. In embodiments, the thumb-actuated button pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 16-20, the second handgun retention mechanism is illustrated. The slide blocking member configured as a shroud 176 is part of a hood assembly 188. Fasteners 197, 198 pivotally secure the U-shaped shroud, second handgun retention mechanism housing 201, bracket 190 with slot 144, to the holster body. Fastener 199 secures the opposite side of the shroud to the holster body. The second handgun retention mechanism 174 utilizes the retention mechanism housing 201 to secure components of the retention mechanism in place. The housing has two cooperating components, and inward member 202 and an outward member 204, that may be arranged in a clamshell-like fashion that captures the leaf spring 194 and a pivoting shaft 206 of the dual actuation member 179 within the housing 201. In embodiments, the holster includes a spring 196 that biases the U-shaped shroud 176 to pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the holster 100 includes the leaf spring 194 that is received in the slot 144 of the bracket 190 when the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the handgun retaining position. The base 195 of the leaf spring 194 is fixed with respect to the holster body and the tip 196 of the leaf spring 194 can flex inwardly and outwardly. The bracket 190 is attached to the U-shaped shroud 176 such that as the leaf spring 194 keeps the bracket from rotating forwardly it also keeps the shroud from rotating forwardly. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tab or button 180 through a first range of rotary motion causes deflection of the leaf spring 194 so that a distal portion of the leaf spring 194 moves outside of the slot 144 allowing the bracket 190 and also the shroud 176 to rotate forwardly. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb button 180 through a second range of rotary motion causes the thumb button 180 to engage the depressible actuation portion 186 of the lever 104 causing at least part of the trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the lever to be withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body 102. In this embodiment, the thumb receiving portion of the lever 104 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 has been replaced with an actuation portion or depressible portion that is depressed by the inner side of the thumb receiving tab 180.

[0162] The first and second active handgun retention mechanisms may be arranged such that the second and first mechanisms can actuate sequentially or simultaneously, in embodiments.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 21, another embodiment of a holster 300 comprising a holster body 306 similar to that of FIGS. 14 and 15 with a top or forward wall portion that mostly covers the slide of a handgun holstered therein, a pair of bosses 310 that can receive components of a second active handgun retention mechanism or, as illustrated in FIG. 21, a removable thumb button guard 312 secured to the bosses with fasteners 316. The lever 104 may be configured as discussed previously with respect to FIGS. 1-9 and has a thumb button 180. The plate portion 165 of a belt engaging member may capture the pivoting lever onto the holster body.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 22-24, the sequence of gripping and drawing a handgun 80 from a holster 100 having a optimally positioned thumb button 107 is illustrated. The handgrip 330 of the handgun 80 has a backstrap 322 region with a backstrap recess 324 that receives the user's hand 340 initially by the webbing 342 of the hand contacting the recess 324. The user will then wrap his middle, ring, and pinky fingers 350, 351, 352 around the grip as shown in FIG. 23 and will have his forefinger 353 in a longitudinal recess for said finger on the side of the holster opposite the thumb button. The thumb 354 will naturally be positioned at the thumb button 107 such that a normal grasping action of the grip, consistent with the “master grip” will depress the thumb button 107 and actuate the retention mechanism 104. Referring to FIGS. 22-25, 36A, 36B, 38A, 38B and 40-43, the master grip and ergonomics are further facilitated in embodiments where the thumb button 180 is positioned with no holster body directly rearward of the rearward margin of the thumb button 180, as well as no holster body portions below the thumb button 180. In use, as the handgun 80 is gripped prior to actuation of the thumb button 180, the user's thumb is in the natural gripping position at the surface of the thumb button 180, the thumb button 180 is depressed, coincident with grasping the handgun 80, and as the handgun 80 is withdrawn, the user's thumb slides off of the thumb button 180 into immediate contact with the handgun 80. That is, there is no engagement with the exterior surface of the holster body 102 by the user's thumb either during actuation of the release of the retention mechanism or as the handgun 80 is withdrawn. In that the thumb button 180 is positioned in close proximity to the surface of the handgun 80, the thumb movement inward as the thumb transitions from engagement with the thumb button 180 to engagement with the body of the handgun 80 is minimal.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 25-27C, in embodiments, the holster includes the hood spring 196, a lever spring 198 and a tab spring 200. In embodiments, each spring comprises a length of wire, the wire of the spring forming a first leg 208, a second leg 210 and a coil 212 disposed between the first leg 208 and the second leg 210. In embodiments, the first leg 208 of the hood spring 196 is fixed relative to the holster body 102 and the second leg 210 of the hood spring 196 is seated against the hood assembly 188 so that the U-shaped shroud 176 is biased to pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the lever spring 198 is positioned and adapted to bias the lever 104 to rotate toward the handgun trigger guard capture position. In embodiments, the first leg 208 of the lever spring 198 is seated against to the holster body 102 and the second leg 210 of the lever spring 198 is seated against the lever 104. In embodiments, the tab spring 200 is positioned and adapted to bias the thumb receiving tab 180 to rotate in a direction that moves a distal end of the thumb receiving tab 180 away from the holster body 102. In embodiments, the first leg 208 of the tab spring 200 is seated against to the holster body 102 and the second leg 210 of the tab spring 200 is seated against the thumb receiving tab 180.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 28A-31B, in embodiments, the U-shaped shroud 176 is part of a hood assembly 188. In embodiments, a bracket 190 of the hood assembly 188 includes a lug portion 214 and the thumb receiving tab 180 includes a protrusion portion 216 that engages the lug portion 214 of the hood assembly 188 while the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the handgun retaining position. In embodiments, the holster 100 further includes a hood spring 196 that biases the U-shaped shroud 176 to pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the hood spring 196 biases the lug portion 214 of the hood assembly 188 against the protrusion portion 216 of the thumb receiving tab 180 while the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the handgun retaining position. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tab 180 through a first range of rotary motion causes the protrusion portion 216 of the thumb receiving tab 180 to disengage from the lug portion 214 of the hood assembly 188. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tab 180 through a second range of rotary motion causes the thumb receiving tab 180 to engage the tab receiving portion of the lever 104 causing at least a portion of the trigger guard retaining portion of the lever 104 to be withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body 102.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 33A and 33B, a feature and benefit of embodiments is a retention mechanism having a lever 104′ that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is contacting a thumb receiving tab 180. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb receiving tab 180 that pivots about a first axis and a lever 104′ that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. In embodiments, the lever 104′ pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis 110H of the holster 100. In embodiments, the thumb receiving tab 180 pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster 100. FIG. 33A and 33B are two perspective views showing a holster including a U-shaped shroud. In the embodiment of FIG. 33A, the U-shaped shroud is in a handgun retaining position. In the embodiment of FIG. 33B, the U-shaped shroud is in a release position.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 1-47, in embodiments, an exteriorly worn holster 100 for receiving a handgun 80 has a holster body 102 having a plurality of unitary holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity 108 and a rearward opening 88. In embodiments, the handgun has a handgun body 84, a handgrip 86, a slide 98, and a trigger guard 90. In embodiments, the holster body 102 has a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 110H. In embodiments, the plurality of holster wall portions comprise a user proximal wall portion 113 and a user distal wall portion 115, the proximal wall portion 113 having thumb button recess 218 with a thumb button recess edge portion 220 defining the thumb button recess 218. In embodiments, the thumb button recess 218 extends forwardly from the rearward opening 88.

[0169] In embodiments, a first user actuatable handgun retention mechanism 106 of the holster 100 is located at the proximal wall portion 113 for selectively preventing the handgun 80, when in the cavity 108, from being withdrawn from the cavity 108. In embodiments, the first handgun retention mechanism 106 comprises a first lever 104 pivotally mounted on the proximal wall portion 113 of the holster body 102 with a first axis of rotation. In embodiments, the first lever 104 has an actuation tab 107 rearwardly positioned on the lever 104 and positioned within the thumb button recess 218. In embodiments, the actuation tab 107 has an upper margin 222, a rearward margin 224, and a lower margin 226. In embodiments, the lever 104 further has a trigger guard blocking portion 128 forwardly positioned on the lever 104, the lever 104 being configured and positioned such that depression of the actuation tab 107 rotates the lever 104 about its respective axis of rotation to move the trigger guard blocking portion 128 from a trigger guard blocking position to a non-blocking position.

[0170] In embodiments, an upper portion 242 of the thumb button recess edge portion 220 extends rearwardly of the actuation tab 107 along the upper margin 222 of the actuation tab 107 and a lower portion 246 of the thumb button recess edge portion 220 extends rearwardly of the actuation tab 107 at the lower margin 226 of the actuation tab 107.

[0171] In embodiments, the holster 100 has only a single user actuatable handgun retention mechanism 106 and the actuation tab is configured as an actuation tab 107. In embodiments, the holster 100 comprises a pair of thumb guides 230 positioned above and below the actuation tab 107, the thumb guides 230 projecting laterally outward from the holster body proximal wall portion 113 beyond an undepressed position of the actuation tab 107. In embodiments, the thumb guides 230 each extend laterally outward from an outward surface of the proximal wall portion 113 a distance of at least 0.35 inches.

[0172] In embodiments, the holster 100 has a second handgun retention mechanism 174 including a pivoting shroud 176 positioned rearwardly of the slide 98 of the handgun 80 holstered in the holster 100. In embodiments, the second handgun retention mechanism 174 comprises a second lever 104′, the second lever 104′ having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button 180, the actuation tab of the first lever position behind the thumb button 180 whereby depression of the thumb button 180 also depresses the actuation tab of the first lever.

[0173] In embodiments, the holster 100 further comprises a pair of thumb guides 230 positioned above and below the thumb button 180, the thumb guides 230 projecting laterally outward from the holster body 102 proximal wall portion 113 beyond an undepressed position of the thumb button 180.

[0174] In embodiments, one of the thumb guides 230 is positioned above the thumb button 180 and comprises a housing for the second handgun retention mechanism 174.

[0175] In embodiments, a belt engaging member 160 is attached to the holster body 102 with a plurality of threaded fasteners 162 extending into the holster body 102.

[0176] In embodiments, one of said threaded fasteners 162 is positioned above the first lever 104, one of the plurality of threaded fasteners 162 is positioned below the first lever 104, and one of the plurality of threaded fasteners 162 is positioned forward of the first lever 104, wherein the first lever 104 is captured between the holster body 102 and the belt engaging member 160.

[0177] In embodiments, a column portion 236 of the belt engaging member 160 extends rearwardly, wherein when the handgun 80 is holstered. In embodiments, the thumb button 180 is positioned between the handgun body 84 and the belt engaging member 160, wherein the belt engaging member 160 has a pair of ribs 232 having their elongate dimension extending forwardly and rearwardly and positioned to confront the thumb guides 230 whereby access to the thumb button 180 is restricted on four sides of the thumb button 180 and an access path 252 for the thumb is provided rearwardly of the thumb button 180. Ribs 232 and bottom rib 254 define a cavity 256 or recess with three sides in the column portion 236 of belt engaging member 160. By providing a cavity 256 in belt engaging member 160, an access path 252 is provided, while allowing the holster 100 to be positioned closer to the body of the user than if cavity 256 were not present and the fourth wall of the cavity 256 was instead provided by a surface coplanar with the rest of the column portion 236 of belt engaging member 160. The ribs 232 may provide structural strengthening of the lower plate portion 258 as well as providing access inhibiting structure to prevent access by others from front of the holster 100 or the back side of the holster 100, as the holster 100 is worn. The recess or cavity 256 opening upwardly providing access to the holster wearer as well as guide structure to easily and non-visually guide the user's thumb to the proper location both to actuate a thumb release button 180 and for the master grip.

[0178] In embodiments, the belt engaging member 160 comprises a jacket slot belt loop 228. In embodiments, the jacket slot belt loop 228 has a column portion 236 including a lower plate portion 258 having a holster attachment region 260, a mid level portion 302, and an upper portion 264 with a pair of clamping belt loop portions 234. The lower plate portion 258 having apertures 266 for receiving threaded fasteners 162 for attachment of the holster body 102. The mid level portion 302 may have a distal side 268 that cooperates with the holster body 102 to capture components of a retention mechanism 106 between the holster body 102 and the mid level portion 302 and thereabove a pair of upright ribs 232 protruding outwardly from the distal side 268 of mid level portion 302 defining recess or cavity 256 therebetween that extends upwardly to the upper portion 264 and is open upwardly.

[0179] In embodiments, the belt engaging member 160 comprises a jacket slot belt loop 228 having a pair of clamping belt loop portions 234 extending from the column portion 236, each of the clamping belt loop portions 234 being adjustable with respect to the column portion 236 by a respective threaded fastener 262.

[0180] The upper portion 264 having a central column 272. A pair of belt loop portions 234 are displaced distally inward of the central column 272 and displaced laterally from the central column 272. The belt loop portions 234 connect to the central column 272 at upper connecting portions 274. In certain embodiments, the central column 272, the upper connection portions 274 and the belt portions 234 all unitary with each other. Each belt loop portion 234 having a lower end 276 not unitarily joined to the central column 272 but having a closable spacing therefrom. The central column 272 may have protruding portions configured as bosses 280 to cooperate with the lower ends 276 of the belt loop portions 234. Threaded fasteners 262 may be utilized to adjust the spacing between each belt loop portions 234 and the central column 272 effecting a clamping action onto a belt, such as a duty belt, whereby the jacket slot belt loop 228 is secured to a user's belt. Optional elastomeric bushings (not shown) may be utilized between the lower ends 276 of the belt loop portions 234 and bosses 280 of the central column 272 wherein the bushings comprise a bore in a central axis of bosses 280 for receiving the threaded fasteners 262. A feature and advantage of such embodiments is that the level of clamping of the jacket slot belt loop 228 and holster 100 are readily adjustable. Moreover, the lateral offset of the belt loop portions 234 from the central column 272 provides stability for the mounting system and holster 100 as the length of the engagement of the jacket slot belt loop 228 with the holster 100 is extended.

[0181] In certain embodiments, threaded fasteners 262 can be unscrewed from lower ends 276 of the belt loop portions 234 such that there is a gap 284 between lower ends 276 of the belt loop portions 234 and bosses 280. This gap 284 allows the jacket slot belt loop 228 to receive a belt of the user without the user needing to weave the belt through belt slots 286 formed by the openings in between belt loop portions 234 and central column 272. This allows user to receive a belt in the belt slots 286 without removing other accessories already attached to the belt. Alternatively, a user can weave a belt through belt slots 286 without fully unscrewing threaded fasteners 262. Once a belt is received in the belt slots 286, the threaded fasteners 262 can be re-engaged with the lower ends 276 of clamping belt loop portions 234. The belt can be more tightly secured by tightening threaded fasteners 262. In certain embodiments, if a belt is of a narrower width than belt slots 286, the action of tightening threaded fasteners 262 may force the belt up in the belt slots 286 so that the belt is biased against the upper margin 288 of upper portion 292 of belt slots 286 (FIGS. 35A and 35D) 23. In this manner, belt slots 286 can accommodate a belt that has a width less than that of belt slots 286. In certain embodiments, the distance between the lower ends 290 of the belt slots 286 near the bosses 280 may be greater than the distance between the upper portion 292 of the belt slots 286 near upper margin 288.

[0182] In some embodiments, the outside face 294 of the clamping belt loop portions 234 may have protruding features 296, such as ribs or studs, in order to receive a belt more securely (FIG. 35B). On other embodiments, the back side 298 of column portion 236 of belt engaging member 160 may also have protruding features 300 such as ribs or studs, in order to receive belt more securely.

[0183] In embodiments, the thumb guides 230 each extend laterally outward from an outward surface of the proximal wall portion 113 a distance of at least 0.35 inches. In embodiments, the thumb guides 230 each extend laterally outward from an outward surface of the proximal wall portion 113 a distance of at least 0.35 inches and the ribs 232 extend outwardly from a surface of the column portion 236 a distance of at least 0.15 inches.

[0184] In embodiments, the first lever 104 is seated in a lever receiving region 238 on the proximal wall portion 113 of the holster body and the proximal wall portion 113 has three threaded bosses 240 dispersed around the lever receiving region 238 for receiving a belt engaging member 160. In embodiments, the proximal wall portion 113 further has a plurality of lever region containment wall portions 244 extending from the outer surface of the proximal wall portion 113 and each of the plurality of lever containment wall portions 244 connect to at least one of the three threaded bosses 240. In embodiments, the three threaded bosses 240 are positioned for receiving a belt engaging member 160 utilizing a plurality of threaded fasteners 162.

[0185] In embodiments, the first lever 104 is seated in a lever receiving region 238 on the proximal wall portion 113 and the proximal wall portion 113 has three threaded bosses 240 dispersed around the lever receiving region 238 for receiving a belt engaging member 160 and, when the belt engaging member 160 is attached, the first lever 104 is captured within the lever receiving region 238. In embodiments, the first lever 104 may be removed from an engagement with the proximal wall portion 113 when the belt engaging member is not attached to the proximal wall portion 113. In embodiments, the first lever 104 may be removed without tools when the belt engaging member is not attached. In embodiments, the first lever 104 may be removed by simply prying the first lever 104 outward when the belt engaging member 160 is not attached.

[0186] In embodiments, the holster body 102 has an upper wall portion having a pair of inclined wall portions defining a joint, a lower wall portion with a slit 250 extending from a forward opening to proximate a trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body defining a pair of forward clamping wall portions 248. In embodiments, a threaded fastener 142 is positioned so as to extend between the pair of forward clamping wall portions 248 for adjusting the forward clamping wall portions 248 about a forward portion of the handgun 80.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 1-47, in embodiments, a holster 100 is provided for receiving a handgun 80 having a handgun body 84, a slide 98, and a trigger guard 90. In embodiments, the holster 100 comprises a holster body 102 having a plurality of holster wall portions defining a rearward opening cavity 108 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 110H for receiving and holding the handgun 80. In embodiments, the plurality of holster wall portions comprise a user proximal wall portion 113 and a user distal wall portion 115. In embodiments, the holster includes a first handgun retention mechanism 106′ and a second handgun retention mechanism 174, disposed at the proximal wall portion 113, each handgun retention mechanism selectively preventing the handgun 80, when in the cavity 108, from being withdrawn from the cavity 108. In embodiments, the first and second handgun retention mechanisms have a respective first lever 104′ having a first axis of rotation and a second lever 180 with an axis of rotation, each lever having a respective actuation tab portion on one end of the lever where depression of the actuation tab rotates the lever about its respective axis of rotation, one of the two actuation tabs configured as a thumb receiving button with an outer thumb receiving surface, the other of the two actuation tabs positioned behind the thumb receiving button such that depression of the thumb receiving button effects a depression of the other of the two actuation tab portions, whereby depression of the thumb receiving button actuates both the first handgun retention mechanism 106′ and the second handgun retention mechanism 174. In embodiments, the first lever 104′ of the first handgun retention mechanism 106′ is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In embodiments, the first lever 104′ comprises an elongate central portion 124 and a blocking portion 128 at an end opposite the respective actuation tab, the blocking portion 128 movable in and out of a handgun blocking position. In embodiments, the second handgun retention mechanism 174 comprising a U-shaped member 176 that is pivotally supported by the holster body 102 so that the U-shaped member 176 selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the U- shaped member extends across a portion of a rearward opening of the cavity 108 and a release position in which the U-shaped member 176 is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so that a withdrawal path of the handgun 80 is unobstructed by U-shaped member 176.Red Dot Sight Dust Cover

[0188] The present disclosure also provides a red dot sight (RDS) dust cover that can be integrated with any holster, including those of the present disclosure, that is further configured to accommodate a handgun with a RDS or any holster capable of accommodating a handgun with a RDS. As used herein, the terms “red dot sight” and “RDS” refer to a reflector (or reflex) sight that provides an illuminated reticle, often in the form of a “red (or another color) dot,” to the user as a point of aim. The “dot” may be generated by a light-emitting diode, or another light source, reflecting off an optical surface, for example a lens. An RDS can be “open”, with the optical surface open on both sides to the atmosphere, or “closed,” where the reflective surface is enclosed by a housing and another piece of glass or plastic through which the dot may be visualized. Miniaturized RDS may be adapted to be mounted on the slide of a handgun to augment or replace standard “iron sights.” An RDS mounted on the slide of a pistol may increase the overall height of the pistol. An enclosed RDS may be longer than a RDS that open. Embodiments of holsters of the present disclosure can be modified to accommodate a handgun with a RDS, either open or closed, by extending a portion of an upward wall of the holster body to form a pocket for receiving the RDS. In embodiments, the RDS dust cover can be used with either level-2 or level-3 configuration.

[0189] In any of the foregoing embodiments, the holster can further be configured to receive a handgun with a red dot sight (RDS) and further include a dust cover configured to cover at least a portion of the RDS, the dust cover being pivotally connected to a portion of the holster body, such as the upward wall portion of the holster body. In some embodiments, the dust cover covers a rearward portion of a RDS. In some embodiments, the dust cover can be pivoted from a first position, where it does not cover the RDS, and a second position, where it covers at least a portion of the RDS. In some embodiments, the holster body further includes a two-position detent positioned to engage two followers on the dust cover, where the two-position detent includes a first, open position detent and a second, closed position detent on each of a first side of the two-position detent and a second, opposite side of the two-position detent, the first, open position detents biasing the dust cover in the first position and the second, closed position detents biasing the dust cover in the second position. In some embodiments, the first, open position detent and the second, closed position detent on each side of the two-position detent are separated by a ridge having a peak such that the respective follower encounters resistance in moving from the first, open position detent to the second, closed position detent and vice versa, thus biasing the dust cover in the open or closed position depending on the relative position of the followers, i.e. in the first, open position detents or the second, closed position detents. In embodiments, the followers can be made of a flexible material such that they can deflect when passing over the ridge without breaking, but are of sufficient rigidity that they can engage the first, open position detent or second, closed position detent to bias the dust cover in the first, open position or the second, closed position, respectively. The ridge can include a peak and thus have a sloped shape on each side of the ridge in the direction of each of the first, open position detent and the second, closed position detent, respectively, such that the ridge provides resistance while the sloped portions aid in deflecting the follower away from or toward the detents. The followers can be disposed at an end of the dust cover proximal to the upward portion of the holster body, one positioned on each of the first and second sides of the two-position detent, extending toward the two-position detent and configured to engage the first detents in the first position or the second detents in the second position. In some embodiments, the two-position detent can be positioned on a central rib of the upward portion of the holster body. In such instances, the followers on the dust cover can positioned with one on each side of a central, vertical axis of the dust cover, the prongs disposed pointing toward the central, vertical axis, and positioned to engage the two-position detent. In operation, the dust cover can be displaced from the second position to the first position by the draw of the gun from the holster which displaces the followers from the second, closed detents to the first, open detents which biases the dust cover in the open position. Once the gun is returned to the holster, the dust cover can be moved manually by the user from the first position to the second position, moving the followers from the first detents to the second detents of the two-position detent, thereby biasing the dust cover in the second position and covering at least a portion of the RDS.

[0190] In some embodiments, the dust cover is configured to cover all portions of the RDS not covered by the holster body. In some embodiments, the dust cover is hingeably connected to the upward portion of the holster body. By way of example, but not limitation, the dust cover can further include two pegs, one that extends from a user proximal side of the dust cover toward the and through an aperture in the user proximal wall portion of the holster body and one that extends from a user distal side of the dust cover that is opposite of the user proximal side away from the user proximal wall and through an aperture in the user distal wall portion of the holster body, the pegs and apertures configured to permit hingeable operation of the dust cover. By way of further example, but not limitation, rather than the apertures being in the user proximal wall portion and the user distal wall portion, respectively, the apertures can be in a side of the upward portion of the holster body proximate to the user proximate wall portion of the holster body and in a side of the upward portion of the holster body proximate to the user distal wall portion. Thus, it should be understood that the pivotable nature of the dust cover can be effected by various designs that permit pivoting of the dust cover from the first position to the second position. Thus, the pivoting of the dust cover can be around an axis orthogonal to an axis between upward and downward portions of the holster body. For example, the pivoting can be from a downward direction to an upward direction, and vice versa. In this way, the dust cover can be tilted toward the gun when it is holstered to cover at least a portion of the RDS or away from the gun so that it can be drawn. It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments described with respect to the dust cover can be for a holster that includes a level-2 or level-3 configuration as described herein or to any other holster that can accommodate a RDS-equipped gun.

[0191] In some embodiments, where the holster is in a level-3 configuration, the dust cover can further include a foot portion that extends in the direction of the user proximal wall portion or the user distal wall portion from a user proximal side of the dust cover or a user distal side of the dust cover, respectively. The foot portion can be position near an end distal from the followers. For example, the foot portion can be positioned at the “top” of the dust cover. The shroud of the holster further includes a channel configured and positioned to catch the foot portion of the dust cover such that, if the dust cover is in the first position, when the shroud is moved back, the channel engages the foot portion and pulls the dust cover from its first portion to its second position. Thus, the channel can be positioned on a user proximal side of the shroud or a user distal side of the shroud depending on whether the foot portion is on the user proximal side of the dust cover or the user distal side of the dust cover, respectively. In operation, for a holster with a level-3 configuration, when the shroud is in the release position, the dust cover is maintained in its second position. The dust cover can then be moved from its second position to its first position and vice versa as described above, either manually by the user, or pushed from second position to first position by the gun as it is withdrawn from the holster. When the shroud is in the release position and the dust cover is in the first position, the dust cover can be moved to the second position manually by the user. In the alternative, when the shroud is moved from the release position to the handgun retaining position, if the dust cover is in the first position, the channel of the shroud will catch the foot portion and move the dust cover from the first position to the second position. It should be understood that the foot portion can be on either or both the user proximal side of the user distal side of the dust cover and that the channel(s) in the shroud can be positioned to correspond to the position(s) of the foot portion(s).

[0192] Referring now to FIGS. 48A-48H, exemplary embodiments of the holster configured to accommodate a handgun with a RDS and a dust cover of the present disclosure are provided. FIGS. 48A-48F depict an exemplary level-2 configuration while FIGS. 51A-51H depict an exemplary level-3 configuration and aspects thereof. FIGS. 49 and 50 depict an exemplary dust cover of the present disclosure and a close up view of an exemplary pair of the followers and the two-position detent, respectively.

[0193] As shown in FIGS. 48A-48F, an exemplary embodiment of a level-2 holster configuration with a dust cover of the present disclosure is shown. Referring to FIG. 48A, the holster is shown from the upward end and includes the holster 100 having a holster body 102 which includes a user proximal wall portion 113, a user distal wall portion 115 and a upward wall portion 117. The holster is configured to accommodate a handgun having a RDS as evidenced by the projection 119 in the upward wall portion 117. The dust cover 500 is hingeably attached to the upper wall portion 117 in a position to cover at least a portion of the RDS when the handgun is in the holster 100 and the dust cover 500 is in the second, closed position as shown in FIG. 48A. As depicted, the dust cover 500 is hingeably attached to the holster 100 by two protrusions or pegs 501 (only one is shown) that extend through two corresponding apertures 502 (only one is shown) in the upper wall portion 117 on the user proximal and user distal sides (503 and 504, respectively) of the dust cover 500. FIG. 48B depicts the same exemplary embodiment as in FIG. 48A from the downward end of the holster 100. FIG. 48B shows the two followers 505 at the end of the dust cover proximal to the upward portion of the holster body 102. It can be seen that the followers 505 extend on either side toward a central rib 506 of the upward portion of the holster body toward a two-position detent 507. Turning to FIGS. 48C-48D, the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 48A is shown from the user distal side 504 (FIG. 48C) and from the user proximal side 503 (FIG. 48D). Referring to FIGS. 48E and 56F, the holster 100 is shown with the dust cover 500 in the first, open position from the user distal side 504 (FIG. 48E) and the user proximal side 503 (FIG. 48F). When the dust cover 500 is in the first position, the handgun can be inserted or withdrawn without contacting the dust cover 500. As discussed above, when the dust cover 500 is in the second position as in FIGS. 48A-48D, it can be displaced to the open position by the draw of the handgun which moves the followers from the second, closed position detent 510 to the first, open position detent 509 of the two-position detent 507 to bias the dust cover 500 in the open position and permit the continued draw of the handgun.

[0194] In FIGS. 48A-48B, 48D and 48F, the dust cover 500 can include a foot portion 508 as shown, however, it should be understood that in embodiments where the holster 100 does not include a level-3 configuration with a shroud, the foot portion can be omitted.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 49, an exemplary embodiment of the dust cover 500 of the present disclosure can have a user distal side 504 and a user proximal side 503, two followers 505 at an end proximal to the upward portion of the holster, and a foot portion 508 at an end distal from the followers 505 that extends in the direction of the user proximal wall portion a user proximal side of the dust cover. As noted above, it should be understood that the foot portion is not required if the dust cover is not being used in a level-3 configuration and, even in a level-3 configuration, may not require the foot portion if the shroud is not configured with a channel to catch the dust cover. As shown in FIG. 50A, the two followers 505 can be positioned on either side of a two-position detent 507 which includes a first, open position detent 509 and a second, closed position detent 510 on each of a first side of the two-position detent 507 and a second, opposite side of the two-position detent 507 where the first, open position detent 509 and the second, closed position detent 510 are separated by a ridge 512, the first, open position detent 509 biasing the dust cover 500 in the first position and the second, closed position detents 510 biasing the dust cover 500 in the second position. As depicted the two-position detent 507 can be located on a central rib 506 of an upward portion of the holster 100. FIG. 50B shows an extreme close-up of the two-position detent and the followers of the dust cover of FIG. 50A, with the dust cover displaced from the two-position detent, which shows that the ridge includes a peak and sloped sides, sloping toward each of the first, open position detent 509 and the second, closed position detent 510.

[0196] As shown in FIGS. 51A-51H, an exemplary embodiment of a level-3 holster configuration with a dust cover 500 of the present disclosure is shown. Referring to FIGS. 51A-51H, a holster 100 with a level-3 configuration is shown which includes a U-shaped shroud 176 and the dust cover 500, where the U-shaped shroud 176 is capable of engaging the foot portion 508 of the dust cover 500 to bias it in the second position to cover the RDS. As shown in FIGS. 51B-51C, the dust cover can include two followers 505 at an end of the dust cover proximal to the upward portion of the holster body which can be positioned on each side of a two-position detent 507 that is disposed on a central rib 506 of an upward portion of the holster 100 and which can bias the dust cover 500 in the second, closed position as shown in FIGS. 51A-51E and 51G or in the first, open position as shown in FIG. 51H. The U-shaped shroud 176 also includes a channel 511 which can engage the foot portion 508 of the dust cover 500 such that it can bias the dust cover 500 in the second, closed position and, if the dust cover 500 is in the first, open position, catch the foot portion 508 to displace the dust cover to the second, closed position. FIGS. 51D-51E depict the holster 100 of FIGS. 51A-51C from the user proximal side and the user distal side, respectively. As noted above, FIGS. 51G-51H depict the holster 100 of FIGS. 51A-51E with the dust cover 500 in the closed position and the shroud 176 is in the release position (FIG. 51G) or the dust cover 500 is in the first, open position and the shroud 176 is in the release position (FIG. 51H). It should be understood that in embodiments with a level-3 configuration holster, the dust cover is not required to include the foot portion unless that shroud with the channel as described is to be used to engage the foot portion. For example, the dust cover can be manually operable by the user independent of the shroud, as in the level-2 configuration.

[0197] FIG. 51F depicts an exemplary U-shaped shroud 176 that includes the channel 511 for engaging the foot portion 508 of the dust cover 500.

[0198] It should be understood that in any of the foregoing embodiment, the foot portion and channel can be disposed on either a user proximal side or a user distal side of the dust cover.

[0199] It should also be understood that the dust cover and its configuration can be applied to any holster, preferably a holster of the present disclosure.Auto Open Holster Optic Dust Cover

[0200] As shown in FIGS. 52A-54F, an exemplary embodiment of a level-3 holster configuration with an auto open dust cover 600 of the present disclosure is shown. Referring to the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 52A-52E, a holster 100 with a level-3 configuration is shown which includes a U-shaped shroud 176, the auto open dust cover 600 and an adapter bracket 620 configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover 600 to the holster 100. In embodiments, auto open dust cover 600 is configured to function within or under U-shaped shroud 176 and the U-shaped shroud 176 is also configured to prevent the auto open dust cover 600 from inadvertently being pushed into an open position, for example, as shown in FIG. 52H. In other embodiments, when open, the auto open dust cover 600 is configured to return to the open position automatically if it is inadvertently pushed to the closed position without the U-shaped shroud 176 also being closed.

[0201] In some embodiments, adapter bracket 620 is configured to interface with differently configured optic ready holsters to allow compatibility of the auto open dust cover 600 with different holster models, for example, any of the holster models described herein. In some embodiments, adapter bracket 620 has an offset length L (FIG. 54F) extending along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis configured to mount the auto open dust cover 600 further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis with respect to the holster body 102. Therefore, the two-piece arrangement of the auto open dust cover 600 and the adapter bracket 620 makes room for larger optics because the pivot axis AD of the dust cover 600 is moved further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis by virtue of the offset length L. In other embodiments, the auto open dust cover 600 may by pivotally attached directly to the holster body 102 without the use of an adapter bracket 620.

[0202] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 53A-54F, adapter bracket 620 may be substantially U-shaped and may include a user proximal side 623, a user distal side 624, and a central portion 625 having an exterior side 626 and an interior side 627. Adapter bracket 620 (FIGS. 53C-53D) may further include a holster proximal end 628 proximal to the upper wall portion 117 of the holster 100 and a holster distal end 629, distal to the upper wall portion 117. In some embodiments, adapter bracket 620 may further include two snap fit first protrusions 621 that may extend user proximally and user distally, respectively, from the user proximal side 623 and the user distal sides 624 at the holster proximal end 628 of adapter bracket 620. In further embodiments, adapter bracket 620 may be stationarily attached to the upper wall portion 117 of holster 100 by a snap fit of first protrusions 621 that may extend through two corresponding apertures 602 in the projection 119 in the upper wall portion 117 of holster 100. In other embodiments, adapter bracket 620 may be stationarily attached to the upper wall portion 117 by alternative fasteners known to one of skill in the art.

[0203] In some embodiments, adapter bracket 620 may include a central channel 630 extending from the holster proximal end 628 to the holster distal end 629 on the exterior side 626 of central portion 625. In embodiments, a spring 631 may be disposed in central channel 630. In some embodiments, the spring 631 may be a cantilever spring, and in other embodiments, the spring 631 may be a flat cantilever spring. In one embodiment, spring 631 may have a fixed proximal end 632 (FIG. 53D) fixed to the holster proximal end 628 of adapter bracket 620 and a free distal end 633. In some embodiments, free distal end 633 of spring 631 may extend past the holster distal end 629 of adapter bracket 620 such that the free distal end 633 is configured to overhang and extend past the holster distal end 629 of adapter bracket 620. In other embodiments, spring 631 may have a fixed distal end 633 fixed to the dust cover 600, and a free proximal end 632 free to slide at the adapter bracket 620. In other embodiments, both distal end 633 and proximal end 632 of spring 632 may be free and not fixed to either dust cover 600 or adapter bracket 620.

[0204] In other embodiments, central channel 630 may be disposed on the interior side 627 of central portion 625. In some embodiments, central channel 630 may be open, as depicted in FIGS. 53A-54F. In other embodiments, central channel 630 may be enclosed.

[0205] In one embodiment, fixed proximal end 632 of spring 631 may be fixed to the holster proximal end 628 of adapter bracket 620 by any suitable securement element. For example, in certain embodiments, fixed proximal end 632 of spring 631 may be fixed to the holster proximal end 628 of adapter bracket 620 by a securement element including a molded post 644 through a hole 645 in fixed proximal end 632 of spring 631. In other embodiments, fixed proximal end 632 of spring 631 may be fixed to the holster proximal end 628 of adapter bracket 620 by a securement element including fastener such as a screw (not shown) through hole 645. In still other embodiments, a securement element may include an end of fixed proximal end 632 being bent to fixedly engage a slot (not shown) in the holster proximal end 628 of adapter bracket 620.

[0206] In certain embodiments, spring 631 may include a hole 645 at each of the holster proximal end 628 and the holster distal end 629. Accordingly, in other embodiments, spring 631 may include a fixed distal end fixed to the auto open dust cover 600 and adapter bracket 620 may include a slot (not shown) for receiving a free proximal end of spring 631. Alternatively, in embodiments with no adapter bracket 620, the fixed proximal end 632 of spring 631 may be fixed directly to the holster body 102.

[0207] In other embodiments, adapter bracket 620 may further include two pegs or second protrusions 634 that extend outwardly from the user proximal and user distal sides (623 and 624, respectively) at the holster distal end 629 of adapter bracket 620.

[0208] In one embodiment, auto open dust cover 600 may be substantially U-shaped and include a user proximal side 603, a user distal side 604, and a central portion 637 having an exterior side 638 (FIGS. 53A and 53B) and an interior side 639 (FIG. 53E). Auto open dust cover 600 may further include a holster proximal end 640 proximal to the upper wall portion 117 of the holster 100 and a holster distal end 641, distal to the upper wall portion 117 of the holster 100. Auto open dust cover 600 may further include corresponding apertures 642 on the user proximal and user distal sides (603 and 604, respectively) at the holster proximal end 640 of auto open dust cover 600.

[0209] As depicted in FIGS. 53A-53B, in one embodiment, the auto open dust cover 600 may be hingeably attached to adapter bracket 620 by the two protrusions or pegs 634 of adapter bracket 620 that extend through the two corresponding apertures 642 in auto open dust cover 600. In certain embodiments, auto open dust cover 600 may be moveable between a first position (FIGS. 52H-52I, 53A, 54A, 54C, 54E) where auto open dust cover 600 does not cover the RDS to a second, closed position as shown in FIGS. 52A-52E, 52G, 53B, 54B, 54D and 54F where auto open dust cover 600 covers at least a portion of the RDS. In certain embodiments, when in the second, closed position, auto open dust cover 600 may cover at least a rearwardmost portion of the RDS including the optical lens, for example, while projection 119 in the upward wall portion 117 of holster body 102 may cover a forwardmost portion of the RDS. When in the first, open position, auto open dust cover 600 may still cover part of the RDS, but it will not cover the rearwardmost surface of the RDS, such that the RDS can be withdrawn from the holster with the pistol.

[0210] In embodiments where the holster 100 is in a level-3 configuration, the auto open dust cover 600 may further include a foot portion 608 that extends from the dust cover 600, and where the U-shaped shroud 176 includes a channel 611 (FIGS. 52B, 52F). In certain embodiments, foot portion 608 (FIGS. 52H, 53A, 53B, 53E) may extend laterally from dust cover 600.

[0211] In some embodiments, channel 611 may be configured to engage foot portion 608 of the auto open dust cover 600 to move auto open dust cover 600 to the second position to cover the RDS. In certain embodiments, channel 611 may be included on a user proximal side 682 of U-shaped shroud 176 and foot portion 608 may extend from a user proximal side 603 of auto open dust cover 600. In other embodiments, channel 611 may be on a user distal side 680 of U-shaped shroud 176 and foot portion 608 may be on a user distal side 604 of auto open dust cover 600.

[0212] As best shown in FIGS. 53E-54F, in embodiments, the central portion 637 of auto open dust cover 600 may include a central slot 643 extending from the holster proximal end 640 to the holster distal end 641 of the auto open dust cover 600 for slidingly receiving the free distal end 633 of spring 631. In such embodiments, when auto open dust cover 600 is in the open, first position (FIGS. 52H, 521, 53A, 54A, 54C and 54E), the free distal end 633 of spring 631 is disposed at its most distal location within central slot 643. When auto open dust cover 600 is moved to the second, closed position, FIGS. 52A-52E, 52G, 53B, 54B, 54D and 54F, the free distal end 633 of spring 631 is flexed downwardly and slides within central slot 643 such that it is disposed proximally with respect to its most distal location within slot 643.

[0213] In some embodiments, spring 631 biases auto open dust cover 600 to the open, first position not covering the RDS (FIGS. 52H, 521, 54A, 54C and 54E). In some embodiments, spring 631 exerts an upwardly directed, biasing force on auto open dust cover 600 to the open, first position. In some embodiments, spring 631 may be any other suitable biasing member, including but not limited to a compressed spring, an extension spring, a leaf spring connecting auto open dust cover 600 and adapter bracket 620 or holster body 102, a coil spring wrapped around second protrusions 634, elastomeric material, etc.

[0214] When auto open dust cover 600 is in the open, first position, the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the release position such that U-shaped shroud 176 is flipped up / forward, and out of the way of the holster draw motion. In some embodiments, auto open dust cover 600 is restrained by channel 611 of U-shaped shroud 176 only, such that when U-shaped shroud 176 is released / rotated, the auto open dust cover 600 automatically opens without any further action by the user, and is held against the U-shaped shroud 176 by the force exerted by spring 631. In one embodiment, auto open dust cover 600 will automatically close when the user pulls the U-shaped shroud 176 into the handgun retaining position causing channel 611 of U-shaped shroud 176 to engage the foot portion 608 of the auto open dust cover 600 and cause auto open dust cover 600 to pivot about second protrusions 634. Then, when the U-shaped shroud 176 is released, U-shaped shroud 176 moves out of the way of the auto open dust cover 600, that resides underneath, and auto open dust cover 600 will automatically rotate up immediately behind the U-shaped shroud 176, due to the biasing force of spring 631, until both are in the fully opened position. When auto open dust cover 600 and U-shaped shroud 176 are both in fully open / release positions, the exterior side 626 of the central portion 625 rests against or is disposed adjacent an interior side 646 of U-shaped shroud 176 (FIG. 54C). When auto open dust cover 600 and U-shaped shroud 176 are both in fully open / release positions (FIG. 54E), auto open dust cover 600 and U-shaped shroud 176 do not extend substantially rearwardly beyond a plane defined by the rearwardmost surface of the RDS. Furthermore, if the auto open dust cover 600 is inadvertently depressed partially or fully when open, auto open dust cover 600 can move freely and then automatically return back to the open, first position due to the biasing force of spring 631.

[0215] Referring to FIGS. 54E and 54F, in some embodiments, auto open dust cover 600 and U-shaped shroud 176 stay within the boundaries of a plane A defined by the top part of holster projection 119 and a plane B defined by the rearwardmost surface of a closed U-shaped shroud 176 (FIG. 54F). Auto open dust cover 600 and U-shaped shroud 176 are configured to stay within the boundaries of planes A and B whether open (FIG. 54E) or closed (FIG. 54F), throughout the rotation of open dust cover 600 and U-shaped shroud 176 about dust cover pivot axis AD and shroud pivot axis AC, respectively.

[0216] In some embodiments, when U-shaped shroud 176 reaches the end of its travel and locks closed in the handgun retaining position, auto open dust cover 600 is underneath and trapped by U-shaped shroud 176 (FIG. 54D). As depicted in FIG. 52B, channel 611 of U-shaped shroud 176 may includes the channel 611 which engages the foot portion 608 of the auto open dust cover 600 to trap auto open dust cover 600 underneath U-shaped shroud 176. In other embodiments, U-shaped shroud 176 could engage other parts of auto open dust cover 600 other than foot portion 608 to be able push and trap auto open dust cover 600.

[0217] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 54C and 54E, auto open dust cover 600 is underneath U-shaped shroud 176 when dust cover 600 is in the open, first position. When in the second, closed position, dust cover 600 is not covered by U-shaped shroud 176 and is only retained by foot 608 in channel 611. In certain embodiments, when U-shaped shroud 176 is pivoted between the handgun release position (FIG. 54E) and handgun retaining position (FIG. 54F), U-shaped shroud 176 rotates around dust cover 600 so that dust cover 600 remains interiorly to U-shaped shroud 176 throughout the rotation of U-shaped shroud 176. Dust cover pivot axis AD and shroud pivot axis AC may be parallel but offset to one another, In certain embodiments, dust cover pivot axis AD is offset further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis than shroud pivot axis AC. Dust cover pivot axis AD may also be offset upwardly with respect to shroud pivot axis AC. In some embodiments, having two separate pivot axes AC, AD between the U-shaped shroud 176 and the auto open dust cover 600 allows the opportunity to position the spring 631 in a matter that creates a lower profile.

[0218] In some embodiments, auto open dust cover 600 and U-shaped shroud 176 are separate, nonintegral components. A separate dust cover 600 and shroud 176 may reduce and limit the overall profile or space the dust cover 600 and shroud 176 operate in. A separate dust cover 600 and shroud 176 may also have a smaller pivot arm than an integral dust cover and shroud. In some embodiments, a separate dust cover 600 and shroud 176 is configured to function within the same profile whether open or closed, and also allows for fewer snag points, or for other gear of the user to impede the components' travel.

[0219] In some embodiments, auto open dust cover 600 residing inside of U-shaped shroud 176 has a low profile and protrudes less rearwardly relative to the holster body 102 when in the open position than dust covers residing outside of a shroud.

[0220] In some embodiments, having two nonintegral components (U-shaped shroud 176 and dust cover 600) allows the option to remove just the auto open dust cover 600 and spring 631 or the entire auto open dust cover system that would include the dust cover 600, spring 631, and adapter bracket 620 while keeping the strength and retention integrity of the U-shaped shroud 176 still in place.

[0221] In some embodiments, having two nonintegral components allows the ability to construct the two components of different materials and use different assembly approaches.

[0222] As shown in FIGS. 55A-58C, an exemplary embodiment of a level-3 holster configuration including an auto open dust cover 700 of the present disclosure is shown. It will be understood that certain unnumbered or similarly numbered elements may share characteristics with elements of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-54F. Referring to the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 55A-58C, a holster 100 including a level-3 configuration is shown which includes a U-shaped shroud 776, the auto open dust cover 700 and an adapter bracket 720 (FIGS. 57A-57B) configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover 700 to the holster 100. U-shaped shroud 776 may include a user distal wall 780, a user proximal wall 782, an upper wall 784 connecting user distal wall 780 and user proximal wall 782, a forward edge 786, and a rearward edge 788. In the description of this embodiment, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “downwardly”, “forward” and “rearward” refer to when the U-shaped shroud 776 is in the handgun release position (FIG. 55A).

[0223] In certain embodiments, auto open dust cover 700 may include a foot portion 708. In some embodiments, foot portion 708 may have a retention shape configured to engage with a keyed channel 711 that corresponds to the retention shape of foot portion 708.

[0224] The keyed channel 711 and the retention shape of foot portion 708 may be configured to allow the U-shaped shroud 776 to “drag” dust cover 700 to the second, closed position and the retention shape prevents foot portion 708 from disengaging from keyed channel 711, e.g. if there is an impact or force on the assembly from the X-side or Y-side during use.

[0225] In some embodiments, foot portion 708 may have an extending portion and a retention portion at the end. In certain embodiments, the retention portion may have a hook-like configuration like in the embodiment of FIGS. 52A-54F. U-shaped shroud 776 may include a keyed channel 711 on user proximal wall 782 capable of engaging foot portion 708 of the auto open dust cover 700 to move auto open dust cover 700 to the second position to cover the RDS. In embodiments, foot portion 708 may extend from a user proximal side 703 (FIG. 57B) of auto open dust cover 700. Referring to FIGS. 55E, 55F, 57A and 57B, foot portion 708 may include a laterally extending proximal portion 709 extending laterally from the user proximal side 703 of auto open dust over 700. Foot portion 708 may further include retention portion extending from laterally extending proximal portion 709. The retention portion may have an L-shape or hook shape such as a hook-like distal portion 713 of foot portion 708 shown in FIGS. 55E, 55F, 57A and 57B. In other embodiments, the retention portion can have any other retaining shape, e.g. a T-shape, a sphere on the end of a stem, etc.

[0226] In other embodiments, foot portion 708 may be on a user distal side 704 of auto open dust cover 700 and keyed channel 711 may be on user distal wall 780 of U-shaped shroud 776. In still other embodiments, keyed channel 711 may be on upper wall 784 of U-shaped shroud 776.

[0227] Referring to FIGS. 55F and 56, in some embodiments, keyed channel 711 may have a closed portion 715 and an open portion 717 forming a cavity 790. In embodiments, open portion 717 may provide clearance for laterally extending proximal portion 709, while closed portion 715 may retain retention portion such as hook-like distal portion 713. Keyed channel 711 may further include an interior side rib 788 projecting from any adjacent wall, for example upper wall 784, such that cavity 790 is partially enclosed to the interior of U-shaped shroud 776 by side rib 788. In some embodiments, closed portion 715 may include an interiorly facing passageway 792 to cavity 790 that may be formed between side rib 788 and other adjacent walls, for example the remaining lower portion 783 of user proximal wall 782. Foot portion 708 and keyed channel 711 may have a keyed engagement such that when the user pulls the U-shaped shroud 776 into the handgun retaining position, hook-like distal portion 713 will enter cavity 790 of keyed channel 711 and laterally extending proximal portion 709 will enter passageway 792 of keyed channel 711 until hook-like distal portion 713 reaches closed forward end 715 of keyed channel 711 with hook like distal portion 713 being trapped in cavity 790 other than in the rearward direction. As the user continues to pull the U-shaped shroud 776 into the handgun retaining position, the engagement of the hook like distal portion 713 on the forward end 715 of keyed channel 711 will cause auto open dust cover 700 to pivot to the second, closed position.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 56, in some embodiments, U-shaped shroud 776 may include one or more flaps 793, 794 on at least one of the forward edge 786 and rearward edge 788. In some embodiments, U-shaped shroud 776 may include at least one flap 793 on the rearward edge 788 of the upper wall 784. As shown in FIG. 56, the at least one flap 793 may include two laterally spaced flaps 793 extending in the rearward direction from the rearward edge 788 of U-shaped shroud 776. In certain embodiments, flaps 793 are configured to provide additional coverage and engagement over the handgun slide in the handgun withdrawal direction.

[0229] In some embodiments, U-shaped shroud 776 may also or alternatively include at least one flap 794 on the forward edge 786 of the user distal wall 780 when keyed channel 711 is on the user proximal wall 782. In other embodiments, at least one flap 794 may be on the forward edge 786 of the user proximal wall 782 when keyed channel 711 is on the user distal wall 780. In certain embodiments, at least one flap 794 may be configured to cover more of, or reduce snag or access to the holster distal end 741 (FIGS. 57A, 57B), and particularly the corners 796, 797, of auto open dust cover 700 when in the second, closed position (FIGS. 58A-58C). In some embodiments, keyed channel 711 includes a shape corresponding to the at least one flap 794 and performing the same function. In other embodiments, keyed channel 711 includes at least one flap 794.

[0230] The following United States patents and applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,048,735, 5,100,036, 5,129,562, 5,275,317, 5,284,281, 5,372,288, 5,395,021, 5,419,474, 5,449,103, 5,509,591, 5,573,157, 5,810,221, 5,810,221, 5,918,784, 5,918,784, 6,112,962, 6,189,751, 6,230,946, 6,267,279, 6,276,581, 6,533,149, 6,547,111, 6,547,111, 6,634,527, 6,641,009, 6,641,009, 6,752,300, 6,752,300, 6,769,582, 6,799,392, 6,854,626, 7,200,965, 7,434,712, 7,461,765, 7,461,765, 7,530,456, 7,530,456, 7,556,181, 7,556,181, 7,841,497, 7,841,497, 7,922,050, 7,922,050, 8,141,758, 8,141,758, 8,177,108, 8,235,263, 8,474,670, 8,517,235, 8,602,276, 8,602,276, 8,631,981, 8,631,981, 8,646,665, 8,720,753, 8,720,753, 8,720,754, 8,720,755, 8,851,344, 8,985,412, 9,022,262, 9,022,262, 9,057,579, 9,057,580, 9,134,093, 9,134,093, 9,175,925, 9,175,925, 9,228,802, 9,267,760, 9,347,741, 9,383,165, 9,410,767, 9,500,426, 9,777,986, 9,835,400, 10,619,974, 10,966,024, 11,002,511, 11,147,360, 11,397,069, 11,506,466, 11,725,905, 11,781,831, 11,994,362, 11,998,107, US 17 / 988,039 filed Nov. 16, 2022 and US 18 / 116,806 filed Mar. 2, 2023. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized with embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).

[0231] The patents and other references mentioned above in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0232] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0233] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0234] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes.

[0235] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A holster, comprising:a holster body configured to receive a handgun equipped with a red dot sight (RDS), said holster body comprising a plurality of holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity and a rearward opening, the holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the plurality of holster wall portions comprising a user proximal wall portion, a user distal wall portion and an upward wall portion having a projection to accommodate at least a portion of the RDS;an auto open dust cover pivotal relative to the holster body and positioned and configured to cover at least a portion of the RDS not covered by the holster body when the auto open dust cover is in a second, closed position and to not cover the RDS when in a first, open position, the auto open dust cover further comprising a foot portion disposed at an end of the auto open dust cover distal from the upward wall portion of the holster body, wherein the foot portion is disposed on at least one of a user proximal side and a user distal side of the auto open dust cover;a cantilever spring comprising a fixed end fixed to one of the holster body and the dust cover, and a free end slidingly received in the other of the holster body and the dust cover;a first user actuable handgun retention mechanism at the user proximal wall portion for selectively preventing the handgun, when in the handgun receiving cavity, from being withdrawn from the handgun receiving cavity, the first actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a handgun blocking portion movable from a handgun blocking position to a non-blocking position; anda second user actuable handgun retention mechanism, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a shroud that is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the shroud selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the shroud extends across a portion of the rearward opening of the handgun receiving cavity of the holster body and a release position in which the shroud is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so a withdrawal path of the handgun is unobstructed by the shroud, the shroud further comprising a channel disposed on an interior surface of the shroud and configured to engage the foot portion of the dust cover when the shroud is in the handgun retaining position,wherein the cantilever spring biases the auto open dust cover to the open, first position, and wherein the dust cover is moved from the first, open position to the second, closed position by engagement of the foot portion with the channel of the shroud when the shroud is pivoted from the release position to the handgun retaining position.

2. The holster of claim 1, wherein the foot portion comprises a laterally extending proximal portion and a hook-like distal portion extending from the laterally extending proximal portion, wherein the channel comprises a keyed channel configured to receive the foot portion.

3. The holster of claim 1, wherein the cantilever spring is a flat cantilever spring.

4. The holster of claim 1, further comprising an adapter bracket stationarily attached to the holster body and configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover to the holster body, wherein the adapter bracket comprises an offset length along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis with respect to the holster body.

5. The holster of claim 4, wherein the adapter bracket further comprises:a holster proximal end;a holster distal end;a user proximal side;a user distal side;two first protrusions disposed at the holster proximal end of the adapter bracket, one first protrusion extending from a user proximal side of the adapter bracket and one first protrusion extending from a user distal side of the adapter bracket, the two first protrusions configured to attach the adapter bracket to the upward wall portion of the holster body; andtwo second protrusions disposed at the holster distal end of the adapter bracket, one second protrusion extending from a user proximal side of the adapter bracket and one second protrusion extending from a user distal side of the adapter bracket, the two second protrusions configured to hingeably connect the auto open dust cover to the adapter bracket.

6. The holster of claim 5, wherein the auto open dust cover further comprises a central slot, and wherein the fixed end of the cantilever spring is fixed to the adapter bracket, and the free end of the cantilever spring is slidingly received in the central slot of the dust cover.

7. The holster of claim 6, the adapter bracket further comprising a central channel extending from the holster proximal end to the holster distal end on an exterior side of a central portion of the adapter bracket, wherein the cantilever spring is disposed within the central channel.

8. The holster of claim 6, wherein the adapter bracket further comprises a molded post on the holster proximal end, and the cantilever spring further comprises a hole at the fixed end for receiving the molded post to fix the fixed end of the cantilever spring to the adapter bracket.

9. The holster of claim 6, the auto open dust cover further comprising two holes, one hole in the user proximal side of the auto open dust cover and one hole in a user distal side of the auto open dust cover, the two holes configured to receive the two second protrusions at the holster distal end of the adapter bracket to hingeably connect the auto open dust cover to the adapter bracket.

10. The holster of claim 7, wherein the central slot extends from a holster proximal end to a holster distal end of the auto open dust cover, wherein the auto open dust cover and cantilever spring are configured such that, when the auto open dust cover is moved to the second, closed position, the free end of the cantilever spring is flexed downwardly and slides within the central slot.

11. The holster of claim 1, wherein the shroud comprises one or more flaps on at least one of a forward edge and a rearward edge of the shroud.

12. The holster of claim 1, the user proximal wall portion comprising a thumb button recess with a thumb button edge portion defining the thumb button recess, the thumb button recess extending forwardly from the rearward opening, and the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprising a first lever pivotally mounted on the user proximal wall portion of the holster body with a first axis of rotation, the first lever having an actuation tab rearwardly positioned on the first lever and positioned within the thumb button recess, the actuation tab having an upper margin, a rearward margin, and a lower margin, the first lever further having the handgun blocking portion forwardly positioned on the first lever, the first lever configured and positioned such that depression of the actuation tab rotates the first lever about its respective axis of rotation to move the handgun blocking portion from the handgun blocking position to the non-blocking position, wherein an upper portion of the thumb button recess edge portion extends rearwardly of the actuation tab along the upper margin of the actuation tab and a lower portion of the thumb button recess edge portion extends rearwardly of the actuation tab at the lower margin of the actuation tab.

13. The holster of claim 12, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprising a second lever, the second lever having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button, the actuation tab of the first lever positioned behind the thumb button whereby depression of the thumb button also depresses the actuation tab of the first lever and actuates the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism and the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

14. The holster of claim 13, wherein the holster further comprises a pair of thumb guides positioned above and below the thumb button, the thumb guides projecting laterally outward from the holster body user proximal wall portion beyond an undepressed position of the thumb button.

15. The holster of claim 14, wherein the thumb guide positioned above the thumb button comprises a housing for the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

16. The holster of claim 15, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprising a second lever, the second lever having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button, the actuation tab of the first lever positioned behind the thumb button and spaced therefrom such that the thumb button moves a range of rotary distance when depressed before the thumb button engages with the actuation tab of the first lever, whereby depression of the thumb button actuates the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism and, after moving the range of rotary distance and depressing the actuation tab of the first lever, actuates the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

17. A holster, comprising:a holster body configured to receive a handgun equipped with a red dot sight (RDS), said holster body comprising a plurality of unitary holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity and a rearward opening, the holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the plurality of holster wall portions comprising a user proximal wall portion, a user distal wall portion and an upward wall portion having a projection to accommodate at least a portion of the RDS;an auto open dust cover positioned and configured to cover at least a portion of the RDS not covered by the holster body when the auto open dust cover is in a second, closed position and to not cover the RDS when in a first, open position, the auto open dust cover further comprising a foot portion disposed at an end of the auto open dust cover distal from the upward wall portion of the holster body, wherein the foot portion is disposed on at least one of a user proximal side and a user distal side of the auto open dust cover;an adapter bracket stationarily attached to the holster body and configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover to the holster body, wherein the adapter bracket comprises an offset length along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis with respect to the holster body;a cantilever spring comprising a fixed end fixed to one of the adapter bracket and the dust cover, and a free end slidingly received in the other of the adapter bracket and the dust cover;a first user actuable handgun retention mechanism at the user proximal wall portion for selectively preventing the handgun, when in the handgun receiving cavity, from being withdrawn from the handgun receiving cavity, the first actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a handgun blocking portion movable from a handgun blocking position to a non-blocking position; anda second user actuable handgun retention mechanism, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a shroud that is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the shroud selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the shroud extends across a portion of the rearward opening of the handgun receiving cavity of the holster body and a release position in which the shroud is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so a withdrawal path of the handgun is unobstructed by the shroud, the shroud further comprising a channel disposed on an interior surface of the shroud and configured to engage the foot portion of the auto open dust cover when the shroud is in the handgun retaining position,wherein the cantilever spring biases the auto open dust cover to the open, first position, and wherein the dust cover is moved from the first, open position to the second, closed position by engagement of the foot portion with the channel of the shroud when the shroud is pivoted from the release position to the handgun retaining position.

18. The holster of claim 17, wherein the foot portion comprises a laterally extending proximal portion and a hook-like distal portion extending from the laterally extending proximal portion, wherein the channel comprises a keyed channel configured to receive the foot portion.

19. The holster of claim 17, wherein the cantilever spring is a flat cantilever spring.

20. The holster of claim 17, wherein the auto open dust cover further comprises a central slot, and wherein the fixed end of the cantilever spring is fixed to the adapter bracket and the free end of the cantilever spring is slidingly received in the central slot of the auto open dust cover.

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