Thumb-actuated locking holster

Abstract

A holster for receiving and drawing a pistol, having a near-side wall portion with a pistol retaining mechanism thereon. The mechanism has a first lever having a tab portion for actuating and releasing a trigger guard, the lever having a snap member that mates into a lever area without a separate pin. A belt engaging member covers the lever area that captures the first lever therein. If a second securing mechanism is used, another lever with a tab portion is positioned such that the tabs are stacked, pressing one also presses the tab behind it, thereby releasing both mechanisms. A molded-in polymer layer in the holster body provides a softer inner pistol engaging surface. The holster body is separated forwardly by threaded fasteners to clamp onto the pistol. There is no holster body below or behind a tab portion configured as a thumb button, thereby allowing a smooth transition to grasping the pistol.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT patent application for invention titled "Thumb-Actuated Locking Holster" with international application number PCT / US2019 / 023945, filed by the applicant Vista Outdoor Operations, LLC on March 25, 2019. This PCT patent application entered the Chinese national stage on November 13, 2020, with the Chinese patent application number 201980032487.2.

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. provisional applications: 62 / 647,265, filed on March 23, 2018; 62 / 712,717, filed on July 31, 2018; and 62 / 794,594, filed on January 19, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background of the Invention

[0004] In many countries (such as Germany, Poland, and the United States), law enforcement officers often carry handguns in a publicly visible manner while on duty. The handgun is typically carried in a holster that is designed to protect the handgun and hold it securely. The holster may include a belt loop that allows it to be hung on a wide belt, such as a duty belt of a police officer. The holster may also include a locking mechanism to prevent an attacker from pulling the weapon from the holster user and to prevent the handgun from accidentally falling out of the holster, for example, when the holster user is running, climbing over a fence, etc. In such challenging situations, the security of the retention mechanism is important.

[0005] In addition to securing the handgun in the holster in challenging situations, ease of draw is an important feature when the user is in urgent need. That is, the release mechanism is easy to actuate under stress.

[0006] A holster that securely holds a handgun and provides improved ease of use when the handgun is urgently needed would be welcomed by the industry.

[0007] For a holster to be commercially viable, it needs to be priced to meet the expectations of the consumer population. Thus, any improvement in assembly efficiency and cost efficiency by minimizing the number of parts and minimizing the number of assembly steps would also be welcomed by the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A holster for receiving and retaining a pistol having a trigger guard, comprising a polymer holster body and an elongate polymer pivot rod which together define a pistol retaining mechanism actuated by the thumb and move a trigger guard blocking portion of the rod between a retaining position and a release position. A thumb button pressable toward the pistol is optimally positioned on the user side of the holster, framed by the holster body and shielded by a thumb guide which may be a protruding portion of the body, or by both components above and below (relative to the pistol orientation) the thumb button. Pressing the thumb button releases the pistol in the same motion as grasping the pistol. The features and advantages of this arrangement are that accidental access, particularly by others, to the pistol release, specifically the thumb button, is restricted while allowing the user intuitive and easy access to the thumb button with the user's thumb while grasping the pistol.

[0009] Although thumb buttons for releasing trigger guard blocking portions are known, they do not adequately prevent such buttons from being accidentally actuated or actuated by others, and improvements can be made in the user's intuitive access to such buttons.

[0010] In an embodiment, the holster can be a two-stage configuration having, for example, one active restraint for the trigger guard, or a three-stage configuration having two active restraints. Both the two-stage and three-stage configurations utilize optimally positioned thumb buttons and can include an elongate polymer pivot rod which selectively engages the trigger guard of the pistol. The three-stage holster configuration also includes a shroud or cover such as a U-shaped cover pivotally supported by the holster body such that the U-shaped cover selectively pivots between a pistol retaining position and a release position, in the pistol retaining position, the U-shaped cover extends across the rear opening of the cavity, and in the release position, the U-shaped cover is displaced from the rear opening such that the extraction path of the pistol is unobstructed.

[0011] In an embodiment, the thumb button of the retention mechanism is positioned to allow intuitive and ergonomic release of the pistol from the holster by positioning the thumb button on the user side of the holster just forward of the upper handle or strap recess (relative to the pistol); the handle or strap recess is located below the pistol slide of the holstered pistol. The thumb button is sized and positioned to receive the inner surface of the thumb at the distal knuckle. The thumb button is actuated by pressing the thumb button toward the pistol and is spaced about half an inch or less from the pistol body. When the user lowers his hand onto the grip of the holstered pistol, the webbing between the thumb and index finger engages the strap recess, and as the user grasps the pistol grip, he will wrap his middle finger, ring finger and pinky finger around the grip of the pistol, which will naturally move the thumb to the actuated position relative to the thumb button and will allow the index finger to be received by the elongated finger recess on the holster that extends forward (relative to the pistol). Squeezing the grip to fully grasp the pistol allows for easy depressing of the thumb button and release of the pistol. This arrangement advantageously allows the user to actuate the thumb button and release the pistol with much less or no common force to press the release button. While the forearm is extended in a downward direction, the pistol in the holster is grasped with less tension in the muscles and tendons of the thumb and forearm. The described thumb button position allows the thumb to move naturally and comfortably, the same as the movement of grasping the pistol. It should be noted that the mechanics of the muscles and tendons of the thumb and forearm easily complete this grasping and pistol release when downward, and the mechanics change when the forearm extends away from the torso of the pistol user in the horizontal direction. The main grasp is promoted in the embodiments of both the secondary and tertiary levels, wherein the thumb button has no holster body part or other holster parts directly behind the rear edge of the thumb button, and there is no holster body part below the thumb button. The features and advantages provided by such embodiments are that, as the pistol is drawn, the user's thumb slides out of the thumb button and immediately contacts the pistol. That is, during the actuation of the release holding mechanism or as the pistol is drawn, the user's thumb will not engage with the outer surface of the holster body. Because the thumb button is positioned closely against the surface of the pistol, inward movement of the thumb as the thumb transitions from engagement with the button to engagement with the body of the pistol is minimized.

[0012] In an embodiment, a holster for receiving a pistol with a trigger guard includes a holster body having a plurality of holster wall portions defining a rear opening cavity having a pistol receiving and drawing axis. The holster has a first pistol retaining mechanism, a second pistol retaining mechanism, and a thumb receiving tab that actuates both the first pistol retaining mechanism and the second pistol retaining mechanism. In an embodiment, each pistol retaining mechanism selectively prevents the pistol from being drawn out of a cavity defined by a wall portion of the holster body.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first pistol retaining mechanism can include a lever pivotally supported by the holster body. In an embodiment, the lever has an elongated central portion, a depressible portion, and a blocking portion. The depressible portion of the lever includes a first arm extending away from the elongated central portion in a first direction such that the elongated central portion and the first arm cooperate to form a first L-shaped portion. The blocking portion of the lever includes a second arm extending away from the elongated central portion in a second direction opposite the first direction such that the elongated central portion and the second arm cooperate to form a second L-shaped portion. The entire lever has a stretched Z-shape. In an embodiment, the lever is pivotally supported by the holster body such that the lever pivots about a lever axis that extends in an upward and downward direction relative to the worn holster and extends forward and backward in a pistol orientation. In an embodiment, the lever pivots between a pistol trigger guard capture position and a pistol trigger guard release position. While the lever is disposed in the pistol trigger guard capture position, the blocking portion of the lever extends into the trigger guard portion of the holster body.

[0014] In an embodiment, the second pistol retaining mechanism can include a shroud or cover such as a U-shaped shroud or cover pivotally supported by the holster body such that the U-shaped shroud selectively pivots between a pistol retaining position and a release position, in the pistol retaining position, the U-shaped shroud extends across the rear opening of the cavity, and in the release position, the U-shaped shroud extends forward from the rear opening such that the draw path of the pistol is unobstructed.

[0015] In an embodiment, the holster includes a U-shaped shroud that is part of a shroud assembly that includes a bracket that captures the U-shaped shroud and defines a slot. In an embodiment, the holster includes a leaf spring that is received in the bracket slot when the U-shaped shroud is in the pistol retaining position. The spring biases the U-shaped shroud to pivot toward the pistol draw position. In an embodiment, pressing the thumb button causes the lever to rotate through a first range of rotational movement and causes the leaf spring to flex such that the distal portion of the leaf spring is outside the slot. In an embodiment, further pressing the thumb button causes the lever to rotate through a second range of rotational movement, causing the thumb button to engage the depressible portion of the lever, thereby causing at least a portion of the blocking portion of the lever to be withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body, thereby releasing the trigger guard and allowing removal of the pistol.

[0016] In an embodiment, the two pistol retaining mechanisms utilize pivot components instead of sliding components, which is believed to generally reduce the size, complexity, and reliability of the mechanisms and components. Additionally, the two actuatable pistol retaining mechanisms, and particularly the pivot components, are mounted externally to the holster body, thereby simplifying assembly, operation, maintenance, and cleaning when needed.

[0017] In an embodiment, the holster body is formed from two polymers, one overmolded onto the other, thereby providing an inner layer and an outer layer. In an embodiment, the inner layer is softer than the outer layer, thereby minimizing any wear, damage, or markings on the outer surface of the pistol. In an embodiment, the inner and outer layers are joined using an assembly injection molding "overmolding" process, where one layer is injection molded onto a previously molded layer. In an embodiment, the inner layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), while the outer layer includes a thermoplastic material. In an embodiment, the inner layer includes a polymer such as Hytrel, while the outer layer contains a polyamide material (e.g., nylon).

[0018] In an embodiment, the holster body is shaped to provide a pistol-fitting function that can be adjusted by rotating a tensioning screw. The shape of the front portion of the pistol can be conceptualized as a rectangle, and the shape of the cavity defined by the holster body can be configured to make point contact with the four corners of the rectangular pistol portion. In an embodiment, the shape of the cavity defined by the holster body can be conceptualized as two opposing Vs, an upper V and a lower V. The two legs of the upper V and the two legs of the lower V can each contact a corner of the rectangle. In an embodiment, the lower V defines a slit near the lower end of the V. The tensioning screw is positioned to selectively reduce the angle between the two legs of the lower V. As the angle between the two legs of the lower V decreases, the two legs of the lower V apply an upwardly directed force component to the corresponding corners of the rectangular pistol portion. The force applied to the lower corners of the rectangular pistol portion pushes the upper corners of the rectangle against the two legs of the upper V. In an embodiment, the softer inner layer provides a higher level of friction for the insertion and removal of the pistol, and thus, the adjustment of the tensioning screw is more sensitive and effective in controlling the friction associated with pistol removal compared to the same configuration with a harder plastic inner surface.

[0019] A feature and advantage of the embodiment is that the retention mechanism has two different separate pivot connections that form the hinge portion of the pistol retention mechanism. The hinge portion of the retention mechanism has a hinge length that extends between the outer end portions of the two pivot portions. The ratio of the hinge length to the total length of the elongated rod is greater than 0.8. This arrangement provides attachment stability, robustness, and ease of assembly. This arrangement also places less stress on the holster body. In an embodiment, the pivot portions of the rod and the pivot of the body are joined using a simple assembly process without a separate hinge pin.

[0020] The rear pivot connection and the front pivot connection of the retention mechanism can each be formed by a pair of mating connector pivot portions. In an embodiment, the front pivot portion is a pin portion, and the other front pivot portion is a C-shaped pin receiving portion. One of the rear pivot portions can be a pin portion, and the other of the rear pivot portions can be a C-shaped pin receiving portion. One of the rear pivot portions can be integrally formed with the holster body, and the other of the rear pivot portions can be integrally formed with the rod. One of the front pivot portions can be integrally formed with the holster body, and the other of the front pivot portions can be integrally formed with the rod.

[0021] A feature and advantage of the embodiment is a pivot arrangement having a pin portion that snaps into a corresponding C-shaped portion. This arrangement provides manufacturing advantages including fewer parts, easier assembly, the possibility of repair by replacing the rod, and the possibility of replacing the rod with one or more rods having alternative configurations to suit the preferences of different users.

[0022] A feature and advantage of the embodiment is a pivot pistol release arrangement in a holster that is made almost entirely of polymer material except for springs and fasteners. By minimizing the number of parts and the number of assembly steps, this arrangement provides easy assembly and cost efficiency. In an embodiment, the pivot device includes a polymer pin portion that is received in a corresponding C-shaped portion.

[0023] A feature and advantage of the embodiment is a retention mechanism in a holster that is thumb actuated to selectively release the pistol when the user desires to draw his or her weapon. The release actuation mechanism includes a pivot rod. When the user's thumb applies a pivoting force to the thumb receiving portion of the rod, the blocking portion of the rod pivots from a blocking position to a release position.

[0024] A feature and advantage of the embodiment is that the thumb actuated release actuation mechanism is biased to a pre-actuated position, such as by a spring, and automatically resets after the pistol is drawn. The pistol can be re-holstered without manually resetting the retention mechanism or the release actuation mechanism.

[0025] A feature and advantage of an embodiment of the holster and attached belt loop is that the release button of the holster is positioned between the pistol and the dy and the belt sheath and the holster user and is nested within the three-sided frame of the holster body. The thumb release button in this position is not easily accessible or visible to a potential attacker.

[0026] The features and advantages of the embodiment are a thumb - actuated holster with a depressible thumb button, the holster being mounted to an outer - slot belt loop, the outer slot having vertical ribs that inhibit lateral access to the depressible thumb button. In an embodiment, the features and advantages of the embodiment are a thumb - actuated lever that is captured between the holster and a mounting plate, the mounting plate defining one or more slots for receiving a belt, strap, releasable holster attachment system, etc. In an embodiment, the holster body and the mounting plate define a funnel portion that can guide the user's thumb toward the thumb - actuated lever.

[0027] The features and advantages of the embodiment are a holster having two pistol - retaining mechanisms actuated by buttons all actuated by a single thumb. In an embodiment, one of the pistol - retaining mechanisms includes a U - shaped cover that is selectively positionable to extend across the upper opening of the holster body. In an embodiment, the other of the pistol - retaining mechanisms includes a lever having a trigger - guard blocking portion. In an embodiment, the U - shaped cover and the lever are sequentially actuated by a single - thumb - actuated button. In an embodiment, the U - shaped cover is released before the lever rotates. In an embodiment, releasing the U - shaped cover before the lever rotates ensures that the U - shaped cover is non - obstructive before the user attempts to draw the pistol from the holster.

[0028] The features and advantages of the embodiment are a holster having a U - shaped cover that can remain open when re - holstering a pistol, thereby allowing the holster to be used in a mode with a lower retention level than that of the U - shaped cover in a pistol - obstructive position. In an embodiment, the U - shaped cover can be reset by rotating it to a position where the U - shaped cover obstructs the pistol's draw path.

[0029] The features and advantages of the embodiment are a holster that includes one or more finger guides that assist in consistently and intuitively gripping a pistol before, during, and after drawing the pistol from the holster. In an embodiment, when drawing the pistol from the holster, the finger guides direct the user's hand to maintain a primary grip on the pistol consistently. In an embodiment, when the pistol is still holstered, the hand assumes a primary - grip position. The thumb guide directs the user's thumb to the thumb button and positions a reference element such that the index finger of the hand is received in a groove while gripping the grip portion of the pistol in the palm, with the index finger extending downward away from the palm. In an embodiment, the pistol is held in a primary grip after being removed from the holster. As the pistol is drawn from the holster cavity, the index finger can transition from holster engagement to pistol engagement. The thumb easily transitions from the thumb button to gripping the pistol body. In an embodiment, the holster includes a novel combination of elements that assist in reliably and intuitively removing the pistol from the holster.

[0030] The features and advantages of the embodiment are that the recess defined by the reference element on the outer panel of the body provides a tactile indication of where the index finger should be placed. In the embodiment, while the pistol is being inserted into the holster, the reference element defines a recess at a position covering the pistol frame. The finger reference element can provide a high degree of certainty that the user will correctly grip the pistol after pulling it out of the cavity. In the embodiment, the user can use one motion to reach down and grip the pistol. In an embodiment of the present invention, the recess for receiving the user's extended index finger can be defined by a reference element formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material. In the embodiment, the finger guiding member is positioned and adapted such that the phalanx of the index finger contacts the reference element before and when the pistol is removed from the holster.

[0031] The features and advantages of the embodiment are a holster having a finger guide that engages with the user's finger and a thumb-actuated button that engages with the user's thumb. In the embodiment, the release actuating mechanism is actuated by the user's thumb rather than the user's index finger.

[0032] The features and advantages of the embodiment are a holster having a thumb-actuated button that is not easily accessible or visible to a potential attacker. In the embodiment, the thumb-actuated button is positioned between two or more protruding portions of the holster body. In the embodiment, the thumb-actuated button is positioned between the holster body and the holster mounting plate. In the embodiment, the holster mounting plate defines a plurality of slots sized and positioned to receive a belt, such as a duty belt for a police officer.

[0033] The features and advantages of the embodiment are a holster body having an internal polymer layer or lining disposed on the inner surface of an outer polymer shell. This arrangement can reduce or eliminate wear and tear on the surface finish of the pistol. In the embodiment, the inner layer or lining is a softer polymer than the shell portion, which can be nylon. Portions of the inner layer can be exposed through windows in the shell layer. The features and advantages of such an embodiment are that it reduces the noise associated with inserting and removing the pistol and better protects the finish of the pistol from scratching or scuffing. In the embodiment, the softer inner layer is first injection molded, and then the nylon layer is molded onto the inner layer. In the embodiment, the order can be reversed. In the embodiment, the double-layer holster body has a tensioning mechanism that includes a holster body having a slit extending forward from a portion of the holster body that engages the trigger guard of the pistol to a front opening in the front end of the holster body. The upper portion of the holster body has a peak where two inclined holster body wall portions are joined. A threaded fastener extending through an alignment hole in front of the trigger guard receiving area of the holster body can be tightened to pull the opposite sides of the holster body together, thereby achieving clamping and sliding of the four corners of the front holster body.

[0034] The features and advantages of the embodiments are a holster that a user can switch between a level II retention and a level III retention. In an embodiment, a thumb-actuated lever that places a release shield over a rear opening into a holster cavity also engages and presses a tab portion on a trigger blocking lever, which rotates the lever to move a trigger guard blocking member out of a blocking position. The thumb-actuated lever and shield can be removed, and the trigger blocking lever having the tab portion is replaced by a lever having a push button thereon. In an embodiment, the trigger blocking lever can be easily removed and replaced by a thumb-actuated lever having a thumb push button, and the replacement lever can be snapped or seated in a lever receiving area on the proximal side of the holster body, and when seated in the lever receiving area, the levers can rotate along a lever axis. Each replaceable lever can be captured and secured in the lever receiving area by a holster mounting portion such as a belt loop or a jacket slot belt loop. The advantage provided is that a user can select and modify his or her holster for level II retention or level III retention without having to purchase a level III holster and a level II holster.

[0035] The features and advantages of the embodiments are an advantageous method of manufacturing a holster that uses a single mold for the holster body for both level II and level III holsters. The mold has several features for a proximal belt loop mounting area, such as a flat surface with three holes. Above the mounting area structure (in a position where the "upper" holster receives the slide of a pistol), the mold has a structure for molding features for a first lever receiving seat and other features associated with a first active pistol retention mechanism, including, for example, openings in proximal holster wall portions at a front and a rear of the lever receiving seat such that a molded holster body can receive a portion of a first lever of a first active pistol receiving area. The mold also has features for receiving a second active pistol retention mechanism and a second lever receiving area, and the second active pistol retention mechanism has a shield pivotally attached at a rear opening of the holster body. In an embodiment, mold inserts can be used to preclude the molded holster body from having features for receiving the second retention mechanism. For example, when openings for attaching the second retention mechanism are desired, the mold inserts will be placed in the mold, and those mold inserts are removed when the molded holster body is intended for level II retention. Using the same mold can make production more economical, thereby reducing the price to the consumer and / or increasing manufacturing profit.

[0036] The features and advantages of the embodiments are that a thumb-actuated button of a retention mechanism is positioned to allow intuitive and ergonomic release of a pistol from the holster. This allows a user to press his or her thumb against the thumb button with less tension in the muscles and tendons of the thumb and forearm. The thumb button position provides a natural and comfortable movement of the thumb while the forearm extends in a downward direction.

[0037] The features and advantages of the embodiment are a thumb-actuated button that can pivot with minimal tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm extends in the downward direction and the thumb contacts the thumb-actuated button. In an embodiment, the thumb-actuated button pivots about an axis parallel to the pistol insertion and extraction axis of the holster. In an embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes a lever having a thumb button portion, and the lever pivots about an axis parallel to the pistol insertion and extraction axis of the holster. In an embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a lever that pivots about a second axis parallel to the first axis.

[0038] A retaining mechanism for a holster may include a lever pivotally supported by a holster body. The lever may include an elongate central portion integrally formed with a first front pivot portion, and the holster body may include a second front pivot portion integrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body. The first front pivot portion may cooperate with the second front pivot portion such that the lever is pivotally supported by the holster body. In an embodiment, one of the front pivot portions is a pin portion and the other of the front pivot portions is a C-shaped pin receiving portion. In an embodiment, the C-shaped pin receiving portion has a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the C-shaped pin receiving portion has a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the pin receiving portion may extend 360 degrees. In an embodiment, one of the front pivot portions is a pin portion and the other of the front pivot portions is a U-shaped pin receiving portion. The lever may further include a first rear pivot portion integrally formed with the elongate central portion, and the holster body may include a second rear pivot portion integrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body. The first rear pivot portion may cooperate with the second rear pivot portion such that the lever is pivotally supported by the holster body. In an embodiment, one of the rear pivot portions is a pin portion and the other of the rear pivot portions is a C-shaped pin receiving portion. In an embodiment, the C-shaped pin receiving portion has a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the C-shaped pin receiving portion has a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the circumferential span is greater than 185 degrees. In an embodiment, the circumferential span is greater than 190 degrees. In an embodiment, the circumferential span is 360 degrees. In an embodiment, one of the rear pivot portions is a pin portion and the other of the rear pivot portions is a U-shaped pin receiving portion. In an embodiment, the lever may have only one pivot portion and the body may have only one cooperating pivot portion. In an embodiment, the pivot portion of the lever extends substantially or mostly the length of the lever.

[0039] In an embodiment, the pin portion is configured as a pivot and the pin receiving portion is configured as a gudgeon. In an embodiment, the pivot is integral with the lever of the retaining mechanism and the gudgeon is integral with the holster body.

[0040] The holster according to this specific embodiment may include a user attachment device such as a belt engagement member, a holster body, and a rod disposed between the holster body and the user attachment device. The rod may be pivotally supported by the holster body and may be movable between a pistol trigger guard capture position and a pistol trigger guard release position. In an embodiment, the belt engagement member is fixed to the holster body by a plurality of screws. The rod may be captured, for example, between the user attachment device and the holster body. In an embodiment, after removing the user attachment device from the holster body, the rod can be freely separated from the holster body. In an embodiment, the user attachment device is a belt engagement member that includes a first belt loop portion defining a first belt passage. In an embodiment, the belt engagement member includes a second belt loop portion defining a second belt passage.

[0041] In an embodiment, the user attachment device is a jacket slot belt loop that has a lower plate portion having a holster attachment area, a middle horizontal portion, and an upper portion having a pair of belt loops. The lower plate portion has holes for receiving threaded fasteners for attaching the holster at the holster attachment area. The middle horizontal may have a distal side that mates with the holster body to capture a component of a retaining mechanism between the holster body and a middle region of the jacket slot belt loop, and a pair of vertical ribs above it that project outwardly from a distal surface of a plate portion that defines a recess therebetween, the recess extending upwardly into the upper portion and opening upward. The upper portion has a central post that has an upper edge. The pair of belt loop members are displaced inwardly and distally from the central post and are displaced laterally from the central post. The belt loop members are connected to the central post at an upper connection portion, and the central post, the upper connection portion, and the belt loop members are all integral with each other. The lower end of each belt loop member is not integrally joined to the central post but has a closable gap therebetween. The central post may have a protruding portion configured as a boss to mate with the lower end of the belt loop member. Threaded fasteners may be used to adjust the gap between each belt loop member and the central post, thereby achieving a clamping action on a belt (such as a duty belt) to secure the jacket slot belt loop to the user's belt. An elastic bushing may be used between the lower end of the belt loop member and the boss of the central post. The features and advantages of such an embodiment are that the clamping level between the jacket slot belt loop and the holster is easily adjustable. Additionally, as the engagement length between the jacket slot belt loop and the holster is extended, the lateral offset of the belt loop members from the central post provides stability to the mounting system and the holster.

[0042] The ribs may provide structural reinforcement of the plate portion and provide an access inhibition structure to prevent others from accessing the holster from the front or the back side of the holster when the holster is worn. The upwardly opening recess provides access to the holster wearer and a guiding structure to conveniently and non-visually guide the user's thumb to the correct position to actuate a thumb release button and for a primary grip.

[0043] A holster for receiving a pistol having a trigger guard, the holster including a holster body that supports a retention mechanism. In an embodiment, the holster body has a plurality of holster wall portions that define a pistol-retaining cavity extending along a pistol receiving and withdrawal axis. In an embodiment, the pistol retention mechanism includes a rod pivotally supported by the holster body. In an embodiment, the rod has a pivot connection length of the rod that extends more than half of the rod length, thereby providing stability at the interface of the rod and the holster body. In an embodiment, the rod includes an elongated central portion integrally formed with a first front pivot portion, and the holster body includes a second front pivot portion integrally formed with one of the holster wall portions, the first front pivot portion cooperating with the second front pivot portion. In an embodiment, the rod further includes a first rear pivot portion integrally formed with the elongated central portion, and the holster body includes a second rear pivot portion integrally formed with one of the holster wall portions, the first rear pivot portion cooperating with the second rear pivot portion. In an embodiment, one of the front pivot portions is a pin portion and the other of the front pivot portions is a C-shaped pin receiving portion. In an embodiment, one of the rear pivot portions is a pin portion and the other of the rear pivot portions is a C-shaped pin receiving portion. In an embodiment, the rod is pivotally attached to the holster body and is movable between a pistol trigger guard capture position and a pistol trigger guard release position.

[0044] In an embodiment, the holster body has an external boss for receiving a pistol button guard for a holster having a single active retention mechanism, or for receiving components of a second retention mechanism. Features and advantages are that the same holster body can be used for two different holsters, one having a single active retention mechanism and the other having two active retention mechanisms.

[0045] In an embodiment, the holster body has an inner lining supported by an outer layer, the inner lining of polymer being softer than the polymer of the outer layer, the holster body defining a pair of opposing V-shaped portions for supporting the front portion of the pistol, the V-shaped portions having an upper inverted V-shaped portion and a lower V-shaped portion, the V-shaped portions for engaging a slider of the front portion of the pistol and a corner of the body, the lower V-shaped portion having a tensioning screw for adjusting the spacing of the opposing legs of the lower V-shaped portion.

[0046] In an embodiment, the front holster body has a rhomboid or diamond shape with an adjustable gap at the bottom of the middle portion of each side of the diamond shape engaging the four corners of the front portion of the pistol. Adjusting screws at the diamond bottom cause the diamond to contract or expand, thereby allowing adjustment of the engagement and grip of the holster on the pistol. The softer inner layer of the holster body enhances the gripping function.

[0047] In an embodiment, the outer slot belt loop is attached to the proximal sidewall portion of the holster, which has an active retention mechanism on the proximal sidewall portion of the holster, and the outer slot belt loop captures the components of the active retention mechanism between the proximal sidewall portion of the holster body and the outer slot belt loop.

[0048] In an embodiment, the U-shaped shroud of the holster is part of a shroud assembly. In an embodiment, the bracket of the shroud assembly includes a lug portion, and the thumb-receiving tab includes a protruding portion that engages the lug portion of the shroud assembly while the U-shaped shroud is in the pistol retention position. In an embodiment, the holster further includes a shroud spring that biases the U-shaped shroud to pivot toward the release position. In an embodiment, while the U-shaped shroud is in the pistol retention position, the shroud spring biases the lug portion of the shroud assembly against the protruding portion of the thumb-receiving tab. In an embodiment, rotation of the thumb-receiving tab through a first range of rotational movement causes the protruding portion of the thumb-receiving tab to disengage from the lug portion of the shroud assembly. In an embodiment, rotation of the thumb-receiving tab through a second range of rotational movement causes the thumb-receiving tab to engage a tab-receiving portion of a lever, thereby causing at least a portion of a trigger guard retaining portion of the lever to be withdrawn from a trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body.

[0049] In an embodiment, the holster includes a shroud spring, a lever spring, and a tab spring. In an embodiment, each spring includes a length of wire, and the wire of the spring forms a first leg, a second leg, and a coil disposed between the first leg and the second leg. In an embodiment, the first leg of the shroud spring is fixed relative to the holster body, and the second leg of the shroud spring is disposed against the shroud assembly such that the U-shaped shroud is biased to pivot toward the release position. In an embodiment, the lever spring is positioned and adapted to bias the lever to rotate toward a pistol trigger guard capture position. In an embodiment, the first leg of the lever spring is disposed against the holster body, and the second leg of the lever spring is disposed against the lever. In an embodiment, the tab spring is positioned and adapted to bias the thumb-receiving tab to rotate in a direction that moves the distal end of the thumb-receiving tab away from the holster body. In an embodiment, the first leg of the tab spring is disposed against the holster body, and the second leg of the tab spring is disposed against the thumb-receiving tab.

[0050] The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The drawings included in this application are incorporated into the specification and form a part thereof. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 1is a perspective view showing a pistol and a holster according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a pistol and a holster according to an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and a rod.

[0055] Figure 3B is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and a rod.

[0056] Figure 3C is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body and a rod.

[0057] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and a rod.

[0058] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including a rod and a pistol having a trigger guard. For the purpose shown in Figure 5 the pistol is shown in cross section.

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including a rod and a pistol having a trigger guard. For the purpose shown in Figure 6 the pistol is shown in cross section.

[0060] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an assembly including a rod and a pistol having a trigger guard. For the purpose shown in Figure 7 the pistol is shown in cross section.

[0061] Figure 8A and 8B is a plan view of an assembly including a rod and a pistol having a trigger guard. For the purpose shown in Figure 8A and 8B the pistol is shown in cross section.

[0062] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an assembly including a holster and a pistol having a trigger guard. For the purpose shown in Figure 9 the holster and the pistol are shown in cross section.

[0063] Figure 10 is a plan view of an assembly including a holster and a pistol having a trigger guard. For the purpose shown in Figure 10 the holster and the pistol are shown in cross section.

[0064] Figures 11A to 11C are stylized cross-sectional views each showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.

[0065] Figure 12 Is a stylized cross-sectional view showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.

[0066] Figure 13 Is a perspective view showing a pin and a pin receiving portion.

[0067] Figure 14 Is a perspective view showing a pistol and a holster according to a specific embodiment.

[0068] Figure 15 Is an exploded perspective view showing a holster body and two active pistol retention mechanisms operated by a single thumb button.

[0069] Figure 16 Is showing in Figure 15 A perspective view of the retention mechanism as observed in the exploded perspective view.

[0070] Figure 17 Is further showing in Figure 16 An exploded perspective view of some of the components as observed in the sub-assembly.

[0071] Figure 18A Is a perspective view of the components of the pistol retention mechanism.

[0072] Figure 18B Is Figure 18A An exploded view of the components.

[0073] Figure 19 Is another exploded view of the components of the pistol retention mechanism, which includes a housing for fixing a pivoting thumb button.

[0074] Figure 20 Is from the side opposite to Figure 19 Another exploded view of the components of the pistol retention mechanism.

[0075] Figure 21 Is an exploded view of an embodiment of a holster having a thumb button and a thumb button guard for operating a single retention mechanism.

[0076] Figure 22 Is a plan view of a holster with a pistol placed therein and the hand of a user around the grip of the pistol.

[0077] Figure 23 Is a plan view of a holster with a pistol placed therein and the hand of a user engaging the pistol.

[0078] Figure 24 Is a plan view of a holster with a pistol placed therein and the hand of a user engaging the pistol.

[0079] Figure 25Is a perspective view showing a holster including a shroud spring, a rod spring, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the shroud spring, the rod spring, and the tab spring are each shown a second time at a position away from the holster.

[0080] Figure 26 Is a perspective view showing an assembly including a rod, a rod spring, a tab, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the rod spring and the tab spring are each shown a second time at a position away from the assembly.

[0081] Figure 27 Is a perspective view of an assembly including a rod, a rod spring, a tab, and a tab spring. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the rod spring and the tab spring are each shown a second time at a position away from the assembly.

[0082] Figure 28A And 28B Is a perspective view showing an assembly including a shroud assembly and a thumb-receiving tab.

[0083] Figure 29A And 29B Is a perspective view showing an assembly including a shroud assembly and a thumb-receiving tab.

[0084] Figure 30A Is a plan view showing a shroud assembly portion having a lug portion and a thumb-receiving tab having a protruding portion that selectively engages the lug portion of the shroud assembly member. Figure 31A Is Figure 30A The perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 30A And Figure 31A In the embodiments of, the shroud assembly portion is in the pistol-holding position.

[0085] Figure 30B Is a plan view showing a shroud assembly portion having a lug portion and a thumb-receiving tab having a protruding portion that selectively engages the lug portion of the shroud assembly member. Figure 31B Is Figure 30B The perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 30B And Figure 31B In the embodiments of, the shroud assembly portion is in the pistol-releasing position.

[0086] Figure 32A Is a perspective view showing a holster according to a specific embodiment.

[0087] Figure 32B Is showing from Figure 32A The perspective view of the selected part of the holster shown in Figure 32B The part shown in includes a U-shaped cover, a bracket, and a finger-receiving tab.

[0088] Figure 32Cis a further illustration of Figure 32B a perspective view of the components shown in Figure 32C . From different angles, the U-shaped cover, the bracket, and the finger receiving tabs are shown in

[0089] Figure 33A and 33B are two perspective views of a holster including a U-shaped cover. In the embodiment of Figure 33A , the U-shaped cover is in the pistol holding position. In the embodiment of Figure 33B , the U-shaped cover is in the pistol releasing position.

[0090] Figure 34A and 34B are perspective views of a belt engaging member.

[0091] Figure 35A is Figure 34A and 34B a front view of the belt engaging member shown in

[0092] Figure 35B is Figure 34A and 34B a right side view of the belt engaging member shown in

[0093] Figure 35C is Figure 34A and 34B a top view of the belt engaging member shown in

[0094] Figure 35D is Figure 34A and 34B a rear view of the belt engaging member shown in

[0095] Figure 35E is Figure 34A and 34B a left side view of the belt engaging member shown in

[0096] Figure 35F is Figure 34A and 34B a bottom view of the belt engaging member shown in

[0097] Figure 36A and 36B are two perspective views of a holster having a first pistol holding mechanism including a pivotable rod and a second pistol holding mechanism including a U-shaped cover. In the embodiments of Figure 36A and 36B , the U-shaped cover is in the pistol holding position.

[0098] Figure 37A is Figure 36A and 36B a front view of the holster shown in

[0099] Figure 37B is Figure 36A and 36B the right side view of the holster shown.

[0100] Figure 37C is Figure 36A and 36B the top view of the holster shown.

[0101] Figure 37D is Figure 36A and 36B the rear view of the holster shown.

[0102] Figure 37E is Figure 36A and 36B the left side view of the holster shown.

[0103] Figure 37F is Figure 36A and 36B the bottom view of the holster shown.

[0104] Figure 38A and 38B and are perspective views showing a holster having a pistol retaining mechanism including a pivotable rod.

[0105] Figure 39A is Figure 38A and 38B the front view of the holster shown.

[0106] Figure 39B is Figure 38A and 38B the right side view of the holster shown.

[0107] Figure 39C is Figure 38A and 38B the top view of the holster shown.

[0108] Figure 39D is Figure 38A and 38B the rear view of the holster shown.

[0109] Figure 39E is Figure 38A and 38B the left side view of the holster shown.

[0110] Figure 39F is Figure 38A and 38B the bottom view of the holster shown.

[0111] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view showing a belt receiving member, a holster body, and a rod.

[0112] Figure 41 is an exploded perspective view showing the holster body and the rod.

[0113] Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view showing the belt receiving member, the holster body and two locking mechanisms.

[0114] Figure 43 is an exploded perspective view showing the holster body and two locking mechanisms.

[0115] Figure 44 shows Figure 40 a perspective view of the belt receiving member, the holster body and the rod shown.

[0116] Figure 45 shows Figure 40 a top view of the belt receiving member, the holster body and the rod shown.

[0117] Figure 46 shows Figure 42 a perspective view of the belt receiving member, the holster body and the locking mechanism shown.

[0118] Figure 47 shows Figure 42 a top view of the belt receiving member, the holster body and the locking mechanism shown.

[0119] Although embodiments of the present disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the intention is not to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0120] Referring to Figures 1 - 4 , a perspective view of the pistol 80 and the holster 100 is shown. Figure 1 shows the pistol drawn out of the holster 100, while Figure 2Shows a pistol inserted into a holster 100. The pistol is conventional and has a front end 82, a pistol body 84, a grip 86 at the rear end 87 of the pistol 80, a trigger guard 90, a backstrap 92 having a back recess 94, a slide 9 positioned above the pistol body, and a rail 99 positioned below the slide. In an embodiment, a holster 100 for receiving and withdrawing a pistol having a trigger guard 90 includes a polymer holster body 102, an elongate polymer pivot rod 104 that is part of a first pistol retention mechanism 106 actuated by the thumb. The pivot rod has an actuation tab 107 configured as a thumb-receiving button in an opening 105 provided in the holster body, and actuation of the thumb-receiving button causes a trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the rod to move between a retention position and a release position. The retention mechanism 106 has two different separate pivot connectors 109, each pivot connector 109 being formed by a pair of cooperating connector pivot portions 110, one of each pair being integral with the holster body and the other of each pair being integral with the rod. In an embodiment, the pivot portions 110 of the rod 104 and the pivot portions 110 of the holster body 102 are joined using a simple assembly process without a separate hinge pin.

[0121] The holster body has three integral bosses 111 on a proximal sidewall portion 113 for attachment to a plate portion of a user attachment device such as a belt engagement member. See Figure 12 and 13 . A holster having a proximal side and a holster body having a proximal side

[0122] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 - 4 , in an embodiment, the holster body 102 has a plurality of holster wall portions that define a cavity 108 extending along a pistol receiving and withdrawing axis 110H. In an embodiment, the retention mechanism 106 includes a rod 104 pivotally supported by the holster body 102 and held by a holster attachment plate portion 165 or by other means. The rod 104 may include an elongate central portion 124 integrally formed with a first front pivot portion 112, and the holster body 102 may include a second front pivot portion 114 integrally formed with one of the holster wall portions. The first front pivot portion 112 may cooperate with the second front pivot portion 114 to form a front pivot connector 109. In an embodiment, the rod 104 further includes a first rear pivot portion 116 integrally formed with the elongate central portion 124 of the rod 104, and the holster body 102 includes a second rear pivot portion 118 integrally formed with one of the holster wall portions. The first rear pivot portion 116 may cooperate with the second rear pivot portion 118 to form a rear pivot connector 109. In an embodiment, all pivot portions of the retention mechanism are axially aligned and coaxial during assembly.

[0123] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 - 4 , in an embodiment, there is a retaining mechanism having a lever that can pivot with minimal tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm extends in the downward direction and the thumb contacts the thumb button portion of the lever. In an embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes a lever having a thumb button portion, and the lever pivots about an axis parallel to the pistol insertion and extraction axis of the holster. In an embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a lever that pivots about a second axis parallel to the first axis.

[0124] Referring to Figures 5 - 8B , in an embodiment, the lever 104 of the retaining mechanism 106 has an elongated central portion 124, a thumb receiving portion 107 configured as a thumb button, and a stop portion 108. The thumb receiving portion of the lever includes a first arm 130 that extends away from the elongated central portion 124 in a first direction, and the elongated central portion 124 and the first arm 130 cooperate to form a first L-shaped portion 132. The stop portion 128 of the lever 104 includes a second arm 134 that extends away from the elongated central portion 124 in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the elongated central portion 124 and the second arm 134 cooperate to form a second L-shaped portion 136.

[0125] Referring to Figure 6 and 7 , the lever 104 is elongated in the direction of axis X and has a lever length L1. The pivot portions 112, 116 have a spacing distance D1 and a pivot connection length L2. The ratio of the pivot connection length L2 to the total lever length L1 is, in an embodiment, greater than 0.70 or 70%; in an embodiment, greater than 0.60 or 60%; in an embodiment, greater than 0.80 or 80%.

[0126] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, the forward or pistol insertion direction Z and the backward or pistol extraction direction -Z are respectively shown using arrows labeled "Z" and "-Z". The upward direction Y and the downward direction -Y are respectively shown using arrows labeled "Y" and "-Y". The direction X extending away from the user's body and the user attachment side of the holster is illustrated using an arrow labeled "X". The direction -X extending toward the user's body and the user attachment side of the holster is illustrated using an arrow labeled "-X". From the perspective of the user, by way of example and not limitation, conceptualizing the directions shown using these arrows, the user wears a holster suspended from a duty belt and inserts a pistol into the holster. From the perspective of the user holding the pistol in a normal firing position and observing the sights of the pistol, also by way of example and not limitation, conceptualizing the directions shown using these arrows. The directions shown using these arrows can be applied to the devices shown and discussed throughout this application. In an embodiment, both the Z direction and the -Z direction are generally orthogonal to the XY plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction. In an embodiment, both the X direction and the -X direction are generally orthogonal to the ZY plane defined by the Z direction and the -Z direction. In an embodiment, both the Y direction and the -Y direction are generally orthogonal to the ZX plane defined by the Z direction and the X direction. Various directional indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It should be understood that many of the directional indicating terms are related to the immediate orientation of the described objects. It should also be understood that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present detailed description, the objects described herein can assume various orientations. Accordingly, directional indicating terms such as "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", etc. should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention recited in the appended claims.

[0127] Reference Figure 9 , a perspective sectional view of the holster body 102 is shown. In Figure 9 an exemplary embodiment, the holster body 102 is formed of two polymers, one overmolded on the other, thereby providing an inner layer 138 and an outer layer 140. In an embodiment, the inner layer 138 is softer than the outer layer 140, thereby minimizing any wear, damage, or markings on the outer surface of the pistol, the outer surface of which is received in the cavity 108 defined by the holster. In an embodiment, the inner layer 138 and the outer layer 140 are joined using an assembly process. In an embodiment, the inner layer 138 includes a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), while the outer layer 140 includes a thermoplastic material. In an embodiment, the inner layer 138 includes a polymer available from DuPont, while the outer layer 140 includes nylon. The outer layer is harder and more rigid than the inner layer.

[0128] Reference Figure 10, a cross-sectional view of the holster body 102 is shown. In an embodiment, the holster body 102 is formed to provide a pistol-fitting function, which can be adjusted by rotating the tensioning screw 142. The shape of the front part of the pistol can be conceptualized as a geometric figure with four corners, roughly rectangular, 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 an embodiment, the shape of the cavity 108 defined by the holster body 102 can be conceptualized as two opposing V-shapes, namely an upper V-shape 148 and a lower V-shape 146. In Figure 41 The upper V-shape 148 and the lower V-shape 146 are shown using dashed lines. The two legs of the upper V-shape 148 and the two legs of the lower V-shape 146 can each contact one corner of the figure or rectangle. In an embodiment, the lower V-shape 146 defines a slot 144 near the lower end of the lower V-shape 146. The positioning tensioning screw 142 is configured to selectively reduce 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 an upwardly directed force to the two lower corners 150 of the rectangle. The force applied to the lower corners 150 of the rectangle pushes the two upper corners 152 of the rectangle against the two legs of the upper V-shape 148.

[0129] The components herein can be formed from a thermoplastic polymer using an injection molding process.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 11A-11C, the retention mechanism 106 for the holster 100 can include a rod pivotally supported by the holster body 102. The rod 104 can include an elongated central portion 124 integrally formed with a first front pivot portion 112, while the holster body 102 can include a second front pivot portion 114 integrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body 102. The first front pivot portion 112 can cooperate with the second front pivot portion such that the rod 104 is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In an embodiment, one of the front pivot portions 112, 114 is a pin portion 154, and the other of the front pivot portions 112, 114 is a C-shaped pin receiving portion 156. In an embodiment, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees; in an embodiment greater than 185°; in an embodiment greater than 190°. In an embodiment, one of the front pivot portions 112, 114 is a pin portion 154, and the other of the front pivot portions 112, 114 is a U-shaped pin receiving portion 158.

[0131] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3, 4, and 11A-11C, the rod 104 may also include a first rear pivot portion 116 integrally formed with the elongated central portion 124, and the holster body 102 may include a second rear pivot portion 118 integrally formed with the wall portion of the holster body 102. The first rear pivot portion 116 may cooperate with the second rear pivot portion such that the rod 104 is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In an embodiment, one of the rear pivot portions 116, 118 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the rear pivot portions 116, 118 is a C-shaped pin receiving portion 156. In an embodiment, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the C-shaped pin receiving portion 156 has a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees; in an embodiment greater than 185°; in an embodiment greater than 190°. In an embodiment, one of the rear pivot portions 116, 118 is a pin portion 154 and the other of the rear pivot portions 116, 118 is a U-shaped pin receiving portion 158.

[0132] Referring Figure 3B and 3C to, the holster 100 according to this particular embodiment may include a holster attachment plate portion 165 that is part or all of a user attachment device for the holster, and the user attachment device may be a belt engagement member. The plate portion 165 may hold the rod 104 in a pivotally connected arrangement with the holster body 102. The rod 104 may be pivotally supported by the holster body 102 and may move between a pistol trigger guard capture position and a pistol trigger guard release position. In an embodiment, the plate portion 165 is fixed to the holster body 102 by a plurality of screws 162. The rod 104 may be captured, for example, between the belt engagement member 160 or other user attachment device and the holster body 102. In an embodiment, after the belt engagement member 160 is removed from the holster body 102, the rod 104 is capable of freely separating from the holster body 102. In an embodiment, the belt engagement member 160 includes a first belt loop portion 164 and a second belt loop portion 168, the first belt loop portion 164 defining a first channel 166 for receiving a belt and the second belt loop portion 168 defining a second channel 170 for receiving a belt.

[0133] The user attachment device 160 may include various holster support devices without departing from the spirit and scope of the present detailed description. Examples of holster support devices that may be suitable for certain applications are disclosed in the following U.S. patents, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference: USD653848, USD567707, USD508318, US9134093, US8783532, US8517234, US8469245, US8297562, US8251266, US8235263, US7866515, US7320420, US9423210, US9664480, US9841255, US9222751, US8544706, US8215525, US8100304, US7971762, US7922050, US7690541, US6478202, US6189751, and US5467909.

[0134] Referring Figures 14 - 17 , in an embodiment, the holster 100 has a first pistol retaining mechanism 106' and a second pistol retaining mechanism 106', the first pistol retaining mechanism engaging a trigger guard as previously described with respect to Figures 1 - 13 . The second pistol retaining mechanism has a pivot rod 104'. A dual-actuating member 179 having a thumb button 180 actuates the first pistol retaining mechanism 106' and the second pistol retaining mechanism 174. In an embodiment, each pistol retaining mechanism selectively prevents the pistol 80 from being withdrawn from a cavity 108 defined by a wall portion 109 of the holster body 102.

[0135] The second pistol retaining mechanism 106' includes a sliding retaining member configured as a U-shaped cover 176 that is pivotally supported by the holster body 102 such that the U-shaped cover 176 selectively pivots between a pistol retaining position and a release position, in the pistol retaining position the U-shaped cover 176 extends across a portion of a rear opening 178 of the cavity 108, and in the release position the U-shaped cover 176 extends forward from the rear opening 178 such that the withdrawal path of the pistol 80 is unobstructed. In an embodiment, the U-shaped cover 176 pivots about a cover pivot axis 177 that extends laterally and is perpendicular to the pistol insertion and withdrawal axis.

[0136] Referring Figures 15 - 20 , in an embodiment, the first pistol retaining mechanism 106' includes a rod 104' that is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. The rod 104' may be similarly configured as Figures 1 - 13The rod 106. In an embodiment, the rod 104' has an elongated central portion 124, a depressible actuation portion 186, and a trigger guard blocking portion 128. The depressible actuation portion 186 of the rod 104 includes a first arm 130 extending away from the elongated central portion 124 in a first direction such that the elongated central portion 124 and the first arm 130 cooperate to form a first L-shaped portion 182. The trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the rod 104' includes a second arm 134 extending away from the elongated central portion 124 in a second direction opposite to the first direction such that the elongated central portion 124 and the second arm 134 cooperate to form a second L-shaped portion 184. In an embodiment, the rod 104' is pivotally supported by the holster body such that the rod 104' pivots about a rod axis 110 that extends in an upward and downward direction or forward and backward relative to the pistol as the holster is worn. In an embodiment, the rod pivots between a pistol trigger guard blocking or capturing position and a pistol trigger guard non-blocking or releasing position. When the rod 104' is set in the pistol trigger guard capturing position, the trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the rod 104 extends into the trigger guard portion of the holster body 102.

[0137] Continuing to refer to Figures 15 - 20 , features and benefits of the embodiment are a retention mechanism having a rod that can pivot with minimal tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm extends in a downward direction and the thumb is used to rotate the rod. In an embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a rod that pivots about a second axis parallel to the first axis. In an embodiment, the rod pivots about an axis parallel to the pistol insertion and extraction axis of the holster. In an embodiment, the thumb-actuated button pivots about an axis parallel to the pistol insertion and extraction axis of the holster.

[0138] Refer to Figures 16 - 20, showing a second pistol retention mechanism. The sliding blocking member configured as the cover 176 is part of the cover assembly 188. Fasteners 197, 198 pivotally fix the U-shaped cover, the second pistol retention mechanism housing 201, and the bracket 190 with the slot 144 to the holster body. Fastener 199 fixes the opposite sides of the cover to the holster body. The second pistol retention mechanism 174 uses the retention mechanism housing 201 to hold the components of the retention mechanism in place. The housing has two cooperating parts, an inward member 202 and an outward member 204, which can be arranged in a clamshell manner to capture the leaf spring 194 and the pivot shaft 206 of the double-actuating member 179 within the housing 201. In an embodiment, the holster includes a spring 196 that biases the U-shaped cover 176 to pivot toward the release position. In an embodiment, the holster 100 includes a leaf spring 194 that is received in the slot 144 of the bracket 190 when the U-shaped cover 176 is in the pistol retention position. The base 195 of the leaf spring 194 is fixed relative to the holster body, and the end 196 of the leaf spring 194 can bend inward and outward. The bracket 190 is attached to the U-shaped cover 176 such that as the leaf spring 194 prevents the bracket from rotating forward, it also prevents the cover from rotating forward. In an embodiment, the rotation of the thumb-receiving tab or button 180 within the first range of rotational motion causes the flexure of the leaf spring 194 such that the distal portion of the leaf spring 194 moves outside of the slot 144, allowing the bracket 190 and the cover 176 to rotate forward. In an embodiment, the rotation of the thumb button 180 through the second range of rotational motion causes the thumb button 180 to engage the depressible actuating portion 186 of the lever 104, resulting in at least a portion of the trigger guard blocking portion 128 of the lever being withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body 102. In this embodiment, Figures 1 - 4 the thumb-receiving portion of the lever 104 of the embodiment is replaced by an actuating or depressible portion that is pressed by the inner side of the thumb-receiving tab 180.

[0139] In an embodiment, the first active pistol retention mechanism and the second active pistol retention mechanism can be arranged such that the second mechanism and the first mechanism can be actuated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0140] Referring to Figure 21 , another embodiment of the holster 300 includes: a holster body 306 similar to the holster body of Figure 14 and 15 having a top wall or front wall portion that mostly covers the slide of the pistol housed therein; a pair of bosses 310 that can receive the components of the second active pistol retention mechanism, or as shown in Figure 21 ; a movable thumb button guard 312 fixed to the bosses by fasteners 316. It can be as previously described with respect to Figures 1 - 9The construction lever 104 being discussed, and the lever 104 has a thumb button 180. The plate portion 165 of the belt engagement member can capture the pivot lever to the holster body.

[0141] Referring Figures 22 - 24 , the sequence of grasping and drawing the pistol 80 from the holster 100 with the thumb button 107 in an optimal position is shown. The handle of the pistol 80 has a back 322 area with a back recess 324, and the back recess 324 initially receives the user's hand 340 by contacting the recess 324 with the thenar of the hand 342. Then, the user wraps his middle, ring, and little fingers 350, 351, 352 around the handle, as Figure 23 shown, and places his index finger 353 in the longitudinal recess for the 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 the normal grasping action of the handle consistent with the "main grip" will press the thumb button 107 and actuate the retaining mechanism 104. Referring Figures 22 - 25 , 36A, 36B, 38A, 38B, and 40 - 43, in embodiments where the thumb button 180 is positioned such that there is no holster body directly behind the rear edge of the thumb button 180 and no holster body portion below the thumb button 180, it is further beneficial for the main grip and ergonomics. In use, since the user's thumb is in a natural grasping position at the surface of the thumb button 180 before actuating the thumb button 180 when grasping the pistol 80, the thumb button 180 is pressed, consistent with grasping the pistol 80, and as the pistol 80 is drawn, the user's thumb slides off the thumb button 180 and immediately contacts the pistol 80. That is, during the actuation of releasing the retaining mechanism or as the pistol 80 is drawn, the user's thumb does not engage with the outer surface of the holster body 102. Since the thumb button 180 is positioned close to the surface of the pistol 80, the inward movement of the thumb from engagement with the thumb button 180 to engagement with the body of the pistol 80 is minimized.

[0142] Referring Figures 28A - 31B, in an embodiment, the holster includes a shroud spring 196, a lever spring 198, and a tab spring 200. In an embodiment, each spring includes a length of wire 206, and the wire 206 of the spring forms a first leg 208, a second leg 210, and a coil 212 disposed between the first leg 208 and the second leg 210. In an embodiment, the first leg 208 of the shroud spring 196 is fixed relative to the holster body 102, and the second leg 210 of the shroud spring 196 is disposed against the shroud assembly 188 such that the U-shaped shroud 176 is biased to pivot toward the release position. In an embodiment, the lever spring 198 is positioned and adapted to bias the lever 104 to rotate toward the pistol trigger guard capture position. In an embodiment, the first leg 208 of the lever spring 198 is disposed against the holster body 102, and the second leg 210 of the lever spring 198 is disposed against the lever 104. In an embodiment, the tab spring 200 is positioned and adapted to bias the thumb-receiving tab 180 to rotate in a direction that moves the distal end of the thumb-receiving tab 180 away from the holster body 102. In an embodiment, the first leg 208 of the tab spring 200 is disposed against the holster body 102, and the second leg 210 of the tab spring 200 is disposed against the thumb-receiving tab 180.

[0143] Reference Figures 28A - 31B , in an embodiment, the U-shaped shroud 176 is part of the shroud assembly 188. In an embodiment, the bracket 190 of the shroud assembly 188 includes a lug portion 214, and the thumb-receiving tab 180 includes a protruding portion 216 that engages the lug portion 214 of the shroud assembly 188 while the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the pistol holding position. In an embodiment, the holster 100 further includes a shroud spring 196 that biases the U-shaped shroud 176 to pivot toward the release position. In an embodiment, while the U-shaped shroud 176 is in the pistol holding position, the shroud spring 196 biases the lug portion 214 of the shroud assembly 188 against the protruding portion 216 of the thumb-receiving tab 180. In an embodiment, rotation of the thumb-receiving tab 180 through a first range of rotational motion causes the protruding portion 216 of the thumb-receiving tab 180 to disengage from the lug portion 214 of the shroud assembly 188. In an embodiment, rotation of the thumb-receiving tab 180 through a second range of rotational motion causes the thumb-receiving tab 180 to engage the tab-receiving portion 186 of the lever 104, thereby causing at least a portion of the trigger guard retaining portion 128 of the lever 104 to be withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body 102.

[0144] Reference Figure 33A and 33B, the features and benefits of the embodiment are a retaining mechanism having a rod 104 that can pivot with minimal tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm extends in the downward direction and the thumb contacts the thumb-receiving tab 180. In an embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes a thumb-receiving tab 180 that pivots about a first axis and a rod 104 that pivots about a second axis parallel to the first axis. In an embodiment, the rod 104 pivots about an axis parallel to the pistol insertion and removal axis of the holster 100. In an embodiment, the thumb-receiving tab 180 pivots about an axis parallel to the pistol insertion and removal axis of the holster 100. Figure 33A and 33B are two perspective views showing a holster including a U-shaped cover. In Figure 33A the embodiment, the U-shaped cover is in the pistol retaining position. In Figure 33B the embodiment, the U-shaped cover is in the pistol release position.

[0145] Referring to Figures 1 - 47 , in an embodiment, an externally wearable holster 100 for receiving a pistol 80 has a holster body 102 having a plurality of integral holster wall portions that define a pistol receiving cavity 108 and a rear opening 88. In an embodiment, the pistol has a pistol body 84, a handle 86, a slide 98, and a trigger guard 90. In an embodiment, the holster body 102 has a pistol insertion and removal axis 110H. In an embodiment, the plurality of holster wall portions includes a user proximal wall portion 113 and a user distal wall portion 115, and the proximal wall portion 113 has a thumb button recess 218, wherein the thumb button recess edge portion 220 defines the thumb button recess 218. In an embodiment, the thumb button recess 218 extends forward from the rear opening 88.

[0146] In an embodiment, a first user-actuable pistol retaining mechanism 106 of the holster 100 is located at the proximal wall portion 113 for selectively preventing the pistol 80 from being removed from the cavity 108 when in the cavity 108. In an embodiment, the first pistol retaining mechanism 106 includes a first rod 104 pivotally mounted on the proximal wall portion 113 of the holster body 102 about a first axis of rotation. In an embodiment, the first rod 104 has an actuating tab 107 that is positioned rearwardly on the rod 104 and is positioned within the thumb button recess 218. In an embodiment, the actuating tab 107 has an upper edge 222, a rear edge 224, and a lower edge 226. In an embodiment, the rod 104 also has a trigger guard blocking portion 128 positioned forwardly on the rod 104, and the rod 104 is constructed and positioned such that pressing the actuating tab 107 causes the rod 104 to rotate 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.

[0147] In an embodiment, an upper portion 242 of the thumb button recess edge portion 220 extends rearwardly along an upper edge 222 of the actuation tab 107 behind the actuation tab 107, and a lower portion 246 of the thumb button recess edge portion 220 extends rearwardly at a lower edge 226 of the actuation tab 107 behind the actuation tab 107.

[0148] In an embodiment, the holster 100 has only a single user-actuable pistol retention mechanism 106, and the actuation tab is configured as the actuation tab 107. In an embodiment, the holster 100 includes a pair of thumb guides 230 positioned above and below the actuation tab 107, and the thumb guides 230 project laterally outwardly from the holster body near sidewall portion 113 beyond an un-pressed position of the actuation tab 107. In an embodiment, each of the thumb guides 230 extends laterally outwardly from an outer surface of the near sidewall portion 113 by a distance of at least 0.35 inches.

[0149] In an embodiment, the holster 100 has a second pistol retention mechanism 174 that includes a pivot cover 176 positioned behind a slider 98 of a pistol 80 in the holster. In an embodiment, the second pistol retention mechanism 174 includes a second lever 104′ having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button 180, and an actuation tab of the first lever is positioned behind the thumb button 180, whereby pressing the thumb button 180 also presses the actuation tab of the first lever.

[0150] In an embodiment, the holster 100 further includes a pair of thumb guides 230 positioned above and below the thumb button 180, and the thumb guides 230 project laterally outwardly from the holster body near sidewall portion 113 beyond an un-pressed position of the thumb button 107.

[0151] In an embodiment, one of the thumb guides 230 is positioned above the thumb button 180 and includes a housing for the second pistol retention mechanism 174.

[0152] In an embodiment, the belt engagement member 160 is attached to the holster body 102 by a plurality of threaded fasteners 162 extending into the holster body 102.

[0153] In an embodiment, one of the 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 in front of the first lever 104, wherein the first lever 104 is captured between the holster body 102 and the belt engagement member 162.

[0154] In an embodiment, the cylindrical portion of the belt engagement member 160 extends rearwardly, where the pistol 80 is inserted into the holster. In an embodiment, the thumb button 180 is positioned between the pistol body 84 and the belt engagement member 160, where the belt engagement member 160 has a pair of ribs 232, the elongated dimension of the pair of ribs extending forwardly and rearwardly and positioned to face the thumb guides 230, thereby restricting access to the thumb button 180 on four sides of the thumb button 180 and providing an access path for the thumb behind the thumb button 180.

[0155] In an embodiment, the belt engagement member 160 includes a jacket slot belt loop 228 having a pair of clamping belt loop portions 234 extending from a cylindrical portion 236, each clamping belt loop portion 234 being adjustable relative to the cylindrical portion 236 by a respective threaded fastener 262. In an embodiment, each of the thumb guides 230 extends laterally outwardly from the outer surface of the proximal side wall portion 113 by at least a distance of 0.35 inches. In an embodiment, each of the thumb guides 230 extends laterally outwardly from the outer surface of the proximal side wall portion 113 by at least a distance of 0.35 inches, while the ribs 232 extend outwardly from the surface of the cylindrical portion 236 by at least a distance of 0.15 inches.

[0156] In an embodiment, the first rod 104 is disposed in a rod receiving area 238 on the proximal side wall portion 113 of the holster body, and the proximal side wall portion 113 has three threaded bosses 240 dispersed around the rod receiving area 238 for receiving the belt engagement member 160. In an embodiment, the proximal side wall portion 113 further has a plurality of rod area receiving wall portions 244 extending from the outer surface of the proximal side wall portion 113, and each of the plurality of rod receiving wall portions 244 is connected to at least one of the three threaded bosses 240. In an embodiment, the three threaded bosses 240 are positioned to receive the belt engagement member 160 using a plurality of threaded fasteners 162.

[0157] In an embodiment, the first rod 104 is disposed in a rod receiving area 238 on the proximal side wall portion 113, and the proximal side wall portion 113 has three threaded bosses 240 dispersed around the rod receiving area 238 for receiving the belt engagement member 160, and when the belt engagement member 160 is attached, the first rod 104 is captured within the rod receiving area 238. In an embodiment, when the belt engagement member is not attached to the proximal side wall portion 113, the first rod 104 can be removed from its engagement with the proximal side wall portion 113. In an embodiment, when the belt engagement member is not attached, the first rod 104 can be removed without tools. In an embodiment, when the belt engagement member 160 is not attached, the first rod 104 can be removed by simply prying the first rod 104 outwardly.

[0158] In an embodiment, the holster body 102 has: an upper wall portion having a pair of inclined wall portions that define a joint; a lower wall portion having a slit 250 that extends from a front opening to a trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body, thereby defining a pair of front clamping wall portions 248. In an embodiment, a threaded fastener 142 is positioned to extend between the pair of front clamping wall portions 248 to adjust the front clamping wall portions 248 around a front portion of the pistol 80.

[0159] Referring Figures 1 - 47 , in an embodiment, a holster 100 is provided to receive a pistol 80 having a pistol body 84, a slide 98, and a trigger guard 90. In an embodiment, the holster 100 includes a holster body 102 having a plurality of holster wall portions that define a rear open cavity 108 extending along a pistol receiving and withdrawal axis 110H for receiving and retaining the pistol 80. In an embodiment, the plurality of holster wall portions include a user proximal wall portion 113 and a user distal wall portion 115. In an embodiment, the holster includes a first pistol retaining mechanism 106' and a second pistol retaining mechanism 174 disposed at the proximal wall portion 113, each pistol retaining mechanism selectively preventing the pistol 80 from being withdrawn from the cavity 108 when within the cavity 108. In an embodiment, the first pistol retaining mechanism and the second pistol retaining mechanism have a first rod 104' having a first axis of rotation and a second rod 180 having an axis of rotation, each rod having a corresponding actuating tab portion at one end of the rod, wherein pressing the actuating tab causes the rod to rotate about its corresponding axis of rotation, one of the two actuating tabs being configured as a thumb receiving button having an external thumb receiving surface, the other of the two actuating tabs being positioned behind the thumb receiving button such that pressing the thumb receiving button effects pressing of the other of the two actuating tab portions, whereby pressing the thumb receiving button actuates both the first pistol retaining mechanism 106' and the second pistol retaining mechanism 174. In an embodiment, the first rod 104' of the first pistol retaining mechanism 106' is pivotally supported by the holster body 102. In an embodiment, the first rod 104' includes an elongated central portion 124 and a blocking portion 128 at an end opposite the corresponding actuating tab, the blocking portion 128 being movable into and out of a pistol blocking position. In an embodiment, the second pistol retaining mechanism 174 includes a U-shaped member 176 pivotally supported by the holster body 102 such that the U-shaped member 176 selectively pivots between a pistol retaining position and a release position, in the pistol retaining position, the U-shaped member extends across a portion of the rear opening of the cavity 108, in the release position, the U-shaped member 176 is displaced from a portion of the rear opening such that the withdrawal path of the pistol 80 is not obstructed by the U-shaped member 176.

[0160] The following U.S. patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein: US5048735, US5100036, US5129562, US5275317, US5284281, US5372288, US5395021, US5419474, US5449103, US5509591, US5573157, US5810221, US5810221, US5918784, US5918784, US6112962, US6189751, US6230946, US6267279, US6276581, US6533149, US6547111, US6547111, US6634527, US6641009, US6641009, US6752300, US6752300, US6769582, US6799392, US6854626, US7200965, US7434712, US7461765, US7461765, US7530456, US7530456, US7556181, US7556181, US7841497, US7841497, US7922050, US7922050, US8141758, US8141758, US8177108, US8235263, US8474670, US8517235, US8602276, US8602276, US8631981, US8631981, US8646665, US8720753, US8720753, US8720754, US8720755, US8851344, US8985412, US9022262, US9022262, US9057579, US9057580, US9134093, US9134093, US9175925, US9175925, US9228802, US9267760, US9347741, US9383165, US9410767, US9500426, US9777986, and US9835400. Components shown in such patents may be used with the embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in Part 2163.07(B) of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP).

[0161] The above patents and other references in all parts of this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

[0162] All features disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all 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.

[0163] Unless otherwise expressly specified, each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0164] The present invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing one or more embodiments. The present invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel one or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed. The foregoing references in all parts of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0165] Although specific examples have been shown and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover modifications or variations of this subject matter. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The embodiments of the foregoing aspects of the present invention are only descriptions of its principles and should not be considered restrictive. Other variations of the present invention disclosed herein will occur to those skilled in the relevant art, and all such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A holster for receiving a pistol, the pistol including a pistol body, a handle, a slide, and a trigger guard, the holster comprising: A holster body having a plurality of holster wall portions that define a pistol receiving cavity and a rear opening, the holster body including a pistol receiving and withdrawal axis, the plurality of holster wall portions including a user proximal wall portion and a user distal wall portion; A user-actuable first pistol retention mechanism at the proximal wall portion for selectively preventing the pistol from being withdrawn from the cavity when in the cavity, the first pistol retention mechanism including a first lever pivotally mounted on the proximal wall portion of the holster body about a first axis of rotation, the first lever including an actuation tab and a trigger guard blocking portion, the actuation tab being located rearwardly on the first lever and the trigger guard blocking portion being located forwardly on the first lever; And A pair of thumb guides positioned above and below the actuation tab, the thumb guides projecting laterally outwardly from the proximal wall portion of the holster body beyond an un-pressed position of the actuation tab.

2. The holster according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the thumb guides extends laterally outwardly from an outer surface of the proximal wall portion by at least a distance of 0.35 inches.

3. The holster according to claim 1, wherein, The proximal wall portion of the holster body includes an actuation opening adjacent the actuation tab, the first lever being configured and positioned such that pressing of the actuation tab rotates the first lever to move the blocking portion from a blocking position to a non-blocking position, wherein the holster includes a second pistol retention mechanism and a leaf spring, the second pistol retention mechanism including a pivot cover that selectively extends across the rear opening, the second pistol retention mechanism including a second lever that includes a thumb button, wherein the leaf spring prevents rotation of the pivot cover and actuation of the thumb button causes flexure of the leaf spring to permit rotation of the pivot cover, the actuation tab of the first lever being positioned below the thumb button such that pressing the thumb button also presses the actuation tab of the first lever to actuate both the user-actuable first pistol retention mechanism and the second pistol retention mechanism.

4. The holster according to claim 3, characterized in that, The proximal wall portion further includes: a lever receiving area, wherein the first lever is seated in the lever receiving area on the proximal wall portion and at least one threaded boss for receiving a belt engagement member is scattered about the lever receiving area for receiving a belt engagement member, and wherein when the belt engagement member is attached to the at least one threaded boss, the first lever is captured within the lever receiving area.

5. The holster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holster body includes: an upper wall portion including a pair of inclined wall portions that define a joint; a lower wall portion having a slit that extends from a front opening to be adjacent a trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body to define a pair of front clamping wall portions, And a threaded fastener extending between the pair of front clamping wall portions for adjusting the front clamping wall portions about a front portion of the pistol.

6. The holster according to claim 5, characterized in that, The front clamping wall portion of the holster body is configured to engage the pistol at four corners of the pistol, two upper corners being defined by the pistol slide and two lower corners being defined by the pistol body.

7. The holster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holster body further includes an inner layer and an outer layer formed of different polymers, one of the inner layer and the outer layer being overmolded onto the other of the inner layer and the outer layer, the inner layer being made of a polymer softer than the outer layer.

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