Magnetic handgun holster

Abstract

A low profile magnetic handgun holster for inside waistband carry. The holster comprises a semirigid body having a first side contoured to one lateral side of a handgun, a second side configured to face a wearer, and a cavity in the first side that receives a permanent magnet. The magnet retains a ferromagnetic portion of the handgun against the first side. The second side can comprise a waistband clip. A polymer layer can cover the magnet to prevent marring and to increase friction. The first side can comprise a textile layer and wrap beneath a trigger guard to block access to the trigger. Because retention is provided primarily by magnetic attraction and body pressure, the handgun can be drawn along more than one path rather than only straight up.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Current handgun holsters fully encase the handgun, which adds to the weight and size of the handgun while holstered. As such, almost all handgun holsters need to be worn outside the user's trousers, which makes these holsters more difficult to conceal. Furthermore, because the mechanism of holstering is encasement, there is no mechanism to keep the handgun in place other than some sort of fastener. If the fastener fails, then there is nothing preventing the handgun from falling out of the holster while the user is moving. Furthermore, such fasteners reduce the draw time of the handgun, lowering their effectiveness in crises situations.

[0002] As such, there is a long-felt need for a handgun holster that is less bulky, lighter, more secure, and easier to access.SUMMARY

[0003] A handgun holster is disclosed herein. The handgun holster may include (1) a holster body and (2) a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the holster body may have a first side that is molded to match a shape of a side of a handgun, a second side opposite the first side, and a cavity in the first side. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet is placed inside the cavity in the first side. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the handgun holster may further comprise a waistband or belt clip and the waistband or belt clip may be fastened to the second side of the holster body.

[0004] In some embodiments, a layer of a polymer may cover the permanent magnet; the first side of the holster body may be further molded to wrap around the trigger well of the handgun; and / or the second side may be covered in a textile wherein the textile is one or more of leather, suede, synthetic polyester, nylon polymer, wood pulp, cotton, flax, jute, and / or silk.

[0005] Advantages will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments, which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects.

[0006] Conventional holsters typically encase a large portion of the firearm. Encasement adds mass and volume, often forces outside waistband carry, and can slow the draw when fasteners or straps are used. If a fastener is not properly engaged, the handgun can dislodge during movement.

[0007] There remains a need for a low profile holster that provides reliable retention without full encasement and that permits rapid and intuitive draw from inside waistband carry. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect a handgun holster includes a holster body having a first side contoured to conform to one lateral side of a handgun, a second side opposite the first side configured to face a wearer, and a magnet cavity formed in the first side. A permanent magnet is fixed within the cavity so that magnetic attraction between the magnet and a ferromagnetic portion of the handgun holds the handgun against the first side during wear.

[0009] In some embodiments the second side carries a waistband clip. In other embodiments the clip is a one piece molded extension of the holster body. In some embodiments a polymer layer covers the permanent magnet to provide a non marring contact surface and to increase friction. In some embodiments the first side includes a portion that wraps under the trigger guard to block access to the trigger while the handgun is holstered. In some embodiments the second side includes a textile layer to improve comfort against skin.

[0010] The holster permits multi angle draw because the handgun is retained primarily by magnetic attraction and body pressure rather than by full perimeter encasement. The handgun can be withdrawn along a path that is not limited to a single vertical directionBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The figures described below depict various embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein. It should be understood that the figures depict illustrative embodiments of the disclosed devices and methods and that the figures are intended to be exemplary in nature only. Further, wherever possible, the following detailed description refers to the reference numerals included in the following figures, in which features depicted in multiple figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

[0012] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary magnetic handgun holster and is a perspective view showing a holster body with the handgun in place, the first side facing the handgun and the second side including a textile layer;

[0014] FIG. 1B depicts another exemplary magnetic handgun and is a rear view showing a waistband clip fastened to the second side of the holster body;

[0015] FIG. 1C depicts a further exemplary magnetic handgun holster and is a side view illustrating the thin profile of the holster body and the orientation of the clip relative to the second side; and

[0016] FIG. 1D depicts yet a further exemplary magnetic handgun holster and is a front view showing a magnet disposed in a cavity of the first side and covered by a polymer layer.

[0017] The figures depict the present embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternate embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIntroduction

[0018] Disclosed herein is a magnetic handgun holster.

[0019] Compared to typical handgun holster designs, an entire side of the holster body has been removed to reduce bulk and weight of the handgun holster. The magnet handgun holster disclosed herein utilizes a permanent magnet and the user's body pressure to hold the handgun in place while the handgun is holstered. This mechanism reduces the profile of the holster in half, making any handgun holstered more inconspicuous, less heavy, and less bulky while worn.

[0020] As will be made clear below, the permanent magnet is placed in a cavity on one side of the handgun holster and held in place by a polymer coating. The polymer coating prevents the handgun from being scratched and provides additional friction to the handgun thereby preventing it from sliding while holstered.

[0021] Additional features that will also be discussed below include the molded folding over the trigger well to prevent accidental misfiring and the textile covering to provide comfort against the user's skin while the magnetic handgun holster is worn for extended periods of time.

[0022] Handgun means a pistol or a revolver having at least one ferromagnetic portion such as a steel slide, cylinder, or insert. Waistband includes a belt or the upper band of clothing such as trousers, leggings, or shorts. Textile means a natural or synthetic fabric including leather, suede, polyester, nylon, cellulose based fabrics such as lyocell, cotton, flax, jute, or silk.

[0023] Retention force is the peak static force required to initiate separation of the handgun from the first side when the holster is worn and the handgun is seated. Unless stated otherwise, retention force is determined with an unloaded handgun by pulling the handgun away from the first side using a force gauge attached to the handgun grip and recording the maximum force prior to onset of motion.

[0024] As illustrated as exemplary aspects, in FIGS. 1A-1D, a magnetic handgun holster 100 may comprise a holster body 101, a permanent magnet 121, and a waistband or belt clip 131. In some embodiments, the holster body 101 may comprise a first side 111, a second side 112, and a cavity 113. Also in some embodiments, the second side 112 may comprise a textile covering 141.

[0025] The holster body 101 can be semirigid and may be formed of a thermoplastic such as an acrylic polyvinyl chloride sheet commonly sold as kydex. The holster body 101 provides a first side 111 shaped to fit one lateral side of a handgun and an opposite second side 112 configured to face away from the body of the wearer. A textile layer 141 can be bonded to the inside of the first side 111 to increase comfort during extended wear, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0026] The composition of the holster body 101 may be any suitable polymer comprising hardened plastic (e.g., kydex plastic). As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, the holster body 101 may be a single piece molded to shape one half of the front end of a handgun, wherein the first side 111 is the side of the holster body 101 that makes contact with the handgun while holstered and the second side 112 being the side of the holster body opposite the first side 111.

[0027] As further illustrated in FIG. 1D, the first side 111 of the holster body 101 may comprise a cavity 113 to house the permanent magnet 121. The permanent magnet 121 may be any sort of permanent magnet (e.g., neodymium, samarium cobalt, ferrite, alnico, etc.) strong enough to keep a handgun from either dislodging from the holster body 101 accidentally or allowing the handgun to fall due to gravity. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet 121 is held in place by a polymer covering over the cavity 113 (e.g., silicone rubbers). The polymer covering may also prevent the permanent magnet 121 from scratching the body of the handgun when holstering and / or drawing. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet 121 may be secured within the cavity 113 by adhesive, by fasteners, by overmolding, or by a polymer layer that spans the cavity. The polymer layer can be a silicone elastomer or another compliant polymer that prevents metal to metal contact and increases friction. The permanent magnet 121 can be a rare earth magnet such as neodymium, samarium cobalt, or alnico sized and oriented to provide the desired retention force through the polymer layer.

[0028] The first side 111 of the holster body 101 comprises a magnet cavity 113 that receives the permanent magnet 121. The permanent magnet 121 can be secured within the cavity 113 by adhesive, by fasteners, by overmolding, or by a polymer layer that spans the cavity. The polymer layer can be a silicone elastomer or another compliant polymer that prevents metal to metal contact and increases friction. The permanent magnet 121 can be a rare earth magnet such as neodymium, samarium cobalt, or alnico sized and oriented to provide the desired retention force through the polymer layer.

[0029] The second side 112 may comprise a waistband or belt clip 131 that couples the holster to a waistband. The waistband clip 131 can be fastened to the holder body 101 by screws, rivets, or bolts through openings in the clip or can be formed integrally as a one piece molded extension of the holster body______. Multiple clip openings ______ can be provided to permit adjustment of ride height or cant.

[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1D, the waistband or belt clip 131 may be fastened to the second side 112 of the holster body 101. In some embodiments, the waistband or belt clip 131 is fastened by some fastener (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), but in some embodiments, the waistband or waistband or belt clip 131 is a molded extension of the holster body 101. In these embodiments, the entire handgun holster is a single piece rigid piece and the waistband or belt clip 131 part of the holster body 101. The composition of the waistband or belt clip 131 may be the same material as the holster body 101 (e.g., kydex plastic).

[0031] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, a textile covering 141 may cover the first side 111, second side 112, or both of the holster body 101. The textile covering 141 may any sort of suitable natural or synthetic fabric to allow the user to comfortably wear the magnetic handgun holster 100 for an extended period of time between their trousers and their body comprising leather, suede, synthetic polyester, nylon polymer, wood pulp, cotton, flax, jute, and silk to name a few.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1D, in some embodiments, the holster body 101 may be molded around the trigger well 102 of a handgun 104. In these embodiments, a portion of the holster body 101 wraps around the underside of a handgun 104 to cover the trigger well 102 and create a barrier. This additional molding prevents accidental misfiring of the handgun while the handgun is holstered in the magnetic handgun holster 100. The magnetic handgun holster 100 is adapted to allow a handgun to be removed from the holster 100 at more than one angle. A traditional holster requires the handgun to be removed by pulling straight up on the handgun. The magnetic handgun holster 100 does not limit the removal of the handgun from magnetic handgun holster 100 by requiring that the handgun 104 be pulled straight up and out of the holster.

[0033] A portion of the first side 111 may wrap beneath the trigger guard 106 to cover the trigger opening (not shown) when the handgun 104 is seated in the magnetic handgun holster 100. This trigger guard 106 operates as a barrier and prevents insertion of a finger or object to the trigger opening (not shown) while worn. The magnetic handgun holster 100 can remain open along a lateral side opposite the first side 111 which reduces bulk and allows the handgun 104 to be drawn out of the magnetic handgun holder 100 along different paths.

[0034] Because the handgun 104 is retained by magnetic attraction and by pressure between the first side 111 and the wearer, the magnetic handgun holster 100 does not require a full mouth that encases the handgun 104. In use, the handgun 104 can be withdrawn upward, forward, or in a sweeping path that departs from vertical. The magnetic handgun holster 100 permits a user to draw the handgun from the holster body 101 at varied angles and the draw is not limited to a straight up or vertical draw.

[0035] The holster body 101 can be formed from an acrylic polyvinyl chloride sheet, a polycarbonate sheet, or a nylon composite sheet with a thickness between 1 and 4 millimeters. The permanent magnet 121 can have a pull rating between 20 and 90 newtons measured against a flat low carbon steel plate at room temperature. The polymer layer 122 over the permanent magnet 121 can be a silicone rubber having a Shore A durometer between 20 and 80 with a thickness between 0.5 and 3 millimeters. The textile layer 124 can cover the first side 111, the second side 112, both, or portions of both, and be leather, suede, polyester, nylon, or a cellulose based fabric bonded by heat activated adhesive or contact adhesive.

[0036] A method of manufacture may comprise utilizing a heated thermoplastic sheet that is vacuum formed over a handgun form on the first side 111 and over a shaping form on the second side 112, followed by trimming to define the open lateral edge 126. The magnet cavity 128 can be created by molding in a recessed region or by removal of material, the permanent magnet 121 can be inserted or placed therein, and the polymer layer 122 can be applied to span the magnet cavity 128. The waistband or belt clip 131 can then mounted to the second side 112 or formed as an integral extension during molding. A textile layer 124 can be bonded to the exterior of the first side 111.

[0037] The magnetic handgun holster 100 can be clipped to a waistband or belt by fastening the waistband or belt clip 131 to a waistband or belt so that the second side 112 faces the body, sets the handgun 104 against the first side 111 so that a ferromagnetic portion is adjacent the permanent magnet 121, and allows body pressure to bias the handgun 104 against the permanent magnet 121. To draw, the handgun 104 can be pulled from the magnetic handgun holster 100 along a desired path which can include an upward path, a forward path, or a path that combines upward and lateral motion.

[0038] The permanent magnet 121 can be one piece or multiple pieces. A flux concentrating steel backing plate can be provided inside the magnet cavity 128 to direct flux toward the handgun 104. For handguns that lack a strongly ferromagnetic region, a thin ferrous insert can be adhered beneath the slide or to the frame to enhance attraction. The holster body 101 can comprise a sweat shield that rises above the rear of the slide. A muzzle stop 132 may be formed on the first side 111 to seat the handgun 104. The waistband or belt clip 131 may be configured for left or right hand wear. The waistband or belt clip 131 may comprise a plurality of openings 133 that permit adjustment of ride height or cant when the clip 131 is fastened to the holster body 101 through the different openings 132. The magnetic handgun holster 100 may be made in different sizes for different handgun models.

[0039] Embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner unless stated otherwise. Examples and ranges are nonlimiting and may be varied.

[0040] Although the text herein sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this disclosure, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0041] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0042] As used herein any reference to “some embodiments” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “some embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,”“includes,”“including,”“has,”“having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0044] While particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

[0045] The particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner and in any suitable combination with one or more other embodiments, including the use of selected features without corresponding use of other features. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular application, situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0046] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

Introduction

[0018]Disclosed herein is a magnetic handgun holster.

[0019]Compared to typical handgun holster designs, an entire side of the holster body has been removed to reduce bulk and weight of the handgun holster. The magnet handgun holster disclosed herein utilizes a permanent magnet and the user's body pressure to hold the handgun in place while the handgun is holstered. This mechanism reduces the profile of the holster in half, making any handgun holstered more inconspicuous, less heavy, and less bulky while worn.

[0020]As will be made clear below, the permanent magnet is placed in a cavity on one side of the handgun holster and held in place by a polymer coating. The polymer coating prevents the handgun from being scratched and provides additional friction to the handgun thereby preventing it from sliding while holstered.

[0021]Additional features that will also be discussed below include the molded folding over the trigger well to prevent accidental misfiring and the textile ...

BACKGROUND

[0001] Current handgun holsters fully encase the handgun, which adds to the weight and size of the handgun while holstered. As such, almost all handgun holsters need to be worn outside the user's trousers, which makes these holsters more difficult to conceal. Furthermore, because the mechanism of holstering is encasement, there is no mechanism to keep the handgun in place other than some sort of fastener. If the fastener fails, then there is nothing preventing the handgun from falling out of the holster while the user is moving. Furthermore, such fasteners reduce the draw time of the handgun, lowering their effectiveness in crises situations.

[0002] As such, there is a long-felt need for a handgun holster that is less bulky, lighter, more secure, and easier to access.SUMMARY

[0003] A handgun holster is disclosed herein. The handgun holster may include (1) a holster body and (2) a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the holster body may have a first side that is molded to match a shape of a side of a handgun, a second side opposite the first side, and a cavity in the first side. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet is placed inside the cavity in the first side. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the handgun holster may further comprise a waistband or belt clip and the waistband or belt clip may be fastened to the second side of the holster body.

[0004] In some embodiments, a layer of a polymer may cover the permanent magnet; the first side of the holster body may be further molded to wrap around the trigger well of the handgun; and / or the second side may be covered in a textile wherein the textile is one or more of leather, suede, synthetic polyester, nylon polymer, wood pulp, cotton, flax, jute, and / or silk.

[0005] Advantages will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments, which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects.

[0006] Conventional holsters typically encase a large portion of the firearm. Encasement adds mass and volume, often forces outside waistband carry, and can slow the draw when fasteners or straps are used. If a fastener is not properly engaged, the handgun can dislodge during movement.

[0007] There remains a need for a low profile holster that provides reliable retention without full encasement and that permits rapid and intuitive draw from inside waistband carry. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect a handgun holster includes a holster body having a first side contoured to conform to one lateral side of a handgun, a second side opposite the first side configured to face a wearer, and a magnet cavity formed in the first side. A permanent magnet is fixed within the cavity so that magnetic attraction between the magnet and a ferromagnetic portion of the handgun holds the handgun against the first side during wear.

[0009] In some embodiments the second side carries a waistband clip. In other embodiments the clip is a one piece molded extension of the holster body. In some embodiments a polymer layer covers the permanent magnet to provide a non marring contact surface and to increase friction. In some embodiments the first side includes a portion that wraps under the trigger guard to block access to the trigger while the handgun is holstered. In some embodiments the second side includes a textile layer to improve comfort against skin.

[0010] The holster permits multi angle draw because the handgun is retained primarily by magnetic attraction and body pressure rather than by full perimeter encasement. The handgun can be withdrawn along a path that is not limited to a single vertical directionBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The figures described below depict various embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein. It should be understood that the figures depict illustrative embodiments of the disclosed devices and methods and that the figures are intended to be exemplary in nature only. Further, wherever possible, the following detailed description refers to the reference numerals included in the following figures, in which features depicted in multiple figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

[0012] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary magnetic handgun holster and is a perspective view showing a holster body with the handgun in place, the first side facing the handgun and the second side including a textile layer;

[0014] FIG. 1B depicts another exemplary magnetic handgun and is a rear view showing a waistband clip fastened to the second side of the holster body;

[0015] FIG. 1C depicts a further exemplary magnetic handgun holster and is a side view illustrating the thin profile of the holster body and the orientation of the clip relative to the second side; and

[0016] FIG. 1D depicts yet a further exemplary magnetic handgun holster and is a front view showing a magnet disposed in a cavity of the first side and covered by a polymer layer.

[0017] The figures depict the present embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternate embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIntroduction

[0018] Disclosed herein is a magnetic handgun holster.

[0019] Compared to typical handgun holster designs, an entire side of the holster body has been removed to reduce bulk and weight of the handgun holster. The magnet handgun holster disclosed herein utilizes a permanent magnet and the user's body pressure to hold the handgun in place while the handgun is holstered. This mechanism reduces the profile of the holster in half, making any handgun holstered more inconspicuous, less heavy, and less bulky while worn.

[0020] As will be made clear below, the permanent magnet is placed in a cavity on one side of the handgun holster and held in place by a polymer coating. The polymer coating prevents the handgun from being scratched and provides additional friction to the handgun thereby preventing it from sliding while holstered.

[0021] Additional features that will also be discussed below include the molded folding over the trigger well to prevent accidental misfiring and the textile covering to provide comfort against the user's skin while the magnetic handgun holster is worn for extended periods of time.

[0022] Handgun means a pistol or a revolver having at least one ferromagnetic portion such as a steel slide, cylinder, or insert. Waistband includes a belt or the upper band of clothing such as trousers, leggings, or shorts. Textile means a natural or synthetic fabric including leather, suede, polyester, nylon, cellulose based fabrics such as lyocell, cotton, flax, jute, or silk.

[0023] Retention force is the peak static force required to initiate separation of the handgun from the first side when the holster is worn and the handgun is seated. Unless stated otherwise, retention force is determined with an unloaded handgun by pulling the handgun away from the first side using a force gauge attached to the handgun grip and recording the maximum force prior to onset of motion.

[0024] As illustrated as exemplary aspects, in FIGS. 1A-1D, a magnetic handgun holster 100 may comprise a holster body 101, a permanent magnet 121, and a waistband or belt clip 131. In some embodiments, the holster body 101 may comprise a first side 111, a second side 112, and a cavity 113. Also in some embodiments, the second side 112 may comprise a textile covering 141.

[0025] The holster body 101 can be semirigid and may be formed of a thermoplastic such as an acrylic polyvinyl chloride sheet commonly sold as kydex. The holster body 101 provides a first side 111 shaped to fit one lateral side of a handgun and an opposite second side 112 configured to face away from the body of the wearer. A textile layer 141 can be bonded to the inside of the first side 111 to increase comfort during extended wear, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0026] The composition of the holster body 101 may be any suitable polymer comprising hardened plastic (e.g., kydex plastic). As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, the holster body 101 may be a single piece molded to shape one half of the front end of a handgun, wherein the first side 111 is the side of the holster body 101 that makes contact with the handgun while holstered and the second side 112 being the side of the holster body opposite the first side 111.

[0027] As further illustrated in FIG. 1D, the first side 111 of the holster body 101 may comprise a cavity 113 to house the permanent magnet 121. The permanent magnet 121 may be any sort of permanent magnet (e.g., neodymium, samarium cobalt, ferrite, alnico, etc.) strong enough to keep a handgun from either dislodging from the holster body 101 accidentally or allowing the handgun to fall due to gravity. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet 121 is held in place by a polymer covering over the cavity 113 (e.g., silicone rubbers). The polymer covering may also prevent the permanent magnet 121 from scratching the body of the handgun when holstering and / or drawing. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet 121 may be secured within the cavity 113 by adhesive, by fasteners, by overmolding, or by a polymer layer that spans the cavity. The polymer layer can be a silicone elastomer or another compliant polymer that prevents metal to metal contact and increases friction. The permanent magnet 121 can be a rare earth magnet such as neodymium, samarium cobalt, or alnico sized and oriented to provide the desired retention force through the polymer layer.

[0028] The first side 111 of the holster body 101 comprises a magnet cavity 113 that receives the permanent magnet 121. The permanent magnet 121 can be secured within the cavity 113 by adhesive, by fasteners, by overmolding, or by a polymer layer that spans the cavity. The polymer layer can be a silicone elastomer or another compliant polymer that prevents metal to metal contact and increases friction. The permanent magnet 121 can be a rare earth magnet such as neodymium, samarium cobalt, or alnico sized and oriented to provide the desired retention force through the polymer layer.

[0029] The second side 112 may comprise a waistband or belt clip 131 that couples the holster to a waistband. The waistband clip 131 can be fastened to the holder body 101 by screws, rivets, or bolts through openings in the clip or can be formed integrally as a one piece molded extension of the holster body______. Multiple clip openings ______ can be provided to permit adjustment of ride height or cant.

[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1D, the waistband or belt clip 131 may be fastened to the second side 112 of the holster body 101. In some embodiments, the waistband or belt clip 131 is fastened by some fastener (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), but in some embodiments, the waistband or waistband or belt clip 131 is a molded extension of the holster body 101. In these embodiments, the entire handgun holster is a single piece rigid piece and the waistband or belt clip 131 part of the holster body 101. The composition of the waistband or belt clip 131 may be the same material as the holster body 101 (e.g., kydex plastic).

[0031] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, a textile covering 141 may cover the first side 111, second side 112, or both of the holster body 101. The textile covering 141 may any sort of suitable natural or synthetic fabric to allow the user to comfortably wear the magnetic handgun holster 100 for an extended period of time between their trousers and their body comprising leather, suede, synthetic polyester, nylon polymer, wood pulp, cotton, flax, jute, and silk to name a few.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1D, in some embodiments, the holster body 101 may be molded around the trigger well 102 of a handgun 104. In these embodiments, a portion of the holster body 101 wraps around the underside of a handgun 104 to cover the trigger well 102 and create a barrier. This additional molding prevents accidental misfiring of the handgun while the handgun is holstered in the magnetic handgun holster 100. The magnetic handgun holster 100 is adapted to allow a handgun to be removed from the holster 100 at more than one angle. A traditional holster requires the handgun to be removed by pulling straight up on the handgun. The magnetic handgun holster 100 does not limit the removal of the handgun from magnetic handgun holster 100 by requiring that the handgun 104 be pulled straight up and out of the holster.

[0033] A portion of the first side 111 may wrap beneath the trigger guard 106 to cover the trigger opening (not shown) when the handgun 104 is seated in the magnetic handgun holster 100. This trigger guard 106 operates as a barrier and prevents insertion of a finger or object to the trigger opening (not shown) while worn. The magnetic handgun holster 100 can remain open along a lateral side opposite the first side 111 which reduces bulk and allows the handgun 104 to be drawn out of the magnetic handgun holder 100 along different paths.

[0034] Because the handgun 104 is retained by magnetic attraction and by pressure between the first side 111 and the wearer, the magnetic handgun holster 100 does not require a full mouth that encases the handgun 104. In use, the handgun 104 can be withdrawn upward, forward, or in a sweeping path that departs from vertical. The magnetic handgun holster 100 permits a user to draw the handgun from the holster body 101 at varied angles and the draw is not limited to a straight up or vertical draw.

[0035] The holster body 101 can be formed from an acrylic polyvinyl chloride sheet, a polycarbonate sheet, or a nylon composite sheet with a thickness between 1 and 4 millimeters. The permanent magnet 121 can have a pull rating between 20 and 90 newtons measured against a flat low carbon steel plate at room temperature. The polymer layer 122 over the permanent magnet 121 can be a silicone rubber having a Shore A durometer between 20 and 80 with a thickness between 0.5 and 3 millimeters. The textile layer 124 can cover the first side 111, the second side 112, both, or portions of both, and be leather, suede, polyester, nylon, or a cellulose based fabric bonded by heat activated adhesive or contact adhesive.

[0036] A method of manufacture may comprise utilizing a heated thermoplastic sheet that is vacuum formed over a handgun form on the first side 111 and over a shaping form on the second side 112, followed by trimming to define the open lateral edge 126. The magnet cavity 128 can be created by molding in a recessed region or by removal of material, the permanent magnet 121 can be inserted or placed therein, and the polymer layer 122 can be applied to span the magnet cavity 128. The waistband or belt clip 131 can then mounted to the second side 112 or formed as an integral extension during molding. A textile layer 124 can be bonded to the exterior of the first side 111.

[0037] The magnetic handgun holster 100 can be clipped to a waistband or belt by fastening the waistband or belt clip 131 to a waistband or belt so that the second side 112 faces the body, sets the handgun 104 against the first side 111 so that a ferromagnetic portion is adjacent the permanent magnet 121, and allows body pressure to bias the handgun 104 against the permanent magnet 121. To draw, the handgun 104 can be pulled from the magnetic handgun holster 100 along a desired path which can include an upward path, a forward path, or a path that combines upward and lateral motion.

[0038] The permanent magnet 121 can be one piece or multiple pieces. A flux concentrating steel backing plate can be provided inside the magnet cavity 128 to direct flux toward the handgun 104. For handguns that lack a strongly ferromagnetic region, a thin ferrous insert can be adhered beneath the slide or to the frame to enhance attraction. The holster body 101 can comprise a sweat shield that rises above the rear of the slide. A muzzle stop 132 may be formed on the first side 111 to seat the handgun 104. The waistband or belt clip 131 may be configured for left or right hand wear. The waistband or belt clip 131 may comprise a plurality of openings 133 that permit adjustment of ride height or cant when the clip 131 is fastened to the holster body 101 through the different openings 132. The magnetic handgun holster 100 may be made in different sizes for different handgun models.

[0039] Embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner unless stated otherwise. Examples and ranges are nonlimiting and may be varied.

[0040] Although the text herein sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this disclosure, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0041] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0042] As used herein any reference to “some embodiments” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “some embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,”“includes,”“including,”“has,”“having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0044] While particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

[0045] The particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner and in any suitable combination with one or more other embodiments, including the use of selected features without corresponding use of other features. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular application, situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0046] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

Introduction

[0018]Disclosed herein is a magnetic handgun holster.

[0019]Compared to typical handgun holster designs, an entire side of the holster body has been removed to reduce bulk and weight of the handgun holster. The magnet handgun holster disclosed herein utilizes a permanent magnet and the user's body pressure to hold the handgun in place while the handgun is holstered. This mechanism reduces the profile of the holster in half, making any handgun holstered more inconspicuous, less heavy, and less bulky while worn.

[0020]As will be made clear below, the permanent magnet is placed in a cavity on one side of the handgun holster and held in place by a polymer coating. The polymer coating prevents the handgun from being scratched and provides additional friction to the handgun thereby preventing it from sliding while holstered.

[0021]Additional features that will also be discussed below include the molded folding over the trigger well to prevent accidental misfiring and the textile ...

Claims

1. A magnetic handgun holster comprising:a semirigid holster body comprising:a first side, wherein the first side is contoured to conform to one lateral side of a handgun, anda second side opposite the first side configured to face away from the body of a wearer, the first side comprising a cavity to hold a permanent magnet and positioned to magnetically attract a ferromagnetic portion of the handgun so that the handgun is retained against the first side during wear, wherein the handgun holster is positioned between a human body and clothing and clipped to a waistband of the clothing.

2. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, further comprising a waistband or belt clip, wherein the waistband or belt clip is fastened to the second side of the holster body and configured to couple the holster to a waistband.

3. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 2, wherein the waistband clip and the holster body are formed as a one piece molded structure.

4. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 2, wherein the waistband clip comprises a plurality of openings that permit adjustment of ride height or cant when the clip is fastened to different openings.

5. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, further comprising a polymer layer that covers the magnet and provides a non marring contact surface for the handgun.

6. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the first side is further molded to wrap around the trigger well of the handgun and block access to the trigger while the handgun is holstered.

7. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the first side is covered in a textile layer bonded to an exterior surface of the first side.

8. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 7, wherein the textile layer comprises one or more of leather, suede, synthetic polyester, nylon polymer, wood pulp, cotton, flax, jute, or silk.

9. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the handgun holster is adapted to allow the handgun to be removed from the handgun holster at more than one angle.

10. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the handgun can be withdrawn from the holster in an upward, forward, or in a sweeping path that departs from a vertical or straight up path.

11. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the magnet is a neodymium magnet.

12. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, further comprising a ferrous backing plate disposed within the magnet cavity on a side of the magnet opposite the handgun to direct magnetic flux toward the handgun.

13. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the holster body comprises an acrylic polyvinyl chloride sheet.

14. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the holster body comprises an open lateral edge opposite the first side so that the handgun is not fully encased in the holster body.

15. A magnetic handgun holster comprising a one piece thermoplastic body that provides a holster body and a waistband clip, the holster body comprising a first side and an opposite second side, the first side comprising a magnet cavity, and a permanent magnet fixed within the cavity so that magnetic attraction between the magnet and a ferromagnetic portion of a handgun retains the handgun against the first side during wear.

16. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 15, wherein the one piece thermoplastic body is formed from a single sheet that has been heated, shaped, and cooled.

17. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 15, wherein the first side comprises barrier configured to cover a trigger well of the handgun while holstered.

18. The magnetic handgun holster of claim 15, wherein the first side comprises a textile layer bonded to an exterior surface of the first side.

19. A method of carrying and drawing a handgun comprising:coupling a magnetic handgun holster to a waistband so that a first side of the holster faces a wearer and an opposite second side faces outward from the wearer,seating a handgun in the magnetic handgun holster so that a ferromagnetic portion of the handgun is adjacent a permanent magnet fixed within a magnet cavity of the first side, thereby retaining the handgun against the first side by magnetic attraction and body pressure, andwithdrawing the handgun from the holster along a selected path that is not limited to a single vertical direction.

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