Modular, adjustable holster system

Abstract

A modular holster system is disclosed, designed for broad compatibility with a wide variety of firearm models. The holster comprises a main holster body formed from two mirror-image halves that define an interior receptacle for securely retaining a handgun. The interior receptacle is designed using digital overlay technology, wherein three-dimensional (3D) data from multiple handgun models is acquired, superimposed, and analyzed to determine common geometric features for optimal compatibility. The holster further includes an adjustment system that enables customization of the receptacle to accommodate different firearm dimensions. Additionally, the system features reinforced proximal edges, wing-like protrusions providing adjustable tension for firearm retention, and multiple user attachment options, such as clips, paddles, or strap loops, allowing for inside-or outside-waistband carry. The holster is manufactured using polymer blends via injection molding for durability and precision. The disclosed design enhances adaptability, retention, and user customization while maintaining universal compatibility across handgun models.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 569,877, filed on Mar. 26, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a holster system for holding a handgun.GENERAL BACKGROUND

[0003] The handgun market is vast, with thousands of models varying in barrel length, size, caliber, width, and trigger guard design. Many holsters are formed to accommodate one brand or even one specific model of handgun. This means consumers are limited in their holster options to only those that fit their specific handgun model. Further, anyone that owns more than one type of handgun will need to buy separate holsters for every gun. Therefore, there exists a growing market of universal holster systems with different means of accommodating many forms of handgun.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with some embodiments, the present invention is a modular holster system, designed for broad compatibility with a wide variety of firearm models. The holster comprises a main holster body formed from two mirror-image halves that define an interior receptacle for securely retaining a handgun. The interior receptacle is designed using digital overlay technology, wherein three-dimensional (3D) data from multiple handgun models is acquired, superimposed, and analyzed to determine common geometric features for optimal compatibility. The holster further includes an adjustment system that enables customization of the receptacle to accommodate different firearm dimensions. Additionally, the system features reinforced proximal edges, wing-like protrusions providing adjustable tension for firearm retention, and multiple user attachment options, such as clips, paddles, or strap loops, allowing for inside-or outside-waistband carry. The holster is manufactured using polymer blends via injection molding for durability and precision. The disclosed design enhances adaptability, retention, and user customization while maintaining universal compatibility across handgun models.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals and, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 depicts an angled view of the holster system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 depicts an alternative angled view of the holster system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a top-down view of the holster system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the holster system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 4A depicts a magnified view of the proximal edges of the holster system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the holster system having a paddle attached as the user attachment means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 6 depicts a front and back view of the holster system with a firearm holstered in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the holster system having a paddle attached as the user attachment means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the holster system having a clip attached as the user attachment means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 9 depicts the holster system with a firearm holstered and placed in the exterior of the waistband in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 10 depicts the holster system with a firearm holstered and placed on the interior of the waistband in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 11 depicts a method for designing a holster device with broad compatibility across multiple firearm models.

[0018] The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and may not be depicted to scale. Within the descriptions of the figures, similar elements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional) on the invention.

[0019] The appended drawings illustrate exemplary configurations of the invention and, as such, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention that may admit to other equally effective configurations. It is contemplated that features of one configuration may be beneficially incorporated in other configurations without further recitation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by reference to the Figures, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations or be entirely separate. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system of the disclosure, as represented in the Figures is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure.

[0021] The following description sets forth numerous embodiments and parameters. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments. Various modifications to the examples described will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein but is to be accorded a scope consistent with the claims.

[0022] The present invention is an adjustable, modular, ambidextrous holster system comprising a main holster body 102 made of a semi-rigid material with an adjustment means, reinforced proximal edges, and one or more apertures operable to attach a means of securing the holster to a user. The system may further include one or more detachable means of securing the holster to a user. The holster system is ambidextrous and capable of being worn on the interior or exterior of the user's waistband.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1-10, holster system 100 is comprised of main holster body 102 that is comprised of two, mirror-image halves, 102a and 102b, that define a receptacle 104 for receiving and holding a handgun 106. The main holster body 102 comprises a pair of flat, wing-like protrusions, 116a and 116b, located on a periphery of the main holster body and extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 115 of receptacle 104. The wing-like protrusions 116a and 116b are made by flat portions of the mirror-image halves that are sandwiched together. In some embodiments the wing-like protrusion 116a is larger than wing-like protrusion 116b. In some embodiments the wing-like protrusion 116a extends further from the center of the device than wing-like protrusion 116b.

[0024] The two mirror-image halves are attached by one or more fasteners 114. In some embodiments, the fasteners 114 for attachment of the mirror-image halves of the main holster body 102 are rivets. In some embodiments, the mirror-image halves are attached by at least six fasteners wherein the fasteners are located on the wing-like portions 116a and 116b of the main holster body 102. The wing-like portions together with the fasteners operate to provide a tension for the receptacle 104. The tension increases the friction of the interior of the holster on an inserted handgun and works to prevent the handgun from unintentionally dislodging from the holster.

[0025] See FIGS. 1-6. Receptacle 104 defines a main central receptacle 108 that accommodates the more distal portions 110 of a handgun, such as a slide, barrel, frame, sights, etc. The main central receptacle 108 extends fully through the main holster body and allows for the more distal portions of a handgun to extend outside of the main holster body. Receptacle 104 may further include a trigger guard portion 112 for receiving the trigger guard, trigger, grip and / or portions of the frame of the handgun.

[0026] See FIGS. 1-6. The main holster body 102 comprises one or more threaded holes 118 operable to receive fasteners 120 for the user attachment means 126 of securing the main holster body 102 to a user. The one or more threaded holes located on the exterior surface of each of the separate halves of the main holster body extend into the external surface at an angle that is substantially normal to the surface. The user attachment means 126 may comprise a clip 122, paddle 124, a strap loop(s), hook and loop pad or any other suitable means. See FIGS. 7-10. In some embodiments, the thread holes 118 are located on the outside of main holster body 102, specifically the portion of the main holster body 102 that defines receptacle 104. Both sides of the main holster body 102 comprise one or more threaded holes 118. This design allows users to change the means of securing the main holster 102 to the user based on the user's preferences or situational constraints. The inclusion of the threaded holes 118 on both sides of the main holster not only allows the holster to be ambidextrous but allows the user to configure the holster to be worn inside or outside of the user's waistband. In some embodiments, the main holster body 102 contains two, three or more threaded holes 118 on each side. The fasteners for securing the attachment means 126 may be screws, ties, rivets, clips or any other suitable means.

[0027] See FIGS. 7-10. In some embodiments, the user attachment means 126 is a paddle 124 that may be operable to sit between a user's body and the interior of their clothing. This provides a friction fit that allows the holster system to remain in place. See FIGS. 13-15. In some embodiments, the user attachment means 126 is a clip that may be used to attach to a user's belt or waistband. This allows the main holster body 102 to be placed inside or outside the waistband of a user's clothes while the holster system 100 is secured to the belt or waistband of a user. In some embodiments, the user attachment means 126 is one or more strap loop operable to receive a strap, such that the user may attach the holster to their arm, leg, waist, etc. In some embodiments, the user attachment means 126 may be a hook and loop patch that allows the holster to be mounted to corresponding hook and loop material.

[0028] See FIGS. 1-6. Main holster body 102 further comprises an adjustment system 128 that is operable to adjust the space of receptable 104 to accommodate different size handguns. In some embodiments, adjustment member 128 is a screw or threaded member system that extends through both mirror-image halves of the main holster body 102. The distance between the mirror-image halves of the main holster body 102 can be adjusted by turning the screw head. In some embodiments, the screw system operates by having the inner side of the screw head (or threaded member) abut the outer surface of one of the mirror-image halves of the main holster body 102; the threaded end 130 of the screw e though to the outer surface of the opposite half of the main holster body and contains a nut, threaded collar or some other means 132 that abuts the outer surface of the opposite half of the main holster body 102. When the screw head is advanced the screw system pulls the two halves of the main holster body 102 together. The interior threaded portion 134 of the screw system that exists between the interior surfaces of the two halves of the main holster body may comprise one or more spacers 136 to limit the travel of the main holster body halves via the adjustment system.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the edges 138 of the insertion side of the main holster body 102 are thicker than the adjacent walls main holster body 102. In some embodiments, the edges 138 of the insertion side of the main holster body 102 are the thickest walls of the entire main holster body 102. This prevents the edges from bending and catching the fireman when user is holstering the firearm. In some embodiments, the edges 138 of the insertion side of the main holster body 102 are rounded to prevent firearms from catching the edges when being holstered.

[0030] The holster device achieves its broad compatibility with a wide variety of firearm models through the design of its interior receptacle, which is configured by utilizing digital overlay technology. This digital overlay technology comprises a multi-step process that begins with the acquisition of accurate three-dimensional (3D) data from a plurality of handgun models. Specifically, a large number of handguns, potentially numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, are 3D scanned to capture detailed geometric and dimensional characteristics of each firearm.

[0031] Once the 3D scanning step is complete, the resulting digital representations of the handguns are imported into specialized modeling software platforms such as AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, or similar computer-aided design programs. Within these software environments, the individual models are carefully aligned and superimposed, or “overlayed,” atop one another to create a composite digital representation that highlights areas of geometric commonality across the variety of handgun models.

[0032] The process of identifying these common geometric features may be conducted manually by designers analyzing the overlays, through software algorithms programmed to detect shared geometries, or through advanced techniques such as machine learning models trained to recognize recurring dimensional patterns. The specific points or surfaces of overlap identified during this process correspond to critical contact points on the firearms, such as trigger guards, slide surfaces, barrel edges, or other structural features that can be effectively engaged by a holster to support and retain the weapon securely.

[0033] By focusing the design of the interior receptacle 104 around these shared features, the holster achieves a highly adaptable geometry that can accommodate, support, and securely retain a broad range of firearm models without the need for weapon-specific adjustments. This results in a universal holster solution optimized for compatibility across multiple handgun types.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the selection of which handgun models to include in the digital overlay process may be curated based on various criteria. For instance, the designer may prioritize the inclusion of the most commonly used, best-selling, or widely issued handgun models in a particular market segment. Alternatively, the selection criteria may include handguns sharing particular dimensions, frame sizes, or intended use cases (e.g., duty weapons, concealed carry firearms, etc.). The flexibility of this selection process allows for targeted customization of the holster's compatibility profile.

[0035] The number of handgun models incorporated into the digital overlay process may range from tens to hundreds or even thousands of individual firearm models. Increasing the number of models in the overlay enhances the ability to detect geometric commonalities, thereby further refining the holster's universal design.

[0036] See FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the holster device may be designed by method involving acquiring three-dimensional (3D) data from a plurality of handgun models by performing 3D scanning to capture geometric and dimensional characteristics of each firearm. The method may further involve importing the acquired 3D data into a computer software platform and then aligning and superimposing the 3D models of the plurality of handgun models to create a composite digital representation. The method further comprises identifying the common geometric features across the plurality of handgun models, wherein the common geometric features are determined by at least one of manual analysis, software algorithms, or machine learning techniques. The method may further comprise designing an interior receptacle of the holster device based on the identified common geometric features, such that the interior receptacle securely retains and supports a broad range of firearm models without requiring weapon-specific adjustments.

[0037] The holster materials, especially the main holster body, is preferably manufactured using injection molding processes, which offer a high degree of precision, repeatability, and cost-efficiency suitable for mass production. Injection molding involves introducing molten polymer material into a specifically designed mold cavity that corresponds to the desired shape of the holster body, including the intricate interior receptacle geometry formed as described above. Once cooled and solidified, the molded part retains the detailed contours and structural features defined by the mold.

[0038] In various embodiments, the material selected for the injection molding process comprises a blend of one or more durable, high-performance polymers. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, or any other thermoplastic material known for its strength, impact resistance, and wear resistance.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, the material blend includes a combination of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polycarbonate provides excellent dimensional stability, rigidity, and impact resistance, making it ideal for a holster that must withstand repeated firearm insertions and removals as well as the stresses of daily use. PET contributes to the toughness, chemical resistance, and lightweight characteristics of the holster body. By blending these materials, the resulting holster benefits from a balanced combination of structural integrity, durability, and ease of manufacturability.

[0040] Additionally, the choice of material may be adjusted to meet specific performance or environmental requirements, such as flame retardancy, UV resistance, or compliance with regulatory standards. The injection molding process may also accommodate additional features, such as surface texturing, integral retention mechanisms, or mounting interfaces, further enhancing the functionality and adaptability of the holster device.

[0041] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language intends no limitation of the scope of the invention, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects of the system (and components of the individual operating components of the system) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun, comprising:a main holster body comprised of two separate halves that attached to one another by one or more fasteners;an adjustment system configured to adjust the spacing between the separate halves;wherein each of the separate halves comprises one or more threaded holes located on its exterior surface;wherein the main holster body defines a hollow, main central receptacle to receive and secure a portion of a handgun;wherein the main holster body comprises two flat, wing-like protrusions on the periphery of the main holster body;wherein the two separate halves comprise the main holster body are attached to one another by one or more fasteners through the wing-like protrusions.

2. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the main holster body comprises reinforced proximal edges surrounding an insertion opening of the receptacle.

3. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 2, wherein the proximal edges are thicker than the other portion of the main holster body.

4. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 2, wherein the proximal edges are rounded.

5. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 1, wherein main central receptacle is configured to receive the barrel, slide and distal portion of a frame of a handgun.

6. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 1, wherein adjustment system comprises a threaded member that spans from one separate half to the other separate half at a location on the main holster body in which a gap exists, and wherein the advancement of the threaded member causes at least a portion of each separate half to move toward a portion of the other separate half.

7. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 6, wherein the threaded member includes spacers to limit the travel of the mirror-image halves during adjustment.

8. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 1, further comprising a detachable user attachment means removable attachable to the one or more threaded holes on either side of the main holster body, enabling ambidextrous use and configurability for interior or exterior waistband wear.

9. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 7, wherein the detachable user attachment means is a paddle.

10. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 7, wherein the detachable user attachment means is a clip.

11. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 7, wherein the detachable user attachment means is one or more strap loops.

12. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the main holster body is comprised of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate.

13. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the two separate halves are mirror images of one another.

14. The ambidextrous, modular holster system for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the one or more threaded holes located on the exterior surface of each of the separate halves of the main holster body extend into the external surface at an angle that is normal to the surface.

15. The holster system of claim 1, wherein the geometry of the main central receptacle is designed based on digital overlay technology by scanning multiple handgun models and identifying common geometrical retention features.

16. A universal holster system for a handgun, comprising:a main holster body having a central receptacle configured to receive a firearm,wherein the central receptacle is defined by a geometry determined by overlaying digital models of a plurality of handgun geometries, the digital models being generated by 3D scanning a plurality of handguns and overlaying the digital models in a computer software platform to identify common geometric features of the plurality of handguns,wherein the geometry of the central receptacle is configured to receive and retain a majority of the plurality of handgun geometries based on the identified common geometric features,17. The holster system of claim 16, wherein the main holster body is formed by an injection molding process using a material comprising a blend of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate.

18. The holster system of claim 16, wherein the common geometric features of the plurality of firearms include size and shape of the barrel of the firearm, the size and shape of the slide of the firearm, the size and shape of the distal portion of the frame of the firearm and the size and shape of the trigger guard of the firearm.

19. A method for designing a holster device with broad compatibility across multiple firearm models, the method comprising:(a) acquiring three-dimensional (3D) data from a plurality of handgun models by performing 3D scanning to capture geometric and dimensional characteristics of each firearm;(b) importing the acquired 3D data into a computer software platform;(c) aligning and superimposing the 3D models of the plurality of handgun models to create a composite digital representation;(d) identifying common geometric features across the plurality of handgun models, wherein the common geometric features are determined by at least one of manual analysis, software algorithms, or machine learning techniques; and(e) designing an interior receptacle of the holster device based on the identified common geometric features, such that the interior receptacle supports a broad range of firearm models.

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