Convertible Holster Belt Loop Fastener IWB OWB Switch
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holsters are limited to either inside the waistband (IWB) or outside the waistband (OWB) carry, requiring users to switch between different holsters for changing carry preferences, which can be inconvenient and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A convertible holster design featuring a body with a medially-facing pistol receptacle and a laterally-facing belt passage system, including a belt loop element with a fastener that allows secure attachment to the waistband for both IWB and OWB carry, enabling easy conversion between carry methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a holster is designed for inside the waistband carry (IWB), then the firearm is easier to conceal, but the firearm becomes potentially more difficult to draw and the user must wear compatible pants
Solution Approach 1:
The holster incorporates a convertible attachment system with a belt loop receptacle and removable belt loop element that allows the holster to dynamically change its configuration between IWB and OWB carry methods, enabling the user to optimize for either concealability or draw speed depending on the situation
2Ease of operation
If a holster is designed for outside the waistband carry (OWB), then the firearm is easier to draw and more comfortable to wear, but the holster becomes more visible and the user must wear a compatible belt
Solution Approach 1:
The holster incorporates a convertible attachment system with a belt loop receptacle and removable belt loop element that allows the holster to dynamically change its configuration between OWB and IWB carry methods, enabling the user to optimize for either draw speed or concealability depending on the situation
3Reliability
If the wearer uses conventional IWB or OWB holsters, then the holster provides specialized functionality for that carry type, but the wearer must transfer the firearm to a different holster when changing carry methods
Solution Approach 1:
The holster is designed with universal adaptability to function as both an IWB and OWB holster through the convertible attachment system, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holsters and allowing the user to maintain reliable retention across different carry methods
Solution Approach 2:
The holster incorporates a convertible attachment system with a belt loop receptacle and removable belt loop element that allows the holster to dynamically change its configuration between IWB and OWB carry methods, enabling the user to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining secure retention
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wearer always has two different types of holsters available, then the wearer can adapt to changing circumstances, but the device complexity and number of accessories increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holster is designed with universal adaptability to function as both an IWB and OWB holster through the convertible attachment system, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holsters and reducing the total number of accessories the user must carry and manage
Data Source
AI summary
Holsters have a body defining a pistol receptacle, the body having a medially-facing first major surface configured to face toward a wearer, a laterally-facing second major surface configured to face away from the wearer, a first belt passage associated with the first major surface and adapted to receive a wearer's belt with a portion of the belt between a major portion of the body, a belt loop receptacle associated with the second major surface, a belt loop element configured to be removably received by the belt loop receptacle, the belt loop element including a fastener having a fastened condition and an unfastened condition, and the fastener adapted to secure the belt loop element in a closed loop when in the fastened condition to encompass a wearer's belt with the body between the belt and the wearer, and to enable insertion and removal of a belt when in an unfastened condition.