Handgun Holster Shutter Lock Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handgun holsters face challenges in providing a safe and quick unlocking mechanism, as current safety devices often require multiple movements or bulky designs that can hinder accidental extraction prevention and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A holster with a shutter safety lock system featuring a pivotally connected shutter and a catch/release mechanism actuated by a single push-button, allowing for quick and secure unlocking without additional safety catches, and an optional secondary lock engaging with the handgun's ejection port for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter locks from above the holster opening to prevent accidental extraction, then safety is improved, but the shutter becomes bulky and the rotation mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the shutter rotate forward (toward the front side of the holster) as in conventional designs, this invention makes the shutter rotate backward (toward the rear side of the holster). The shutter pivots on a vertical axis and rotates in the opposite direction, clearing the opening by moving rearward rather than forward. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex forward rotation paths and allows the shutter to be less bulky while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter rotation axis is oriented vertically rather than horizontally, changing the dimensional plane of rotation. This vertical axis rotation allows the shutter to sweep backward in a different spatial dimension, clearing the opening more efficiently without requiring the shutter to extend far forward. This dimensional change reduces the overall bulk of the shutter mechanism while achieving the same safety locking function.
2Reliability
If a stop is provided on the push-button to prevent accidental rotation, then safety is improved, but the extraction requires two distinct movements making it more troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the stop element that was previously attached to the push-button. Instead of having a stop on the button that requires separate removal, the design extracts this safety function and replaces it with the shutter's own mechanical geometry. The shutter's backward rotation path and its engagement with the opening create an inherent safety mechanism that eliminates the need for separate stop components, allowing single-movement extraction while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism serves its own safety function through its geometric design rather than requiring external stops or catches. The backward rotation clearance path and the shutter's engagement with the holster opening create self-limiting motion that prevents accidental activation. The system serves its safety function through its own structure rather than additional components.
3Ease of operation
If the shutter rotates towards the front side of the holster to clear the opening, then unlocking is achieved, but the rotation is not safe and convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter rotation direction is inverted from the conventional forward rotation toward the rearward rotation. Instead of sweeping forward to clear the opening, the shutter pivots backward, which the patent demonstrates provides both safety and convenience. This backward rotation clears the opening effectively while following a safer, more convenient path that avoids interference with the user's hand and gun grip.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and easy gun extraction with a single, natural thumb movement while maintaining safety, avoiding bulkiness and reducing the risk of accidental unlocking, suitable for various handguns including those with accessories.
Implementation Method 1
The shutter (3) is integral with a pivot (4) pivotally connected to a side wall (1b) of the holster, the pivoting axis being a vertical axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention refers to an improved holster for handguns, adapted to prevent the accidental drop or an unauthorized extraction of the handgun, thanks to a safety device embodied in the same holster and comprising a shutter lock.