Holster Trigger Guard Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handgun holsters face issues with ease of use and security, as the safety tab can open unexpectedly during wearer movements and can be opened by third parties, while also hindering re-entry of the weapon into the holster.
Innovation Solution
A holster design featuring a pivotally mounted tongue with a snap-fastening mechanism and a locking system using a pusher and cleat mechanism that can be moved between active and retracted positions to securely hold and release the weapon, allowing for easy extraction and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety tab with hooking device is used to hold the weapon, then the weapon can be retained in the holster, but the safety tab can open unexpectedly during wearer movements and can be opened by third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is made movable between a retracted position (allowing weapon insertion) and an engaged position (locking the weapon). This dynamic mechanism automatically transitions between states based on weapon presence, providing both secure retention and ease of access while preventing unauthorized opening during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is self-actuating through the pusher mechanism that automatically moves the locking member between positions based on weapon insertion/removal. The system serves itself by using the weapon's presence to trigger the locking/unlocking sequence, eliminating the need for manual operation and preventing unauthorized access.
2Reliability
If a safety tab is used to secure the weapon, then the weapon can be held in the holster, but the safety tab hinders the re-entry of the weapon into the holster after voluntary removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member dynamically transitions between retracted and engaged positions. During weapon re-entry, it automatically retracts to allow insertion, then engages to secure the weapon. This eliminates the hindrance of static safety tabs while maintaining secure retention throughout the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is preliminarily positioned in the retracted state before weapon insertion is needed, and automatically moves to the engaged state after insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures the weapon path is clear for re-entry, then secures it immediately upon insertion.
3Reliability
If a rocker mechanism is used to support the movable weapon, then third persons are prevented from withdrawing the weapon, but the rocker can return to retracted position by simple push before weapon reintroduction
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher mechanism automatically detects weapon presence and actuates the locking member accordingly. When the weapon is inserted, the pusher automatically moves the locking member to the engaged position, eliminating the need for manual operation and ensuring consistent locking without requiring the user to push or manipulate additional components.
4Reliability
If a locking member moved perpendicularly to the barrel face is used, then the weapon can be securely locked in notches, but the mechanism becomes complex to implement and use
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher and locking member are combined into an integrated assembly where the pusher directly actuates the locking member. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the actuation mechanism while maintaining the secure perpendicular engagement of the locking member in the notches.
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
The design provides reliable retention of the weapon while allowing easy extraction by the operator and preventing unauthorized access, with the locking mechanism ensuring secure engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (17) mounted on the axis (16) to return the tongue (15) to this second position
Implementation Method 2
The locking member (40) is returned to its active position, by an elastic member (45), such as for example a compression spring
Implementation Method 3
a pusher (30) movable between a high rest position releasing the locking member (40) in its active position and a low active position maintaining said locking member in its retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a holster (10) for a handgun (1), of the type comprising a pocket (11) for accommodating the gun (1) and including an opening (12) for inserting the gun (1) and means for locking the gun inside said pocket (11). The means for locking the gun comprise a support element (20) bearing a housing (23) for receiving the trigger guard of the gun (1) provided with a locking member moveable by a push button (30) from the upper part of the pocket (11) perpendicularly to the lower surface of the barrel of the gun (1), between an active position triggered in a catch arranged on the inner surface below the barrel to immobilize the gun (1) and a retracted position releasing said gun (1).