Multi-Positional Locking Holster for Expandable Baton

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional holsters for expandable batons, such as those used by law enforcement and military personnel, often cause discomfort due to the baton's position shifting, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies in rapid draw scenarios, as they do not effectively lock in place to prevent unwanted movement.

Innovation Solution

A multi-positional locking device comprising a rotational locking piece with a first and second portion, where the first portion can be locked in various positions using a locking device with a locking member, preventing rotation when inserted into a locking groove, allowing the holster to be securely positioned on a utility belt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the holster is designed to allow rotation for comfort, then the officer can adjust to a comfortable position, but the baton can inadvertently switch positions without the officer's awareness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of holster positionVSAvoidpositional stability of baton
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holster incorporates a friction-type break-free mechanism that allows the baton to rotate from one resistive position to another. The friction resistance is calibrated to permit intentional rotation by the officer while preventing inadvertent switching during normal movements like sitting or exiting a vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The friction resistance parameter of the break-free mechanism is specifically engineered to maintain positional stability under normal conditions while still allowing controlled rotation when deliberately actuated by the officer, thus balancing reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If the expandable baton sits higher in the holster, then it can accommodate the extended length, but the handle jabs the officer in the ribs or abdomen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of extended baton lengthVSAvoiddiscomfort to officer
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holster allows the baton to rotate to an optimal position where the handle rests against the officer's belt or hip rather than jabbing into the ribs or abdomen, accommodating the extended length while eliminating discomfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation capability provides an additional degree of freedom, allowing the baton to adjust not only in vertical position but also in angular orientation, enabling the handle to rest in a comfortable position against the belt or hip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the baton is placed in a ring attached to the utility belt allowing rotation, then the baton can swivel out of the way, but the baton moves in undesirable positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability of baton to move out of the wayVSAvoiduncontrolled movement of baton
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The friction resistance parameter of the break-free mechanism is specifically engineered to permit controlled rotation during intentional draw while preventing uncontrolled movement during normal activities, thus maintaining stability while preserving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8100304B2Method and apparatus for multi-positional locking holster
Publication Date: 2012.01.24 TANZINI PHILIP J
  • US8100304B2 patent drawing
  • US8100304B2 patent drawing
  • US8100304B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device including a rotational locking piece. The rotational locking piece includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is rotationally connected to the second portion. The first portion can be locked in relation to the second portion by a locking device. The locking device includes a locking member having a locking portion. A holster is connected to the rotational locking device. The rotational locking piece locks the holster in a many positions and the locking portion prevents the first portion from rotating when it is inserted in a locking groove formed on the first portion.