Molded Holster Backer and Cover for Adjustable Retention

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional holsters face challenges in balancing protection, convenience, retention, stability, and comfort, especially when intended for concealed carry, often sacrificing these characteristics for concealment.

Innovation Solution

A molded holster backer and cover formed using injection molding, incorporating features like bushings, fasteners, and molded-in features to customize retention, stability, and friction, allowing for adjustable configurations and improved usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the holster is made rigid and stable for repeated drawing and reholstering, then protection and retention are improved, but comfort and flexibility for extended wear are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holster is divided into two separate components: a rigid backer plate that provides structural support and retention, and a flexible cover that provides comfort and concealment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holster combines two different materials with contrasting properties: a rigid material (such as metal or hard plastic) for the backer plate and a flexible material (such as leather or soft polymer) for the cover. This composite construction achieves both rigidity and flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the holster is made flexible and comfortable for extended wear, then ease of operation is improved, but protection and stability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holster is divided into two separate components: a rigid backer plate that provides structural support and retention, and a flexible cover that provides comfort and concealment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the holster is concealed to provide discretion, then adaptability is improved, but protection, retention, and stability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holster is divided into two separate components: a rigid backer plate that provides structural support and retention, and a flexible cover that provides comfort and concealment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the holster have different properties: the backer plate is rigid and structured for protection and retention, while the cover is flexible and conforming for concealment and comfort. Each local region is optimized for its specific requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10295305B2Molded holster components

Publication Date: 2019.05.21

AI summary

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a molded backer and/or a molded cover for a holster. The backer may be combined with one or more shell components (i.e., covers) to form a case for a weapon, tool, or other implement. The backer and/or the cover may be formed to include one or more features on a surface of the backer and/or cover, for tuning a relative friction of the surface of the backer and/or cover.