Polymer Holster Covered Finger Slot for Trigger-Safe Master Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern polymer holsters for semiautomatic handguns do not optimally facilitate grasping the holstered handgun in the master grip, leading to potential accidental discharges during stressful situations due to the forefinger transitioning from the holster to the handgun trigger region.
Innovation Solution
A holster design with a slot for the index finger along the side of the weapon, allowing handgun engagement above the trigger guard, and a covered slot for the forefinger to ensure secure withdrawal and master grip, with latch mechanisms actuated by the user's hand without finger compression, enabling one-motion unholstering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holster uses a conventional rigid polymer design with full enclosure, then retention security is improved, but the forefinger transition during withdrawal causes accidental discharge risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the forefinger contact area from the enclosed holster body by creating an opening or groove that allows the forefinger to remain in contact with the handgun surface during withdrawal. This separation of the forefinger path from the trigger guard area eliminates the harmful transition while maintaining holster retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (opening, groove, or contour modification) that mediates between the holster enclosure and the forefinger placement. This intermediary allows continuous forefinger contact with the handgun body during withdrawal without requiring the finger to cross over the trigger guard, thus preventing accidental discharge while maintaining secure retention.
2Reliability
If the holster provides full enclosure for retention, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the forefinger cannot maintain contact with the handgun during withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes a portion of the holster enclosure to create an opening or groove that allows the forefinger to access and maintain contact with the handgun surface during the withdrawal process, while the rest of the holster remains fully enclosed for retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the holster structure into enclosed retention areas and an open forefinger access area. The opening or groove is positioned to allow forefinger contact with the handgun body while the rest of the holster maintains full enclosure, separating the functions of retention and finger guidance.
3Ease of operation
If the holster uses surface structure to direct the forefinger, then grip guidance is improved, but the transition from holster surface to handgun surface remains problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the forefinger guidance function from the holster surface by creating an opening or groove that allows direct, continuous contact between the forefinger and the handgun surface. This eliminates the problematic transition phase where the finger moves from the holster surface to the handgun surface, as the finger remains in contact with the handgun throughout the withdrawal.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening or groove acts as an intermediary that facilitates direct forefinger contact with the handgun body during withdrawal. This intermediary structure guides the forefinger along a safe path that maintains continuous contact with the handgun surface, eliminating the need for the finger to transition from the holster surface to the handgun surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer holster has a covered index finger slot on a distal wall portion of the holster for allowing a user to grip a handgun therein with a master grip before withdrawing the handgun therefrom and that inhibits the forefinger from entering the trigger region. Finger actuated releases may be positioned on the holster.