Abstract:
A holster for securing a pistol having a barrel with a chamber, a muzzle, a slide having a front and rear portion, includes (a) an open-bottom enclosure sized to accommodate the slide, wherein a cavity defined in a front portion of the enclosure is sized to receive the muzzle but not allow the slide to enter therein; (b) a securing member pivotally attached within the enclosure near a rear portion thereof and shaped to correspondingly mate with a rear portion of the slide; (c) a lever disposed externally to the enclosure and attached via a connecting member to the securing member; (d) a spring disposed between an interior surface of the enclosure and the securing member; and (e) a protuberance extending from the interior surface of the enclosure and sized to be received into the chamber when the pistol is secured within the enclosure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/678,504, filed May 6, 2005, entitled “Automatically Locking High Security Holster,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a high security holster with a locking mechanism and methods of use thereof. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Over the past several years, law enforcement personnel have been targeted by highly aggressive members of the citizenry throughout the day-to-day duties of law enforcement personnel. The media broadcasts weekly violent attacks on law enforcement officers, which oftentimes ends in severe wounding or deaths of the officers and innocent bystanders. The term “gun grab” has become widely understood. For example, the unfortunate events of a successful gun grab in the year 2005 from an officer in a municipal courthouse in Atlanta, Ga. ended in the untimely death of law enforcement personnel and a judge. Another gun grab attempt in a Rhode Island police headquarters resulted in the death of a police detective with his own pistol in the hands of a suspect during questioning. 
         [0006]    Unfortunately, the safety features of conventional prior art holster designs have become marginalized by their own descriptive terminology. For prior art holsters, the levels of pistol retention in the holster are rated on a scale of Levels 1 through 4 depending upon the degree of safety features provided with a holster. A conventional holster with a simple strap means that the holster has a Level 1 retention rating. A holster with a rotating thumb brake cover on a strap means that the holster has a Level 2 retention rating. A holster with a ring finger disengagement snap or depression release means that the holster has a Level 3 retention rating. Tensioning screws are employed to reach a professed higher level of retention; however, they need constant adjustment on a daily basis as their tension is subject to temperature variations. They are more of a marketing tool than a dependable element of protection. 
         [0007]    Rating conventional holsters with levels of retention ratings is dangerous to law enforcement personnel and is misguided. A sequence of complex maneuvers must occur during the performance of actions needed to engage safety retention levels of a pistol in the holster and also to disengage safety retention levels to access a pistol in the holster. Each level of retention restricts access to the pistol when needed by a law enforcement officer. Any out-of-sequence maneuver could prolong the time to access the pistol or even render the pistol inaccessible for self-defense. Proponents of the levels of retention ratings erroneously believe that, in a gun grab attempt, an officer will be able to protect himself from violent physical action by a perpetrator as the officer tries to protect himself and maintain security over his gun. An individual attempting a gun grab to disarm an officer of his or her weapon has not only the belief that he will be successful in the attempt, but also intends to cause serious harm or death to the officer. During a gun grab attempt, an officer is obligated by the protocols of his duty to resist harming his attacker under the law enforcement departmental guidelines expressed in force continuum principles, which are certainly not a consideration, nor a restraint to a perpetrator. During the physical confrontation with his opponent, the officer must protect his pistol first, with at least one hand, if not two hands; attempt to ward off his attacker; and at the same time, attempt to draw his pistol in a complicated sequence of complex motor memory actions. Under stress, complex motor memory fails to yield the desired result. 
         [0008]    In order to overcome the problems associated with prior art holsters, there is a need to provide a security holster with a locking lever that works synergistically with the dimensions and mechanics of a slide action pistol for safe and secure holstering of a pistol and for quick drawing of the loaded pistol from the holster. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Accordingly, the present invention provides an automatic self-locking high security holster with a locking system. The security holster and locking system allows an officer to defend against dangerous aggression through assurance that the locking system of the holster is extremely difficult to override by a perpetrator attempting a gun grab and by the reverse maneuver needed to draw the pistol. The design of the automatic self-locking, high security holster with the locking system will help to thwart gun grab attempts so that the law enforcement officers can be protected against the overt aggression of the criminal element. The safety features provided by the security holster with a locking system provide a paradigm shift in both on-duty and off-duty pistol retention within the control of the law enforcement officer. The safety features also provide a significant increase in pistol drawing speed and added pistol security through use of only one hand in a gross motor movement. 
         [0010]    The security holster of the present invention provides a standby weapon platform, which at all times keeps the pistol in an automatically locked, unfireable condition until an officer requires immediate access to a loaded pistol. Drawing and holstering a pistol in the security holster is facilitated through synergistic and automatic action between the dynamics of the pistol and the security holster with locking system. The reholstering of the pistol automatically places the pistol in an unfireable condition by disengaging the trigger and firing pin and withdrawing the slide out of battery, rendering the pistol automatically inoperable, while automatically activating the safety lever on the holster, which firmly locks the pistol into the holster. The rearward drawing action of the pistol while simultaneously releasing the safety lever on the holster with the drawing hand thumb from the security holster automatically transitions the pistol into a full fireable status. An added level of security is provided for a pistol secured in the security holster by means of a tactical pin, which is easily inserted in the holster body, thereby preventing removal of the pistol until the tactical pin is removed. For safe off-duty storage, the security holster offers two locking holes adapted to fit keyed lockable rods for prevention of firing, removing or disassembling the pistol until the locks are removed. 
         [0011]    The design of the security holster is configured to accommodate a high intensity illuminator and/or laser sight when the pistol is secured in the holster without adding considerable holster bulk or inaccessibility to the light or laser absent removal of the pistol from the holster. Additionally, the design of the holster provides a holster body which, while secured to a hip mount device, can be elevated up or down over a two-inch range to accommodate the physical characteristics of the pistol carrier. A hip mount provided by the present invention can accommodate belts measuring from ¾ to 2¼ inches in width in an extremely secure status. The hip mount features two mounted compression bolts which firmly lock the holster into a desired position and allow for the holster to be cantered forward or backward to a position preferred by the carrier of the holster. 
         [0012]    The significant amount of equipment carried on an officer&#39;s duty belt and the constraints provided by the configuration of the driver&#39;s seat limit the ability to draw a pistol from a conventional holster in an upward drawing motion. The constraints of wearing body armor and safety belts while driving makes difficult the ability to draw a pistol in an upward motion to clear the three- to five-inch drawing action without telegraphing the draw to a possible opponent. An additional feature of the security holster of the present invention is the unique rearward drawing action accomplished simultaneously by disengaging the holster&#39;s safety lever that is connected to the locking system. The safety lever is positioned at a natural position relative to the officer&#39;s grip on the pistol. The safety lever moves between an open position and a closed position with only ½-inch movement. The movement of the safety lever between an open position and a closed position is very discreet in the absence of any torso movement whatsoever. During use of the holster, a law enforcement officer can clear the pistol from the holster, even while seated and driving, without obstruction of body armor or seatbelt, while discretely avoiding anyone&#39;s notice that the pistol has been drawn. The concealed nature of the draw of a pistol from the security holster renders a law enforcement officer ready for self defense and defense of others. The ability to draw a pistol from the security holster with ease is direly needed in the line of duty. Additionally, the security holster can be worn in a cross draw position, shoulder holster position, or thigh holster position with the same high levels of speed, access and safety associated with wearing the security holster in a position on a belt. 
         [0013]    In a desirable embodiment, the security holster is provided with a locking lever that works synergistically with the dimensions and mechanics of a slide action pistol for safe and secure holstering of a pistol and for quick drawing of a loaded pistol from the holster. The security holster includes a three dimensional holster body having a front platform separated from a back platform by a top wall, a right side wall, and a left side wall, all of which define a pistol receiving space. 
         [0014]    A slide muzzle end stop is provided adjacent the front platform end of the holster body and within the pistol receiving space of the holster body. The slide muzzle end stop of the holster body is positioned adjacent a barrel muzzle access channel and a slide to lower receiver access channel all positioned adjacent the front platform and within the pistol receiving space of the holster body. 
         [0015]    A slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block platform and slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block is provided on the interior surface of the top wall of the holster body. 
         [0016]    A securing lever is positioned adjacent to the back platform and within the pistol receiving space of the holster body. The securing lever is connected by a pivot pin and a guide pin that transit through either of the right side wall or the left side wall of the holster body to a locking safety lever. The locking safety lever is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of either the right side wall or the left side wall depending upon holster configuration. The locking safety lever and securing lever pivot about an axis provided by the pivot pin between an opened position and a closed position. A guide pin guides the locking safety lever and securing lever between the opened position and a closed position in a cam locking lever guide pin positioning slot. An optional cam locking lever pressure spring is provided between the securing lever and the holster body, which biases the securing lever and locking safety lever into a closed position. 
         [0017]    The security holster is used to holster, to store and to draw a pistol. To holster a pistol, an operator positions the slide of the pistol into the holster, which automatically moves the securing lever into a corresponding opened position as the pistol enters the holster. In a single forward and downward movement, the front muzzle end of a loaded or unloaded pistol is placed against the slide muzzle end stop, and the grip of the pistol is pushed forward toward the slide muzzle end stop. The muzzle enters the barrel muzzle access channel at a distance that is shorter than the length of a casing of a cartridge. The pistol is then rocked into the pistol receiving space of the holster body. During the rocking motion, the back end of the slide engages the securing lever and forces the securing lever into a closed position, which also forces the locking safety lever into a closed position. At this point, the pistol is holstered in a locked status. Optionally, lynch pins or keyed locking rods can be inserted through holes in the holster body to block either forward movement of the muzzle or movement of the locking safety lever out of the closed position. Drawing the pistol from the holster generally involves reversing the steps of holstering the pistol. With any lynch pin or keyed locking rod removed, the operator pushes the locking safety lever down into the opened position while holding the grip of the pistol and pulling the grip of the pistol in one motion toward the rear of the holster away from the holster. If the pistol was loaded when holstered, the pistol will be drawn ready to fire. If the pistol was not loaded when holstered, the pistol will be drawn unloaded. 
         [0018]    The desirable embodiment of the present invention holster is used to secure a pistol having a barrel with a chamber, a muzzle, a slide having a front and rear portion with a front and rear sight situated thereon. Generally, the holster includes a shroud sized to partially receive the pistol therein, wherein the shroud defines a muzzle receiving space substantially near a front portion thereof, and wherein the muzzle receiving space is sized to receive the muzzle and not allow the slide to enter therein. The shroud is a substantially walled open-bottom enclosure sized to substantially accommodate the slide therein. A securing member is movably attached within the shroud substantially near a rear portion thereof, wherein the securing member is shaped to receive a rear portion of the slide. An actuating lever is disposed externally to the shroud and attached via a connecting member to the securing member. Movement of the actuating lever causes the securing member to move between a first and second position. The shroud is adapted to secure the pistol therein when the muzzle is inserted into the muzzle receiving space, the rear portion of the slide is secured within the securing member, and the securing member is positioned in the first position. 
         [0019]    The securing member is defined by a vertical member having substantially first and second horizontal members extending from respective ends of the vertical member and extending toward the front portion of the shroud. The securing member is sized to correspondingly mate with at least a top, back, and bottom side of the rear portion of the slide. A spring is disposed between an interior surface of the shroud and the securing member, wherein the spring provides a biasing force that causes the securing member to be maintained in the first position absent any external force applied to the actuating lever. 
         [0020]    The connecting member further includes a pin extending through an opening defined within the shroud, wherein the securing member is connected to the pin. The securing member is connected in pivotal relation to the shroud. The actuating lever is positioned in a substantially perpendicular relation to a side of the shroud. A protuberance is attached above and in spaced relation to the actuating lever and extends from the shroud in a substantially perpendicular relation thereto, wherein the width of the protuberance is substantially equal or greater than the width of the actuating lever. Another protuberance extends from an interior surface of the shroud, wherein the protuberance is sized to be received into the chamber when the pistol is secured within the shroud. The holster also includes a first space defined within an upper interior surface of the shroud sized to receive the front sight and a second space defined within the upper interior surface of the shroud sized to receive the rear sight. 
         [0021]    The holster may include a first and second hole defined in the rear portion of the shroud for accommodating a rod therethrough, whereby insertion of the rod prevents the movement of the securing member into the second position. The holster may further include a first and second hole defined in the front portion of the shroud for accommodating a rod therethrough, whereby insertion of the rod prevents the movement of the barrel in a forward direction. A groove may be defined along an outside surface of one of the sides of the shroud. Furthermore, a slot may be defined within one of the sides of the shroud for receiving fasteners for securing the holster to a wearable mount. 
         [0022]    The present invention also includes a belt worn variable height hip mount for securing the aforementioned holster having a mounting slot defined therein. Generally, the hip mount includes a first curved surface member having a first set of fastener holes defined therein and a second curved surface member having a second set of fastener holes defined therein, wherein the location of the second set of fastener holes substantially corresponds to the location of the first set of fastener holes when the second curved surface member is correspondingly mated with the first curved surface member. This arrangement allows for a space to be provided between the first and second curved surface members to accommodate the belt therethrough. A first set of fasteners adapted to be received through the first set of fastener holes and be secured in the second set of fastener holes is also provided. The first set of fasteners may be compression screws. 
         [0023]    Furthermore, a first plurality of mounting holes is defined in at least the first curved surface member and aligned in a substantially vertical orientation thereon. A second set of fasteners adapted to be received through the first plurality of mounting holes to secure the holster to the hip mount is also provided. The second set of fasteners may be corresponding nuts and bolts. The nuts may be adapted to be received adjacent the mounting slot of the holster to allow the corresponding bolts to threadably engage the nuts. The hip mount may include a second plurality of mounting holes defined in the second curved surface member and substantially corresponding to the location of the first plurality of mounting holes of the first curved surface member when the second curved surface member is correspondingly mated with the first curved surface member. 
         [0024]    Still other desirable features of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description, taken with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a pistol with a slide closed; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a pistol with a slide partially opened; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a right side view of a holster securing the pistol of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a left side view of the holster securing the pistol as shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  shows a partial sectional view of the right side of the holster with a cam locking lever shown in  FIG. 3  having a pistol partially inserted; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  shows a partial sectional view of the right side of the holster with an alternative cam locking lever shown in  FIG. 3  having a pistol partially inserted; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  shows a partial sectional view of the right side of the holster with the cam locking lever as shown in  FIG. 5  with the pistol further inserted therein; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  shows a partial sectional view of the right side of the holster with the alternative cam locking lever as shown in  FIG. 6  with the pistol further inserted therein; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  shows a partial sectional view of the right side of the holster with the cam locking lever as shown in  FIG. 5  with the pistol secured therein; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  shows a partial sectional view of the right side of the holster with the alternative cam locking lever as shown in  FIG. 6  with the pistol secured therein; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11   a  shows a left side view of the holster with a locking safety lever in a closed position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11   b  shows a left side view of the holster with a locking safety lever in an opened position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11   c  shows a left side view of the holster with a locking safety lever in an opened position; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11   d  shows a left side view of the holster with a locking safety lever in an opened position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 12   a  shows a right side view of the holster shown in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  with a ringed lynch pin; 
           [0040]      FIG. 12   b  shows a left side view of the holster shown in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  with a ringed lynch pin; 
           [0041]      FIG. 12   c  shows a bottom view of the holster shown in  FIGS. 11   a - b  and  12   a - b  with a ringed lynch pin; 
           [0042]      FIG. 13   a  shows a right side view of the holster shown in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  with a lockable locking rod; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13   b  shows a left side view of the holster shown in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  with a lockable locking rod; 
           [0044]      FIG. 13   c  shows a bottom view of the holster shown in  FIGS. 11   a - b  and  12   a - b  with a lockable locking rod; 
           [0045]      FIG. 14   a  shows a front view of variable height hip mount; 
           [0046]      FIG. 14   b  shows a top front view of variable height hip mount; 
           [0047]      FIG. 14   c  shows a back view of variable height hip mount; 
           [0048]      FIG. 14   d  shows a top front view of variable height hip mount; 
           [0049]      FIG. 15   a  shows a front view of variable height hip mount shown in  FIG. 14   a  engaging a belt; 
           [0050]      FIG. 15   b  shows a front view of variable height hip mount shown in  FIG. 15   a  engaging a belt; 
           [0051]      FIG. 16  shows a front view of the holster secured to the variable height hip mount; 
           [0052]      FIG. 17  shows a front view of the holster secured at a lower position to the variable height hip mount; 
           [0053]      FIG. 18   a  shows a front view of the holster secured at a forward cant position to the variable height hip mount; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 18   b  shows a front view of the holster secured at a backward cant position to the variable height hip mount. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0055]    For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial or directional terms shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific apparatus illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, is simply an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless otherwise indicated. 
         [0056]    In reference to the disclosure of the invention throughout  FIGS. 1-18   b , similar references to similar parts are used uniformly throughout the disclosure of a security holster  60  including a holster body  10  and a securing lever  62  connected by a pivot pin  16  and a guide pin  64  to a locking safety lever  12 . The securing lever  62  and the locking safety lever  12  pivot in concert about the axis provided by the pivot pin  16  between an opened position  19  and a closed position  33 . An optional cam locking lever pressure spring  58  is provided to bias the securing lever  62  into the closed position  33 . The securing lever  62  and locking safety lever  12  work synergistically with the dimensions and mechanics of a slide  53  of a slide action pistol as disclosed herein. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 through 13   c , the holster body  10  of the security holster  60  includes a front platform  66  separated from a back platform  68 , which are connected by a top wall  70 , a right side wall  72 , and a left side wall  74 , all of which define a pistol receiving space  76 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the exterior surface of the holster body  10  includes several structural components. A trigger finger guide groove  11  is provided in the right side wall  72  of the holster body  10  for a right-handed holster and alternatively would be provided in the left side wall  74  of the holster body  10  for a left-handed holster. Corresponding back of holster receiving holes  8  are provided through the right side wall  72  and the left side wall  74  of the holster body  10  adjacent the back platform  68  of the holster body  10 . The corresponding back of holster receiving holes  8  are adapted to receiving a lynch pin  38  or key lockable rod  39 . Lynch pin  38  and key lockable rod  39  in the corresponding back of holster receiving holes  8  lock a pistol in the security holster  60  by preventing the movement of the locking safety lever  12  from the closed position  33  to an opened position  19 . Corresponding front of holster  9  receiving holes are provided through the right side wall  72  and the left side wall  74  of the holster body  10  adjacent the front platform  66  of the holster body  10 . The corresponding front of holster receiving holes  9  are adapted to receive a lynch pin  38  or key lockable rod  39 . Lynch pin  38  and key lockable rod  39  in the corresponding front of holster receiving holes  9  lock a pistol in the security holster  60  by preventing forward movement of the barrel  1  of a pistol secured in the holster body  10  of the security holster  60 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a safety lever shield  17  and securing slot  18  for a holster hip mount are provided with the left side wall  74  of the holster body  10  for right-handed holsters and alternatively are provided with the right side wall  72  of the holster body  10  for left-handed holsters. A locking safety lever receiving space  14   a  is provided between grooved safety lever stops  15  in the left side wall  74  of a holster body  10  of a right-handed security holster  60  and, alternatively, is provided in the right side wall  72  of a holster body  10  of a left-handed security holster. The locking safety lever receiving space  14   a  is generally L-shaped to receive the generally L-shaped locking safety lever  12 . The L-shaped locking safety lever  12  includes a first arm  12   a  connected to a second arm  12   b . The first arm  12   a  is connected to the pivot pin  16  as disclosed herein. A safety lever thumb actuator  13  is provided on the exterior surface of the second arm  12   b  of the locking safety lever  12 . A raised member is positioned on the interior surface of the second arm  12   b  of the locking safety lever  12 . The raised member engages a first safety lever securing indent  14  provided in the locking safety lever receiving space  14   a  of the holster body  10  when the locking safety lever  12  is in a closed position  33 . The raised member engages a second safety lever securing indent  14  provided in the locking safety lever receiving space  14   a  of the holster body  10  when the locking safety lever  12  is in an opened position  19 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 through 10 , the interior surface of the holster body  10  includes several structural components. A front sight protective pocket  24  is provided at the front of the holster body  10  adjacent the front of the slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block platform  25 . A covered rear sight pocket  22  is provided at the back of the holster body  10  adjacent the back of the slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block platform  25 . 
         [0061]    The securing lever  62  is positioned within the pistol receiving space  76 , and the securing lever  62  is connected by a pivot pin  16  and a guide pin  64  to a locking safety lever  12  positioned outside of the receiving space  76  for actuation by an operator. 
         [0062]    The securing lever  62  of the security holster  60  is positioned adjacent to the back platform  68  and within the pistol receiving space  76  of the holster body  10 . The securing lever  62  is a three-dimensional, U-shaped member including a main body  62   a  with a first arm  62   b  and a second arm  62   c  protruding at substantially a 90 degree angle along a first axis from each end of the main body  62   a . A pivot pin  16  and a guide pin  64  are provided to connect the securing lever  62  to the locking safety lever  12 . 
         [0063]    The pivot pin  16  is fixed within the main body  62   a  of the securing lever  62  adjacent the first arm  62   b  of the securing lever  62 . A first end and a second end of the pivot pin  16  protrude at a 90 degree angle from the main body  62   a  along a second axis that is generally perpendicular from the first axis of the first arm  62   b  and the second arm  62   c . The first end and the second end of the pivot pin  16  are housed in corresponding first and second receiving spaces provided in the interior surfaces of the right side wall  72  and the left side wall  74  of the security holster  60 . For holsters configured for right-handed operators, the pivot pin  16  transits through the left side wall  74  of the security holster  60  and is fixed within a receiving space of the locking safety lever  12  actionable along the exterior surface of the right side wall  72  of the security holster  60 . Alternatively, for holsters configured for left-handed operators, the pivot pin  16  transits through the right side wall  72  of the security holster  60  and is fixed within a receiving space of the locking safety lever  12  actionable along the exterior surface of the right side wall  72  of the security holster  60 . The pivot pin  16  provides an axis upon which both the securing lever  62  and locking safety lever  12  pivot together between an opened position  19  and a closed position  33 . 
         [0064]    The guide pin  64  is fixed within the main body  62   a  of the securing lever  62  adjacent the second arm  62   c  of the securing lever  62 . A first end and a second end of the guide pin  64  protrude at a 90-degree angle from the main body  62   a  along the second axis parallel the pivot pin  16  and generally perpendicular from the first axis of the first arm  62   b  and the second arm  62   c . For holsters configured for right-handed operators, a cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57  provides a slot that transits through the left side wall  74  of the security holster  60 . The first end of the pivot pin  16  protrudes into the cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57 . The second end of the pivot pin  16  is flush against the surface of the securing lever  62 . The first end of the guide pin  64  guides the movement of the securing lever  62  and locking safety lever  12  to pivot in concert between the opened position  19  and the closed position  33 . Alternatively, for holsters configured for-left handed operators, a cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57  provides a slot that transits through the right side wall  72  of the security holster. The second end of the pivot pin  16  protrudes into a cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57 . The first end of the pivot pin  16  is flush against the surface of the securing lever  62 . Furthermore, an additional second cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57  can be provided opposing the first cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57  provided in either a left-handed or right-handed holster. In this case, the first end and the second end of the guide pin  64  protrude into each of the opposing cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57  provided in the right side wall  72  and the left side wall  74  of the security holster. With this configuration, the first end and the second end of the guide pin  64  guide the movement of the securing lever  62  and locking safety lever  12  to pivot in concert between the opened position  19  and the closed position  33 . 
         [0065]    Alternatively, for left-handed operators, the securing lever  62  is connected by a pivot pin  16  and a guide pin  64  that transit through the right side wall  72  of the holster body  10  to an actionable locking safety lever  12 . With this configuration, the locking safety lever  12  is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the right side wall  72 . The locking safety lever  12  is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of either the right side wall  72  or the left side wall  74  depending upon holster configuration. The locking safety lever  12  and securing lever  62  pivot about an axis provided by the pivot pin  16  between an opened position  19  and a closed position  33 . A guide pin  64  guides the locking safety lever  12  and securing lever  62  between the opened position  19  and a closed position  33  in a cam locking lever guide pin positioning slot  57 . An optional cam locking lever pressure spring  58  is provided between the securing lever  62  and the holster body  10 , which biases the securing lever  62  and lockable safety lever  12  into a closed position  33 . 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 through 10 , a slide muzzle end stop  29  of the holster body  10  of the security holster  60  is provided adjacent the front platform  66  of the holster body  10  and within the pistol receiving space  76  of the holster body  10 . The slide muzzle end stop  29  is connected to the right side wall  72 , the left side wall  74 , and the top wall  70  of the security holster  60 . The slide muzzle end stop  29  is positioned parallel to and adjacent the front platform  66  of the holster body  10 . The slide muzzle end stop  29  includes a hole or receiving space configured to receive a barrel  1  of a pistol without impeding movement of the barrel  1  through the hole. Additionally, the slide muzzle end stop  29  of the holster body  10  is positioned adjacent a barrel muzzle access channel  27  and a slide to lower receiver access channel  28  all positioned adjacent the front platform  66  and generally within the pistol receiving space  76  of the holster body  10 . The interior surface of the front platform  66  is a first length from the slide muzzle end stop  29 . The first length provides a distance that a barrel  1  of a pistol can be inserted into the barrel muzzle access channel  27  that is generally shorter than the length of a cartridge casing in order to prevent ejection of a chambered round in the pistol as the pistol is being holstered in the security holster  60 . Optionally, a stop can be provided on the interior surface of the front platform  66  to limit the distance that the barrel  1  is inserted into the barrel muzzle access channel  27 . 
         [0067]    A slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block platform  25  and slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block  26  is provided on the interior surface of the top wall  70  of the holster body  10  of the security holster  60 . The slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block  26  protrudes from the slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block platform  25  at a distance that allows the slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block  26  to rest against a casing of a cartridge chambered in the pistol. The slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block  26  is positioned at a distance from the slide muzzle end stop  29  of the holster body  10  of the security holster  60 . The distance is generally approximately slightly longer than the barrel length of the pistol so that the slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block  26  can rest against a casing of a cartridge positioned in the chamber of a pistol holstered in the security holster  60 . 
         [0068]    In order to understand the action of the security holster  60 , the relationship of the positions of a slide  53  and a lower receiver of a pistol suitable for use with the security holster  60  as shown in  FIG. 1  should be understood. The pistol has a cartridge chambered into battery. The slide  53  and the lower receiver are locked together by the expansion of the recoil spring, placing the trigger  4  in an activated condition ready to fire when pulled.  FIG. 1  indicates that the barrel  1  is locked in battery with the firing chamber fully closed. The barrel muzzle  2  is in its set position relative to the closed chamber  6  of the pistol. Guide rod  3  has expanded its spring to its most relaxed status, ready for full compression under the reciprocating opposing forces to be exerted upon the pistol when fired. Upon firing the pistol, the force of the discharged round leaving the pistol causes the slide  53  to recoil to the rear of the pistol. As the slide  53  recoils, the chamber  6  becomes opened and at the same time the extractor of the pistol ejects the spent cartridge. As the recoil spring expands, the slide  53  returns to a forward position and a cartridge is removed from the magazine and inserted into battery. With the slide  53  in the most forward position, the barrel  1  is fully locked within the slide  53 , which is locked proportionally to the lower receiver of the pistol. In this condition, the pistol is ready to be fired again. The trigger  4  actuates the reciprocating parts by firing the pistol. A mounting rail  5  is provided with the pistol for mounting a high-intensity illuminator and/or a laser sight. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the relationship of the positions of the slide  53  and the lower receiver of the pistol are shown as if the pistol were contained in the security holster  60 . When a pistol is secured in the security holster  60 , the slide  53  and the lower receiver are not locked together, as indicated by the open chamber  6  with a portion of the cartridge  7  retained by the extractor. Barrel muzzle  2  is shown slightly exposed as the pistol slide  53  is in a partially retracted condition. In the slightly retracted condition, the pistol cannot fire as the interface between the lower receiver trigger assembly and firing pin actuator are interrupted by the partially open chamber of the partially open slide  53 . The trigger  4  will not function with the firing pin and, therefore, the gun cannot fire. 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the right side of the security holster  60  with holster body  10  is shown with a right hand configuration securing a pistol. The back of holster receiving hole  8  is shown capable of receiving a lynch pin  38  or key lockable rod  39 , and the front end locking hole  9  is shown for insertion of lynch pin  39  or key lockable rod  39 . The trigger finger guide groove  11  for a right-handed user is shown. The trigger finger guide groove  11  protects the trigger finger from accessing the trigger  4  of the pistol when holstering and drawing the pistol from the security holster  60 . 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the left side of the security holster  60  with holster body  10  is shown with a right hand configuration securing a pistol. The safety lever shield  17  protrudes from the holster body  10  as a physical shield against a frontal assault, denying access to the locking safety lever  12  and the safety lever thumb actuator  13 . The thumb safety lever securing detents  14  serve to secure the locking safety lever  12  in a closed position  33  as shown in  FIG. 4  or in an opened position  19 . The grooved safety lever stops  15  control the pivoting movement of the locking safety lever  12 . The locking safety lever  12  and pivot pin  16  pivot about a first axis between a closed position  33  as shown in  FIG. 4  or in an opened position  19 . Safety lever shield  17  is positioned in front of the locking safety lever  12  to protect against a frontal grab by securing the safety lever thumb actuator  13 . The securing slot  18  provides for an adjustment factor of over two inches when the holster body  10  is secured with a variable height hip mount  40 . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a pistol is shown partially inserted into the pistol receiving space  76  of the holster body  10 . The securing lever  62  is shown in an opened position  19  so that the second arm  62   c  of the securing lever  62  contacts with the top rear of slide  20 , while at the same time the slide  53  engages the bearing surface of the slide muzzle end stop  29 . The guide pin  64  is in the rear portion of the cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57 . As shown, the slide  53  is aligned with the entry point of the barrel muzzle access channel  27 , the slide muzzle end stop  29  and the slide to lower receiver interface channel  28 . The covered rear sight pocket  22  is shown prepared to receive the rear sight  21  of the pistol. The front sight protective pocket  24  is shown receiving the front sight  23  of the pistol. The slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block platform  25  and slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block  26  are shown on the interior surface of the top wall  70  of the holster body  10  of the security holster  60 . 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a pistol is shown partially inserted into the pistol receiving space  76  of the holster body  10  similar to  FIG. 5 . The optional cam locking lever pressure spring  58  is shown positioned between the securing lever  62  and the back platform  68  of the holster body  10 . Cam locking lever pressure spring  58  is shown compressed as the securing lever  62  is in the opened position  19  from downward pressure on the locking safety lever  36  by the thumb of an operator&#39;s hand, which causes the locking safety lever to move to the opened position  19  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In the opened position  19 , the pistol can be inserted into the security holster  60  with a short forward movement of the grip or alternatively removed from the security holster  60  with a short rearward movement of the grip. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the securing lever  62  is shown in an opened position  19  bearing on the top of the slide  53  as pressure is exerted in a downward motion against the pistol. With the downward motion, the pistol has a partially opened chamber  30  causing by the tipped and forward positioned barrel breach 31 and the protruding barrel muzzle end  32  entering the barrel muzzle access channel  27 . The cartridge  7  is retained by the extractor, which has partially withdrawn the cartridge, previously in battery, out of battery. In this condition, the cartridge is in an unfireable position because the trigger  4  is automatically disengaged when the slide  53  and lower receiver are not positively locked together with the chamber  6  fully closed and locked. With the chamber  6  partially open, the slide to lower receiver interlock stopping block  26  is in line to enter the chamber  6  when the pistol is rotated forward into the holster body  10 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a pistol is shown partially inserted into the pistol receiving space  76  of the holster body  10  similar to  FIG. 7 . The pistol is shown halfway inserted into the security holster  60 , keeping pressure on the distal end of the securing lever  62  in an opened position  19  and compressing the cam locking lever pressure spring  58 . The cam locking lever driving pin  56  moves through the cam locking lever driving pin positioning slot  57 , causing a corresponding downward movement of the locking safety lever  12  into a closed position  33 . 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the pistol is shown holstered in the security holster  60 . With the pistol secured in a holstered state, the cam locking lever  34  has been pivoted into a closed position  33  such that the first arm  62   b  of the securing lever  62  captures the top rear of slide  20  and the second arm  62   c  of the securing lever  62  captures the bottom rear of slide  53 , thereby actuating the locking safety lever  12  into a closed position  33 . The lower receiver bearing point  35  of the pistol contacts the second arm  62   c  of the securing lever  62  to prevent rearward motion of the lower receiver of the pistol. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the pistol is shown holstered in the security holster  60  similar to  FIG. 9 . The pistol is secured by the securing lever  62  in a closed position  33  in the security holster  60 , thereby allowing the cam locking lever pressure spring  58  to bias the securing lever  62  and the locking safety lever  12  into the closed position  33 . The pistol is removed from its locked position in the security holster  60  by gripping the pistol&#39;s grip and depressing the locking safety lever  12  into an opened position  19  in a relatively short downward and rearward motion while simultaneously moving the pistol away from the holster body  10 . 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 11   a , an embodiment of the locking safety lever  12  is shown in a closed position  33 . Referring to  FIG. 11   b , the embodiment of the locking safety lever  12  shown in  FIG. 11   a  is shown in an opened position  19 . Furthermore, in reference to  FIG. 11   c , an alternative embodiment of the locking safety lever  12  is shown in a closed position  33 . Referring to  FIG. 11   d , the embodiment of the locking safety lever  12  shown in  FIG. 11   c  is shown in an opened position  19 . 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIG. 12   a , a lynch pin  38  is shown inserted in the front of holster receiving holes  9 , which would prevent the forward movement of a barrel  1  of a pistol holstered in the security holster  60 . Alternatively, the lynch pin  38  is shown inserted in the rear of holster receiving holes in  FIGS. 12   b  and  12   c , thereby securing the locking safety lever  12  into a closed position  33 . 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIG. 13   a , a key lockable rod  39  is shown inserted in the front of holster receiving hole  9 , which would prevent the forward movement of a barrel  1  of a pistol holstered in the security holster  60 . Alternatively, a key lockable rod  39  is shown inserted in the rear of holster receiving holes in  FIGS. 13   b  and  13   c , thereby securing the locking safety lever  12  into a closed position  33 . 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIGS. 14   a  through  14   d , a variable height hip mount  40  is shown with multiple screw mounting holes  44  and access holes  45 . The multiple screw mounting holes  44  are adapted to receive screws that secure the holster body  10  through the securing slot  18  to the variable height hip mount  40 . Compression screws  46  are shown, which are used to secure the front of the variable height hip mount  40  to the back of the variable height hip mount  40 . 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b , the front of the variable height hip mount  40  is shown secured to the back of the variable height hip mount  40  with compression screws  46 . A belt  49  is shown inserted through the variable height hip mount  40 . 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , a holster body  10  of the security holster  60  is shown secured by a plurality of bolts and corresponding nuts to multiple screw mounting holes  44  of the variable height hip mount  40  secured to a belt with compression screws  46 . The holster body  10  is shown securing the variable height hip mount  40  in a relatively low position. Alternatively, the holster body  10  is shown in  FIG. 17  secured to the variable height hip mount  40  in a relatively high position. 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b , a holster body  10  of the security holster  60  is shown secured by a plurality of bolts and corresponding nuts to multiple screw mounting holes  44  of the variable height hip mount  40  secured to a belt with compression screws  46 . The holster body  10  is shown in a forward cant position in  FIG. 18   a . Alternatively, the holster body  10  is shown in a backward cant position in  FIG. 18   b.    
         [0085]    In accordance with the invention, a pistol can be holstered in the security holster  60  without any need to change the configuration or parts of the pistol. The locking system works in synergy with the structure and mechanical function of the pistol. 
         [0086]    All components of the security holster  60  can be manufactured from plastic polymer, metal, and/or any other suitable material known in the art. 
         [0087]    The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications, combinations and alterations will occur to others upon reading the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications, combinations and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.