Abstract:
A storage clipboard has a quick-access weapon holder assembly wherein the storage clipboard has an exterior appearance that is the same as a conventional storage clipboard so as to not raise awareness of the existence of the weapon to a person viewing the container. The actuator is disposed in the bottom of a storage-style clipboard so that the user may actuate the weapon deployment with a finger of his hand holding the clipboard while grasping the weapon with the other hand. The clipboard may be configured to be carried by either hand of the user. When actuated, the weapon holder opens a door panel in the side of the clipboard to present the weapon in an accessible location.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The disclosure generally relates to concealed weapon carriers and, more particularly, to a weapon holder concealed in a storage-style clipboard in a manner that allows the holder of the clipboard to obtain quick-access to a weapon in a quick and natural movement. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information 
         [0004]    An increasing number of jurisdictions allow citizens to carry concealed weapons and firearms. Some casual carriers do not wish to carry their weapon on their body but desire a method to carry the weapon in a ready-access location. 
         [0005]    Other persons who need ready-access to a firearm or other weapon are security personnel charged with protecting dignitaries, businessmen, facilities, or government officials. These security personnel may carry one weapon in a traditional belt or shoulder holster while desiring ready access to another weapon. These persons also benefit from having ready access to a ballistic shield. 
         [0006]    Many police officers and security personnel find themselves in confrontational or potentially confrontational situations where the police officer or security personnel is carrying a storage-style clipboard. A storage clipboard generally includes one or more integral storage boxes for transporting various accessories such as blank paper or forms, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, etc. The writing surface of the clipboard is provided with a spring retaining clip for securing papers and is mounted by a hinge to a shallow rectangular box that defines portions of the storage boxes. A person holding a storage clipboard with one hand and writing with the other hand cannot readily draw a holstered weapon without providing a series of movements that telegraph the person&#39;s intent to a third party. This situation also occurs when the person is holding a storage clipboard with one hand a flashlight in another hand. When an officer is investigating a scene at night, the officer often holds a flashlight that illuminates the scene while taking notes on the clipboard. An officer in this situation finds himself at an undesirable disadvantage if he needs to quickly draw a weapon. Another common situation is when an officer approaches a driver&#39;s door of an automobile while carrying a storage clipboard and a flashlight during a traffic stop. Drawing a holstered weapon in these situations is not ideal. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0007]    The disclosure provides configurations for a storage-style clipboard that have a quick-access weapon holder assembly. When triggered, the assembly moves from a concealed position to an accessible position. The weapon holder assembly may be accessed through a side or end wall of the clipboard box. The weapon carried by the weapon holder assembly may be a firearm, a chemical-based defense weapon, a baton, or an electricity-based (electroshock) weapon. The weapon holder assembly may include a holster designed to secure the weapon in the manner of a traditional holster so that the weapon is securely held by the weapon holder assembly and so the weapon does not unintentionally fall out of the holder assembly during normal use of the case. The movement of the weapon holder assembly is actuated without the need for the user to remove his hand from the normal case-carrying position. The normal case-carrying position is one wherein the user&#39;s hand is positioned at the middle of the side of a storage clipboard case. 
         [0008]    The disclosure provides a storage clipboard having a quick-access weapon holder assembly wherein the storage clipboard has an exterior appearance that is the same as a conventional storage clipboard so as to not raise awareness of the existence of the weapon to a person viewing the container. 
         [0009]    In one configuration, the actuator is disposed in the bottom of a storage-style clipboard so that the user may actuate the weapon deployment with a finger of his hand holding the clipboard while grasping the weapon with the other hand. The clipboard may be configured to be carried by either hand of the user. The user may select to carry the clipboard in the user&#39;s weak hand such that the weapon is deployed for grasping by the user&#39;s strong hand. For example, a left-handed person will carry the case in his right hand. 
         [0010]    In each clipboard configuration, the weapon may be held within a traditional holster such that the weapon and holster may be move rapidly to the accessible position without causing the weapon to fall out of the holster. Such holsters may accommodate a weapon with lights or sights. In the configurations wherein the weapon holder assembly includes a holster, the retention force of the holster may be adjustable. The weapon holster may be carried by an assembly that rides on ball bearings for a fast and smooth and reliable deployment of the weapon. The assembly is designed in such a way that different holsters suited for different manufactures, models and calibers of weapons may be changed out to allow the case to deploy different weapons. 
         [0011]    In one exemplary configuration of the clipboard, the disclosure provides a clipboard body having a plurality of compartments. Locating the weapon in a separate compartment prevents items that are normally carried in the clipboard storage compartment from interfering with the actuation mechanism or the weapon itself. This configuration also allows the clipboard to be opened without allowing the weapon to be viewed. 
         [0012]    The different configurations may include anti-ballistic protection panels or the walls of the clipboard may be fabricated from or include anti-ballistic materials so that the clipboard may be used as a shield by the user after the weapon has been removed from the clipboard. 
         [0013]    The clipboard may be counterweighted and balanced with a customizable weight that balances the weight of the weapon and holster held within the clipboard such that the clipboard may be carried in a natural way. The weight is removable and when the weapon is not loaded into the holster of the clipboard so it will be balanced without the weapon being present. 
         [0014]    One configuration provides a safety mechanism that prevents deployment of the weapon. The safety may be a manual switch or an electronic switch such as a fingerprint scanner. 
         [0015]    One configuration provides the case in the form of a storage clipboard having an upper panel that supports paper so that it can be written upon while the user holds the case. The case may include support rails to help the user grip the case. The case may be configured to have separate chambers for the weapon and papers so that the case may be used for its normal functions. The case also may have lights directed from its front and/or bottom surfaces to illuminate the area in front of and below the case while it is being held by the user. The clipboard-style case may include anti-ballistic panels and may include a neck strap so that the clipboard may be worn over the neck and function as a chest protector after the weapon is deployed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a top front perspective view of an exemplary configuration of case having a quick-access weapon holder assembly wherein the case is provided in the form of a storage clipboard. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the case of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of a bottom corner showing a grip rail. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a top front perspective view showing the accessible position of the weapon holder through the left side of the case. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the door panel in its open condition. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a top front perspective view of the case with the upper panel open and the weapon holder in the concealed position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows how the weapon engages the inner surface of the door panel so that the weapon will push the door panel open. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows the accessible position of the weapon holder with the upper panel open. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative configuration of the storage clipboard-style case. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  shows the inside of the case configuration of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  shows an enlarged view of the actuator and portions of the spring that moves the weapon holder assembly. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of the pulley which redirects the force of the spring. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of the actuator after it has been pressed in to release the weapon holder assembly. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  shows the weapon holder assembly in the accessible position. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout the specification. The different exemplary configurations described herein include elements which may be combined with elements of other configurations. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0031]    An exemplary storage-style clipboard (generally referred to herein as a case, a container, a clipboard, a storage clipboard, or a storage-style clipboard) having a quick-access weapon holder assembly is indicated generally by the numeral  10  in the accompany drawings. Clipboard  10  may be a hard-sided container in the shape of a traditional storage clipboard that has an upper writing surface with a biased clip combined with at least one integral storage box. In each of the configurations described herein, clipboard  10  includes a weapon holder assembly  12  that is movable between a concealed position ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 ,  10 ) to an accessible position ( FIGS. 4 ,  14 ) through a wall or panel of clipboard  10 . Weapon holder assembly  12  is configured to hold a firearm or a less-than-lethal device such as an electroshock weapon, a tear gas canister, a pepper spray canister, a knife, or any of a variety of batons. The movement of the weapon holder assembly  12  is actuated without the need for the user to remove his hand from the hand&#39;s normal carrying position  14  on clipboard  10 . Further, the accessible position of weapon holder assembly  12  positions the weapon in a quick-access location for the user&#39;s other hand. The user may thus quickly deploy a weapon without signaling his intent to a third person. The hand&#39;s normal carrying position  14  for clipboard  10  is one wherein the user&#39;s hand is holding the middle of the edge of the body of clipboard  10 . Clipboard  10  provides for delivery of the weapon to a location proximate the person&#39;s writing hand when clipboard  10  is held in this manner. 
         [0032]    Clipboard  10  generally includes a body  16  that defines at least one storage chamber. Body  16  may be fabricated from a rigid material such as a metal or a plastic. Body  16  is generally in the form of a six-sided rectangular box and thus includes front  18  and rear  20  panels, a top end wall  22 , a bottom end wall  24 , and a pair of sidewalls  26 . Front panel  18  is hinged to top end wall  22  with a hinge  28  so that front panel  18  may be moved between open and closed configurations. A latch  30  holds front panel  18  closed. Front panel  18  may include a downwardly projecting lip that overlaps portions of walls  24  and  26  when front panel  18  is closed. A biased clip  32  is carried by body  16  in a manner that allows paper to be clipped and held against the outer surface of front panel  18 . 
         [0033]    Body  16  may define a plurality of storage compartments such that the weapon holder assembly  12  may be separated from the storage of items. A separate compartment may be used to conceal weapon holder assembly  12 . The weapon may be secured within a secure weapon container within body  16  that forms a separated container within clipboard  10 . The secure weapon container prevents the weapon from being seen when clipboard  10  is opened during normal use. The weapon container also prevents items stored inside clipboard  10  from interfering with the weapon during normal use of clipboard  10 . The secure weapon container may be secured with a lock (key or combination) that secures the container. Alternatively, the secure weapon container may be held closed with a plurality of connectors such that it is only openable when the connectors are removed. 
         [0034]    Clipboard  10  includes an actuator  34  for deploying weapon holder assembly  12 . The exemplary configuration of clipboard  10  depicted in the drawings is a version for a left-handed user wherein actuator  34  is positioned at the bottom of clipboard  10  where the fingers of the user&#39;s right hand are positioned when the user holds clipboard  10  with his right hand in the normal carrying position  14 . This leaves the user&#39;s left hand near the left-hand side wall when the user is writing (or performing another task) such that the deployment of the weapon through the left-hand side wall minimizes the motion required by the user to access the weapon. In the exemplary configurations, actuator  34  is pushed inwardly by the user&#39;s finger or fingers to deploy weapon holder assembly  12 . Actuator  34  is positioned through, in, or aligned with an opening defined by rear panel  20 . 
         [0035]    Clipboard  10  includes a pair of rails  38  disposed along or just inwardly of the lower edges of body  16  projecting downwardly away from bottom panel  20 . Rails  38  provide grips for either hand of the user. Rails  38  help the user control the movement of clipboard  10 . Each rail  38  may extend along the entire length of the edge, may be shorter than the edge, or may be provided in a plurality of spaced rail portions. Clipboard  10  may be held with a single hand and used as an anti-ballistic shield. Clipboard  10  also may include a neck strap  40  that allows the user to position clipboard  10  in front of his chest when the clipboard is release by both hands. 
         [0036]    Body  16  may thus include integrated anti-ballistic panels in at least one major wall panel or all major walls. Body  16  may be manufactured from materials known to stop bullets or may be formed to include layers of such materials. When clipboard  10  has anti-ballistic properties, it may be held as a shield both before and after the weapon has been deployed. When clipboard  10  holds a firearm  42 , the process of accessing firearm  42  and moving clipboard  10  up in front of the user are parts of the same motion. The user may then hold clipboard  10  in front of him as a shield with his hand on rail  38 . 
         [0037]    An optional configuration of clipboard  10  is shown in  FIG. 2  wherein body  16  carries a light  44  or a plurality of lights  44  (traditional incandescent bulbs or light emitting diode (LED) elements) connected to a switch  46  and a power source  48 . Lights  44  may be positioned in bottom panel  20  or in end wall  22  (or both) so that the light is directed toward the area the person holding clipboard  10  is viewing. Such lights  44  also may be used to limit the vision of a third party looking back at the person holding clipboard  10 . Switch  46  is located near the natural holding position of the hand so the user can readily turn lights  44  on and off. Lights  44  allow the user to confirm the identity and assess if lethal force may be necessary. Lights  44  may be turned on and off independent from the weapon deployment mechanism for reasons such as illuminating a dark parking lot or walkway, illuminating a room, illuminating a lock in a dark area to make it easier to use a key to unlock a door. Power source  48  may be batteries and are located inside body  16 . 
         [0038]    A removable weight  49  may be used to balance clipboard  10 . Batteries  48  may be used to balance the weight of the firearm  42  or weapon holder assembly  12 . 
         [0039]    Weapon holder assembly  12  generally includes a door panel  50  and a weapon holder  58  adapted to carry the weapon. Weapon holder  58  is pivotably carried by a base  54  that is secured to body  16 . Base  54  supports weapon holder  58  with a hinge pin  62  that optionally includes bearings so that the movement of weapon holder  58  is smooth and reliable. Base  54  may be elongated and extend along at least a portion of or the entire length of end wall  22 . 
         [0040]    Weapon holder assembly  12  is biased toward the accessible position with at least one biased member  52 . Biased member  52  may be a coil spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a folded or rolled section of flat spring steel, or other biasing devices known in the art. Biased member  52  also may be a piston-cylinder mechanism that is biased toward the extended position. Biased member  52  also may be replaced with a motor used to drive assembly  12  to the accessible position. 
         [0041]    In the first exemplary configuration, weapon holder  58  includes first  56  and second mounts  64  that secure the weapon. Second mount  64  is pivotably connected to base  54  and first mount  56  is biased by biased member  52 . In the first configuration, biased member  52  is one or more coil springs which extend between first mount  56  and a portion of body  16  to pull mount  56  toward door panel  50 . In the second exemplary configuration, spring  52  is connected to a cable that passes around a pulley  59  to pull on the end of an extension of upper mount  56 . In the second configuration, first mount  56  is pivotably connected to base  54 . In other configurations, springs  52  are directly attached to the holster instead of upper mount  56 . In still other configurations, biased member  52  pushes on mount  58 . 
         [0042]    When the weapon carried by assembly  12  is a firearm  42 , weapon holder  58  includes the portion of a traditional holster that is specifically configured for the firearm  42  being carried by case  10 . Such traditional holsters securely retain firearm  42  and minimize the likelihood that firearm  42  will fall out of holder  58  when carried within clipboard  10 . The retention force of this holster may be adjusted. In the first exemplary configuration, the traditional holster is carried between opposed portions of upper mount  56  and at least one portion of a lower mount  64 . A plurality of connectors secure the holster to mounts  56  and  64  or just mount  56 . The use of the traditional holster allows the user to change the type of firearm used with clipboard  10  by swapping the holster as needed. In some configurations, the holster itself is hinged to base  54 . 
         [0043]    In the first exemplary configuration, door panel  50  is connected to body  16  with a hinge  51 ( FIG. 5 ) that allows door panel  50  to pivot from a closed condition to an open condition in a direction that is down and away from sidewall  26 . As such, hinge  51  defines a pivot axis parallel to bottom panel  20  and perpendicular to end panels  22  and  24 . Hinge  51  is generally parallel to the longitudinal dimension of body  16 . In the closed condition, door panel  50  is generally parallel to sidewall  26  and perpendicular to bottom panel  20 . In the closed condition, door panel  50  closes flush with sidewall  26  or in an overlapped condition. When weapon holder assembly  12  is in the concealed position, door panel  50  may close the opening in body  16  and function as part of the wall of body  16  through which weapon is accessed. Door panel  50  is biased closed with its own spring  66 . 
         [0044]    In the second exemplary configuration, door panel  50  is connected to body  16  with a hinge  51  ( FIG. 11 ) that allows door panel  50  to pivot from a closed condition to an open condition in a direction that is out and away from sidewall  26 . As such, hinge  51  defines a pivot axis perpendicular to bottom panel  20  and parallel to end panels  22  and  24 . Hinge  51  is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of body  16 . In the closed condition, door panel  50  is generally parallel to sidewall  26  and perpendicular to bottom panel  20 . In the closed condition, door panel  50  closes flush with sidewall  26  or in an overlapped condition. When weapon holder assembly  12  is in the concealed position, door panel  50  may close the opening in body  16  and function as part of the wall of body  16  through which weapon is accessed. In the second exemplary configuration, weapon holder  58  includes only first mount  56  which carries weapon. A spring  61  connects door panel  50  to first mount  56  so that door panel  50  is pulled closed when holder  58  is pushed back into body  16 . 
         [0045]    Clipboard  10  includes a latch  70  that indirectly or directly holds door panel  50  in its closed position and assembly  12  in the concealed position until released by actuator  34 . Latch  70  holds weapon holder  58  against the force of biased member  52  until latch  70  is moved by actuator  34 . When released, the force of biased member  52  forces the weapon of a portion of holder  58  against door panel  50  causing it to open to allow weapon to be accessed by the user. In the exemplary configurations, actuator  34  is pivoted inwardly causing latch  70  to pivot and release its engagement with holder  58 . 
         [0046]    In any of these configurations, a safety latch  98  may be provided. Safety latch  98  may be a mechanical locking element that must be moved prior to moving latch  90 . In another configuration, safety latch  98  is controlled by a fingerprint reader which scans the user&#39;s fingerprint and matches it with a recorded image before allowing the user to deploy the weapon. 
         [0047]    The method of deploying the weapon is initiated when the user is carrying clipboard  10  in a normal carrying position that does not appear to be out of the ordinary. When the user needs to access the weapon, the user makes a natural motion without the need to remove his less dominate hand from its normal carrying position. This saves precious time and does not provide a clue to another that the user is moving to obtain a weapon. 
         [0048]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the words “comprise” and “include” as well as variations of those words, such as “comprises,” “includes,” “comprising,” and “including” are not intended to exclude additives, components, integers, or steps.