Patent Publication Number: US-10772412-B2

Title: Adjustable shoulder holster

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/650,761, filed Mar. 30, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Implements, such as tools, weapons, and the like, may be temporarily encased in a carrier (such as a holster, for instance) for protection of the implement and/or the user, while providing access to the implement. For example, a carrier may allow a user to conveniently carry the implement, safely retaining the implement until needed. When the implement is to be used, the user may withdraw the implement from the carrier, and then return it to the carrier when finished. In some cases, such as with a handgun for example, the holster may allow the user to conceal the implement, or to conceal the fact that the user is carrying the implement. 
     In the case of a handgun, the holster should reasonably protect the handgun and the user, and should be convenient to the user for ready use. However, the holster should also be versatile enough to be comfortably carried by the user, such as when it is worn on the person of the user for an extended length of time. The holster should also be rigid and stable enough to allow the handgun to be repeatedly drawn and re-holstered, usually with the same hand. 
     At times it can be desirable to carry an implement such as a handgun in various locations on the user, for instance on a shoulder rig over or underneath a layer of the user&#39;s clothing. However, when doing so, it is desirable that the holster provides versatility in accessing the handgun, as well as a high level of protection to the user and also to the handgun. For example, a holster that provides adequate protection but does not allow for a user&#39;s preferred draw position may not be acceptable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. 
       For this discussion, the devices and systems illustrated in the figures are shown as having a multiplicity of components. Various implementations of devices and/or systems, as described herein, may include fewer components and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Alternately, other implementations of devices and/or systems may include additional components, or various combinations of the described components, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Shapes and/or dimensions shown in the illustrations of the figures are for example, and other shapes and or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure, unless specified otherwise. 
         FIG. 1  shows a front view of an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a back view of an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows a back view of an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows a view of an example strap clip, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 5  shows a view of an example strap clip and attachment locations for the strap clips on an example backer, according to an implementation. 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  show views of example strap clips, and a technique for removing and attaching the strap clips, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 8  shows five views of an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly with a holster shell, in five different cant positions, according to various implementations. 
         FIG. 9  shows a backer with multiple strap clip locations, for making various cant adjustments to an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly, according to an implementation. 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  show views of holster shells on an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly, and including a shell cover, according to an implementation. 
         FIGS. 12-14  illustrate techniques for adjusting various straps on an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly, according to an implementation. 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate techniques for adjusting fitment of an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly, according to an implementation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an adjustable shoulder holster assembly to mount and to carry an implement (such as a handgun, for example) on the body of a user. The shoulder holster assembly is arranged to be worn on the back and shoulder(s) of the user, with a holster, carrier, or accessory under a user&#39;s arm (for example) for temporarily and safely carrying the implement or accessory, while making the implement or accessory easily accessible to the user. It can also be worn on another part of a user&#39;s person, or can be used to support an implement or implement holster in another location not on a user. 
     In various embodiments, the shoulder holster assembly  100  (“assembly  100 ”) can be used with a holster (such as a holster shell, for example) coupled to the assembly  100 . In various examples, a variety of holsters or holster shells may be removably or interchangeably coupled to the assembly  100  to carry different implements (e.g., handguns, accessories, etc.) with the assembly  100 . One holster shell may be user-removed from the assembly  100 , and another holster shell user-installed onto the assembly  100  to use the assembly  100  with a different handgun, for example. In one implementation, a selection of modular holster shells may be interchangeable with each other for coupling to the assembly  100 , including holster shells configured for specific implements as well as generic holster shells that may fit a variety of implements. 
     Techniques and devices are discussed with reference to example handgun holsters illustrated in the figures. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and is for ease of discussion and illustrative convenience. The techniques and devices discussed may be applied to a holster or to any of various cases, carriers, sheaths, containers, implements, tools, objects, and the like, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. For the purposes of this disclosure, the generic term “holster” is used to indicate any or all of the above. 
     Additionally, the techniques and devices as discussed may be used to support an implement or a carrier in various other manners (e.g., attached to a vehicle, an object of furniture, another object, etc.). In alternate implementations, the techniques and devices may be employed in other ways or with other devices, systems, instruments, or the like. 
     Further, the shape and quantity of the assembly  100  components illustrated in the figures may vary to accommodate various applications. In alternate embodiments, fewer, additional, or alternate components may be used and/or combined to form an assembly  100  or a shoulder holster system having equivalent function and operation. 
     Implementations are explained in more detail below using a plurality of examples. Although various implementations and examples are discussed here and below, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples. 
     Example Embodiments 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6 , an example adjustable shoulder holster assembly  100  may be comprised of a harness  102  that fits on the shoulders and back of the user, having straps (e.g., a front strap  104  and a back strap  106 , as shown in the illustrations, or other alternate arrangements) extending over the user&#39;s shoulders and under the user&#39;s arms from the user&#39;s back to connect to a holster backer  110 , or a holster  112 , or other accessory carrier. An additional strap (a lower strap  108 ) may also be included and connect from the backer  110  (or holster  112 ) to the user&#39;s waistband, belt, or other article of clothing or accessory at the midsection of the user, for instance, to stabilize the shoulder holster assembly  100  on the user&#39;s person. In alternate embodiments, alternate or other straps may also be included. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , the backer  110  may comprise a substantially planar base for a handgun holster, a tool carrier, a magazine carrier, or an accessory carrier, a base for a knife sheath, a padded or un-padded base, or various other like components. In various embodiments, the backer  110  may be made from one or more layers comprising animal hides, man-made materials such as formed polymers, or combinations of layers of each. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a backer  110  may have varying shapes to accommodate a specific application or generic use. For instance, backers  110  for accessories (such as magazine carriers, pepper spray containers, etc.) may have a different size and shape than backers  110  for handguns, and the like. 
     In some cases, a multi-layer backer  110  may include a porous material to line the backer  110  where the backer  110  contacts the body of the user for comfort, performance, and so forth. Further, one or more layers may be included between the front layer of the backer  110  and the layer next to the user, including a padding layer, a stiffening or strengthening layer (such as a composite, polymer, or metal layer, for instance), or the like. 
     In various embodiments, the backer  110  may include one or more removable layers. For instance, one or more layers near the user may be removable from the backer  110  for cleaning, and so forth. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 , a holster shell  114 , or the like, can be temporarily or permanently coupled to the backer  110  to form a holster  112 . The addition of the holster shell  114  (or a partial shell) to the backer  110  forms a shoulder holster  112  for carrying (and perhaps concealing) the implement under the user&#39;s arm, with the weight of the implement and the holster  112  carried on the user&#39;s shoulders. In alternate embodiments, a single-piece holster  112  (or carrier, sheath, etc.) may be used in place of a backer/shell combination holster  112 . 
     In an implementation, the holster shell  114  comprises a removable, modular plastic shell section formed using an injection molding process to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the implement. In other implementations, the holster shell  114  comprises a thermoformed plastic shell, a natural or synthetic leather pouch, or any other container made from one or more polymers, metals, composites, natural or synthetic hides, textiles, and so forth. In some cases, the holster shell  114  may be directly coupled to the backer  110  via screws, bolts, or other suitable fasteners. In other embodiments, the holster shell  114  may be coupled to the backer  110  via a locking fixture  116 , or the like, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 10 . In various embodiments, different holster shells  114  (or the like) can be interchanged on the backer  110  to accommodate different implements to be carried. For example, one holster shell  114  can be removed from the backer  110 , and another holster shell  114  (or the like) can be coupled to the backer  110  when the user desires to carry a different handgun, for instance. This is illustrated in  FIG. 10 , for example, where a locking device  116  is released from a locking fixture  1002  to remove the holster shell  114 . When a holster shell  114  (or the like) is replaced on the backer  110  via the locking fixture  1002 , the locking device  116  may be used to secure the shell  114  to the backer  110 . 
     The straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  of the harness  102  may be comprised of natural or man-made materials, including natural or synthetic leathers, high strength or ballistic textiles (aramids), or combinations of materials. The straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  may be attached to the holster backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) using various removable fasteners or fastening techniques. In some embodiments, the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  may be coupled to the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) so as to be free to partially or fully pivot at the fastener locations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 8 , in some embodiments, a strap clip  118  is secured at the ends of the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 . For instance the clip  118  may be coupled to at least one end of each strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 , offering a connection point to the holster backer  110  (or holster  112  or accessory carrier, etc.). In some arrangements, one or more of the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  may have a strap clip  118  at both ends of the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 . 
     In an implementation, each strap clip  118  is coupled to a respective strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  in an adjustable manner. For example, the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  may thread through a slot in the strap clip  118 , or the like, fastening back on itself using one or more adjustable strap adjusters  120 , or the like, for instance. This allows for infinite adjustments over the length of the respective strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 , and for a user-specific fit. 
     In some implementations, the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  may be removably coupled to the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) using strap clips  118  having a quick-disconnect technique that is secure, and also allows quick and easy reconfiguration of the harness  102  for user convenience. In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , one part of the strap clip  118  includes a male attachment portion, including a post or shaft  402 , with a key  404  at the end of the shaft  402 . In the embodiment, the male key  404  of the clip  118  matches a female feature  202  (key hole) of the holster backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.), offering quick and easy connection and disconnection of the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  to the holster backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) with no tool required. In an alternate embodiment, the male key  404  may be on the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) and the female feature  202  may be on the strap clips  118 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6, and 9 , the keyholes  202  arranged in the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) are receivers for the key  404 /shaft  402  combination of the strap clips  118 , allowing quick connect/disconnect of the strap clips  118  to the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.). The unique shape of the male key  404  on the clip  118  closely matches the shape of the female keyhole feature  202 . The key  404  shape and keyhole  202  shape may be any suitable shape (elliptical, polygonal, irregular, etc.) that allows the locking function described herein. For example, the key  404  may include a uniquely shaped tab portion  406  that closely fits a similarly shaped portion  502  of the keyhole  202  when aligned. 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , a strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  is attached to the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) by aligning the male key  404  with a female keyhole  202  on the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.), inserting the key  404  and shaft  402  through the keyhole  202 , and then rotating the clip  118  to engage the key  404  and prevent non-intentional disconnection. In various embodiments, the rotation may be varying degrees (30, 45, 90, 180, etc.) to lock the key  404  in the keyhole  202 . The shape of the key  404  is closely matched to the shape of the keyhole  202 , so the key  404  must be aligned well to the keyhole  202  to pass through the keyhole  202  and will not pass through the keyhole  202  if offset, misaligned, or rotated out of alignment. Accordingly, the shape of the key  404  with respect to the keyhole  202  also prevents the key  404  from backing out of the keyhole  202  once the clip  118  has been inserted and rotated. 
     To remove the key  404  (and thus the strap clip  118 ), the clip  118  is rotated again, which rotates the shaft  402  and key  404 , to realign the key  404  with the shape of the keyhole  202 . Once the shape of the key  404  is aligned to the shape of the keyhole  202 , the key  404  can then be pulled from the keyhole  202 . This removes the clip  118  and associated strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  from the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.), without the use of tools. In some embodiments, the clip  118  is rotated a first direction to attach the clip  118  to the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) and is rotated an opposite direction to detach the clip  118  from the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.). In other embodiments, the clip  118  may be rotated in either direction to attach and detach the clip  118 . 
     In alternate embodiments, the clip  118  may be pressed into the keyhole  202  (or a like feature) of the backer  110 , without rotation of the clip  118 . For example, other fastener techniques and devices may be used to attach the clips  118  to the backer  110  (e.g., snaps, hooks, clasps, etc.). 
     The quick-change strap clips  118  allow the user to quickly interchange the backers  110 , bases, etc. that are attached to the harness  102  (i.e., the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 ) of the shoulder holster assembly  100 , without tools. For example, the user may exchange holsters, holster backers, accessory carriers, or accessory backers on the shoulder holster assembly  100  as desired. Changing the backer  110  (or holster  112 , accessory, etc.) of the shoulder holster assembly  100  for another holster backer  110 , magazine accessory, or the like, comprises removing the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  from the current backer  110  and attaching the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  to the other backer  110 , holster  112 , etc. This is done by disengaging the clips  118  from the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) as described above, and engaging the clips  118  to the replacement backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.). 
     In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 4-9 , the shoulder holster assembly  100  can be reconfigured without the use of tools as desired. For example, the strap clips  118  can be moved to different keyhole  202  positions on the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) to adjust the carry angle, or cant of the holster  112 . In various embodiments, the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) includes multiple female keyholes  202  at different positions around the perimeter of the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.). The multiple keyhole  202  positions allow the user to select different cants or positions/orientations for the holster  112 , based on the keyholes  202  selected for the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  connections. This also allows the user to adjust the cant of the holster  112  or carrier as desired for comfort or function. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , at least five different carry angles or cants (from positive angles to horizontal to negative angles) are possible in the one example implementation shown. In an embodiment, the various carry angles of  FIG. 8  are made possible by coupling the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  onto the backer  110  (via the strap clips  118 ) by selecting from the various keyhole  202  positions in the backer  110 , as shown at  FIG. 9 . For instance, referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , attaching the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  at different keyhole  202  locations (e.g., locations  1 - 6 ) causes the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) to be at a different rotational angle when worn on the user, or otherwise suspended from the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 . 
     In an example, the vertical carry angle shown at  FIG. 8(A)  may be achieved by attaching the front  104  and back  106  straps at keyhole  202  locations  6  and  5 , and attaching the lower strap  108  at keyhole  202  location  2 . The canted vertical carry angle shown at  FIG. 8(B)  may be achieved by attaching the front  104  and back  106  straps at keyhole  202  locations  6  and  4 , and attaching the lower strap  108  at keyhole  202  location  2 . 
     The canted horizontal carry angle shown at  FIG. 8(C)  may be achieved by attaching the front  104  and back  106  straps at keyhole  202  locations  6  and  3 , and attaching the lower strap  108  at keyhole  202  location  1 . The horizontal carry angle shown at  FIG. 8(D)  may be achieved by attaching the front  104  and back  106  straps at keyhole  202  locations  5  and  3 , and attaching the lower strap  108  at keyhole  202  location  1 . The negative canted carry angle shown at  FIG. 8(E)  may be achieved by attaching the front  104  and back  106  straps at keyhole  202  locations  5  and  2 , and attaching the lower strap  108  at keyhole  202  location  1 . 
     In various implementations, additional and/or alternate carry angles not illustrated are also possible by attaching the front  104  and back  106  straps at different keyhole  202  location combinations. Also, the lower strap  108  can be optional in all of the above examples, as well as with other combinations. Further carry angles are also possible by adding more keyholes  202  to the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) or by a change to the location of the various keyholes  202  on the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.), for example. 
     In some cases, the keyhole  202  location for the front  104  and back  106  straps may depend on whether the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) is intended for the right side or the left side of the user. In some embodiments, a backer  110 , or holster  112 , carrier, etc. may be worn on each side of the user, as further described below. Additionally, a backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.), including keyhole  202  positions, intended for the right side of a user may be a mirror image of a backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) intended for the left side of a user, including respective keyhole  202  positions. 
     In alternate embodiments, a backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) may have fewer or more keyholes  202 , or may have keyholes  202  in different locations on the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.). In further implementations, the keyholes  202  of a backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) and corresponding clips  118  of the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  may have different sizes or shapes from each other, as a way to guide or guarantee that a particular strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  is to be mounted to the backer  110  (or holster  112 , etc.) at a particular keyhole  202  position, or to one of a range of predetermined keyhole  202  positions that fit the key  404 . For instance, a keyhole  202  may have a size and shape that allows the clips  118  of one or more straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  to be mounted at that keyhole  202  location, but not others. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the shoulder holster assembly  100  may include a shell cover  1102  (shown in an open configuration), which may be used to cover over the holster shell  114 , providing a smoother surface for the user&#39;s arm, and a cleaner appearance. The shell cover  1102  may be positioned over the holster shell  114  (folded over the holster shell  114 , for instance) and secured to the backer  110  or holster shell  114  using one or more fasteners (e.g., snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, etc.). For example, the shell cover  1102  may include one or more first fasteners  1104  (or portions of fasteners  1104 ), and the holster shell  114  or the backer  110  may include one or more second fasteners  1106  (or portions of fasteners  1106 ) to mate with the first fasteners  1104 . If the shell cover  1102  is present, the shell cover  1102  may be opened, removed, or the like, to reveal the holster shell  114  and/or locking mechanisms  116 , so that the holster shell  114  may be removed, interchanged, and so forth. 
     In an implementation, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the shoulder holster assembly  100  may include a retention strap (i.e., thumb-break), for example comprising an upper retention strap  1004  and a lower retention strap  1006 , configured to retain the implement within the holster  112 , preventing accidental removal of the implement. As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the upper retention strap  1004  may be coupled to the shell cover  1102  and the lower retention strap  1006  may be coupled to the backer, for example. In alternate embodiments, the upper  1004  and lower  1006  retention straps may be coupled to other portions of the shoulder holster assembly  100 . 
     In the illustrations of  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the fastener  1008  (or portion of fastener  1008 ) of the upper retention strap  1004  fastens to another fastener  1008  (or other portion of fastener  1008 ) on the lower retention strap  1006 . When the shell cover  1102  is closed, the upper retention strap  1004  is fastened to the lower retention strap  1006  using the fasteners  1008 , with the upper  1004  and lower  1006  retention straps looped around a rear portion of the implement, trapping the implement in the holster  112 , until intentionally released. Various other options, including a single retention strap or additional retention straps or devices are contemplated and included within the scope of the disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, the upper retention strap  1004  and/or the lower retention strap  1006  may be adjustable (by moving all or a portion of the upper retention strap  1004  and/or the lower retention strap  1006  inward or outward relative to the shell cover  1102  and the backer  110 , respectively, or extending and retracting the upper  1004  and/or lower  1006  retention straps) to fit a variety of holster shells  114 , implements, and the like. In the embodiments, the upper  1004  and/or lower  1006  retention straps may be moveably coupled to the shell cover  1102  and/or the backer  110  (or other locations of the assembly  100 , if applicable). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , any or all of the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  may be length adjustable to fit the user&#39;s body, using strap adjusters  120  and slides  122  as shown, or the like. The straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  can be adjusted to be shorter by sliding the slide  122  away (shown in the illustration as upward) from the strap clip  118 . The straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  can be adjusted to be longer by sliding the slide  122  towards (shown in the illustration as downward) the strap clip  118 . In the embodiment, the slide  122  is coupled to a portion of the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 , so that moving the slide  122 , moves a portion of the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 . 
     For greater adjustment, the overall length of the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  can be adjusted using the binding screw  204  (or a like fastener). To adjust, remove the binding screw  204  in the back of the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 , adjust the length of the strap  104 ,  106 , and/or  108 , and install the binding screw  204  at the new position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , in various embodiments, the harness  102  may include a back connector  1502  arranged to be a connection point for the front  104  and back  106  straps. For instance, the front  104  and back  106  straps may be permanently or removably coupled to the back connector  1502  in various embodiments. The back connector  1502  may have various shapes, sizes and configurations for coupling the front  104  and back  106  straps. In an alternate implementation, the ends of the front  104  and back  106  straps are coupled together without a back connector  1502 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the front  104  (and back  106 ) straps may also include a pad  1504 , or the like, either disposed over the front  104  (and optionally back  106 ) straps or attached to the ends of the front  104  (and back  106 ) straps. In the latter case, the pad  1504  may be coupled to the back connector  1502  or coupled to the pad  1504  or end of the other of the back  106  and front  104  straps. The pad  1504  can provide greater comfort for the user over longer periods of wearing the harness  102 . 
     In an implementation, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the harness  102  may include a pair of front straps ( 104  and  104 ′) and a pair of back straps ( 106  and  106 ′) for additional carrying capacity or for comfort. Optionally, the harness  102  may include a pair of lower straps ( 108  and  108 ,′ not shown). In an embodiment, the lower straps ( 108  and/or  108 ′) may be coupled to an article of the user&#39;s clothing, an accessory, or the like, using a fastener, such as a clip, a clamp, or any other removable fastener. The lower straps ( 108  and/or  108 ′) may be coupled at the mid-section of the user to stabilize the harness  102 . 
     In various implementations, the adjustable shoulder holster assembly  100  can include one implement holster  112  (such as a handgun holster, knife sheath, or the like) or accessory carrier (such as a magazine carrier, tool carrier, or the like) under one arm (as shown in  FIG. 16 ), or it can include an implement holster  112  or accessory carrier under each arm (not shown). In either case, the various strap adjusters  120 , along with slides  122  and binding screws  204 , if present, can offer infinite and secure adjustments to the straps  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  to provide a perfect fit for a user, as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     The assembly  100  is convertible to allow the user to quickly and easily exchange holsters  112 , holster backers  110 , accessory carriers, or the like, at each of the arm positions (e.g., right and left arm positions) of the assembly  100 . The ease of convertibility and adjustability is made possible by the use of the unique strap clips  118 , where the interchangeable holsters  112 , holster backers  110 , accessory carriers, or the like, include one or more attachment locations  202  to interface with the strap clips  118 . 
     In various implementations, an assembly  100  may include additional or alternate components, or have different shapes or sizes than those illustrated. The assembly  100  components disclosed herein have been illustrated to be used with handgun holsters  112  and holster shells  114 . However, the assembly  100  components disclosed herein may also be used with the holders or cases of any tools or implements. Further, the shoulder holster assembly  100  may be used to secure or mount any of various items, and particularly where concealed carry on a body of the user are desired. 
     Although various implementations and examples are discussed herein, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples. 
     CONCLUSION 
     Although the implementations of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the claims.