Patent Publication Number: US-9835410-B2

Title: Rotatable holster

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application 62/027,821, filed Jul. 23, 2014. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a holster for a firearm and, more particularly to a sidearm holster that rotates in a manner to enable easy drawing and re-holstering of a firearm with either hand. 
     A typical handgun holster positions the weapon on the belt or waistband of a user with the muzzle pointed down and the grip roughly parallel to the ground and pointed to the rear of the user. Holsters used by police and military personnel often use a retention system to prevent the weapon from being accidentally released from the holster. In such holsters, one or more actions must be taken before the weapon can be drawn, such as activating a release. Retention systems provide more security so that the weapon can only be removed when the user so desires. More significantly, retention systems make removal of the weapon is difficult for an assailant, particularly an assailant facing the user. The downside of most retention systems is that the actions required to release and draw the weapon are very difficult to perform except with the dominant hand of the user. If the user&#39;s dominant hand, arm, or shoulder becomes injured or otherwise immobile, drawing the handgun using the non-dominate hand can become very difficult and thus put the user&#39;s life at risk. 
     Currently police and military tactical training involves situations where a police officer or military operator sustains injury to his or her dominant hand, making it difficult or impossible to draw a firearm. Training for these situations typically involves practicing drawing the firearm with the off or non-dominant hand while the dominant hand is secured in place to simulate an injury. Current training methods for this situation include pulling or rotating the duty belt towards the non-dominant hand for easier access to firearm. This method is difficult and slow, as duty belts are secured in place so as to prevent duty gear from shifting during work. Another method is to reach across the body for the firearm with the non-dominant hand and remove the weapon from the holster. It can be difficult to release the retention device or devices in the holster when reaching across the body. Also, if the firearm is removed with this method, the firearm is not in a position to fire as the grip used to withdraw the firearm is backwards such that the user could not properly aim and fire the gun without repositioning it in his hand. To reposition the handgun will generally require placing the weapon under the arm or between the thighs to allow the user to reposition his hand and obtain a firing grip. Doing this allows for the possibility of dropping the firearm and leaving the user susceptible to sustaining injury due to the transitions needed to obtain a proper grip on the firearm. 
     Once the firearm is withdrawn using the non-dominant hand, reloading and re-holstering the firearm becomes difficult and dangerous, as it requires again placing the firearm between the user&#39;s thighs or under arm. Safe and quick access to reloading and re-holstering is not a practical option with either of the current training methods. These methods are slow and dangerous, putting police and military lives in jeopardy by not allowing for quick and safe access to the handgun with the non-dominant hand. 
     The present invention is a holster that is rotatably connected to the user&#39;s belt or other attachment point. In the normal position, the holster holds the handgun like any other conventional holster. Thus when viewed from above, the grip of the handgun points back toward the user. When in the open position, the holster rotates such that the grip of the handgun faces forward away from the user. The holster is attached to the belt with a hinge or hinge-like apparatus. In the open position, the handgun can be readily drawn and re-holstered with the non-dominant hand. In one embodiment, a locking means is employed such that the holster can be locked at one or more rotation angles. When locked in a substantially-open position, the user has quick, safe, and effective drawing, holstering and reloading using the non-dominant hand. The angle of rotation is only limited by the belt or the user&#39;s body. Any angle from zero degrees (handgun grip facing back) to 180 degrees (grip facing straight out) to further (beyond 180 degrees such that grip is pointed toward non-dominant hand and lying against the body) is possible. One embodiment is a standalone holster while another is an add-on apparatus to work in conjunction with commonly used police and military holsters. This add-on embodiment of the invention is designed to bolt or otherwise attach to existing tactical and duty holsters such as, but not limited to, those made by SAFARILAND®. Little-to-no modification or fabrication to the existing holster would be required. Both right-hand and left-hand embodiments are envisioned. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention, in any of the embodiments described herein, may provide one or more of the following advantages: 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting assembly for securing a firearm holster to a user that permits the holstered weapon to be rotated from a normal position to a reversed position in which the weapon is more easily accessible to a non-dominant hand. The mounting assembly includes a first portion that is generally fixed to a user, preferably to a user&#39;s&#39; belt, and a second portion hingedly connected to the first portion in a manner allowing rotation about a generally upstanding axis between a normal position which enables the user to draw the weapon using a dominant hand and a reversed position that rotates the holstered weapon to enable the user to conveniently draw the weapon using an off-hand. A conventional holster is connected to the second portion. Mounting assembly parts are manufactured from light weight, durable, and non-corrosive material such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a mounting assembly for securing a weapon holster to a user that permits the holstered weapon to be rotated from a normal position to a reversed position in which the weapon is more easily accessible using a non-dominant hand wherein the rotating mechanism includes provisions to retain the holster in one or more preferred positions including at least the normal position and preferably including the reversed position. The mounting assembly includes two parts rotatably connected which could be by a pinned hinge, bolt and socket, pintle and grudgeon, ball and socket, or other means. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting assembly for a firearm holster enabling rotation of the holster for more convenient user access to a holstered weapon using a non-dominant hand that allows the rotatable connection to be locked in a substantially open, substantially closed, or any other position. Such locking may be accomplished by any suitable means such as simple friction, a spring-loaded pin and socket, or interlocking teeth. In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism includes a rotating portion to which the holster is connected that is also configured for vertical displaced along the rotational axis. One or more detents are provided on the rotating mechanism into which a fixing structure may be engaged when the holster at a predetermined holster rotational position. A biasing mechanism moves the rotating portion so that the fixing structure is engaged in the detent thereby precluding further rotation until the rotating portion is displaced in the opposite direction to disengage the fixing structure. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a mounting assembly for a firearm holster enabling rotation of the holster for more convenient drawing of the weapon using a non-dominant hand that includes a biasing system to urge the rotating portion and holster to a preferred position under certain conditions. In one embodiment, the rotating portion is releasably latched into a normal position which allows a user easy access to the holstered weapon using a dominant hand. When released, the biasing mechanism urges the rotating portion and holster to the reversed position and maintains it in that position to allow use and re-holstering of the weapon using the non-dominant hand. The user may then choose to return the rotating portion to the normal position for use by the dominant hand. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mounting assembly for a firearm holster enabling rotation of the holster for more convenient drawing of the weapon using a non-dominant hand that includes provisions to stabilize the mounting platform when in the normal position so that the mounting platform performs as a normally-mounted holster. One or more latches may be provided to secure the rotating portion of the mounting assembly to the fixed portion when positioned in the normal position. The latches are configured to disengage when actions are taken to reposition the rotating portion to the reversed position. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide safety features for a firearm holster mounting assembly enabling rotation of the holster for more convenient drawing of the weapon using a non-dominant hand that prevent inadvertent movement of the mounting assembly from at least the normal position. The rotating mechanism permitting selective rotation of a rotating portion and holster includes a primary mechanism for releasing the rotating portion for rotation and may include a second latching mechanism requiring motion distinct from the motion needed to release the primary mechanism. In one embodiment, a primary releasing mechanism is provided that requires displacing the rotating portion downwardly along the rotating axis. A secondary latch is provided which requires movement of a lever, preferably in a direction different from the downward displacement motion, which once unlatched permits the downward displacement. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting assembly for a firearm holster enabling rotation of the holster for more convenient drawing of the weapon using a non-dominant hand that features a connection configuration found on the most popular police and military tactical style holsters. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a mounting assembly for a firearm holster enabling rotation of the holster for more convenient drawing of the weapon using a non-dominant hand that is durable in construction, inexpensive of manufacture, carefree of maintenance, easily assembled, and simple and effective to use. 
     These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a mounting assembly for securing a firearm holster to a user that permits the holstered weapon to be rotated from a normal position to a reversed position in which the weapon is more easily accessible to a non-dominant hand. The mounting assembly includes a first portion that is generally fixable to a user and a second portion hingedly connected to the first portion in a manner allowing rotation about a generally upstanding axis. The second portion, having a holster connected thereto, is rotatable between a normal position which enables the user to draw the weapon using a dominant hand and a reversed position in which the holster is rotated to enable the user to conveniently draw the weapon using an off-hand. The assembly includes provisions to restrain the second portion in one or more predetermined orientations, biasing mechanisms to rotate the second portion when released, and latching mechanism to prevent inadvertent or unintended rotation of a holstered weapon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a typical user having a belt-mounted firearm holster of the type on which the present invention is useful wherein the holster is as normally positioned for use; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial front view of the user pictured in  FIG. 1  wherein the holster is positioned for an off-hand draw of a weapon; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of the user in  FIG. 2  accessing a firearm from the holster while it is positioned for off-hand drawing; 
         FIG. 4  is a first elevation view of the holster mounting platform of the present invention shown positioned in a normal position; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the holster mounting platform of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is view of the holster mounting platform shown in the reversed position with the holster plate locked in place; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the holster mounting platform of  FIG. 6  shown intermediately positioned between the normal and reversed positions with the holster plate free to rotate; and 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the holster mounting platform showing details of the rotating and latching mechanisms. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art, and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms “up” or “down,” or “top” or “bottom” are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined as the holster would typically be oriented on a standing user when worn at the user&#39;s waist. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application of any element may already be widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. When referring to the figures, like parts are numbered the same in all of the figures. The inclusion of an alpha designation in a reference number indicates a structure or feature used in multiple locations on a part. 
     In  FIGS. 1 through 3 , there is illustrated a typical firearm user  5  wearing a hip-mounted holster assembly  10  for conveniently securing a weapon  7  to the user. The holster assembly  10  comprises a conventional holster  12  configured to receive and hold the weapon  7 , and a rotatable mounting platform  20  for connecting the holster  12  to a belt  9  worn by the user. In  FIG. 1 , the user is standing normally with the holster assembly  10  positioned as it would be for normal use with the grip oriented rearwardly in relation to the user, a right-handed shooter in this illustration. In  FIG. 2 , the holster assembly  10  is repositioned to allow the user to easily draw the weapon  7  using his off-hand (left handed in the illustration) wherein the weapon has been rotated about an upstanding axis to reposition the grip forwardly in relation to the user.  FIG. 3  shows the user reaching across with his off hand to draw the weapon. The repositioned (reversed) holster assembly allows the user to draw the weapon with his off-hand without need to reposition the weapon after drawing. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 4 through 8 , the holster assembly  10  includes the mounting platform  20  comprising a first portion  22 , also referred to as a stationary portion, and a second portion  24 , referred to as a moveable portion, connected by a hinge  30 . The first portion  22  includes means for securing the mounting platform  20  to a user&#39;s person, preferably a duty belt  9  or the like. The illustrated first portion  22  includes a loop connector  25  for receiving a user&#39;s belt or the like and allowing the mounting platform  20  to be easily positioned adjacent to a user&#39;s waist and oriented along a generally upstanding axis  110  which is generally vertically oriented when the user is standing with the holster assembly normally positioned alongside the waist. Alternatively, the first portion  22  may also include other known means, such as clamps, clips, or fasteners, for securing the mounting platform to a tactical belt or the like. 
     The loop connector  25  may include provisions for selective adjustment of the size of the loop opening to allow a secure engagement with the belt around which the loop is positioned. An adjustment bar  252  is preferably provided having an edge  253  aligned generally parallel to the belt  9  extending through the loop. An adjustment slot  254  in the first portion enables the adjustment bar position to be altered so that spacing between the edge  253  and a distal end of the loop opening  251  to match the width of the belt  9 . Detents  255  or similar structures may be provided to aid in the positioning of the adjustment bar  252  or to increase the effectiveness of a clamp  258  mechanism securing the adjustment bar  252  to the first portion  24 . 
     The second portion  24  is configured to allow attachment of the holster  12  by conventional means, preferably threaded fasteners as illustrated in the figures. The holster  12  may be configured to fit a particular type or model of weapon, to provide specific safety features for securing the weapon in the holster, or a combination of the two. Holsters  12  are well-known and often customized to fit a specific make and model of weapon and feature standardized connections for fitting the holster to a backing plate which is, in turn, attached to a user&#39;s belt. 
     The hinge  30  connecting the first and second portions includes first lugs  222 ,  224  extending from the first portion  22  and second lugs  242 ,  244  extending from the second portion  24 . At least two pairs of first and second lugs are preferred; additional pairs may be incorporated to strengthen the hinge  30 . A hinge pin  34  joins the lugs in a manner enabling a first movement mode comprising pivoting movement of the second portion  24  relative to the first portion  22  about a generally upstanding pivot axis  100  between a normal or first position (see  FIG. 1 ) and a reversed or second position (see  FIG. 2 ). The pivot axis  100  is preferably spaced away from the user (defined by a plane extending vertically through the loop connector  25 ) to minimize interference with the user&#39;s body during pivoting movement. The second portion may be rotated from the first position by as much as 270 degrees, though contact with the user&#39;s body may limit the amount of second portion rotation. Preferred normal rotation ranges from 130 to 180 degrees. The embodiment illustrated shown a normal rotation range of approximately 140 degrees between the normal and reversed positions. The pivot axis  100  may be generally vertically oriented and parallel to the user&#39;s body when the user stands erect with the holster assembly  10  positioned for use. It is preferred to slightly angle the pivot axis from vertical to enable the weight of the holster  12  and weapon to assist in rotation of the second portion and attached holster. 
     The location of the pivot axis  100  may also be varied in the forward-rearward direction. The preferred location is positioned adjacent to the forward end of the holster, typically adjacent to the location where the weapon barrel (normal top of the weapon) is located when holstered. A more forward position of the pivot axis  100  results in more forward displacement of the weapon position when the mounting assembly is in the reversed position. A more rearward pivot axis position reduces the extension of the mounting assembly when reversed. An excessively forward position of the pivot axis  100  may result in inadequate or awkward clearance with the user&#39;s arm while the mounting assembly is being pivoted. Similarly, a pivot axis position that is adjacent to the weapon grip may not provide sufficient forward displacement when moving to the reversed position for convenient non-dominant hand access to the weapon. 
     The relative positioning of the first and second lugs  222 ,  224 ,  242 ,  244 , also enables a second mode of movement comprising relative bi-directional movement of the first and second portions in the direction of the pivot axis  100  between a latched position and a generally opposing released position. It is preferred that the second portion be at the upper extent of axial travel when in the latched position and downwardly displaced to achieve the released position. A spring  36  is provided to bias the second portion  24  in an upward direction (latched position) along the hinge pin pivot axis  100  with respect to the first portion  22 . 
     The hinge  30  also includes a rotation mechanism  32  for causing the second portion  24  to rotate with respect to the first portion  22  under certain conditions and a means to secure the second portion in one of at least two rotational positions corresponding to the normal and reversed positions, shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. In one embodiment, a cam  322  and follower  324  are provided mounted on at least one of the second or first portions. The upward bias force of spring  36  on the second portion  24  urges the cam  322  against the follower  324 . The contour of the cam  322  may be generally helical and configured such that the upward force of the spring  36  on the second portion  24  forces the cam follower  324  to follow the cam profile and thereby rotate the second portion  24  toward the second position. The cam  322  includes detents  326 ,  327  disposed at opposing ends of the cam profile and correspond to the rotational first and second positions, respectively, of the second portion  24 . The detents are configured to allow the second portion  24  to move upwardly in the direction of the pivot axis  100  urged by the biasing force of spring  36  when the second portion  24  is rotationally positioned to align the cam follower  226  with one of the detents  326 ,  327 . Once the cam follower  226  is engaged in one of the detents  326 ,  327 , rotational movement of the second portion  24  is impeded so that the second portion  24  and attached holster  12  remains in a fixed rotational position in relation to the first portion  22 . Moving the second portion  24  and attached holster  12  requires the user to push the holster downwardly to disengage the cam follower  324  from the detent and allow the second portion to rotate about the pivot axis  100  as the cam follower  324  follows the cam profile. 
     A cam  322  and cam follower  324  pair must be provided on at least one mating pair of first and second lugs  222 ,  242 . Additional cams  322   b  and cam followers  324   b  may also be provided on each mating pair of lugs, lugs  224 ,  244  in the illustrated embodiment, to improve rotational operation of the mounting platform  20 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the rotational mechanism  32  may include a spring configured to cause rotation of the second portion  24  from the first position toward the second position when the second portion is moved from the latched position. 
     Another embodiment relies on an angled orientation of the pivot axis  100 . In one embodiment, the pivot axis  100  is slightly forwardly angled (φ) relative to the upstanding axis  110  such that the upper end of the pivot axis  100  is more forwardly positioned that the lower end of the pivot axis, relative to the front of the user. The effect of the angled orientation is a slight downward displacement of the center of mass of the second portion  24 , holster  12 , and any weapon secured in the holster which increases the tendency of the second portion  24  to move toward the reversed position when unlatched. The forward angle φ may range from 10 degrees to 25 degrees, with a forward angle of 15 to 20 degrees being preferred. The forward angle φ also improves ergonomics for non-dominant hand access to the weapon by lowering the weapon handle when in the reversed position. The pivot axis  100  may also be laterally angled (θ) outwardly from the upstanding axis  110  for improved ergonomics. The lateral angle θ may range from zero to ten degrees with a lateral angle θ of five degrees outward being preferred. 
     To further improve stability when in the first (normal) position, a latch  40  may be provided to secure the first and second portions  22 ,  24  in the first position ( FIG. 1 ). The latch  40  permits selective release by disengaging as the second portion  24  is moved downwardly toward the released position after which the second portion  24  may be rotated about the hinge pin axis  100  to the second position ( FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the latch may comprise at least one lug  44  with a hook  441  connected to the second portion  24  and an aperture  42  define by a peripheral edge  421  in the first portion  22  into which the lug and hook may be inserted. When inserted and the second portion allowed to move upwardly to its fullest extent (latched position), the latch  40  is locked as the hook  441  engages an edge  421  of the aperture  42  and prevents the lug  44  from being removed from the aperture. Downward pressure on the second portion against the spring bias moves the second portion downwardly slightly, allowing the hook to clear the aperture edge and the lug and hook to disengage from the aperture. Once released, the second portion may then be pivoted toward the second position. Additional latches  40  may be provided for improved stability in the first position with two latches being preferred. 
     The weight of a weapon in the holster combined with movement of the user may cause downward movement of the holster and second portion  24  relative to the first portion  22  and unintentional release of the second portion from the normal first position. A safety catch  50  may be provided to reduce the chances of an unintentional release and rotation of the holster assembly to the second position. The catch  50  limits movement of the second portion  24  in the axial direction (vertical along the pivot axis  100 ) until the user selectively disengages the safety catch  50 . In one embodiment, the catch  50  comprises a stop flange  52  positioned on at least one of the first lugs  222  of the first portion  24 . The flange  52  extends circumferentially at least partially around the rotational axis  100  and is oriented generally radially therefrom. A catch tab  54  is connected to the second portion  24  by a movable extension  56  and positioned proximate to the flange  52 . The extension  56  is preferable resilient enabling it to be flexed in a manner to move the catch tab  54  to a free position outside of the radial extent of flange  52 . When so positioned, the first and second portions  22 ,  24  are permitted to move axially along the pivot axis  100  within limits of the rotational mechanism  32  and the arrangement of the first and second lugs  222 ,  224 ,  242 ,  244 . Releasing the extension  56  while the second portion is not in the upward latched position returns the catch tab to a position in contact with the outer periphery  522  of the flange  52 . With the catch tab  54  in this position, the second portion  24  may continue to rotate about axis  100 . When the second portion  24  is positioned in either the first (normal) or second (reversed) positions which allows the second portion to move upwardly along axis  100  into the latched position, the catch tab  54  moves upwardly above the flange  52  and is forced inwardly toward the axis  100  by the resilient extension  56  into a safe position. In the safe position, the catch tab  54  is positioned adjacent to the face  524  of the flange  52  which inhibits movement in the axial direction, thereby reducing the likelihood of an unintended downward movement of the second portion and subsequent potential release from the first position. 
     Naturally, the invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but it can also be modified in many ways without departing from the basic concepts. Changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.