Patent Publication Number: US-11047644-B2

Title: Duty mount

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. 62/819,258, filed Mar. 15, 2019, 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. 
     A carrier may be worn on a person for convenience of the user. In some examples, the carrier may be coupled to an item of the user&#39;s clothing, such as to a belt or the waistband of trousers, for instance. In other examples, the carrier may be coupled to an accessory item, such as to a strap or a harness worn on the back or shoulders of the user, or worn on a leg of the user. Further, the carrier may be coupled to a utility pack or bag, it may be coupled to an item of tactical gear, or to various other locations on the person. 
     However, it may not be desirable for the user to wear the implement and holster at all times. For example, it may be desirable to move the implement and holster from a worn position on the user to a temporary location not on the user&#39;s person for a time (such as when driving an automobile, sitting at a desk, sleeping in a bed, etc.), and still have ready and convenient access to the implement. 
    
    
     
       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 perspective view of an example duty mount assembly, including an adapter and a receiver, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an example duty mount assembly, including an adapter and a receiver with secondary locks, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-section plan view of an example duty mount assembly, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-section plan view of an example duty mount assembly with secondary locks, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross-section plan view of an example duty mount assembly in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-section plan view of an example duty mount assembly in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-section plan view of an example duty mount assembly with secondary locks in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 8  shows a cross-section plan view of an example duty mount assembly with secondary locks in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of an example duty mount assembly with secondary locks in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of an example duty mount assembly with secondary locks in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing an example of a holster mounted to a duty mount adapter, with a receiver in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing an example of a holster mounted to a duty mount adapter, with the adapter locked into the receiver and the receiver in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
     Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a duty mount assembly to mount and to support an implement (such as a handgun, for example) or an implement holster (such as a handgun holster, for example), or the like, in a variety of configurations. The duty mount assembly is arranged to be mounted in various locations for temporarily and safely mounting the implement, while making the implement easily accessible to the user. 
     In some examples, the duty mount assembly may be mounted to user-wearable supports for carrying the implement. For example, a portion of the duty mount assembly (the adapter, for instance) may be mounted to a handgun holster and another portion of the duty mount assembly (the receiver, for instance) may be mounted to (or integral with) a wearable device, such as a paddle, a belt slide, etc., that may be worn by a user (e.g., on a user&#39;s belt, waistband, shoulder rig, ankle rig, etc.). The duty mount assembly can couple the holster to the paddle, belt slide, or the like, for carrying the holster (in an outside-the-waistband (OWB) configuration, for example). Alternately, the receiver may be mounted directly to a tool belt, gun belt, shoulder rig, ankle rig, or other wearable item or accessory. 
     In another example, the receiver for instance, may be mounted (using one or more mounting holes) to a convenient surface, such as within a vehicle, on a portion of a desk or other furniture, on a bedframe, on a portion of a wall, or the like, either within view or concealed from view. The receiver may be removed from one location and mounted to another location if desired, or multiple receivers may be mounted at various locations. Another portion of the duty mount assembly (the adapter, for instance) may be mounted to a handgun holster. The duty mount assembly can couple the holster to the convenient surface, within the vehicle, on a desk or other furniture, on a bedframe, on a portion of a wall, or the like, for storing or mounting the holster. 
     In various implementations, a user can remove the implement or implement holster from their person, and mount the implement or implement holster to a receiver (using an adapter coupled to the implement or implement holster) for temporary storage with easy access. For example, when preparing to use a vehicle, the user may remove a holster from a receiver on the user&#39;s person, and mount the holster to a receiver located inside the vehicle. The receiver may be coupled to the vehicle in a convenient location, within easy reach of the user while in the vehicle. The user can easily and quickly dismount the implement or implement holster from the receiver in the vehicle and mount it to a receiver on their person when desired (such as when leaving the vehicle). Alternately, the user can withdraw the implement from the holster for use while the holster remains mounted to the receiver within the vehicle. The implement may be returned to the holster while the holster is mounted to the receiver within the vehicle. 
     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, containers, implements, tools, objects, and the like, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. For the purposes of this disclosure, the generic term “carrier” is used to indicate any or all of the above. 
     Further, the shape and quantity of the duty mount components illustrated in the figures may vary to accommodate the various objects to be docked, as well as to accommodate various applications. In alternate embodiments, fewer, additional, or alternate components may be used and/or combined to form a duty mount assembly having an 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 Duty Mount 
     An example duty mount assembly (“mount”)  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-12 , allows for a carrier (such as an implement or an implement holster, for example) to be mounted to an article of clothing, a user accessory, a wall or other surface using a receiver component  102  and an adapter component  104 , for example, which are components of the mount  100 . In various implementations, the receiver  102  is arranged to be temporarily or permanently fixed to an article (e.g., an article of clothing, a user accessory, a belt, a strap, etc.) or a convenient surface (e.g., a wall, vehicle console, desk, bed, etc.), as desired, using one or more mounting holes  106  in the receiver  102  and permanent or temporary fasteners. 
     The adapter  104  is arranged to be temporarily or permanently fixed to a carrier (e.g., a holster, a case, an enclosure, a sheath, etc.) which may be configured to hold an implement (e.g., a tool, a weapon, an instrument, etc.), or the like, using one or more mounting holes  108  in the adapter  104  and permanent or temporary fasteners. The adapter  104  may also be temporarily or permanently fixed to an implement. Alternately, the functional roles of the receiver  102  and the adapter  104  may be reversed—the receiver  102  may be configured to be coupled to a carrier and the adapter  104  may be configured to be coupled to an article or a convenient surface. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-12 , the receiver  102  may comprise a substantially planar hard mount component, or the like, having a receiver pocket  110 . The back surface  112  of the receiver  102  (which can also comprise a back surface of the pocket  110 ) can be substantially planar. The receiver pocket  110  is formed by the presence of a frame  114  or lip around a portion of the planar back surface  112  of the receiver  102 . The frame  114 , comprises a built-up or raised portion that extends away from the back surface  112  of the receiver  102 , forming a ledge or bench around the portion of the back surface  112 . In some embodiments, the frame  114  includes a groove  116  along the inside edge of the frame  114  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The interior area of the receiver  102  that is at least partially surrounded by the frame  114  comprises the pocket  110 . 
     The receiver  102  is arranged to receive an adapter  104  at the pocket  110 , and to support a carrier or an implement attached to the adapter  104 . As illustrated at  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in some embodiments, the pocket  110  may have an area that is greater than half (a majority) of the area of the receiver  102 . In various implementations, the adapter  104  may be coupled to the receiver  102  in multiple user-selected rotational orientations. 
     The constituents of the duty mount assembly  100  are removably coupled together by inserting the adapter  104  into the receiver pocket  110  of the receiver  102 . As shown at  FIG. 1 , the receiver pocket  110  and the adapter  104  are configured to have the same perimeter shape or a near-same shape, for a secure fit without undue movement of the adapter  104  within the receiver pocket  110 . While a triangular shape for the adapter  104  and the receiver pocket  110  is illustrated in the figures, other shapes (e.g., elliptical, polygonal, irregular, etc.) are also within the scope of the disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the adapter  104  may be inserted into the receiver pocket  110  from the “front” of the receiver  102 . For example, the perimeter of the adapter  104  may be lined up with the perimeter of the receiver pocket  110 , and the adapter  104  pressed into the receiver pocket  110  until engaging with the receiver  102 . 
     In other embodiments, the adapter  104  may be inserted into the receiver pocket  110  from the “top” of the receiver  102 . For example, the frame  114  of the receiver  102  may be open or not present at the top portion of the receiver  102 . This opening  117  in the frame  114  can be an opening to the pocket  110  for the adapter  104 . The adapter  104  may be lined up with the receiver pocket  110 , with the adapter  104  above the receiver  102  (as shown in  FIG. 1 , for example). The adapter  104  may be moved down through the opening  117  and into the receiver pocket  110  until fully engaging with the receiver  102 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more edges of the adapter  104  engage with one or more portions of the groove  116  of the receiver pocket  110 . For instance, the one or more edges of the adapter  104  may slide behind the one or more portions of the frame  114  when the adapter  104  is moved down into the receiver pocket  110 , guided by the groove  116 . 
     In various embodiments, the adapter  104  comprises a substantially planar component having a perimeter shape that is the same or nearly the same as the shape of the receiver pocket  110 . For example, at least a majority (more than 50%) of the perimeter shape of the adapter  104  is the same as the perimeter shape of the receiver pocket  110 . In an embodiment, the adapter  104  includes an adapter rim  118  around at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the adapter  104 . The rim  118  may comprise a thinner edge than the thickness of the adapter  104 . For instance, the rim  118  may have a thickness that matches (e.g., is substantially the same as) the thickness of the groove  116  of the receiver pocket  110 . 
     The rim  118  may be configured to slide into the groove  116 , which extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the receiver pocket  110 . For instance, the groove  116  can be a guide for the adapter  104  (and particularly the rim  118 ) to slide into place within the receiver pocket  110  to engage with the receiver  102 . The groove  116  and the receiver frame  114  also provide added security, holding the adapter  104  in place within the receiver pocket  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , in various embodiments, the adapter  104  can be locked into the receiver pocket  110  using one or more locking components. In some embodiments, a spring loaded, sliding, or otherwise operated catch mechanism  302  that traps the adapter  104  in the receiver pocket  110  is used. The catch mechanism  302  ensures that the adapter  104  remains in the receiver pocket  110  until intentionally released by a user. 
     In one example, as shown at  FIGS. 1-8 , the catch mechanism  302  includes a post  120 , which is arranged to engage a portion of the adapter  104  when extended, preventing the adapter  104  from exiting the receiver  102 , until intentionally released by the user. In an embodiment, the post  120  extends through an opening or hole in the frame  114 , and into the receiver pocket  110 . The post  120  may engage a feature  122  (such as a notch, or the like) at a portion of the adapter  104 , for instance at the rim  118  of the adapter  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . In various embodiments, the shape of the feature  122  may match the shape of the end of the post  120 , so that the post  120  engages the feature  112  in a secure manner. 
     Engaging the feature  122  or the portion of the adapter  104  blocks the adapter  104  from being removed from the receiver  102 , trapping the adapter  104  in the receiver pocket  110 . In some examples, the duty mount assembly  100  may include two or more catch mechanisms  302 , engaging multiple features  122  of the adapter  104  to lock the adapter  104  into the receiver pocket  110 . 
     The post  120  of the catch mechanism  302  may be operated using a user-operated actuator  124 , for example. The actuator  124  can be a lever (as shown in  FIGS. 3-8 ), with one or more pivot points (e.g.,  304  and  306 ). For instance, the post  120  may be pivotally coupled (at the lower pivot  304 ) to the actuator  124  near an end of the actuator  124 . Also, the actuator  124  may be pivotally coupled (at the upper pivot  306 ) to the body of the receiver  102  near a mid-point (or other mechanically advantageous point) on the actuator  124 , for instance. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , moving the actuator  124  a first direction retracts the post  120  away from the adapter  104  (e.g., the notch  122  of the adapter  104 ), disengaging from the adapter  104  and clearing the adapter  104 , allowing the adapter  104  to be removed from the receiver pocket  110 . The adapter  104  may also be inserted into the receiver pocket  110  with the post  120  retracted. This is the unlocked configuration of the catch mechanism  302 , including the actuator  124  and the post  120 . 
     In the example shown, moving the catch mechanism  302  into the unlocked configuration includes pressing on an upper portion of the actuator  124  (which may include a textured surface at the upper portion of the actuator  124  as an indication of an area to depress), which moves the upper portion of the actuator  124  toward the receiver  102  as the actuator  124  pivots on the upper pivot point  306 . This rotation of the actuator  124  causes the lower portion of the actuator  124  to move away from the receiver  102 , pulling the post  120  outward, at the lower pivot point  304 . Consequently, the post  120  moves away (i.e., retracts) from the adapter  104 , clearing the adapter  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , moving the actuator  124  a second direction extends the post  120 , engaging the adapter  104  (e.g., the notch  122  of the adapter  104 ) with the post  120 . The adapter  104  may not be removed from the receiver pocket  110  with the post  120  extended. This is the locked configuration of the catch mechanism  302 , including the actuator  124  and the post  120 . 
     In the example shown, moving the catch mechanism  302  into the locked configuration includes pivoting the actuator  124  on the upper pivot point  306  in an opposite direction and moving the upper portion of the actuator  124  away from the receiver  102 . This rotation of the actuator  124  causes the lower portion of the actuator  124  to move toward the receiver  102  at the lower pivot point  304 , and the post  120  moves toward the adapter  104  (i.e., extends), engaging the adapter  104 . 
     In one example, the post  120  and/or the actuator  124  may be spring-loaded, biased, or the like, such that moving the actuator  124  in the first direction loads the spring, and the actuator  124  and post  120  moves in the second direction, into the locked configuration, when the spring tension is released (e.g., when the actuator lever  124  is released). 
     In an implementation, the post  120  may include a ramped portion  308 , for instance, so that the adapter  104  can be inserted into the receiver  102  while in the locked configuration. For example, moving the adapter  104  against the ramped portion  308  (while the post  120  is extended) causes the post  120  to be moved out of the way of the adapter  104  (retracts the post  120 ), and puts the spring device (if present) of the post  120  into tension, until the adapter  104  is fully within the receiver pocket  110 . The spring-action of the post  120  (or a manual action by the user on the actuator  124 ) can move the post  120  back into its extended position, engaging the feature  122  of the adapter  104  once the adapter  104  is fully in place in the pocket  110 . 
     As shown at  FIGS. 2, 4, and 7-12 , as an option in some implementations, the duty mount assembly  100  may also include one or more lock covers  202  (e.g., secondary locks), configured to cover the actuator(s)  124  while in the locked position (with the post  120  extended), and to protect the actuators  124  from being accidentally or unintentionally moved to the unlocked position. (Implementations without lock covers  202  are shown at  FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6 .) 
     The lock covers  202  can partly or fully cover the actuators  124 , protecting the actuators  124  from unintentional contact, while the actuators  124  are in the locked configuration. For instance, the lock covers  202  may be pivotally or slideably coupled to the body of the receiver  102 , and may be moved into the covered position (as shown in  FIGS. 8, 10, and 12 ) when the adapter  104  is to be locked into the receiver pocket  110 . 
     In various examples, the lock covers  202  comprise a pivotally coupled rigid covering, and may include one or more features  402  (such as one or more teeth, ridges, grooves, and so forth) configured to engage a mating feature  404  (such as one or more matching teeth, ridges, grooves, and so forth) on a portion of the receiver  102 . The features  402  of the lock covers  202  may be engaged to the features  404  of the receiver  102  to secure the lock covers  202  into the locked position. For instance, the lock covers  202  may be snapped in place, or the like (as shown in  FIG. 8 , for example). 
     To remove the adapter  104  from the receiver  102 , the lock covers  202  (if present) are moved into the unlocked position (as shown in  FIGS. 7, 9, and 11 ). This may include disengaging the features  402  of the lock covers  202  from features  404  of the receiver  102 , for instance, and rotating, sliding, or otherwise moving the lock covers  202  out of the way of the actuators  124 . The actuators  124  may then be moved to the unlocked configuration (by applying a force to the upper portion of the actuators  124  (as shown in  FIG. 5 , for instance), which retracts the posts  120 , clearing the adapter  104  to be removed from the receiver  102 . In various embodiments, this locking method can work with passive and active catch mechanisms  302 , allowing for versatility in operation and application. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing an example of a holster (e.g., implement) mounted to a duty mount adapter  104 . As shown in the illustration, the lock covers  202  of the receiver  102  are in an unlocked (open) position, when present and according to an implementation. The adapter  104  may be engaged to the receiver  102 , as described above, while in this configuration. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing the example holster mounted to the duty mount adapter  104 , while the adapter  104  is locked into the receiver pocket  110 . The lock covers  202  of the receiver  102  and the catch mechanism  302  components are in the locked configuration. 
     The duty mount assembly  100  is discussed in terms of securing a holster, but the duty mount assembly  100  may be used to secure or mount any of various items, where secure mounting is 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. 
     In various implementations, components of the duty mount assembly  100  are comprised of various plastics, composites, metals, combinations of the same, or the like. For example, the receiver  102  and/or the adapter  104  may be comprised of a polyamide, or similar material. For example, the duty mount assembly  100  components may be injection molded, stamped, formed, or the like. In various embodiments, the duty mount assembly  100  components have rigidity and stability properties based on a particular material selected for the duty mount assembly  100  components. For example, some materials that may be used include styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s), polyolefin blends (TPE-o), elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), Thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, various metals and alloys, fiber composites, combinations of the same, and the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the stability properties are also based on a thickness of the duty mount assembly  100  components. 
     In various implementations, the duty mount assembly  100  may include fewer, more, or alternate components, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. In various embodiments, the shape and configuration of the duty mount assembly  100  components may vary to accommodate different implements or applications. In an example, the receiver  102  and/or the adapter  104  may be formed to closely fit a particular implement. In other examples, the receiver  102  and/or the adapter  104  may be more generally formed to fit multiple implements. 
     The illustrations of  FIGS. 1-12  are not intended to be limiting. In the various example embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-12 , the location and position of the components, locking mechanisms, and the like are for example only. Other locations and positions are contemplated and are within the scope of this disclosure. In some cases, additional or alternative components, techniques, sequences, or processes may be used to implement the techniques described herein. Further, the components and/or techniques may be arranged and/or combined in various combinations, while resulting in similar or approximately identical results. It is to be understood that a duty mount assembly  100  may be implemented as a stand-alone device or as part of another system (e.g., integrated with other components, such as a duty belt). In various implementations, additional or alternative components may be used to accomplish the disclosed techniques and arrangements. 
     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.