Patent Publication Number: US-11391539-B2

Title: Holster

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/087,532, filed Sep. 21, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,436,550, which is a National Stage Entry of PCT/US17/23631, filed Mar. 22, 2017, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/077,583, filed Mar. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,777,986, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/355,115, filed Jun. 27, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Weapon-mounted firearm accessories have become an important tool for military, police, militia, and civilian firearm users. Examples of popular firearm accessories include targeting devices, such as LASER sighting devices, and target illuminators, such as flashlights. Many handgun designs incorporate mounting rails for supporting these accessories. Using an accessory rail interface, a given accessory may be mounted to a variety of firearms or firearms platforms. Likewise, if a particular firearm includes a rail interface, a variety of accessories may be interchangeably mounted to the firearm. The interchangeability of accessories is of particular importance to military and law enforcement personnel attached to special operations units, as this allows a single firearm to be reconfigured to meet certain mission specific needs. 
     One accessory that is becoming rather ubiquitous is a handgun-mounted light or flashlight. These handgun-mounted lights typically attached to a mounting rail located forward of the trigger guard and are centered along the bore axis of the handgun. A weapon-mounted flashlight is useful to light both the surrounding environment as well as possible assailants using only a single hand. This frees the other hand to call the police or fend off an attacker, or alternatively allows a user to keep both hands on the gun for a more secure grip. 
     Handgun-mounted lasers may similarly be attached to an accessory rail parallel to the bore axis of a handgun. A weapon-mounted laser sighting system has several advantages. First, a laser can aid in shooting accuracy and speed, particularly in high pressure situations. Further, lasers can aid in shooting at night or indoors in poorly lit environments. Lasers can also be used to safely practice trigger control. Finally, lasers may work as an intimidating deterrent for would-be assailants. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment of the invention, holster system comprises a holster and an accessory configured to be fixed to a mounting rail of a handgun. The accessory having a lower downwardly facing surface and a pair of upwardly facing shoulders with lands positioned adjacent grooves of the mounting rail. The holster having a holster body having a pair of opposing wall portions defining an interior or cavity. Each wall portion having an inwardly projecting rib dividing the interior of the holster body into an upper first cavity portion and a lower second cavity portion, the second cavity configured as a form fitting accessory pocket. In embodiments, the first cavity portion dimensioned to universally receive slides and the body of various handgun makes and models in a spaced relationship from two sides and the top of the firearm. The holster body configured such that the second cavity portion receives the accessory so that a conforming engagement is formed between the accessory and the holster body. When a handgun with the accessory mounted thereto is inserted into the holster body, the accessory is engaged by the pair of inwardly projecting ribs and an upwardly facing surface of a bottom of the holster body engages the lower downwardly facing surface of the accessory. A stop surface fixed with respect to, or part of the holster body engages a forward facing surface of the accessory upon insertion of the handgun with accessory into the holster body thereby providing a seating position of the handgun and accessory in the holster body whereby the accessory and thus the handgun is constrained forwardly, upwardly, downwardly, to the port side, and to the starboard side. 
     In embodiments, a retention mechanism may be supported by the wall of the holster body. The retention mechanism having a blocking portion movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position so that the retention mechanism either prevents or allows the accessory attached to the handgun from being withdrawn from the interior of the holster body thus retaining the handgun in the holster. The blocking portion may be on a spring member biased to a blocking position and positioned to engage and block a rearward facing surface of the accessory. A sliding member configured as a flat thin bar or elongate thin plate on the port side of the holster has a thumb receiving portion and a cam surface configured as a ramp that engages cam follower surfaces on the spring member to move the spring member and blocking portion to the non-blocking position. A cam surface may alternatively engage a cam follower surface on the blocking portion. In embodiments, the blocking portion may also be urged to and/or locked in the blocking position when the handgun is pulled rearwardly, that is, in an outward or removal direction with respect to the holster. This may preclude the depression of the thumb receiving portion when the handgun is being pulled and at least inhibits the removal of the handgun from the holster when being so pulled rearwardly. Thus, a feature of embodiments is a handgun withdrawal inhibitor device that is effective to lock the release actuation mechanism in the blocking position upon a force urging the handgun rearwardly when the release actuation mechanism has not been manually actuated. In an embodiment, this feature is accomplished with a blocking member that is movable forwardly and rearwardly and that has a locking portion that engages a fixed surface to immobilize the blocking member when the firearm and/or accessory pushes the locking portion rearwardly before the locking portion has been moved out of the way of the firearm and/or accessory. The locking portion may be a ramped surface or a recess on the blocking portion. In embodiments the locking portion may be displaced from the blocking portion, for example disposed on the spring member to which the blocking portion is attached. In embodiments, the blocking member may engage conventional retention features on the holstered handgun such as the ejection port or trigger guard rather than an accessory. In embodiments, a depressing of the thumb release portion when the handgun is being pulled rearwardly will cause a bowing of the elongate spring member without causing movement of the blocking portion from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is the locking out of the release actuation mechanism where the handgun has been rearwardly displaced from a seating position before the release actuation mechanism is actuated. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is that thumb actuating release actuation mechanism is biased, such as by a spring, to a preactuation position and is automatically reset after withdrawal of the handgun. The handgun can be reholstered without manual reset of the retention mechanism or the release actuation mechanism. 
     In an embodiment, the accessory has a width less than or equal to the maximum width of the handgun. In an embodiment, the accessory has a height less than or equal to the height of the trigger guard of the handgun. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments include providing a universal holster system that allows a single holster to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun. In these embodiments, a weapon mounted accessory, such as a camera and/or a light, is used as the sole or primary interface with the holster. The holster partially encloses the handgun while leaving a predetermined clearance around the handgun. In embodiments, the clearance around the handgun allows a single holster system to be utilized with various makes and models of handguns. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments involves reducing or eliminating wear and tear on handgun surface finishes due to the fact that the holster cavity leaves clearance around the handgun. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is a thumb-actuated release actuation mechanism that selectively releases the retention mechanism when the user wishes to draw his or her weapon. The release actuation mechanism includes an elongate substantially flat plate sliding member and a blocking portion with cooperating sloped surfaces configured to cause deflection of the blocking portion when a thumb receiving portion on the sliding member is pressed downward. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is a thin, thumb-actuated release actuation mechanism that fits between the holster and a mounting plate defining one or more slots for receiving belts, straps, and the like. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is that the actuation receiving portion is in a position that is not readily accessible or visible to potential attackers. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is a thin, thumb-actuated release actuation mechanism configured such that pressing downward on a thumb receiving portion moves a blocking portion from a blocking position in which the blocking portion prevents the accessory from being withdrawn from the first cavity defined by the holster body to a non-blocking position in which the retention mechanism allows the accessory to be withdrawn from the first cavity. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is a holster with a capture mechanism with an elongate sliding planar bar extending from the thumb push button to the end of the bar with no motion transfer mechanisms or bends in the bar. Pressure from the thumb actuation is efficiently transferred to the cam surface to deflect the spring member and blocking portion. An integral cam surface positioned on the middle of the bar deflects the spring member for releasing the handgun. 
     In embodiments of the invention, the holster captures the accessory when the handgun with accessory in inserted into the holster to capture the accessory and handgun, the holster and accessory engagement constraining all freedom of motion of the accessory except freedom of motion in the insertion and withdrawal direction along a forward rearward axis of the handgun. The holster further providing a stop portion whereby the accessory seats in the slot and abuts the stop portion, the only freedom of motion of the accessory with respect to the holster is a linear withdrawal motion. A spring member configured as a leaf spring, is deflected by the accessory upon insertion of the handgun as it is seated; when the handgun is seated in the holster, a blocking portion of the spring member blocks the handgun from withdrawal there restricting any movement of the handgun with respect to the holster. 
     In embodiments of the invention, a slot defined by the holster structure captures the accessory when the handgun with accessory in inserted into the holster to capture the accessory and constrain all freedom of motion of the accessory and attached handgun. The slot defined by holster structure to engage a combination of corners and surfaces of the accessory to limit any freedom of motion of the accessory. The holster is form fit to the accessory to capture and constrains the holster accessory combination by exclusively or primarily capturing the accessory. The holster structure defining the slot may be part of side wall portions of the holster, with the side wall portions joined and unitary at the top and bottom of the holster thereby providing the sufficient strength and structural stability to the slot defined by the side wall portions to secure the holster accessory combination in the holster. 
     An advantage and feature of embodiments is an holster system having an accessory that is attachable to a multiplicity of different shaped handguns at the respective rails of the handguns, the accessory form fit to a holster, the holster not form fit to the multiplicity of different shaped handguns, and the holster being sized sufficient to have clearances with the multiplicity of different sized handguns whereby each of the handguns with the accessory attached receives and secures each handgun therein. 
     In embodiments of the invention, an accessory clamped to the handgun rail has a singular function of interfacing with the holster while maintaining a reduced profile. In particular, the “interface-only” accessory has the interface features of other accessories (e.g., camera, flashlight and/or laser that clamps to a rail but is of reduced size and/or weight. A holster that accommodates a specific flashlight design can accommodate the interface-only accessory attached to a handgun with an additional insert adaptor that seats into and is fixed within the accessory pocket of the holster body. The lower downwardly facing surface of the interface-only accessory slidingly engages the insert adaptor upon insertion and withdrawal of the handgun and seats on the insert adaptor when the firearm is fully holstered. In embodiments of the invention the holster body can be configured for the interface only accessory whereby the adaptor is not needed. In such a case the secondary pocket for the accessory will be reduced in size with pocket defined as extending from the bottom inside upwardly facing surface of the pocket to the inwardly projecting ribs that engage an upwardly facing surface of the clamp portion of the interface only accessory. The height of the pocket corresponding to the height of the accessory and in embodiments will be less than one half the height of the trigger guard. In embodiments, the height of the pocket will be less than 0.5 inches. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is automatic retention of the accessory (and therefore the handgun) upon insertion of the handgun/accessory combination into the holster. The system includes a blocking portion with a protrusion that engages a surface of the accessory. The protrusion extends through an aperture defined by the wall of the holster. The blocking portion includes a rearwardly facing face with a sloped surface configured to cause deflection of a cantilevered portion of the blocking portion member upon insertion of the handgun/accessory combination into the holster. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is a locking action which resists or prevents actuation of the release actuation mechanism while rearward forces are being applied to the handgun; for example, when an attacker is attempting to draw the user&#39;s weapon or when the user is running and jostling the holster and firearm. The blocking member of the system include a rearward facing ramp oriented such that the ramp engages a portion of the holster body at the aperture when the blocking portion is forced rearwardly such as when the handgun is pulled without the blocking member being moved out of position. The ramp engaging surface of the holster body applies a reaction force to the distal ramp. The reaction force has a lateral force component securing the blocking portion in the blocking position such that depression of the thumb receiving portion is resisted or prevented. The spring member and blocking portion may be attached to the holster body with some minimal forward backward movement, with respect to the holster body for example, less than 0.25 inches. In other embodiments the forward backward movement may be less than 0.125 inches. In embodiments the blocking portion may be slidably moveable on the spring member. The blocking portion may be biased toward a non-locking position. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments involves providing a holster that is capable of receiving handguns of various makes and models without requiring a user to make adjustments to the holster. The holster has sufficient clearance around each handgun to provide a multi-handgun fit. For example, a user can switch handguns in the middle of a three gun competition without removing the holster from his or her body so long as a predetermined accessory for which the holster is configured to receive and retain is attached to each handgun on the handgun rail. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments involves providing a holster capable of receiving a first handgun with a slide portion having a first shape and a second handgun with a slide portion having a second shape that is different from the first shape so long as the first and second handguns have an accessory with predetermined form that conforms to an accessory pocket in the holster. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is that the release actuation mechanism is actuated by the user&#39;s thumb rather than the user&#39;s index finger and that the actuation portion is narrow having the height and width of the elongate sliding member. 
     A feature and advantage of embodiments is that certain retention mechanism components are housed in a cavity defined by the elongate sliding member that actuates the retention mechanism and a wall portion of the holster. Specifically, the elongate spring member with the blocking portion and the spring that biases the elongate sliding member, are in said cavity. The cavity may be open downwardly to allow debris to exit the cavity. Moreover, the elongate sliding member is secured in a recess defined by a pair of guides or tracks extending forwardly and backwardly on the wall portion and is retained in position by a mounting plate or belt attachment member. 
     In an embodiment, a holster system is configured for receiving and releasably retaining differently configured handguns, each of the differently configured handguns having a mounting rail positioned below barrels of the differently configured handgun. The holster system comprises an accessory configured to be fixed to the mounting rail of the differently configured handguns. The accessory has a body with an upper clamp sized to grip the mounting rail, the upper clamp having a pair of shoulders, and each shoulder having an upwardly facing surface. The body further having a lower most downwardly facing surface below the shoulders. the holster system further including a holster body having a forward end and a rearward end, the holster body comprising a pair of opposing side wall portions  120 ,  122  defining a cavity with an open rearward end. The holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly. The holster body further having a pair of opposing ribs projecting inwardly from each of the opposing side wall portions. The ribs extending forwardly and rearwardly and defining a lower accessory receiving pocket in the cavity. The lower accessory receiving pocket being sized for a conforming fit with the accessory including engagement of the holster body with the pair of shoulders with the pair of ribs. The holster system further including a cover attached to one of the opposing sidewall portions, the cover defining a chamber having an opening that is covered by the one of the opposing sidewall portions. The holster system further including a retention mechanism supported by the wall of the holster body. The retention mechanism comprising an elongate spring member disposed inside the chamber defined by the cover. The elongate spring member extending rearwardly and having a blocking portion at the rearward end of the elongate spring member. The blocking portion swingable in a direction transverse to the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the accessory such that when the accessory is mounted on one of the differently configured handguns the accessory and handgun attached thereto is retained in the accessory receiving pocket when the blocking portion is in the blocking position and the accessory and handgun attached thereto may be withdrawn from accessory receiving pocket when the blocking portion is in the non-blocking position. The blocking portion being biased toward the blocking position and engageable with the accessory at one of the pair of shoulders of the accessory. The spring member and blocking portion being movable rearwardly with respect to the holster body when a holstered accessory and handgun attached thereto is moved rearwardly in a withdrawal motion with respect to the holster body and the blocking portion is in the blocking position whereby a rearward face of the blocking portion engages a portion of the holster body to at least inhibit the blocking portion from moving to the non-blocking position thereby retaining the handgun in the holster. 
     In an embodiment, the retention mechanism of the holster system further comprises a thumb actuated release actuation mechanism including an elongate sliding member extending along an exterior surface of one of the side wall portions. The elongate member having opposing ends with a thumb receiving portion at a rearward end thereof and having a protrusion that engages structure on the spring member positioned intermediate a forward end and the rearward end. In an embodiment, the protrusion and structure are configured to produce cantilevered bending of the spring member when the elongate member is slid forwardly and the blocking member is unconstrained thereby moving the blocking member in a direction outwardly with respect to the holster body from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. In an embodiment elongate sliding member engages the spring member forwardly of the blocking portion and when the handgun is moved rearwardly in a withdrawal motion with respect to the holster body and the blocking portion is in the blocking position depressing of the thumb receiving portion causes a bowing of the spring member while retaining the blocking portion in the blocking position. 
     In an embodiment, a holster system is configured for receiving a handgun having a forward rail below the barrel with an accessory secured thereto. The holster system comprising a holster body having a pair of opposing side wall portions defining an interior with an upper first cavity portion and a lower second cavity portion. In an embodiment, the first cavity portion is sized to receive a slide of the handgun and the second cavity portion is dimensioned to form fit the particular form of the accessory secured to the mounting rail of the handgun. In an embodiment, each of the first and second cavities are open at a rearward end for receiving and withdrawing the handgun and attached accessory in a forward and rearward direction. The holster system further including a cover attached to one of the opposing sidewall portions. The cover defining a chamber having an opening that is covered by the one of the opposing sidewall portions. The holster system further including a retention mechanism supported by the wall of the holster body. The retention mechanism comprising a spring member disposed inside the chamber defined by the cover. The spring member being secured with respect to the one of the opposing sidewall portions at a first end thereof and the spring member extending rearwardly along an exterior surface of the one of the opposing sidewall portions. The second end of the spring member being fixed to a blocking portion. The blocking portion being positioned at a aperture in the one of the opposing sidewall portions and movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the accessory when the accessory is in the second cavity portion. The retention mechanism further comprising an elongate sliding member extending along an exterior surface of the one of the side wall portions and slidable therealong. A first portion of the elongate member extending into the chamber defined by the cover. The first portion of the elongate member being sandwiched between the cover and the one of the side wall portions. The elongate member having opposing ends with a thumb receiving portion at a rearward end thereof and a protrusion that engages structure on the spring member positioned intermediate a forward end and the rearward end. The protrusion and structure producing cantilevered bending of the spring member when the elongate member is slid forwardly thereby moving the blocking member in a direction outwardly with respect to the holster body from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. 
     In an embodiment, a holster system is configured for receiving and releasably retaining differently configured handguns, each of the differently configured handgun having a mounting rail positioned below a barrel of the differently configured handgun with a predetermined accessory attached to the rail. The accessory having a vertical distance from the bottom surface of the accessory to the top surface of a pair of clamp portions. The holster system comprising a holster body having a forward end and a rearward end. The holster body comprising a pair of opposing side wall portions defining an interior with an open rearward end. The holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly. The holster body further having a pair of opposing ribs extending linearly forwardly and backwardly and projecting inwardly from each of the opposing side wall portions. The ribs being spaced from an upwardly facing bottom surface of the holster body a distance substantially equal to the vertical distance so that the pair of opposing side walls and the ribs defining a lower accessory receiving pocket in the interior. The holster system further comprising a cover attached to one of the opposing sidewall portions. The cover defining a chamber having an opening that is covered by the one of the opposing sidewall portions. The holster system further comprising a retention mechanism supported by the wall of the holster body. The retention mechanism comprising an elongate spring member connecting to a blocking portion. The elongate spring member being disposed in the chamber defined by the cover. The blocking portion movable in a direction transverse to the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the accessory such that when the accessory is mounted on one of the differently configured handguns the accessory and handgun attached thereto is retained in the accessory receiving pocket when the blocking portion is in the blocking position and the accessory and handgun attached thereto may be withdrawn from accessory receiving pocket when the blocking portion is in the non-blocking position, the blocking portion biased toward the blocking position. The retention mechanism further comprising a thumb actuated release actuation mechanism. The thumb actuated release actuation mechanism comprising an elongate member extending into the chamber defined by the cover. The elongate member being slidably supported by the cover and the one of the opposing sidewall portions. The elongate member having opposing ends with a thumb receiving portion at a rearward end thereof and having a protrusion that engages structure on the spring member positioned intermediate a forward end and the rearward end. The protrusion and the structure producing cantilevered bending of the spring member when the elongate member is slid forwardly thereby moving the blocking member in a direction outwardly with respect to the holster body from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. 
     In an embodiment, a holster system comprises a holster and an accessory configured to be fixed to a mounting rail of a handgun. The accessory includes an activator switch carried by a housing of the accessory. In an embodiment, the activator switch has a projecting portion biased into a projecting position, the projecting portion being movable out of the projecting position and into a depressed position. In an embodiment, the activator switch is operatively connected to a camera so that the camera is activated when the projecting portion is in the projecting position and is deactivated when the projecting portion is in the depressed position. In an embodiment, a surface of the holster body holds the projecting portion in the depressed position while the accessory is in a cavity defined by the holster body. The camera may be mounted in various locations. Examples of camera mounting locations include locations on the body of a person, locations on the holster, and locations on the handgun. The camera may be automatically activated upon withdrawal of the gun from the holster regardless of the location of the camera. In an embodiment, the accessory may comprise a camera and the system may include a retention mechanism having a blocking portion movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position so that the retention mechanism either prevents or allows the accessory attached to the handgun from being withdrawn from the interior of the holster body thus retaining the handgun in the holster. 
     “Portion” when used herein may refer to a discrete component or an integral part of a component that includes other portions. For example, “blocking portion” may be a separately formed component that is then subsequently attached to another component, such as a spring member. Or it may be the end of a single molded component that has the blocking function and a spring function. The above summary of the various representative features and aspects of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Rather, the various representative features and aspects are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles of certain aspects of the present invention. The figures in the detailed description that follows more particularly exemplify such aspects of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a universal holster system in accordance with the detailed description. 
         FIG. 2A  is a port side view showing the holster shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective cross-sectional view further illustrating the holster shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view showing a portion of an accessory fixed to a mounting rail of a handgun. 
         FIG. 3A  is a port side view showing the holster shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective cross-sectional view further illustrating the holster shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view showing a portion of an accessory fixed to a mounting rail of a handgun. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a portion of an accessory fixed to a mounting rail of a handgun and how it is received into a slot or pocket of a holster. 
         FIG. 5A  is an exploded perspective view of an assembly including a holster and a retention mechanism viewed from the port side. 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 5A  view from the starboard side. 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the holster body with the plate and elongate sliding member removed. 
         FIG. 6A ,  FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 6C  are a sequence of stylized front plan views illustrating the operation of a retention mechanism in accordance with the detailed description. 
         FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B  and  FIG. 7C  are a sequence of diagrams illustrating the forces acting on the ramp portion of the elongate spring member shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B  are stylized front plan views showing an elongate spring member of a retention mechanism in accordance with the detailed description.  FIG. 8C  is a diagram illustrating forces applied to the blocking portion  162  under circumstances such as the ones illustrate in  FIG. 8B  providing actuation lockout. 
         FIG. 8D  illustrates alternative actuation lockout configurations of the elongate spring member. 
         FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B  and  FIG. 9C  are a series of stylized front plan views illustrating a sequence of events occurring as an accessory attached to a handgun is inserted into a cavity defined by the wall of a holster. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating forces applied to the blocking portion of a retention mechanism during a sequence of events such as the events illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view showing a universal holster system in accordance with the detailed description. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view further illustrating the holster system shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded plan view illustrating a dummy accessory configured to be fixed to a mounting rail of a handgun. 
         FIG. 14  is a prior art copy of Military Standard MIL-STD-1913 (AR) of mounting rails.  FIGS. 15A through 15G  are several views showing an additional embodiment of a dummy accessory in accordance with the detailed description. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  are exploded perspective views depicting an additional embodiment of a holster assembly in accordance with the detailed description. 
         FIG. 16C  is a perspective view showing the holster assembly of  FIGS. 16A and 16B  in a partially assembled state. 
         FIG. 17A  is a port side elevation view of a holster. 
         FIG. 17B  is a port side perspective view of the holster of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17C  is a starboard side elevation view of the holster of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17D  is a starboard side perspective view of the holster of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17E  is a top view of the holster of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17F  is a bottom view of the holster of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIGS. 18A-18B  are stylized front plan views showing a spring member of a retention mechanism in accordance with the detailed description. 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  are exploded perspective views depicting an additional embodiment of a holster assembly in accordance with the detailed description. 
         FIG. 19C  is a perspective view showing the holster assembly of  FIGS. 19A and 19B  in a partially assembled state. 
         FIG. 20A  is a partially exploded perspective view further illustrating the holster assembly shown in  FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C . 
         FIG. 20B  is a perspective view showing a sliding member of a retention mechanism in accordance with the detailed description. The sliding member of  FIG. 20B  is also visible in the partially exploded perspective view of  FIG. 20A . 
         FIG. 21A  is a partially exploded perspective view further illustrating the holster assembly shown in  FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C . 
         FIG. 21B  is a perspective view showing a sliding member of a retention mechanism in accordance with the detailed description. 
         FIGS. 22A and 22B  are diagrams showing a beam B in a relaxed state and in a bowed state, respectively. 
         FIGS. 23A and 23B  are diagrams showing a beam C in a relaxed state and in a cantilevered bending, respectively. 
         FIGS. 24 through 24F  are perspective views showing the holster assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a holster system  100  in accordance with this detailed description. The holster system  100  of  FIG. 1  comprises a holster  102  and an accessory  104  configured to be fixed to a mounting rail  22  of a handgun  20 . The mounting rail may conform to Military Standard MIL-STD-1913 (AR) as shown in  FIG. 14 . In embodiments, the system may include the handgun  20 . The accessory  104  may comprise various types of accessories without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Examples of accessories that may be suitable in some applications include cameras, targeting devices, such as LASER sighting devices, and target illuminators, such as flashlights, and non-active mounting adaptors. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , accessory  104  comprises a light source. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the holster system  100  includes providing a universal holster system that allows a single holster to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun. In these embodiments, a predetermined weapon mounted accessory, such as a light, is used as the sole or primary interface with the holster. In embodiments, the holster partially encloses the handgun while leaving a predetermined clearance around the handgun. The clearance around the handgun allows a single holster system to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun as long as the handgun has the predetermined accessory. 
     The holster  102  has a holster body  148  having a wall  106  defining an interior or cavity  108 . The wall  106  of the holster body  148  includes a port side wall portion  120  and a starboard side wall portion  122 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a mounting plate  50  is fixed to the port wall portion  120  of the holster  102 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the mounting plate  50  defines a plurality of slots that may receive a belt, straps, and/or other retaining means. 
     In embodiments, the holster system  100  of  FIG. 1  includes a retention mechanism that is capable of selectively allowing and preventing withdrawal of the handgun  20  from the holster  102 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the retention mechanism includes an elongate sliding member  166  having a thumb receiving portion  168 . The sliding member  166  extends between the mounting plate  50  and the port side wall portion  120  of the holster in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . The sliding member  166  is slidingly supported by a port side wall portion  120  of the holster  102 . The state of the retention mechanism may be changed by applying a forward force to the thumb receiving portion  168  of the sliding member  166 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , orientations are keyed from the handgun in a normal firing position and are applicable to the holster throughout this application. An upward direction U and a downward or lower direction D are illustrated using arrows labeled “U” and “D,” respectively. A forward direction F and a rearward direction R are illustrated using arrows labeled “F” and “R,” respectively, in  FIG. 1 . A starboard direction S and a port direction P are illustrated using arrows labeled “S” and “P,” respectively. 
     Various direction-indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that many direction indicating terms are related to the instant orientation of the object being described. It will also be appreciated that the objects described herein may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, direction-indicating terms such as “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “forwardly,” “backwardly,” “portly,” and “starboardly,” should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims. 
       FIG. 2A  is a port side view showing the holster  102  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2B  is a perspective cross-sectional view further illustrating the holster shown in  FIG. 2A . The cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2B  was created by cutting holster  102  along section line B-B shown in  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 2C  is a perspective view showing a portion of an accessory  104  fixed to a mounting rail  22  of a handgun  20 . 
     The holster  102  has a holster body  148  with a wall  106  defining a cavity  108 . The wall  106  of the holster body  148  includes a port wall portion  120  and a starboard wall portion  122 . Each wall portion has an inwardly projecting track or rib  124 ,  124  dividing the cavity  108  into an upper first cavity portion  130  and a lower second cavity portion  132  configured as a conforming pocket. The rib extending inwardly from the port wall portion is shown in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 2B , a starboard rib  124  can be seen extending inwardly from the starboard wall portion  122 . For purposes of illustration, the starboard rib  124  is stippled with a pattern of dots in  FIG. 2B . 
     The first cavity portion  130  is dimensioned to receive a slide portion of the handgun  20  and the second cavity portion  132  is dimensioned to receive the accessory  104 . The holster body  148  is configured such that a conforming engagement is formed between the accessory  104  and the holster body  148  when the accessory  104  is received in the second cavity portion  132 . The first cavity portion  130  is dimensioned to be oversized to receive various handgun makes and models in a spaced relationship from three sides thereof. 
     In  FIG. 2B , a starboard ledge  126 B can be seen extending inwardly from the starboard wall portion  122 . For purposes of illustration, the starboard ledge  126 B is shaded with a pattern of dots in  FIG. 2B . The starboard ledge  126 A includes a starboard side stop surface  128 B that engages the accessory  104  upon insertion of the handgun  20  with the accessory  104  into the holster body  148 . The holster body  148  also includes a port ledge that is not visible in  FIG. 2 . The port ledge extends inwardly from the port wall portion  120 . The port ledge includes a port side stop surface. 
     The wall  106  of the holster body  148 , the rails, and the stop surfaces of the ledges establish a seating position of the accessory  104  whereby the accessory  104  and thus the handgun attached thereto is constrained forwardly, backwardly, downwardly, portly, and starboardly. A retention mechanism  160  is capable of selectively preventing and allowing movement of the accessory  104  in the rearward direction. A portion of the retention mechanism  160  is visible in  FIG. 2B . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the retention mechanism  160  is supported by the port wall portion  120  of the holster body  148 . 
     The retention mechanism  160  of  FIG. 2A  comprises a retention or blocking portion  162  movable between a retention or blocking position and a non-blocking position so that the retention mechanism  160  either prevents or allows withdrawal of the accessory  104  attached to the handgun  20  defined by the holster body  148  thus retaining the handgun  20  in the holster  102 . 
     In  FIG. 2B , the blocking portion  162  can be seen extending through an aperture  170  defined by the port wall portion  120 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the blocking portion  162  is on a spring member biased to a retention position. The blocking portion  162  is positioned to engage an upward facing surface of the accessory  104 . A sliding member  166  on the port side of the holster  102  engages the spring member for selectively deflecting the spring member to move the blocking portion  162  to the non-blocking position. 
       FIG. 3A  is a starboard side view showing the holster  102  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3B  is a perspective cross-sectional view further illustrating the holster shown in  FIG. 3A . The cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3B  was created by cutting holster  102  along section line B-B shown in  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3C  is a perspective view showing a portion of an accessory  104  fixed to a mounting rail  22  of a handgun  20 .  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3C  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 3 . 
     The holster  102  has a holster body  148  with a wall  106  defining a cavity  108 . The wall  106  of the holster body  148  includes a port wall portion  120  and a starboard wall portion  122 . Each wall portion has an inwardly projecting rib dividing the cavity  108  into an upper first cavity portion  130  and a lower second cavity portion  132 . The rib extending inwardly from the starboard wall portion  122  is not visible in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 3B , a port rib  124  can be seen extending inwardly from the port wall portion  120 . For purposes of illustration, the port rib  124  is shaded with a pattern of dots in  FIG. 3B . 
     The first cavity portion  130  is dimensioned to receive a slide portion of the handgun  20  and the second cavity portion  132  is dimensioned to receive the accessory  104 . The holster body  148  is configured such that a conforming engagement is formed between the accessory  104  and the holster body  148  when the accessory  104  is received in the second cavity portion  132 . The first cavity portion  130  is dimensioned to receive various handgun makes and models in a spaced relationship from three sides thereof. 
     In  FIG. 3B , a port ledge  126 A can be seen extending inwardly from the port wall portion  120 . For purposes of illustration, the port ledge  126 A is shaded with a pattern of dots in  FIG. 3B . The port ledge  126 A includes a port side stop surface  128 A that engages the accessory  104  upon insertion of the handgun  20  and the accessory  104  mounted thereto into the holster body  148 . The holster body  148  also includes a starboard ledge that is not visible in  FIG. 3 . The starboard ledge extends inwardly from the starboard wall portion  122 . The starboard ledge includes a starboard side stop surface. 
     The wall portions  120 ,  122  of the holster body  148 , the rails, and the stop surfaces of the ledges establish a seating position of the accessory  104  whereby the accessory  104  and thus the handgun attached thereto is constrained forwardly, backwardly, downwardly, portly, and starboardly. A retention mechanism  160  is capable of selectively preventing and allowing movement of the accessory  104  in the rearward direction. A portion of the retention mechanism  160  is visible in  FIG. 3B . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the retention mechanism  160  is supported by the port wall portion  120  of the holster body  148 . 
     The retention mechanism  160  of  FIG. 3  comprises a blocking portion  162  movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position so that the retention mechanism  160  either prevents or allows the accessory  104  attached to the handgun  20  from being withdrawn from the second cavity portion  132  defined by the holster body  148  thus retaining the handgun  20  in the holster  102 . 
     In  FIG. 3B , the blocking portion  162  can be seen extending through an aperture  170  defined by the port wall portion  120 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the blocking portion  162  is on a spring member biased to a retention position. The blocking portion  162  is positioned to engage an upward facing surface of the accessory  104 . A sliding member  166  on the port side of the holster  102  engages the spring member for selectively deflecting the spring member to move the blocking portion  162  to the non-blocking position. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a portion of an accessory  104  fixed to a mounting rail  22  of a handgun  20  by way of clamp portions  141 . The accessory  104  has a transverse cross-sectional shape  134  that is filled with a pattern of x-shaped marks in  FIG. 4 . The transverse cross-sectional shape  134  of the accessory  104  has a first fillet  136  and a second fillet  138  and a lower most downwardly facing surface  139 . The first fillet  136  of the cross-sectional shape  134  corresponds to a first convex surface  140  of the accessory  104 . The second fillet  138  of the cross-sectional shape  134  corresponds to a second convex surface  142  of the accessory  104 . 
     The transverse cross-sectional shape  134  of the accessory  104  also has a first corner  144  and a second corner  146 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the first corner  144  and the second corner  146  each have a convex outer surface. With reference to  FIG. 4 , it will be appreciated that first corner  144  has a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of first fillet  136 . It will also be appreciated that second corner  146  has a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of second fillet  138 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the accessory and where it interfaces with a portion of the holster  102 . The holster  102  has a holster body  148  with a wall  106  defining a cavity  108 . The wall  106  of the holster body  148  comprises a port wall portion  120  and a starboard wall portion  122 . In  FIG. 4 , a port rib  124  can be seen extending into the cavity  108  from the port wall portion  120 . A starboard rib  124  is shown extending into the cavity  108  from the starboard wall portion  122 . The cutting plane used to create the section view of  FIG. 4  passes through both the port rib  124  and the starboard rib  124 . The port rib  124  defines a first groove  150  and the starboard rib  124  defines a second groove  152 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the first groove  150  is defined by a concave surface of the starboard rib  124 . The second groove  152  is defined by a concave surface of the port rib  124 . When received in the slot or pocket, the freedom of motion of the accessory is limited to a forward and rearward motion due to the tight interface. 
     The port rib  124  and the starboard rib  124  divide the cavity  108  of the holster into a first cavity portion  130  and a second cavity portion  132 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , it will be appreciated that the second cavity portion  132  is partially defined by a first concave surface  154  of the wall  106  and a second concave surface  156  of the wall  106 . 
     For purposes of illustration, the transverse cross-sectional shape  134  of the accessory  104  is shown disposed in the second cavity portion  132  of  FIG. 4 . The transverse cross-sectional shape  134  is represented by a pattern of x-shaped marks in  FIG. 4 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the first concave surface  154  of the wall  106  is configured to mate with the first convex surface  140  of the accessory  104  and the second concave surface  156  of the wall is configured to mate with the second convex surface  142  of the accessory  104  when the accessory is received in the second cavity portion  132 . The first groove  150  is configured to receive the first corner  144  of the accessory  104  and the second groove  152  is configured to receive the second corner  146  of the accessory  104  when the accessory  104  is received in the second cavity portion  132 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A, 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C , a holster assembly  182  including a holster  102  with a retention mechanism  160  is depicted. The holster  102  having the holster body  148  with a port wall portion  120  and an opposite starboard wall portion  122 . The walls of the holster body defining the cavity  108 . The retention mechanism  160  primarily comprises a spring member  164  and elongate sliding member  166 . The sliding member is illustrated with a planar exterior surface  173  that may be flush with or recessed from the outer surfaces of the guides. The spring member  164  has a forward end  176 , a protrusion with a ramp  174  and a blocking portion  162 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the spring member  164  is in a relaxed state with no external forces acting on it. When the assembly  182  is in an assembled state, a holding member configured as a bracket  184  holds one end of the spring member  164  against the port wall portion  120  so that the spring member  164  may be deflected in a cantilevered fashion. In embodiments the spring member can be preloaded when attached to the side wall portion so that the blocking portion exerts some pressure against the wall portion at or proximate the aperture. A blocking portion  162  is disposed at an end of the elongate spring member opposite the bracket  184 . When the assembly  182  is in an assembled state, the blocking portion  162  extends through an aperture  170  defined by the port wall portion  120 . The bracket  184  is fixed to the port wall portion  120  using a screw  186 . The bracket or holding member  184  defines a slot  185  from which the spring member  164  extends. The spring member  164  may be movable forwardly and backwardly in the slot with the movement being limited by the tab  189  in the recess  190  of the bracket  184  with stop surfaces  191  and  192 . 
     An elongate sliding member  166  slidingly engages the port wall portion  120  of the holster body  148  on guides  187  that define a forward and backward extending recess or slot  194  that receives the sliding member. Ribs  195  on the bracket cooperate with grooves  196 ,  197  on the inside surface  198  of the elongate sliding member. A coil spring  188  extends between sliding member  166  and the bracket  184  when the assembly  182  is in an assembled state. The coil spring  188  is positioned to bias the sliding member  166  in a rearward direction. The spring may be anchored at other locations, for example, the tab  176  or a suitably positioned protrusion on the side wall portion, not shown. With reference to  FIG. 5 , it will be appreciated that assembly  182  includes a mounting plate  50 . When the assembly  182  is in an assembled state the mounting plate  50  is fixed to the port wall portion  120  of the holster  102 . The sliding member  166  extends between mounting plate  50  and the port wall portion  120  of the holster body  148  when the assembly  182  is in an assembled state. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the mounting plate  50  defines a plurality of slots that may receive a belt, straps, and/or other retaining means. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5A-5C and 6A-6C , components of and the operation of a retention mechanism  160  in accordance embodiments are illustrated. The retention mechanism  160  comprises a blocking portion  162  that is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position, and the elongate sliding member  166  including a cam portion  172 . A cross-sectional depiction of the cam-portion  172  is included in  FIG. 6A-6C . 
       FIG. 6A  shows the blocking portion  162  disposed in the blocking position with the blocking portion  162  extending through an aperture  170  defined by the port wall portion  120 . The blocking portion  162  can be seen contacting a rearwardly facing surface of the accessory  104  in  FIG. 6A . When the blocking portion  162  is in the blocking position, the accessory  104  is prevented from moving in a rearward direction R. 
     The retention mechanism  160  comprises spring member  164  having a forward end  176  with a tab  189 , a protrusion  175  with a ramp  174  and a blocking portion  162 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6A , the spring member  164  is in a normal state with no external forces acting on it. It may have a pretension, on attachment, inwardly so that the blocking member is well set in the aperture. In  FIG. 6A , the surface of the cam portion  172  is shown making initial contact with the surface of the ramp portion  174 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the spring member  164  may be deflected in a cantilevered fashion by moving the cam portion  172  in a downward direction D. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates the blocking portion  162  and the cam portion  172 . With the blocking portion  162  in the process of moving from the blocking position (shown in  FIG. 6A ) to the non-blocking position (shown in  FIG. 6C ). In the embodiment of  FIG. 6A-6C , the ramp portion  174  and the cam portion  172  are shaped and dimensioned such that forces applied to the ramp portion  174  by the cam portion  172  will cause the blocking portion  162  to move in a port direction P as the cam portion  172  is moved in a forward direction F. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6B , the cam portion  172  has been moved in a downward direction relative to the position of the cam portion  172  shown in  FIG. 6A . By comparing  FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 6A , it will be appreciated that the blocking portion  162  has moved in the port direction P. 
       FIG. 6C  shows the blocking portion  162  disposed in the non-blocking position. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6C , the cam portion  172  has moved further in the forward direction relative to the position of the cam portion  172  shown in  FIG. 6B . By comparing  FIG. 6C  with  FIG. 6B , it will be appreciated that the cam portion  172  slides along the surface of the ramp portion  174  as the cam portion  172  moves in the forward direction. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6C , the blocking portion  172  has moved in the port direction P a sufficient distance to reach the non-blocking position. When the blocking portion  162  is in the non-blocking position, the accessory  104  is free to move in the rearward direction R. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  are a sequence of diagrams illustrating the forces acting on the ramp portion  174  of the spring member  164  shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C . Each of these FIGS. include a cross-sectional depiction of the cam portion  172  shown in  FIG. 6 . The ramp portion  174  is also shown in in each of these FIGS. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C , a surface of the cam portion  172  is shown contacting a surface of the ramp portion  174  at a point of tangency. A tangent line TAN is shown extending through the point of tangency in  FIG. 7 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , the surface of the cam portion  172  acts on the surface of the ramp portion  174  with a slider force FS. The slider force FS may be resolved into a forwardly force component FF and a portward force component FP. In  FIG. 6 , a forward direction F and a port direction P are illustrated using arrows labeled “F” and “P,” respectively. The portward force component FP acts to deflect the spring member of the spring member  164  in a cantilevered fashion. 
     At  FIG. 7A , the surface of the cam portion  172  makes initial contact with the surface of the ramp portion  174  and begins to act on the ramp portion  174  with slider force FS. 
     At  FIG. 7B , the cam portion  172  has moved in the forward direction D relative to the position of the cam portion  172  shown in  FIG. 7A . As illustrated in the figures, the cam portion  172  slides along the surface of the ramp portion  174  as the cam portion  172  moves in the forward direction. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7C , the portward force component FP acts to deflect the spring member of the spring member  164  in a cantilevered fashion as the cam portion  172  slides along the surface of the ramp portion  174 . 
     At  FIG. 7C , the cam portion  172  has moved further in the forward direction F relative to the position of the cam portion  172  shown in  FIG. 7B . By comparing  FIG. 7C  with  FIG. 7B , it will be appreciated that the cam portion  172  slides along the surface of the ramp portion  174  as the cam portion  172  moves in the downward direction. In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the portward force component FP acts to deflect the spring member of the spring member  164  in a cantilevered fashion as the cam portion  172  slides along the surface of the ramp portion  174 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8B  are stylized front plan views showing a spring member  164  of a retention mechanism  160  in accordance with this detailed description. The spring member  164  includes a blocking portion  162  that is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8A , the blocking portion  162  is disposed in the blocking position and has a rearward facing face  177  and a forward facing face  178 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8A , it will be appreciated that the blocking portion  162  extends through an aperture  170  defined by the port wall portion  120  when the blocking portion  162  is disposed in the blocking position. The blocking portion  162  can be seen contacting a rearwardly facing surface of the accessory  104  in  FIG. 8A . When the blocking portion  162  is in the blocking position, the accessory  104  is prevented from moving in a rearward direction R. In  FIGS. 8A-8B , a rearward direction R, a forward direction F, and a starboard direction S are illustrated using arrows labeled R, F and S, respectively. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 8B , a rearwardly directed force RF has been applied to the accessory  104 . This may occur, for example, when an assailant is attempting to pull a police officer&#39;s handgun out of its holster or when the police officer is running. By comparing  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B , it will be appreciated that the application of the upwardly directed pulling force RF to the accessory  104  has caused the spring member  164  to move in the upward direction U so that an rearward surface  180  of the spring member  164  is contacting an edge surface of the port wall portion  120  that defines the aperture  170 . When this is the case, the edge surface of the port wall portion  120  provides a reaction force that stops the movement of the spring member  164 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8B , the rearward surface  180  of the spring member  164  is sloped so that the reaction force provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  120  will have a starboardly directed component. In some useful embodiments, the rearward surface  180  of the spring member  164  is oriented such that the starboardly directed component of the reaction force provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  120  resists or prevents release of the retention mechanism  160  while rearward or pulling forces are being applied to the handgun. 
       FIG. 8C  is a diagram illustrating forces applied to the blocking portion  162  under circumstances such as the ones illustrate in  FIG. 8B . The components of a reaction force FR provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  120  are illustrated in arrows in  FIG. 8C . In  FIG. 8C , the edge surface of the port wall portion  120  is shown contacting the rearward surface  180  of the spring member  164  at a point of tangency. A tangent line TAN is shown extending through the point of tangency in  FIG. 8C . As illustrated in  FIG. 8C , the reaction force FR provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  120  may be resolved into a downward force component FD and a starboard force component FT. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 8C , the surface  180  of the spring member  164  is sloped so that the reaction force FR provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  120  will has a starboardly directed component, such a starboard force component FT shown in  FIG. 8C . 
     In some useful embodiments, the rearward surface  180  of the spring member  164  is a locking surface that is oriented such that the starboardly directed component of the reaction force provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  120  urges the blocking portion to the blocking position. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 8C , the spring member  164  is part of the retention mechanism  160  having a locked state and an unlocked state. The blocking portion  162  is disposed in the blocking position when the retention mechanism  160  is in the locked state. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8C , starboard force component FT has a direction causing blocking portion  162  to resist movement of blocking portion  162  from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8D , blocking portion rearward facing face  178  has a recess  179  and a tab  183  to more positively lock out the release actuation mechanism when the firearm is urged rearwardly. These locking features may be displaced from the blocking portion, for example on an intermediate portion of the spring member, by way, for example, with a hook portion  193  integral with the spring member that engages a tab  199  that is fixed with respect to the holster body when the spring member moves forwardly. 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  are a series of stylized front plan views illustrating a sequence of events occurring as an accessory  104  attached to a handgun (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) is inserted into a cavity defined in part by a port wall portion  120  of a holster. The retention mechanism  160  also includes the accessory  104  and a spring member  164 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , a feature and advantage of the retention mechanism  160  is automatic retention of the accessory  104  (and therefore the handgun) upon insertion of the handgun/accessory combination into a holster. The retention mechanism  160  includes a spring member  164  with a blocking portion  162  that engages a surface of the accessory  104 . The blocking portion  162  includes a sloped or ramp surface  181  configured to cause deflection of the spring member  164  upon insertion of the handgun/accessory combination into the holster. In  FIG. 9A , the blocking portion  162  can be seen extending through an aperture  170  defined by the port wall portion  120 . 
     In  FIG. 9A , a downward facing surface or corner of the accessory  104  is shown making initial contact with a sloped surface of the blocking portion  162  as the accessory  104  is inserted into the cavity defined in part by a port wall  120  of a holster. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9A , the spring member  164  is in a normal state. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the spring member  164  may be deflected in a cantilevered fashion by moving the accessory  104  in a forward direction D. The forward direction is illustrated with an arrow labeled “F” in  FIG. 9 . Additionally, a rearward direction R and a port direction P are illustrated using arrows labeled “R” and “P,” respectively. As the accessory is moved in the forward direction, the accessory  104  acts on the sloped surface of the blocking portion  162  to urge the blocking portion  162  in the port direction. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates the position of the blocking portion  162  after the accessory  104  has moved further in the downward direction relative to the position of the accessory  104  shown in  FIG. 9A . With reference to  FIG. 9B , it will be appreciated that movement of the accessory  104  in the downward direction has caused deflection of the spring member  164 . The blocking portion  162  can be seen contacting a side surface of accessory  104  in  FIG. 9B . 
       FIG. 9C  is a stylized front plan view showing the blocking portion  162  disposed in the blocking position. With reference to  FIG. 9C , it will be appreciated that the blocking portion  162  extends through an aperture  170  defined by the port wall portion  120  when the blocking portion  162  is disposed in the blocking position. The blocking portion  162  can be seen contacting an upwardly facing surface of the accessory  104  in  FIG. 9C . When the blocking portion  162  is in the blocking position, the accessory  104  is prevented from moving in the rearward direction R. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating forces applied to the blocking portion  162  during a sequence of events such as the events illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9C . In  FIG. 10 , the accessory  104  is shown contacting the sloped surface of the blocking portion  162  at a point of tangency. A tangent line TAN is shown extending through the point of tangency in  FIG. 10 . An accessory force FA applied to the sloped surface of the blocking portion  162  is illustrated using an arrow in  FIG. 10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the accessory force FA may be resolved into a downward force component FD and a port force component FP. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the port force component FP acts to deflect the spring member of the spring member  164  in a cantilevered fashion as a downward facing surface of the accessory  104  slides along the sloped surface of the blocking portion  162 . The blocking portion  162  moves in a portward direction as the spring member of the spring member  164  is deflected. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , a universal holster system  200  comprises a holster  202  and an interface only dummy accessory  298  configured to be fixed to a mounting rail  22  of a handgun  20 . The “dummy” accessory may be nonfunctional, other than being an interface-only accessory. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the holster system  200  includes providing a universal holster system that allows a single holster to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun with minimal size and weight accessory. In these embodiments, dummy accessory  298 , is used as the sole or primary interface with the holster. The holster partially encloses the handgun while leaving a predetermined clearance around the handgun. The clearance around the handgun allows a single holster system to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun. 
     The dummy accessory may interface with the ribs of the holster body at the accessory&#39;s shoulders at the clamp portions as described in the embodiments associated with  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     The holster  202  of the holster system  200  has a holster body  248  having a wall  206  defining a cavity  208 . The holster system  200  also includes an adaptor  292  that is configured to be received in the cavity  208  defined by the wall  206  of the holster body  248 . The adaptor  292  defines a pocket  290  that is dimensioned to receive the dummy accessory  298  by the bottom facing surface  302  engaging the upwardly facing surface  303  of the adaptor  292 . The dummy accessory  298  includes a main portion  294  and a cap  296 . The cap  296  may be fixed to the main portion  294  using a plurality of screws. The mounting rail  22  of the handgun  20  may be clamped between the cap  296  and the main portion of the dummy accessory  298 . 
     The adaptor  292  is disposed inside the cavity  208  defined by the wall  206  of the holster body  248 . The adaptor  292  may be fixed to the wall  206  of the holster body  248 , for example, with one or more screws. In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , a portion of a handgun  20  with a dummy accessory  298  fixed thereto has been inserted into the cavity  208  defined by the wall  206  of the holster body  248 . In  FIG. 12 , the dummy accessory  298  can be seen resting in the pocket  290  defined by the adaptor  292 . 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded plan view illustrating a dummy accessory  298  configured to be fixed to a mounting rail  22  of a handgun  20 . The dummy accessory  298  includes a main portion  294  and a cap  296 . The accessory has two clamp portions  306 ,  308  with one clamp portion  306  integral with the body  309  of the accessory and the other clamp portion  308  movable and tightenable with respect to the body  309 . The cap  296  may be fixed to the main portion  294  using a plurality of screws  311 . The mounting rail  22  of the handgun  20  may be clamped between the cap  296  and body portion of the dummy accessory  298 . 
     In embodiments, the accessory  104 ,  309 , has a maximum width, taken in a port-starboard direction of W 1 . The maximum width of the handgun is illustrated as dimension W 2 . In embodiments, the dimension of W 2  is greater than W 1 . In embodiments, the handgun has a maximum slide width of dimension W 3  and the maximum width of the dimension W 1  of the accessory is no more than 20% greater than the maximum width dimension of the slide. 
     In embodiments, the accessory has a maximum height dimension H 1 , and the slide has a maximum height dimension H 2 , and H 1  is 30% or less than H 2 . In other embodiments, H 1  is 40% or less of H 2 . In other embodiments, H 1  is 25% or less of H 2 . 
     In embodiments the handgun trigger guard has a maximum height dimension of H 3  and H 1  is 30% or less of H 3 . In other embodiments H 1  is 40% or less of H 3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15A  through  FIG. 15G , an additional embodiment of a dummy accessory is depicted.  FIG. 15A  through  FIG. 15G  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 15 . The dummy accessory of  FIG. 15  may form part of universal holster system in accordance with this detailed description. The universal holster system may include the dummy accessory and a holster having a retention mechanism. The dummy accessory of  FIG. 15  is configured to be fixed to a mounting rail of a handgun. The dummy accessory of  FIG. 15  may be nonfunctional, other than being an interface-only accessory. A feature and advantage of embodiments of a holster system in accordance with this detailed description includes providing a universal holster system that allows a single holster to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun with an accessory having minimal size and weight. In these embodiments, the dummy accessory is used as the sole or primary interface with the holster. The holster partially encloses the handgun while leaving a predetermined clearance around the handgun. The clearance around the handgun allows a single holster system to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun.  FIG. 15A  is a top view of the accessory.  FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the accessory.  FIG. 15C  is a front side view of the accessory.  FIG. 15D  is a port side view of the accessory.  FIG. 15E  is a rear side view of the accessory.  FIG. 15F  is a starboard side view of the accessory.  FIG. 15G  is a bottom view of the accessory. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C , an additional embodiment of a holster assembly  382  is depicted. The holster assembly  382  may be used with a handgun while an interface only dummy accessory, such as the dummy accessory shown in  FIG. 15A  through  FIG. 15G  is fixed to a mounting rail of the handgun. The holster assembly  382  includes a holster  302  and a retention mechanism  360 . The holster  302  has a holster body  348  with a port wall portion  320  and an opposite starboard wall portion  322 . The walls of the holster body  348  define a cavity  308 . The retention mechanism  360  primarily comprises a spring member  364  and elongate sliding member  366 . The spring member  364  has a forward end  376 , a protrusion with a ramp  374 , a blocking portion  362 , and a tab  389 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 16A and 16B , the spring member  364  is in a relaxed state with no external forces acting on it. 
     When the assembly  382  is in an assembled state, a forward portion of the spring member  364  is held between the port wall portion  320  and the elongate sliding member  366  so that the spring member  364  may be deflected in a cantilevered fashion. In embodiments the spring member  364  can be preloaded when attached to the side wall portion so that the blocking portion exerts some pressure against the wall portion at or proximate the aperture. A blocking portion  362  is disposed at an end of the elongate spring member opposite the forward end  376 . When the assembly  382  is in an assembled state, the blocking portion  362  extends through an aperture  370  defined by the port wall portion  320 . The port wall portion  320  defines a slot  385  from which the spring member  364  extends. The spring member  364  may be movable forwardly and backwardly in the slot  385  with the movement being limited by the tab  389  which is disposed between a first stop surface of a first stop member  391  and a second stop surface of a second stop member  392 . 
     An elongate sliding member  366  slidingly engages the port wall portion  320  of the holster body  348  on guides  387  that define a forward and backward extending recess or slot  394  that receives the sliding member. Ribs  395  on the port wall portion  320  cooperate with grooves  396 ,  397  on the inside surface  398  of the elongate sliding member  366 . 
     A coil spring  388  extends between sliding member  366  and a spring pocket defined by the port wall portion  320  when the assembly  382  is in an assembled state. The coil spring  388  is positioned to bias the sliding member  366  in a rearward direction. With reference to  FIG. 16A  and  FIG. 16B , it will be appreciated that assembly  382  includes a mounting plate  50 . When the assembly  382  is in an assembled state the mounting plate  50  is fixed to the port wall portion  320  of the holster  302 . The sliding member  366  extends between mounting plate  50  and the port wall portion  320  of the holster body  348  when the assembly  382  is in an assembled state. In the embodiment of  FIG. 16A  and  FIG. 16B , the mounting plate  50  defines a plurality of slots that may receive a belt, straps, and/or other retaining means. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17A  through  FIG. 17F , an additional embodiment of a holster is depicted.  FIG. 17A  through  FIG. 17F  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 17 . The holster of  FIG. 17  may form part of universal holster system in accordance with this detailed description. The universal holster system may include a dummy accessory and a holster having a retention mechanism. The dummy accessory may be configured to be fixed to a mounting rail of a handgun. The dummy accessory may be nonfunctional, other than being an interface-only accessory. A feature and advantage of embodiments of a holster system in accordance with this detailed description includes providing a universal holster system that allows a single holster to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun with an accessory having minimal size and weight. In these embodiments, the dummy accessory is used as the sole or primary interface with the holster. The holster partially encloses the handgun while leaving a predetermined clearance around the handgun. The clearance around the handgun allows a single holster system to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun.  FIG. 17A  is a port side elevation view of a holster.  FIG. 17B  is a port side perspective view of the holster of  FIG. 17A .  FIG. 17C  is a starboard side elevation view of the holster of  FIG. 17A .  FIG. 17D  is a starboard side perspective view of the holster of  FIG. 17A .  FIG. 17E  is a top view of the holster of  FIG. 17A .  FIG. 17F  is a bottom view of the holster of  FIG. 17A . 
       FIGS. 18A-18B  are stylized front plan views showing a spring member  564  of a retention mechanism  560  in accordance with this detailed description.  FIG. 18A  and  FIG. 18B  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 18 . The spring member  564  includes a blocking portion  562  that is normally movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. In the embodiment of  FIG. 18A , the blocking portion  562  is disposed in the blocking position and has a rearward facing face  577  and a forward facing face  578 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 18A , it will be appreciated that the blocking portion  562  extends through an aperture  570  defined by the port wall portion  520  when the blocking portion  562  is disposed in the blocking position. The blocking portion  562  can be seen contacting a rearwardly facing surface of the accessory  504  in  FIG. 18A . When the blocking portion  562  is in the blocking position, the accessory  504  is prevented from moving in a rearward direction R. In  FIG. 18 , a rearward direction R, a forward direction F, and a starboard direction S are illustrated using arrows labeled R, F and S, respectively. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , a rearwardly directed force RF has been applied to the accessory  504 . This may occur, for example, when an assailant is attempting to pull a police officer&#39;s handgun out of its holster. With reference to  FIG. 18 , it will be appreciated that the application of the upwardly directed pulling force RF to the accessory  504  is causing a rearward facing surface  577  of the spring member  564  to contact an edge surface of the port wall portion  520  that defines the aperture  570 . When this is the case, the edge surface of the port wall portion  520  provides a reaction force that stops the movement of the spring member  564 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the rearward facing surface  577  of the spring member  564  is sloped so that the reaction force provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  520  will have a starboardly directed component. In some useful embodiments, the rearward facing surface  577  of the spring member  564  is oriented such that the starboardly directed component of the reaction force provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  520  resists or prevents release of the retention mechanism  560  while rearward or pulling forces are being applied to the handgun (and thus the accessory  504 ). 
     The spring member  564  of  FIG. 18  is part of a retention mechanism  560 . The retention mechanism  560  also comprises a sliding member including a cam portion  572 . A cross-sectional depiction of the cam portion  572  is included in  FIG. 18A  and  FIG. 18B . In  FIG. 18A , the surface of the cam portion  572  is shown making contact with the surface of the ramp portion  574  of the spring member  564 . During normal operation of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18 , the spring member  564  may be deflected in a cantilevered fashion by moving the cam portion  572  in a forward direction F. In the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , however, the rearward facing surface  577  of the spring member  564  is oriented such that the starboardly directed component of the reaction force provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  520  resists or prevents release of the retention mechanism  560  while rearward or pulling forces (such as force RF) are being applied to the handgun (and thus the accessory  504 ). 
     The blocking portion  562  and the cam portion  572  can be seen in both  FIG. 18A  and  FIG. 18B . By comparing  FIG. 18B  and  FIG. 18A , it will be appreciated that the blocking portion  562  has moved in the port direction P the cam portion  572  has been moved in a downward direction relative to the position of the cam portion  572  shown in  FIG. 18A . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 18B , the forces applied to the ramp portion  574  by the cam portion  572  have not caused the blocking portion  562  to move in a port direction P as the cam portion  572  is moved in a forward direction F. Instead, the forces applied to the ramp portion  574  by the cam portion  572  as the cam portion  572  is moved in the forward direction F have caused the spring member  564  to deflect or bow. 
     In some useful embodiments, the spring member  564  is dimensioned and configured so that forces applied to the ramp portion  574  by the cam portion  572  as the cam portion  572  is moved in the forward direction F cause the spring member  564  to deflect or bow rather than bending in a cantilevered fashion while rearward or pulling forces are being applied to the handgun (and thus the accessory  504 ). In an embodiment, the rearward facing surface  577  of the spring member  564  is oriented such that the starboardly directed component of the reaction force provided by the edge surface of the port wall portion  520  prevents the blocking member  562  from being moved in a port direction P. The spring member  564  deflects or bows rather than bending in a cantilevered fashion that moves the blocking member  562  in a port direction. The fact that moving the sliding member in the forward direction fails to unlock the handgun may confuse an assailant who is attempting to pull a police officer&#39;s handgun out of its holster. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C , a holster assembly  582  including a holster  502  with a retention mechanism  560  is depicted.  FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 19 . The holster  502  has a holster body  548  with a port wall portion  520  and an opposite starboard wall portion  522 . The walls of the holster body define a cavity  508 . The retention mechanism  560  primarily comprises a spring member  564  and elongate sliding member  566 . The spring member  564  has a forward end  576 , a protrusion with a ramp  574  and a blocking portion  562 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , the spring member  564  is in a relaxed state with no external forces acting on it. When the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state, a cover  555  holds one end of the spring member  564  against the port wall portion  520  so that the spring member  564  may be deflected in a cantilevered fashion. A blocking portion  562  is disposed at an end of the elongate spring member opposite the forward end  576 . When the assembly  582  is in an assembled state, the blocking portion  562  extends through an aperture  570  defined by the port wall portion  520 . The cover  555  is fixed to the port wall portion  520  using a first screw  586 A and a second screw  586 B. Theort wall portion  520  includes a plurality of protrusions  512 A,  512 B,  512 C, and  512 D that define a slot  585  from which the spring member  564  extends. The cover  555  defines a chamber  514 . When the assembly  582  of  FIG. 19  is in an assembled state, the cover  555  is fixed to the port wall portion  520 . The chamber  514  defined by the cover  555  has an opening that is covered by the port wall portion when the assembly  582  of  FIG. 19  is in an assembled state The cover  555  may be fixed to the port wall portion  520 , for example, using the first screw  586 A and the second screw  586 B. 
     The retention mechanism  560  is supported by the wall of the holster body  548  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The elongate spring member  564  of the retention mechanism  560  is disposed in the chamber  514  defined by the cover  555  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The elongate spring member  564  is secured with respect to the port sidewall portion  520  at a first end thereof when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The second end of the elongate spring member  564  fixed to a blocking portion  562 . The blocking portion is positioned at an aperture  570  in the port sidewall portion  520  and is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the port side wall portion  520 . The retention mechanism  560  further comprises an elongate sliding member  566  extending along an exterior surface of the port sidewall portion  520  and slidable therealong when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. A first portion of the elongate sliding member  566  extends into the cavity defined by the cover  555  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The first portion of the elongate sliding member  566  is sandwiched between the cover  555  and the port side wall portion  580  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. A coil spring  588  is positioned between the sliding member  566  and the port wall portion  520  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The coil spring  588  is positioned to bias the sliding member  566  in a rearward direction. 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , it will be appreciated that assembly  582  includes a mounting plate  50 . When the assembly  582  is in an assembled state the mounting plate  50  is fixed to the port wall portion  520  of the holster  502 . The cover  555  is disposed between the mounting plate  50  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The sliding member  566  extends between cover  555  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The sliding member  566  extends between mounting plate  50  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. In the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , the mounting plate  50  defines a plurality of slots that may receive a belt, straps, and/or other retaining means. 
       FIG. 20A  is a partially exploded perspective view further illustrating the holster assembly  582  shown in  FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C .  FIG. 20B  is a perspective view showing a sliding member  566  of a retention mechanism  560  in accordance with the detailed description. The sliding member  566  of  FIG. 20B  is also visible in the partially exploded perspective view of  FIG. 20A .  FIG. 20A  and  FIG. 20B  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 20 . The holster assembly  582  comprises a holster  502  having a holster body  548  with a port wall portion  520  and an opposite starboard wall portion  522 . The walls of the holster body  548  define a cavity  508 . 
     When the assembly  582  of  FIG. 20  is in an assembled state, the cover  555  is fixed to the port wall portion  520 . The cover  555  defines a chamber  514 . The chamber  514  defined by the cover  555  has an opening that is covered by the port wall portion  520  when the assembly  582  of  FIG. 20  is in an assembled state The cover  555  may be fixed to the port wall portion  520 , for example, using a first screw  586 A and a second screw  586 B. A retention mechanism  560  is supported by the wall of the holster body  548  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The retention mechanism  560  comprises an elongate spring member  564  that is disposed in the chamber  514  defined by the cover  555 . The spring member is secured with respect to the one of the port sidewall portion  520  at a first end thereof when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. 
     The retention mechanism  560  primarily comprises a spring member  564  and elongate sliding member  566 . The spring member  564  has a forward end  576 , a protrusion with a ramp  574  and a blocking portion  562 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , the spring member  564  is in a relaxed state with no external forces acting on it. When the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state, the cover  555  holds one end of the spring member  564  against the port wall portion  520  so that the spring member  564  may be deflected in a cantilevered fashion. A blocking portion  562  is disposed at an end of the elongate spring member  564  opposite the forward end  576 . When the assembly  582  is in an assembled state, the blocking portion  562  extends through an aperture  570  defined by the port wall portion  520 . The cover  555  is fixed to the port wall portion  520  using a first screw  586 A and a second screw  586 B. 
     The elongate spring member  564  extends rearwardly along an exterior surface of the port sidewall portion  520  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The second end of the spring member  564  fixed to the blocking portion  562 . The blocking portion  562  is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the port side wall portion  520 . The retention mechanism  560  further comprises an elongate sliding member  566  extending along an exterior surface of the port sidewall portion  520  and slidable therealong when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. A first portion of the elongate sliding member  566  extends into the cavity defined by the cover  555  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The first portion of the elongate sliding member  566  is sandwiched between the cover  555  and the port side wall portion  580  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. A coil spring  588  is positioned between the sliding member  566  and the port wall portion  520  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The coil spring  588  is positioned to bias the sliding member  566  in a rearward direction. 
     With reference to  FIG. 20 , it will be appreciated that assembly  582  includes a mounting plate  50 . When the assembly  582  is in an assembled state the mounting plate  50  is fixed to the port wall portion  520  of the holster  502 . The cover  555  is disposed between the mounting plate  50  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The sliding member  566  extends between cover  555  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The sliding member  566  extends between mounting plate  50  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. In the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , the mounting plate  50  defines a plurality of slots that may receive a belt, straps, and/or other retaining means. 
       FIG. 21A  is a partially exploded perspective view further illustrating the holster assembly  582  shown in  FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C .  FIG. 21B  is a perspective view showing a sliding member  566  of a retention mechanism  560  in accordance with the detailed description. The sliding member  566  of  FIG. 21B  is also visible in the partially exploded perspective view of  FIG. 21A .  FIG. 21A  and  FIG. 21B  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 21 . The holster assembly  582  comprises a holster  502  having a holster body  548  with a port wall portion  520  and an opposite starboard wall portion  522 . The walls of the holster body  548  define a cavity  508 . 
     When the assembly  582  of  FIG. 21  is in an assembled state, the cover  555  is fixed to the port wall portion  520 . The cover  555  defines a chamber  514 . The chamber  514  defined by the cover  555  has an opening that is covered by the port wall portion  520  when the assembly  582  of  FIG. 21  is in an assembled state The cover  555  may be fixed to the port wall portion  520 , for example, using a first screw  586 A and a second screw  586 B. A retention mechanism  560  is supported by the wall of the holster body  548  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The retention mechanism  560  comprises an elongate spring member  564  that is disposed in the chamber  514  defined by the cover  555 . The spring member is secured with respect to the one of the port sidewall portion  520  at a first end thereof when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. 
     The retention mechanism  560  primarily comprises a spring member  564  and elongate sliding member  566 . The spring member  564  has a forward end  576 , a protrusion with a ramp  574  and a blocking portion  562 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 21 , the spring member  564  is in a relaxed state with no external forces acting on it. When the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state, the cover  555  holds one end of the spring member  564  against the port wall portion  520  so that the spring member  564  may be deflected in a cantilevered fashion. A blocking portion  562  is disposed at an end of the elongate spring member  564  opposite the forward end  576 . When the assembly  582  is in an assembled state, the blocking portion  562  extends through an aperture  570  defined by the port wall portion  520 . The cover  555  is fixed to the port wall portion  520  using a first screw  586 A and a second screw  586 B. 
     The elongate spring member  564  extends rearwardly along an exterior surface of the port sidewall portion  520  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The second end of the spring member  564  fixed to the blocking portion  562 . The blocking portion  562  is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the port side wall portion  520 . The retention mechanism  560  further comprises an elongate sliding member  566  extending along an exterior surface of the port sidewall portion  520  and slidable therealong when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. A first portion of the elongate sliding member  566  extends into the cavity defined by the cover  555  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The first portion of the elongate sliding member  566  is sandwiched between the cover  555  and the port side wall portion  580  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. A coil spring  588  is positioned between the sliding member  566  and the port wall portion  520  when the holster assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The coil spring  588  is positioned to bias the sliding member  566  in a rearward direction. 
     With reference to  FIG. 21 , it will be appreciated that assembly  582  includes a mounting plate  50 . When the assembly  582  is in an assembled state the mounting plate  50  is fixed to the port wall portion  520  of the holster  502 . The cover  555  is disposed between the mounting plate  50  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The sliding member  566  extends between cover  555  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. The sliding member  566  extends between mounting plate  50  and the port wall portion  520  of the holster body  548  when the assembly  582  is in an assembled state. In the embodiment of  FIG. 21 , the mounting plate  50  defines a plurality of slots that may receive a belt, straps, and/or other retaining means. 
       FIGS. 22A and 22B  are diagrams showing a beam B. In the embodiment of  FIG. 22A , the beam B is in a relaxed state with no external forces acting on it other than its own weight and forces from supports that are bearing the weight of the beam B. In the embodiment of  FIG. 22B , beam B is bowing to the application of a force BFF. 
       FIGS. 23A and 23B  are diagrams showing a beam C. In the embodiment of  FIG. 23A , the beam C is in a relaxed state with no external forces acting on it other than its own weight and forces from a support that is bearing the weight of the beam C. In the embodiment of  FIG. 23B , beam C is exhibiting cantilevered bending to the application of a cantilevered bending force CBF. 
       FIGS. 24 through 24F  are perspective views showing the holster assembly  582  described above. Forward and starboard facing sides of the holster assembly  582  are visible in  FIG. 24 . Forward and portward facing sides of the holster assembly  582  are visible in  FIG. 24 . Rearward and portward facing sides of the holster assembly  582  are visible in  FIG. 24C . Rearward and starboard facing sides of the holster assembly  582  are visible in  FIG. 24D . Upward and portward facing sides of the holster assembly  582  are visible in  FIG. 24E . Downward and starbard facing sides of the holster assembly  582  are visible in  FIG. 24F . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19A through 24F , a holster assembly  582  including a holster  502  with a retention mechanism  560  is depicted. In an embodiment, a holster assembly  582  is configured for receiving and releasably retaining differently configured handguns, each of the differently configured handguns having a mounting rail positioned below barrels of the differently configured handgun. The holster assembly  582  comprises an accessory configured to be fixed to the mounting rail of the differently configured handguns. The accessory has a body with an upper clamp sized to grip the mounting rail, the upper clamp having a pair of shoulders, and each shoulder having an upwardly facing surface. The body further having a lower most downwardly facing surface below the shoulders. The holster assembly  582  further including a holster body  548  having a forward end and a rearward end, the holster body  548  comprising a pair of opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522  defining a cavity  508  with an open rearward end. The holster body  548  having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly. The holster body  548  further having a pair of opposing ribs projecting inwardly from each of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The ribs extending forwardly and rearwardly and defining a lower accessory receiving pocket in the cavity  508 . The lower accessory receiving pocket being sized for a conforming fit with the accessory including engagement of the holster body  548  with the pair of shoulders with the pair of ribs. The holster assembly  582  further including a cover  555  attached to one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 , the cover  555  defining a chamber  514  having an opening that is covered by the one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The holster assembly  582  further including a retention mechanism  560  supported by the wall of the holster body  548 . The retention mechanism  560  comprising an elongate spring member  564  disposed inside the chamber  514  defined by the cover  555 . The elongate spring member  564  extending rearwardly and having a blocking portion  562  at the rearward end of the elongate spring member  564 . The blocking portion  562  swingable in a direction transverse to the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the accessory such that when the accessory is mounted on one of the differently configured handguns the accessory and handgun attached thereto is retained in the accessory receiving pocket when the blocking portion  562  is in the blocking position and the accessory and handgun attached thereto may be withdrawn from accessory receiving pocket when the blocking portion  562  is in the non-blocking position. The blocking portion  562  being biased toward the blocking position and engageable with the accessory at one of the pair of shoulders of the accessory. The elongate spring member  564  and blocking portion  562  being movable rearwardly with respect to the holster body  548  when a holstered accessory and handgun attached thereto is moved rearwardly in a withdrawal motion with respect to the holster body  548  and the blocking portion  562  is in the blocking position whereby a rearward face of the blocking portion  562  engages a portion of the holster body  548  to at least inhibit the blocking portion  562  from moving to the non-blocking position thereby retaining the handgun in the holster. 
     In an embodiment, the retention mechanism  560  of the holster assembly  582  further comprises a thumb actuated release actuation mechanism including an elongate sliding member  566  extending along an exterior surface of one of the side wall portions. The elongate member having opposing ends with a thumb receiving portion at a rearward end thereof and having a protrusion that engages structure on the elongate spring member  564  positioned intermediate a forward end and the rearward end. In an embodiment, the protrusion and structure are configured to produce cantilevered bending of the elongate spring member  564  when the elongate member is slid forwardly and the blocking member is unconstrained thereby moving the blocking member in a direction outwardly with respect to the holster body  548  from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. In an embodiment elongate sliding member  566  engages the elongate spring member  564  forwardly of the blocking portion  562  and when the handgun is moved rearwardly in a withdrawal motion with respect to the holster body  548  and the blocking portion  562  is in the blocking position depressing of the thumb receiving portion causes a bowing of the elongate spring member  564  while retaining the blocking portion  562  in the blocking position. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 19A through 24F , in an embodiment, the holster assembly  582  is configured for receiving a handgun having a forward rail below the barrel with an accessory secured thereto. The holster assembly  582  comprising a holster body  548  having a pair of opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522  defining an interior with an upper first cavity portion and a lower second cavity portion. In an embodiment, the first cavity portion is sized to receive a slide of the handgun and the second cavity portion is dimensioned to form fit the particular form of the accessory secured to the mounting rail of the handgun. In an embodiment, each of the first and second cavities are open at a rearward end for receiving and withdrawing the handgun and attached accessory in a forward and rearward direction. The holster assembly  582  further including a cover  555  attached to one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The cover  555  defining a chamber  514  having an opening that is covered by the one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The holster assembly  582  further including a retention mechanism  560  supported by the wall of the holster body  548 . The retention mechanism  560  comprising an elongate spring member  564  disposed inside the chamber  514  defined by the cover  555 . The elongate spring member  564  being secured with respect to the one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522  at a first end thereof and the elongate spring member  564  extending rearwardly along an exterior surface of the one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The second end of the elongate spring member  564  being fixed to a blocking portion  562 . The blocking portion  562  being positioned at a aperture in the one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522  and movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the accessory when the accessory is in the second cavity portion. The retention mechanism  560  further comprising an elongate sliding member  566  extending along an exterior surface of the one of the side wall portions and slidable therealong. A first portion of the elongate member extending into the chamber  514  defined by the cover  555 . The first portion of the elongate member being sandwiched between the cover  555  and the one of the side wall portions. The elongate member having opposing ends with a thumb receiving portion at a rearward end thereof and a protrusion that engages structure on the elongate spring member  564  positioned intermediate a forward end and the rearward end. The protrusion and structure producing cantilevered bending of the elongate spring member  564  when the elongate member is slid forwardly thereby moving the blocking member in a direction outwardly with respect to the holster body  548  from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 19A through 24F , in an embodiment, the holster assembly  582  is configured for receiving and releasably retaining differently configured handguns, each of the differently configured handgun having a mounting rail positioned below a barrel of the differently configured handgun with a predetermined accessory attached to the rail. The accessory having a vertical distance from the bottom surface of the accessory to the top surface of a pair of clamp portions. The holster assembly  582  comprising a holster body  548  having a forward end and a rearward end. The holster body  548  comprising a pair of opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522  defining an interior with an open rearward end. The holster body  548  having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly. The holster body  548  further having a pair of opposing ribs extending linearly forwardly and backwardly and projecting inwardly from each of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The ribs being spaced from an upwardly facing bottom surface of the holster body  548  a distance substantially equal to the vertical distance so that the pair of opposing side walls and the ribs defining a lower accessory receiving pocket in the interior. The holster assembly  582  further comprising a cover  555  attached to one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The cover  555  defining a chamber  514  having an opening that is covered by the one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The holster assembly  582  further comprising a retention mechanism  560  supported by the wall of the holster body  548 . 
     The retention mechanism  560  comprising an elongate spring member  564  connecting to a blocking portion  562 . The elongate spring member  564  being disposed in the chamber  514  defined by the cover  555 . The blocking portion  562  movable in a direction transverse to the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the accessory such that when the accessory is mounted on one of the differently configured handguns the accessory and handgun attached thereto is retained in the accessory receiving pocket when the blocking portion  562  is in the blocking position and the accessory and handgun attached thereto may be withdrawn from accessory receiving pocket when the blocking portion  562  is in the non-blocking position, the blocking portion  562  biased toward the blocking position. The retention mechanism  560  further comprising a thumb actuated release actuation mechanism. The thumb actuated release actuation mechanism comprising an elongate member extending into the chamber  514  defined by the cover  555 . The elongate member being slidably supported by the cover  555  and the one of the opposing side wall portions  520 ,  522 . The elongate member having opposing ends with a thumb receiving portion at a rearward end thereof and having a protrusion that engages structure on the elongate spring member  564  positioned intermediate a forward end and the rearward end. The protrusion and the structure producing cantilevered bending of the elongate spring member  564  when the elongate member is slid forwardly thereby moving the blocking member in a direction outwardly with respect to the holster body  548  from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. 
     The holster body and other parts of the holster system may be formed of injection molded polymers or composite construction. Generally the holster body and other parts of the holster system will be rigid materials with some resilience. Polyamides (e.g., nylon), polyethylenes, polyurethanes, and epoxies, may be suitable for example; such may be reinforced with glass, carbon or other fiber materials. Other materials may also be suitable, for example, some components could be formed from a metallic material or a composite construction-polymer and metal. 
     The following United States patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein in accordance with MPEP 2163.07(B) include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,918,784, 6,112,962, 6,267,279, 6,547,111, 6,641,009, 7,937,880, 7,434,712, 7,461,765, 7,556,181, 7,694,860, 7,841,497, 7,954,971, 8,132,355, 8,177,108, 8,235,263, 8,474,670, 8,517,235, 8,690,032, 8,720,755, 8,985,412, 9,057,579, 9,057,580, and 9,134,093. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized with embodiments herein. 
     The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. 
     All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. 
     Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. 
     Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.