Patent Publication Number: US-9404710-B1

Title: Holster for a handgun

Description:
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/510,616 filed Jul. 22, 2011. 
     BACKGROUND 
     (1) Field 
     The present inventions relate generally to handgun holsters and, more particularly, to holsters designed to carry a handgun inside the waistline. 
     (2) Related Art 
     Holsters for handguns are known in the art. Most commonly they are designed for carrying handguns externally, e.g., as seen in  FIG. 1 . In many situations, however, external carry is not ideal. For example, for those wishing to be discrete, for concealed carry, for backup carry, for off-duty police officers, for intelligence organizations, for military Special Forces, etc., it may be desirable to carry the handgun inside the waistline. 
     Others have attempted to develop carrying systems for carrying handguns inside the waistline with little success. Applicants have successfully developed holsters for comfortably and securely carrying handguns inside the waistline (see e.g. commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/946,405, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference). Despite the many benefits of Applicants&#39; related technology, re-holstering often requires the removal of the holster and two handed interface of handgun to holster. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a new and improved holster for a handgun which includes the benefits of Applicants&#39; related technology while, at the same time, provides easier and more secure re-holstering. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present inventions is directed to, inter alia, holsters and methods of making holsters. In one embodiment, the holster includes a body-interface-surface (BIS) having a body-side (BS) and a handgun-side (GS). A rigid mold is interfaced with the BIS. A gun-lock region is configured that may move toward the channel of the rigid mold, may allow compression of the BIS and/or may be sufficiently rigid as to develop a positive retention of the handgun in the holster, when the holster is positioned on a wearer&#39;s beltline. A clip may additionally be interfaced with the rigid mold. 
     In another embodiment, a method of forming a holster comprises sandwiching at least three layers together to form a BIS, facing one side of the BIS toward a body-side (BS), facing one side of the BIS toward a gun-side (GS), including a compression layer, attaching a rigid mold, and creating a positive gun-retention channel between the ridged mold and the BIS. A clip may be attached to the rigid mold. 
     Accordingly, one aspect of the present inventions is to provide a holster for carrying a handgun inside a wearer&#39;s beltline, the holster including (a) a body-interface-surface (BIS) having a body-side (BS) and a gun-side (GS), wherein the BIS has a flexibility sufficient to mold to the wearer&#39;s body, and wherein the BIS has a surface area larger than the side profile of the handgun; and (b) a rigid mold defining a channel for receiving the handgun, the rigid mold interfaced with the GS of the BIS forming a gun-lock region. 
     Another aspect of the present inventions is to provide a holster for carrying a handgun inside a wearer&#39;s beltline, the holster including (a) a body-interface-surface (BIS) having a body-side (BS), a gun-side (GS), and a compression layer, wherein the BIS has a flexibility sufficient to mold to the wearer&#39;s body and wherein the BIS has a surface area larger than the side profile of the handgun; and (b) a rigid mold defining a channel for receiving the handgun, the rigid mold interfaced with the GS of the BIS forming a gun-lock region. 
     Still another aspect of the present inventions is to provide a holster for carrying a handgun inside a wearer&#39;s beltline, the holster including (a) a body-interface-surface (BIS) having a body-side (BS), a gun-side (GS), and a compression layer, wherein the BIS has a flexibility sufficient to mold to the wearer&#39;s body and wherein the BIS has a surface area larger than the side profile of the handgun; (b) a rigid mold defining a channel for receiving the handgun, the rigid mold interfaced with the GS of the BIS forming a gun-lock region; and (c) a clip interfaced with the rigid mold. 
     The above summary is intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present inventions. Embodiments will be set forth in more detail in the figures and detailed description below. It will be apparent, however, that the detailed description is not intended to limit the present inventions, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a prior art handgun holster; 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a handgun holster constructed according to the present inventions; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of one embodiment of the inventions shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of one embodiment of the inventions shown in  FIG. 2  with a cut away view of the BIS; 
         FIG. 5  shows another side view of one embodiment of the inventions shown in  FIG. 2  with a cut away view of the BIS; 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of one embodiment of the inventions shown in  FIG. 2  with a cut away view of the BIS; 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of one embodiment of the inventions shown in  FIG. 2  with a handgun holstered; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a close up cut away view of the trigger area of the embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 7  with a handgun holstered; and 
         FIG. 7B  shows a close up cut away view of the trigger area of the embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 7  as the handgun is manipulated for release from the holster. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 
     Referring now to the drawings in general and  FIG. 1  in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the inventions and are not intended to limit the inventions thereto. As best seen in  FIG. 2 , a holster for a handgun, generally designated  10 , is shown constructed according to the present inventions. Holster  10  includes a body-interface-surface (BIS)  12  and a rigid mold  14 . Holster  10  may further include a clip  16  interfaced with the rigid mold  14 . 
     BISs may vary from embodiment to embodiment, but typically include body-side (BS)  12   a  (see e.g.  FIG. 4 ) and a gun-side (GS)  12   b . BSs are configured to face the wearer&#39;s body, while GSs are configured to face the handgun. 
     BISs have a flexibility sufficient to mold to the wearer&#39;s body. The BIS may mold around the hip, the rear of the hip, the front of the hip, the small of the back, the front of the waist, etc. A variety of materials may have sufficient flexibility to achieve the desired mold. BISs may have a surface area larger than the side profile of the handgun  15  (the function of the surface area is further discussed below). 
     BISs will typically include a BS-layer  12   a , a GS-layer  12   b , and a compression layer  12   c  positioned between BS-layer and GS-layer (see e.g.  FIG. 4 ). In typical embodiments, BS-layers have a thickness of about 0.5 to about 3.0 mm, more typically about 1.2 mm. GS-layers have a thickness of about 0.5 to about 3.0 mm, more typically about 1.4 mm. Compression layers have a thickness of about 0.5 to about 3.0 mm, more typically about 2 mm. Thickness of the layers, and overall thickness of the BIS contributes to the ability of the current holster to both mold to the wearer&#39;s body and to allow for carrying inside the waist band. If the BIS becomes too thick then it may become resistant to molding to the wearer&#39;s body and/or may become too thick for insertion inside the waist band of wearer, preventing successful and comfortable concealed carry. 
     Typically, the BS-layer includes leather, more typically, leather having a suede finish. Applicants have discovered that in the particular configuration and construction of holsters of the invention, the coefficient of friction of suede against the body, e.g., a wearer&#39;s skin or clothing is sufficient to greatly contribute to the overall stability of the platform. Materials having similar coefficients of friction are also considered suitable. The BS-layer may cover the complete BS-side to any selvedge, creating a smooth uniform surface layer. Typically, the GS-layer includes leather, but other materials may also be suitable. 
     In most embodiments, the GS of the BIS is substantially, e.g., greater than 50%, or entirely, e.g., greater than 90%, formed by the GS-layer. Somewhat similarly, in most embodiments, the BS of the BIS is substantially, e.g., greater than 50%, or entirely, e.g., greater than 90%, formed by the BS-layer. 
     In many embodiments, compression layer  12   c  is formed from neoprene, e.g., about 2 mm thick and backed on each side with nylon. Varying from embodiment to embodiment, compression layers typically have a surface area of at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% and at least 99% of the side profile of the handgun. Somewhat similarly, compression layers may have a surface area of at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% and at least 99% of the BS-layer. Even more typically, compression layers will cover the complete BIS, e.g. to the selvedge, creating a smooth uniform layer. 
     Compression layers typically provide at least two functions. For example, they cushion the user from the handgun to allow for comfortable carrying. Additionally, they may allow the handgun&#39;s shape to define a compression with the BIS, thereby increasing the holster&#39;s purchase on the handgun and stability while being carried. 
     Materials used in construction of the BIS may vary from embodiment to embodiment, so long as desired function is maintained. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , holsters also include a rigid mold, e.g., mold  14 . Mold  14  is typically interfaced with the GS of the BIS, e.g. with side flanges for mounting. Rigid molds typically have a height  14   a  sufficient to cover at least one of ¼, ⅓ or ½ or more of the height of the side profile of the handgun. As shown, rigid mold  14  includes an outside surface  14   b  having a rigidity sufficient to maintain its own shape when a handgun is not contained in the channel, e.g. the shape of a partial handgun. A variety of materials, e.g. polymers, may be used to create a mold having the sufficient rigidity. By way of example, a polycarbonate may be used for making the mold  14 . The rigid mold defines, at least in part a channel  20  (see e.g.  FIG. 4 ). 
     In this example, channel  20  is defined at its outside surface by rigid mold  14  and at its inside surface by the flexible GS layer  12   b . In other examples, channels may be formed at their inside surface by other materials, e.g., polymers having more or less flexibility than the rigid mold  14 . Accordingly, in some examples, the rigid mold will not include an inner surface, e.g., it will be substantially arch shaped as illustrated in  FIG. 4  or may further include a liner. 
     As illustrated primarily in  FIGS. 6, 7, 7A and 7B , holster  10 , may also include a gun-lock region. The gun-lock region may include/be defined by the BIS or a portion of the BIS (for example, the GS), the channel  20  and/or the rigid mold  14 . The gun-lock region may be configured so that the GS of the BIS moves toward the channel  20  of the rigid mold when the holster is positioned on a wearer&#39;s beltline. In many examples, the movement toward channel  20  of the GS generates a force sufficient to retain the handgun when the holster is positioned on a wearer&#39;s beltline (as placing the holster on the body generates the movement inward of the GS sufficient to create the force) and, wherein the gun-lock region does not generate a force sufficient to retain the handgun when not on a wearer&#39;s beltline. The result is a system that allows for comfortable and secure carrying of a handgun. The handgun can be withdrawn with force by the user but will remain secured by, inter alia, the gun-lock region during carrying. 
     Alternatively, the gun-lock region may be formed not by movement toward channel  20  of the GS  12   b , but may be defined by GS  12   b  opposing mold  14  in a manner to create positive retention of the handgun by securing the handgun firmly between the mold  14  and GS  12   b . By way of example, the compression layer  12   c  may allow the GS  12   b  to compress toward the wearer, away from the channel  20 , or the BIS may maintain a position in order to accommodate the handgun while maintaining the positive retention of the holster  10  when the handgun is placed into the channel  20 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the mold  14  may include one or more retention bumps  42  (see e.g.  FIGS. 7A and 7B ). The one or more retention bumps  42  may take on various shapes or locations to accommodate the design of different caliber handguns, handgun body styles and/or handgun accessories. The one or more retention bumps  30  typically are structured from depressions  30 , so as to interface with depressions or projections on the handgun body, such as the trigger guard  40 . The one or more retention bumps  42  may interface with the handgun so as to lock the handgun in place within the channel  20 . The mold  14  and the GS  12   b  may typically be rigid enough to securely hold the handgun within the holster  10 . Retention bumps  42  correspond to depressions/protrusions  30  mimicking the contour of the body of the handgun. By way of example, a depression  30  may be structured so as to contour retention bump  42  to correspond to a trigger guard  40  on a handgun, as best seen in  FIG. 7A . 
     In operation, to unlock a secured handgun from the holster  10 , a twisting motion allows the wearer to unlock and withdraw the handgun with one-handed operation. The wearer is able to grasp the handgun by placing their thumb between the holster and the grip and then slightly twisting the grip toward the wearer&#39;s body. The compression layer  12   c  may give enough toward the wearer&#39;s body and away from the channel  20 , to allow the wearer a smooth draw from within the holster  10 . In embodiments where the GS  12   b  is moving toward the channel  20 , the twist may be enough to allow the wearer to release and retract the handgun from the holster. 
     In other embodiments, the wearer may twist the grip toward the body in order to release the trigger guard (see e.g.  FIG. 7B, 44   a  and  44   b ) or other handgun part  40  from the retention bump  42 . As best seen in  FIG. 7A , the trigger guard  40  nestles into the retention bump  42 . The BIS compresses enough to allow the slight twisting of the handgun  44   a ,  44   b  by the wearer and release of the trigger guard  40  as seen in  FIG. 7B . By unlocking the handgun with the twisting motion, the positive retention force is released, enabling the wearer a smooth draw. Therefore, the holster  10  allows the handgun to be holstered with one-handed operation, secures the handgun without the need for a strap and prevents accidental removal or the firearm, while still allowing twistable release and retraction of the handgun with one-handed operation. 
     Clip  16  is interfaced with the rigid mold, as best seen in  FIG. 3 . Any clip having a size and rigidity suitable for affixing a holster as described herein inside of a wearer&#39;s pants may be sufficient. In some embodiments, the angle α of the clip&#39;s positioning may be adjusted to facilitate the carrying of the holster in different positions, typical α angles will be chosen from about 0 to about 30 degrees. 
     In some examples, the rigid mold may include at least a first plane at the outside of the rigid mold  14   a . In some examples, the outside of the rigid mold may include a series of planes at progressively outward positions. At least one clip  16  may be located on a portion of the rigid mold that protrudes outwardly from a first plane at the outside of the rigid mold  14   a . The clip  16  may interface with the mold  14  at a second plane outwardly located from the first plane ( FIGS. 4-6 ). 
     The above described holster allows for the secure and stable carrying of a handgun inside a wearer&#39;s waistline. It allows for surprisingly discrete, comfortable and stable carry due to the construction of the holster. Further, holsters of the inventions allow for improved access to a handgun because Applicants&#39; holsters allow for handguns to be carried without the need for a latch or snap on the holster. Others will no doubt observe other advantages. 
     Inventions also include methods of forming a holster for carrying a handgun inside a wearer&#39;s beltline. In typical embodiments, a method comprises sandwiching at least three layers together to form a BIS; attaching an rigid mold to the BIS; and attaching a clip to the rigid mold. The at least three layers, the BIS, the rigid mold, and the clip can be any of those described above. Methods typically include attaching selvedge to the edge of the three layers, e.g., to secure the sandwich structure. 
     Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the general claims are expressed. 
     Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein, and every number between the end points. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g. 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10, as well as all ranges beginning and ending within the end points, e.g. 2 to 9, 3 to 8, 3 to 9, 4 to 7, and finally to each number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 contained within the range. Additionally, any reference referred to as being “incorporated herein” is to be understood as being incorporated in its entirety. It is further noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. 
     Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.