Holster with handgun detent means

• US 5,810,222 A
• Filed: 09/27/1996
• Issued: 09/22/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Randy R. Shoemaker
• Original Assignee: Randy R. Shoemaker
• Inventors: Shoemaker, Randy R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Walczak, David J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MAUST, TIMOTHY LEWIS
• Application Number:
  US08/721,839
• Time in Patent Office: 725 Days
• Field of Search: 224/192, 224/243, 224/244, 224/245, 224/911, 224/912
• US Class Current: 224/244
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 33/0227 having a strap or other restraining element only covering the hammer or a part of the upper part of the small arm
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 33/0263 having a locking system for preventing unauthorized or accidental removal of the small arm from the holster F41C33/0227 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 224/911 Handgun holder formed of leather, fabric, or other flexible material

Abstract

A handgun holster has detent features, preferably confronting detent jaws mounted on inside surfaces of the holster adapted to be displaced by the trigger guard of a handgun upon insertion of the handgun, then to move into engagement with the trigger guard to present detent force to resist handgun withdrawal. Substantial resistance is provided to withdrawal by an unauthorized person positioned in front of or to the rear of the person carrying the holster. Spacing between detent jaws may be provided by adjustable spacer mounting assemblies mounted between the holster sides.

Claims

1. In a holster having inner and outer sides, an open top, and means for connection with a user, for a handgun having a handle and a trigger guard:

handgun detent means in the holster and comprising at least one detent jaw having a surface inclined to the direction of insertion of the handgun into the holster, whereby said at least one detent jaw is displaced by the trigger guard and then engages the trigger guard to provide a detent action against withdrawal of the handgun from the holster,

spacer mounting means between the holster inner and outer sides to mount the at least one detent jaw and to space apart the holster sides,

said spacer mounting means being quickly adjustable exteriorly in length for selective adjustment of the spacing between the holster inner and outer sides,

whereby the handgun is withdrawable from the holster upon exertion of normal force in the general direction of the handgun barrel axis, and increased resistance is presented to handgun withdrawal in directions inclined forwardly or rearwardly relative to the handgun barrel axis.

2. A holster according to claim 1, wherein:

the increased resistance to handgun withdrawal is provided by a binding engagement between the at least one detent jaw and an upper front portion of the holster when attempt is made to withdraw the handgun in a direction forwardly of a user, and the increased resistance is produced by binding between said at least one detent jaw and a portion of the holster adjacent to the trigger guard when withdrawal is attempted in the direction rearwardly of the user.

3. A holster according to claim 1, wherein:

said spacer mounting means comprise at least one spacer mounting threaded assembly comprising a threaded screw and a threaded female receptacle for adjustment of the spacing between the holster inner and outer sides.

4. A holster according to claim 3, and further including:

a resilient tubular member disposed about the at least one spacer mounting assembly to provide a resilient spring action to maintain close engagement of the threaded assembly with the holster sides.

5. A holster according to claim 4, wherein:

said resilient tubular member has an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the spacer mounting assembly for compression and extension thereof to accommodate adjustment in the length of the spacer mounting assembly to maintain close engagement of the spacer mounting assembly with the holster sides.

6. A holster according to claim 4, wherein:

said resilient tubular member cushions engagement between the trigger guard and the upper spacer mounting assembly.

7. A holster according to claim 1, wherein:

said spacer mounting means comprise upper and lower spacer mounting assemblies, each comprising a threaded screw and a threaded female receptacle for adjustment of the spacing between the holster inner and outer sides.

8. A holster according to claim 7, wherein said threaded screw and receptacle each have an enlarged retaining portion to retain the assembly relative to exterior surfaces of the holster sides.

9. A holster according to claim 7, and further including:

a resilient tubular member disposed about each of the upper and lower spacer mounting assemblies.

10. A holster according to claim 9, wherein each of the tubular members has an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the spacer mounting assembly for compression and extension thereof to accommodate adjustment in the length of the spacer mounting means to maintain close engagement of the spacer mounting means with the holster sides.

11. A holster according to claim 1, and further including:

a resilient tubular member disposed about the spacer mounting means to provide a resilient spring action to maintain close engagement of the threaded assembly with the holster sides.

12. A holster according to claim 11, wherein:

said resilient tubular member has an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the spacer mounting means for compression and extension thereof to accommodate adjustment in the length of the spacer mounting means to maintain close engagement of the spacer mounting means with the holster sides.

13. A holster according to claim 11, wherein:

said resilient tubular member cushions engagement between the trigger guard and the upper spacer mounting assembly.

14. A combination according to claim 1, wherein:

two detent jaws are mounted in confronting relation in said pocket, one on each of said inner and outer holster sides.