Electronically activated holster

• US 5,828,301 A
• Filed: 09/11/1996
• Issued: 10/27/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Micro Identification, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Micro Identification, Inc.
• Inventors: Sanchez, Luis R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Pope, Daryl C.
• Application Number:
  US08/712,008
• Time in Patent Office: 776 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539, 340/506, 340/511, 340/568, 340/571, 340/572, 340/573, 340/665, 340/668, 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 340/825.34, 70/57.1, 70/61, 70/256, 224/244, 224/245
• US Class Current: 340/539.1
• 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 33/029 combined with electronic devices, e.g. GPS

Abstract

An electronically activated holster that releasably secures a weapon to the holster. A locking mechanism releases the weapon upon receiving an electrical signal generated when certain conditions are present. These predetermined conditions are selected by a user and these inputs can be sensed with photosensitive devices attached to the holster that detect bar codes on a user'"'"'s hand or glove so that a predetermined pattern can be read and conveyed to a control circuit, such as a central processing unit. In turn, the control circuit records the event and causes the locking mechanism to release the weapon if the necessary conditions are present. Alternatively, an ultrasonic transmitter can be worn by a user in a wristband and a cooperative receiver on the holster designed to be activated when a predetermined proximity is achieved. An alarm output is provided to visually or audibly broadcast a violated condition. Optionally, a transmitter is incorporated to the holster to broadcast the condition of the alarm and a remotely placed receiver is used to monitor the broadcast. Another input is supplied by a general positioning system that ascertains the location of the holster at selected times, stores it, and/or broadcasts it. An input/output port permits exchange of data and instructions to and from the control circuit.

Claims

1. A holster for releasably holding a weapon upon the occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions, comprising:

a) control circuit means including memory means for storing instructions and data;

b) at least one input sensor means having an output connected to said control circuit means and said input means sensing a plurality of conditions including said predetermined conditions that releases said weapon; and

c) locking means for securing said weapon to said holster and having an input connected to said control circuit means so that said locking means is released upon the occurrence of said predetermined conditions.

2. The holster set forth in claim 1, further including:

d) strain sensor means for detecting a force beyond a predetermined magnitude that is applied to said locking means, and said strain sensor means including an output that is connected to said control circuit means.

3. The holster set forth in claim 2, wherein said input means includes photosensitive means mounted on said holster and designed to recognize a predetermined pattern within the control of a user.

4. The holster set forth in claim 3, wherein said photosensitive means includes at least one photo transistor array.

5. The holster set forth in claim 4, further including:

e) alarm means activated by said control circuit means when said predetermined conditions are present.

6. The holster set forth in claim 5, wherein said alarm means includes transmitter means for broadcasting the activation of said alarm means and cooperative receiver means for remotely monitoring said broadcast.

7. The holster set forth in claim 6, wherein said control circuit means stores the date and time when said predetermined conditions are present.

8. The holster set forth in claim 7, wherein said control circuit means includes a central processing unit.

9. The holster set forth in claim 1, wherein said input means includes ultrasonic sensor means mounted to said holster and ultrasonic transmitter means designed to be detected by said ultrasonic sensor means when brought by a user within a predetermined distance of the latter thereby causing said locking means to release said weapon.

10. The holster set forth in claim 9, further including:

d) strain sensor means for detecting a force beyond a predetermined magnitude that is applied to said locking means, and said strain sensor means include an output that is connected to said control circuit means.

11. The holster set forth in claim 10, further including:

e) alarm means activated by said control circuit means when said predetermined conditions are present.

12. The holster set forth in claim 11, wherein said alarm means includes transmitter means for broadcasting the activation of said alarm means and cooperative receiver means for remotely monitoring said broadcast.

13. The holster set forth in claim 12, wherein said control circuit means stores the data and time when said predetermined conditions are present.

14. The holster set forth in claim 13, wherein said control circuit means includes a central processing unit.

15. The holster set forth in claim 1, wherein said input means includes a global positioning system to ascertain the location of said holster and said location being selectively and periodically stored by said control circuit means.

16. The holster set forth in claim 15, further including:

d) strain sensor means for detecting a force beyond a predetermined magnitude that is applied to said locking means, and said strain sensor means include an output that is connected to said control circuit means.

17. The holster set forth in claim 16, further including:

i) alarm means activated by said control circuit means when said predetermined conditions are met.

18. The holster set forth in claim 17, further including:

j) transmitter means for broadcasting the activation of said alarm means and the location ascertained by said global positioning system.

19. The holster set forth in claim 18, wherein said control circuit means includes a central processing unit.