HOLSTER RETENTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/596,991, filed on Nov. 8, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/664,756, filed on Jun. 27, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to firearms and, more particularly, to systems and methods for releasably retaining and securing a firearm relative to a holster.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A holster generally is a device used to hold a firearm relative to a user's body and restrict undesired movement of the firearm. Most commonly, holsters may be secured relative to the user's body in a location where the firearm can be easily withdrawn from the holster for immediate use. For example, holsters often may be attached to a belt or waistband, but they may be attached to other locations of the body (e.g., an ankle holster). Holsters may vary in the degree to which they secure or protect a firearm positioned therein. Certain types of holsters may be designed such that frictional forces generated between a holster body and a firearm received therein may be sufficient for retaining the firearm in some instances. However, in other instances, such as those involving the holster and/or the firearm being inadvertently impacted by an object or a body part of the user, such holsters may be unable to maintain the stored positioning of the firearm relative to the holster body. Other types of holsters may include one or more retention mechanisms that are attached to or otherwise used with a holster body and designed to enhance retention of the firearm relative to the holster body. The retention mechanism(s) may be actuated or otherwise manipulated by the user, when desired, to allow for removal of the firearm from the holster body. Although some retention mechanisms generally may provide suitable retention of the firearm, they may present certain drawbacks. For example, existing retention mechanisms may be cumbersome or ergonomically challenging to actuate, resulting in user frustration and/or significant delays in the user being able to withdraw the firearm from the holster. Additionally, certain retention mechanisms may present challenges with respect to insertion of the firearm into the holster body and/or seating the firearm at a desired position relative to the holster body. Furthermore, some retention mechanisms may be prone to wear or degradation over time, which may negatively impact the mechanism's ability to retain the firearm in a secure manner.

A need, therefore, exists for improved firearm holsters, firearm holster retention mechanisms, and related methods for releasably retaining and securing a firearm relative to a holster, which may overcome one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with existing firearm holsters and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides improved firearm holsters, firearm holster retention devices, and related methods for releasably retaining and securing a firearm relative to a holster.

In one aspect, a holster for a firearm is provided. In one example, the holster may include a holster body and a holster retention device. The holster body may be configured for removably receiving at least a portion of the firearm therein. The holster retention device may include a housing coupled to the holster body, a plunger coupled to the housing and configured to move relative to the housing between a first locked position and a first unlocked position, and a locking block coupled to the housing and configured to move relative to each of the housing and the plunger between a second locked position and a second unlocked position. The locking block may include a firearm engagement portion configured for engaging a portion of the firearm and preventing removal of the firearm from the holster body when the locking block is in the second locked position and for disengaging the portion of the firearm and allowing removal of the firearm from the holster body when the locking block is in the second unlocked position.

In some examples, the plunger may be configured to cause the locking block to move from the second locked position to the second unlocked position when the plunger moves from the first locked position to the first unlocked position. In some examples, the plunger may be biased to the first locked position, and the locking block may be biased to the second locked position. In some examples, the plunger may be configured to translate relative to the housing between the first locked position and the first unlocked position, and the locking block may be configured to translate relative to the housing between the second locked position and the second unlocked position. In some examples, the plunger may be configured to translate relative to the housing along a first axis, and the locking block may be configured to translate relative to the housing along a second axis extending transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the plunger may be configured to translate relative to the housing between the first locked position and the first unlocked position, and the locking block may be configured to pivot relative to the housing between the second locked position and the second unlocked position. In some examples, the plunger may be configured to translate relative to the housing along a first axis, and the locking block may be configured to pivot relative to the housing about a second axis extending transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the locking block may be pivotably coupled to the housing by one or more protrusions received within one or more holes. In some examples, the locking block may be pivotably coupled to the housing by one or more flexible hinges. In some examples, the firearm engagement portion may be configured for engaging an ejection port of the firearm when the locking block is in the second locked position and for disengaging the ejection port when the locking block is in the second unlocked position.

In another aspect, a holster retention device for a holster for a firearm is provided. In one example, the holster retention device may include a housing configured for coupling to a holster body of the holster, a plunger coupled to the housing and configured to move relative to the housing between a first locked position and a first unlocked position, and a locking block coupled to the housing and configured to move relative to each of the housing and the plunger between a second locked position and a second unlocked position. The locking block may include a firearm engagement portion configured for engaging a portion of the firearm and preventing removal of the firearm from the holster body when the locking block is in the second locked position and for disengaging the portion of the firearm and allowing removal of the firearm from the holster body when the locking block is in the second unlocked position.

In some examples, the plunger may be configured to cause the locking block to move from the second locked position to the second unlocked position when the plunger moves from the first locked position to the first unlocked position. In some examples, the plunger may be biased to the first locked position, and the locking block may be biased to the second locked position. In some examples, the plunger may be configured to translate relative to the housing between the first locked position and the first unlocked position, and the locking block may be configured to translate relative to the housing between the second locked position and the second unlocked position. In some examples, the plunger may be configured to translate relative to the housing along a first axis, and the locking block may be configured to translate relative to the housing along a second axis extending transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the plunger may be configured to translate relative to the housing between the first locked position and the first unlocked position, and the locking block may be configured to pivot relative to the housing between the second locked position and the second unlocked position. In some examples, the plunger may be configured to translate relative to the housing along a first axis, and the locking block may be configured to pivot relative to the housing about a second axis extending transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the locking block may be pivotably coupled to the housing by one or more protrusions received within one or more holes. In some examples, the locking block may be pivotably coupled to the housing by one or more flexible hinges. In some examples, the firearm engagement portion may be configured for engaging an ejection port of the firearm when the locking block is in the second locked position and for disengaging the ejection port when the locking block is in the second unlocked position.

These and other aspects and improvements of the present disclosure will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a holster retention device in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure, showing the holster retention device positioned relative to an example firearm and in a locked configuration, with the holster retention device including a housing, a plunger, and a locking block.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 1A positioned relative to the example firearm and in the locked configuration.

FIG. 1C is another perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 1A positioned relative to the example firearm and in the locked configuration.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the holster retention device of FIG. 1A positioned relative to the example firearm and in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 1A positioned relative to the firearm and in the unlocked configuration.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a left-handed version of a plunger and a locking block as may be used for the holster retention device of FIG. 1A in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 1G is a side view of the left-handed version of the plunger and the locking block of FIG. 1F.

FIG. 2A is a side view of another holster retention device in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure, showing the holster retention device positioned relative to an example firearm and in a locked configuration, with the holster retention device including a housing, a plunger, and a locking block.

FIG. 2B is another side view of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A positioned relative to the example firearm and in the locked configuration.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A positioned relative to the example firearm and in the locked configuration.

FIG. 2D is a side view of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A positioned relative to the example firearm and in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 2E is another side view of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A positioned relative to the firearm and in the unlocked configuration.

FIG. 2F is a perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A in the locked configuration.

FIG. 2G is a side view of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A in the locked configuration.

FIG. 2H is an exploded perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2I is another exploded perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2J is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A, showing a first spring for biasing the plunger.

FIG. 2K is a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the holster retention device of FIG. 2A, showing second springs for biasing the locking block.

FIG. 2L is a perspective view of a firearm holster in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure, with the firearm holster including a holster body and the holster retention device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2M is a side view of a portion of the firearm holster of FIG. 2L, showing a first sidewall of the holster body and the holster retention device.

FIG. 3A is a side view of another holster retention device in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure, showing the holster retention device positioned relative to an example firearm and in a locked configuration, with the holster retention device including a housing, a plunger, and a locking block.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 3A positioned relative to the example firearm and in the locked configuration.

FIG. 3C is another perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 3A positioned relative to the example firearm and in the locked configuration.

FIG. 3D is a side view of the holster retention device of FIG. 3A positioned relative to the example firearm and in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 3A positioned relative to the example firearm and in the unlocked configuration.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another holster retention device in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure, showing the holster retention device in a locked configuration, with the holster retention device including a housing, a plunger, and a locking block.

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the holster retention device of FIG. 4A in the locked configuration.

FIG. 4C is another perspective view of a portion of the holster retention device of FIG. 4A in the locked configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a holster retention device that may be used as part of a firearm holster. The holster retention device may be used with a holster body for releasably securing a firearm relative to the holster body. According to various examples, the holster retention device may be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. In some instances, the holster retention device may be an active retention device. For example, the purpose of the holster retention device may be to create a locking mechanism that prevents the unwanted removal of a firearm (e.g., a handgun) from a firearm holster. In this manner, the holster retention device may have (1) a locked or secured configuration, in which the firearm may not be removed from the holster and (2) an unlocked configuration, in which the firearm may be removed from the holster. The holster retention device may include one or more springs configured such that the repose or default configuration of the holster retention device is the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention device is in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention device may engage a mating portion of the firearm in a manner that prevents removal of the firearm from the holster, specifically the holster body. When the holster retention device is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention device may disengage the mating portion of the firearm, thereby allowing removal of the firearm from the holster, specifically the holster body.

As described herein, the holster retention device may include a housing, a plunger movably disposed relative to the housing, a locking block movably disposed relative to the housing, and one or more springs. The housing may be attached to a holster body of the holster, thereby securing the holster retention device, including the housing, the plunger, the locking block, and the springs(s) relative to the holster body. The plunger may be configured to move relative to the housing between a locked position (i.e., a position of the plunger when the holster retention device is in the locked configuration) and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plunger when the holster retention device is in the unlocked configuration). The locking block also may be configured to move relative to the housing between a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking block when the holster retention device is in the locked configuration), in which a portion of the locking block engages at least a portion of an ejection port of the firearm and prevents removal of the firearm from the holster body, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the locking block when the holster retention device is in the unlocked configuration), in which the portion of the locking block is disengaged from the at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm and allows for removal of the firearm from the holster body. The one or more springs may be disposed relative to the housing and the plunger and/or the locking block and configured to bias the plunger to its locked position and/or to bias the locking block to its locked position. The biasing force(s) of the spring(s) may be overcome when the holster retention device is moved by a user from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. In order to move the holster retention device from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, a user may press the plunger to overcome the spring force(s) and move the plunger, relative to the housing, from its locked position to its unlocked position, thereby causing the holster retention device to move from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

In some examples, when the user presses the plunger, the plunger may translate, relative to the housing, from its locked position to its unlocked position, and the translation of the plunger may cause the locking block to translate, relative to the housing, from its locked position to its unlocked position. In particular, as the plunger translates from its locked position to its unlocked position, a cam surface of the plunger may engage a cam surface of the locking block, which may cause the locking block to translate from its locked position in engagement with at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm to its unlocked position, in which the locking block is not engaged with the at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, thereby enabling the firearm to be removed from the holster. When the user stops pressing the plunger, the one or more springs of the holster retention device may move the holster retention device back to the locked configuration. In particular, the biasing force(s) of the springs may cause the plunger to translate from its unlocked position to its locked position and/or may cause the locking block to translate from its unlocked position to its locked position. In this manner, when the firearm is positioned within the holster body, upon releasing the plunger, a portion of the locking block may be engaged with (e.g., contacts or abuts) at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, thereby preventing removal of the firearm from the holster.

In some instances, the plunger may translate, relative to the housing, along a first axis, and the locking block may translate, relative to the housing, along a second axis, which may be transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the second axis may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first axis. The plunger may include a first or proximal end portion, which may be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the plunger with their thumb to overcome the spring force(s) and move the plunger along the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the proximal end portion of the plunger may include a button configured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. The plunger also may include a second or distal end portion, which may include the cam surface, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the cam surface of the locking block. In this manner, the mating cam surfaces of the plunger and the locking block may be configured to transfer translational movement of the plunger along the first axis into translational movement of the locking block along the second axis, and vice versa.

The locking block may include a first or proximal end portion, which may include a plunger engagement portion configured for engaging and cooperating with the distal end portion of the plunger. The plunger engagement portion may include the cam surface, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the cam surface of the plunger. The cam surface of the plunger may be configured to engage with the cam surface of the locking block in order to move the locking block from its locked position to its unlocked position when the plunger is pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plunger is pressed and moves along the first axis, the cam surface of the plunger may engage with the cam surface of the locking block, which may cause the locking block to move along the second axis in a substantially linear direction from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plunger is no longer pressed, a spring engaging the locking block may move the locking block from its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause the cam surface of the locking block to engage with the cam surface of the plunger and move the plunger from its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, a spring engaging the plunger also may facilitate movement of the plunger from its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the cam surfaces of the plunger and the locking block may transfer translational movement of the plunger along the first axis into translational movement of the locking block along the second axis, and vice versa. The locking block also may include a second or distal end portion, which may include a firearm engagement portion configured for engaging and cooperating with the firearm positioned within the holster. In some instances, the firearm engagement portion of the locking block may be an ejection port engagement portion. For example, a portion of the locking block may be configured to contact or abut one or more surfaces or edges of the ejection port of the firearm in order to prevent removal of the firearm from the holster when the locking block is in the locked position.

When a firearm is not located in the holster, the holster retention device may be in the locked configuration. In other words, absent any external forces acting on the holster retention device, the holster retention device may assume the locked configuration, for example, due to biasing force(s) of the one or more springs. As a firearm is inserted into the holster, the firearm may engage (e.g., contact) at least a portion of the locking block of the holster retention device, which may cause the locking block to move (e.g., translate) from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the firearm is fully inserted into the holster and the firearm engagement portion of the locking block is aligned with at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, a spring may move the locking block back to its locked position such that the locking block engages the at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm and prevents the removal of the firearm from the holster.

To release the lock provided by the holster retention device, the plunger may be depressed, and the locking mechanism may be disengaged. This mechanism can be integrated into any firearm holster (e.g., holsters having a holster body made of synthetic hard or soft material, metal alloy, or natural material, such as leather). In some instances, to disengage the locking mechanism while the firearm is in the holster and the wearer of the holster grips the firearm, the thumb of the griping hand may contact the top (or proximal end portion) of the plunger. As the gripping act is completed, the plunger may be depressed. The bottom (or distal end portion) of the plunger may contact the locking block and cause the firearm engagement portion of the locking block to move out of and away from the ejection port. In some instances, the locking block may use the ejection port of the firearm as the stop point to lock the firearm into the holster. The locking block may use one or more springs (e.g., coil, leaf, or bar springs) to maintain contact with at least a portion of the cutout in the ejection port. In some instances, the plunger may use one or more springs (e.g., coil, leaf, or bar springs) to stay in its engaged position.

In other examples, when the user presses the plunger, the plunger may translate, relative to the housing, from its locked position to its unlocked position, and the translation of the plunger may cause the locking block to pivot, relative to the housing, from its locked position to its unlocked position. In particular, as the plunger translates from its locked position to its unlocked position, a coupling between the plunger and the locking block may cause the locking block to pivot about a pivot joint between the locking block and the housing from its locked position in engagement with at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm to its unlocked position, in which the locking block is not engaged with the at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, thereby enabling the firearm to be removed from the holster. When the user stops pressing the plunger, the one or more springs of the holster retention device may move the holster retention device back to the locked configuration. In particular, the biasing force(s) of the springs may cause the plunger to translate from its unlocked position to its locked position and/or may cause the locking block to pivot from its unlocked position to its locked position. In this manner, when the firearm is positioned within the holster body, upon releasing the plunger, a portion of the locking block may be engaged with (e.g., contacts or abuts) at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, thereby preventing removal of the firearm from the holster.

In some instances, the plunger may translate, relative to the housing, along a first axis, and the locking block may pivot, relative to the housing, about a second axis, which may be transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the second axis may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first axis. The plunger may include a first or proximal end portion, which may be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the plunger with their thumb to overcome the spring force(s) and move the plunger along the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the proximal end portion of the plunger may include a button configured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. The plunger also may include a second or distal end portion, which may include an opening, such as a slot, that receives a mating first protrusion of the locking block. In this manner, the opening of the plunger and the first protrusion of the locking block may form a coupling configured to transfer translational movement of the plunger into pivotal movement of the locking block, and vice versa.

The locking block may include a first or proximal end portion, which may include a plunger engagement portion configured for engaging and cooperating with the distal end portion of the plunger. The plunger engagement portion may include the first protrusion configured for engaging and cooperating with the opening of the plunger. The first protrusion of the locking block may be configured to engage and cooperate with the opening of the plunger in order to move the locking block from its locked position to its unlocked position when the plunger is pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plunger is pressed and moves along the first axis, the portion of the plunger defining the opening may engage with the first protrusion of the locking block, which may cause the locking block to pivot about the second axis from its locked position to its unlocked position. In some instances, the locking block may be pivotably coupled to the housing by a pair of second protrusions of the locking block engaging a pair of mating holes of the housing. When the plunger is no longer pressed, a spring engaging the locking block may pivot the locking block from its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause, via the coupling between the plunger and the locking block, the plunger to move from its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, a spring engaging the plunger also may facilitate movement of the plunger from its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the coupling between the plunger and the locking block may transfer translational movement of the plunger along the first axis into pivotal movement of the locking block about the second axis, and vice versa. The locking block also may include a second or distal end portion, which may include a firearm engagement portion configured for engaging and cooperating with the firearm positioned within the holster. In some instances, the firearm engagement portion of the locking block may be an ejection port engagement portion. For example, a portion of the locking block may be configured to contact or abut one or more surfaces or edges of the ejection port of the firearm in order to prevent removal of the firearm from the holster when the locking block is in the locked position.

When a firearm is not located in the holster, the holster retention device may be in the locked configuration. In other words, absent any external forces acting on the holster retention device, the holster retention device may assume the locked configuration, for example, due to biasing force(s) of the one or more springs. As a firearm is inserted into the holster, the firearm may engage (e.g., contact) at least a portion of the locking block of the holster retention device, which may cause the locking block to move (e.g., pivot) from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the firearm is fully inserted into the holster and the firearm engagement portion of the locking block is aligned with at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, a spring may move the locking block back to its locked position such that the locking block engages the at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm and prevents the removal of the firearm from the holster.

To release the lock provided by the holster retention device, the plunger may be depressed, and the locking mechanism may be disengaged. This mechanism can be integrated into any firearm holster (e.g., holsters having a holster body made of synthetic hard or soft material, metal alloy, or natural material, such as leather). In some instances, to disengage the locking mechanism while the firearm is in the holster and the wearer of the holster grips the firearm, the thumb of the griping hand may contact the top (or proximal end portion) of the plunger. As the gripping act is completed, the plunger may be depressed. The bottom (or distal end portion) of the plunger may cooperate with the locking block, via the coupling therebetween, and cause the firearm engagement portion of the locking block to pivot out of and away from the ejection port. In some instances, the locking block may use the ejection port of the firearm as the stop point to lock the firearm into the holster. The locking block may use one or more springs (e.g., coil, leaf, or bar springs) to maintain contact with at least a portion of the cutout in the ejection port. In some instances, the plunger may use one or more springs (e.g., coil, leaf, or bar springs) to stay in its engaged position.

In still other examples, when the user presses the plunger, the plunger may translate, relative to the housing, from its locked position to its unlocked position, and the translation of the plunger may cause the locking block to pivot, relative to the housing, from its locked position to its unlocked position. In particular, as the plunger translates from its locked position to its unlocked position, a cam surface of the plunger may engage a cam surface of the locking block, which may cause the locking block to pivot about a flexible joint between the locking block and the housing from its locked position in engagement with at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm to its unlocked position, in which the locking block is not engaged with the at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, thereby enabling the firearm to be removed from the holster. When the user stops pressing the plunger, the one or more springs of the holster retention device may move the holster retention device back to the locked configuration. In particular, the biasing force(s) of the springs may cause the plunger to translate from its unlocked position to its locked position and/or may cause the locking block to pivot from its unlocked position to its locked position. In some instances, the flexible joint, about which the locking block pivots relative to the housing, may function as a spring. In other words, the flexible joint may be resiliently flexible, with the natural state of the flexible joint corresponding to the locked position of the locking block. Accordingly, the biasing force of the flexible joint may cause the locking block to pivot from its unlocked position to its locked position. In this manner, when the firearm is positioned within the holster body, upon releasing the plunger, a portion of the locking block may be engaged with (e.g., contacts or abuts) at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, thereby preventing removal of the firearm from the holster.

In some instances, the plunger may translate, relative to the housing, along a first axis, and the locking block may pivot, relative to the housing, about a second axis defined by the flexible joint, which may be transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the second axis may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first axis. The plunger may include a first or proximal end portion, which may be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the plunger with their thumb to overcome the spring force(s) and move the plunger along the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the proximal end portion of the plunger may include a button configured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. The plunger also may include a second or distal end portion, which may include the cam surface, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the cam surface of the locking block. In this manner, the mating cam surfaces of the plunger and the locking block may be configured to transfer translational movement of the plunger along the first axis into pivotal movement of the locking block about the second axis, and vice versa.

The locking block may include a first or proximal end portion, which may include a plunger engagement portion configured for engaging and cooperating with the distal end portion of the plunger. The plunger engagement portion may include the cam surface, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the cam surface of the plunger. The cam surface of the plunger may be configured to engage with the cam surface of the locking block in order to move the locking block from its locked position to its unlocked position when the plunger is pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plunger is pressed and translates along the first axis, the cam surface of the plunger may engage with the cam surface of the locking block, which may cause the locking block to pivot about the second axis defined by the flexible hinge from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plunger is no longer pressed, the biasing force of the flexible hinge may cause the locking block to pivot from its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause the cam surface of the locking block to engage with the cam surface of the plunger and move the plunger from its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, a spring engaging the plunger also may facilitate movement of the plunger from its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the cam surfaces of the plunger and the locking block may transfer translational movement of the plunger along the first axis into pivotal movement of the locking block about the second axis, and vice versa. The locking block also may include a second or distal end portion, which may include a firearm engagement portion configured for engaging and cooperating with the firearm positioned within the holster. In some instances, the firearm engagement portion of the locking block may be an ejection port engagement portion. For example, a portion of the locking block may be configured to contact or abut one or more surfaces or edges of the ejection port of the firearm in order to prevent removal of the firearm from the holster when the locking block is in the locked position.

When a firearm is not located in the holster, the holster retention device may be in the locked configuration. In other words, absent any external forces acting on the holster retention device, the holster retention device may assume the locked configuration, for example, due to biasing force(s) of the one or more springs, including the flexible hinge. As a firearm is inserted into the holster, the firearm may engage (e.g., contact) at least a portion of the locking block of the holster retention device, which may cause the locking block to move (e.g., pivot) from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the firearm is fully inserted into the holster and the firearm engagement portion of the locking block is aligned with at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm, a spring and/or the flexible hinge may pivot the locking block back to its locked position such that the locking block engages the at least a portion of the ejection port of the firearm and prevents the removal of the firearm from the holster.

To release the lock provided by the holster retention device, the plunger may be depressed, and the locking mechanism may be disengaged. This mechanism can be integrated into any firearm holster (e.g., holsters having a holster body made of synthetic hard or soft material, metal alloy, or natural material, such as leather). In some instances, to disengage the locking mechanism while the firearm is in the holster and the wearer of the holster grips the firearm, the thumb of the griping hand may contact the top (or proximal end portion) of the plunger. As the gripping act is completed, the plunger may be depressed. The bottom (or distal end portion) of the plunger may contact the locking block and cause the firearm engagement portion of the locking block to move out of and away from the ejection port. In some instances, the locking block may use the ejection port of the firearm as the stop point to lock the firearm into the holster. The locking block may use one or more springs (e.g., coil, leaf, or bar springs), including or in addition to the flexible hinge, to maintain contact with at least a portion of the cutout in the ejection port. In some instances, the plunger may use one or more springs (e.g., coil, leaf, or bar springs) to stay in its engaged position.

Example Holster Retention Devices

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a holster retention device 100 in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. The holster retention device 100 may be used with a holster body of a firearm holster for releasably retaining and securing a firearm F within the holster. According to various examples, the holster retention device 100 may be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. As shown, the holster retention device 100 may have a right-handed configuration, designed such that a user may readily engage and actuate the holster retention device 100 as the user grasps the firearm F with the user's right hand. However, the holster retention device 100 alternatively may have a left-handed configuration in other examples, as discussed below. As described herein, the holster retention device 100 may have a locked or secured configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, in which the firearm F may not be removed from the holster, and an unlocked configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, in which the firearm F may be removed from the holster. In some examples, the holster retention device 100 may be biased to the locked configuration. In other words, absent external forces acting on the holster retention device 100, the holster retention device 100 may assume the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention device 100 is in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention device 100 may engage a mating portion of the firearm F, such as an ejection port EP thereof, in a manner that prevents removal of the firearm F from the holster, specifically the holster body. When the holster retention device 100 is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention device 100 may disengage the mating portion of the firearm F, thereby allowing removal of the firearm F from the holster, specifically the holster body. As shown, the holster retention device 100 may include a housing 110, a plunger (which also may be referred to as an “actuator”) 130 movably disposed relative to the housing 110, and a locking block (which also may be referred to as a “locking member”) 150 movably disposed relative to the housing 110. As described herein, the holster retention device 100 also may include one or more first springs (which also may be referred to as “plunger springs”) 172 configured to bias the plunger 130 to its locked position and/or one or more second springs (which also may be referred to as “locking-block springs”) 174 configured to bias the locking block 150 to its locked position corresponding to the locked configuration of the holster retention device 100.

As shown, the housing 110 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion” or a “plunger portion”) 112 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion” or a “locking-block portion”) 114. The first portion 112 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger 130 and to guide movement of the plunger 130 relative to the housing 110, while the second portion 114 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the locking block 150 and to guide movement of the locking block 150 relative to the housing 110. In some examples, as shown, the first portion 112 may include a first channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the plunger 130, while the second portion 114 may include a second channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the locking block 150 and a receptacle configured to receive and guide another portion of the locking block 150. In some examples, the first portion 112 of the housing 110 also may include a cutout for receiving at least a portion of the first spring 172 disposed between the housing 110 and the plunger 130 and a protrusion for cooperating with the first spring 172 and/or the plunger 130 to define the locked position of the plunger 130 relative to the housing 110. In some examples, the housing 110 may include multiple components. For example, as shown, the housing 110 may include a body (which also may be referred to as a “housing body”) 116 and a cover (which also may be referred to as a “housing cover”) 118 coupled to the body 116, such as by one or more fasteners or other means of attachment. As shown, this multi-component configuration of the housing 110 may facilitate assembly of the other components of the holster retention device 100 relative to the housing 110. In other examples, the housing 110 may be provided as a single, unitary component. In some examples, the housing 110 may be configured to be attached to the holster body of the firearm holster, thereby connecting the overall holster retention device 100 to the holster body. In some examples, as shown, the housing 110 may include a plurality of holes (which also may be referred to as “mounting holes”) 122 configured to receive corresponding fasteners for attaching the housing 110 to the holster body.

As shown, the plunger 130 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion,” a “user engagement portion,” a “first end portion,” or a “proximal end portion”) 132 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion,” a “locking-block engagement portion,” a “second end portion,” or a “distal end portion”) 134. The first portion 132 may be configured to be engaged by a user of the holster retention device 100, while the second portion 134 may be configured to engage and cooperate with the locking block 150. The plunger 130 may be configured to move relative to the housing 110 between a locked position (i.e., a position of the plunger 130 when the holster retention device 100 is in the locked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plunger 130 when the holster retention device 100 is in the unlocked configuration), as shown in FIG. 1D. In some examples, as shown, the plunger 130 may be configured to translate, relative to the housing 110, along a first axis. The first portion 132 of the plunger 130 may be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the first portion 132 with their thumb to overcome bias of the spring force(s) and move the plunger 130 along the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the first portion 132 may include a button 136 configured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. In some examples, the first portion 132 of the plunger 130 also may include a cutout for receiving at least a portion of the first spring 172 and a protrusion for cooperating with the first spring 172 and/or the housing 110 to define the locked position of the plunger 130 relative to the housing 110. As shown, the second portion 134 of the plunger 130 may include a locking-block engagement portion 138, which may include a first engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “locking-block engagement surface” or a “first cam surface”) 142, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with a corresponding second engagement surface 162 of the locking block 150.

As shown, the locking block 150 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion,” a “plunger engagement portion,” a “first end portion,” or a “proximal end portion”) 152 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion,” a “firearm engagement portion,” a “second end portion,” or a “distal end portion”) 154. The first portion 152 may include a plunger engagement portion 158 configured for engaging and cooperating with the second portion 134 of the plunger 130. The plunger engagement portion 158 may include the second engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “plunger engagement surface” or a “second cam surface”) 162, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the first engagement surface 142 of the plunger 130. The second portion 154 may include a firearm engagement portion (which also may be referred to as an “ejection-port engagement portion”) 164 configured for engaging and cooperating with a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP thereof. In particular, the firearm engagement portion 164 may include a protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “firearm engagement protrusion” or an “ejection-port engagement protrusion”) 166 configured for engaging and cooperating with the ejection port EP of the firearm F. As shown, the second portion 154 of the locking block 150 also may include a plurality of cutouts 168 configured to receive and retain the respective second springs 174 disposed between the locking block 150 and the housing 110, in particular, the cover 118 thereof.

The locking block 150 may be configured to move relative to the housing 110 between a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking block 150 when the holster retention device 100 is in the locked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, in which the firearm engagement portion 164 engages at least a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP, and prevents removal of the firearm F from the holster body, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the locking block 150 when the holster retention device 100 is in the unlocked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, in which the firearm engagement portion 164 is disengaged from the at least a portion of the firearm F and allows for removal of the firearm F from the holster body. In some examples, as shown, the locking block 150 may translate, relative to the housing 110, along a second axis, which may be transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the second axis may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first axis. The first engagement surface 142 of the plunger 130 may be configured to engage and cooperate with the second engagement surface 162 of the locking block 150 in order to move the locking block 150 from its locked position to its unlocked position when the plunger 130 is pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plunger 130 is pressed and moves along the first axis, the first engagement surface 142 of the plunger 130 may engage with the second engagement surface 162 of the locking block 150, which may cause the locking block 150 to move along the second axis in a substantially linear direction from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plunger 130 is no longer pressed, the second springs 174 may move the locking block 150 from its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause the second engagement surface 162 of the locking block 150 to engage and cooperate with the first engagement surface 142 of the plunger 130 and move the plunger 130 from its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, the first spring 172 also may facilitate movement of the plunger 130 from its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the engagement surfaces 142, 162 may transfer translational movement of the plunger 130 along the first axis into translational movement of the locking block 150 along the second axis, and vice versa.

As noted above, the holster retention device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E may have a right-handed configuration, although a left-handed configuration of the holster retention device 100 may be used. FIGS. 1F and 1G show a left-handed version of a plunger 130′ and a locking block 150′ as may be used for a left-handed configuration of the holster retention device 100 in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. Certain similarities and differences between the plunger 130′ and the locking block 150′ and the plunger 130 and the locking block 150 described above, respectively, will be appreciated from the respective drawings and the following description. As shown, the plunger 130′ may include a first portion 132′ and a second portion 134′. The second portion 134′ may include a locking-block engagement portion 138′ that may include a first engagement surface 142′. The locking block 150′ may include a first portion 152′ and a second portion 154′. The first portion 152′ may include a plunger engagement portion 158′ that may include a second engagement surface 162′. The second portion 154′ may include a firearm engagement portion 164′ that may include a protrusion 166′. As shown, the shape and configuration of the locking block 150′ may be simplified as compared to the locking block 150. Notably, when in use, the entire locking block 150′ may be disposed along the side of the firearm F having the ejection port EP, and thus the locking block 150′ need not extend over the top of the firearm F in order to engage the ejection port EP. Accordingly, both the plunger 130′ and the locking block 150′ may be disposed along the ejection port EP side of the firearm F, allowing the locking block 150′ to have a more compact and simplified configuration.

FIGS. 2A-2K illustrate another holster retention device 200 in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. Certain similarities and differences between the holster retention device 200 and the holster retention device 100 described above will be appreciated from the drawings and the following description. The holster retention device 200 may be used with a holster body of a firearm holster for releasably retaining and securing a firearm F within the holster. According to various examples, the holster retention device 200 may be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. As shown, the holster retention device 200 may have a right-handed configuration, designed such that a user may readily engage and actuate the holster retention device 200 as the user grasps the firearm F with the user's right hand. However, the holster retention device 200 alternatively may have a left-handed configuration in other examples, in manner similar to that discussed above. As described herein, the holster retention device 200 may have a locked or secured configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, 2F, and 2G, in which the firearm F may not be removed from the holster, and an unlocked configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, in which the firearm F may be removed from the holster. In some examples, the holster retention device 200 may be biased to the locked configuration. In other words, absent external forces acting on the holster retention device 200, the holster retention device 200 may assume the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention device 200 is in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention device 200 may engage a mating portion of the firearm F, such as an ejection port EP thereof, in a manner that prevents removal of the firearm F from the holster, specifically the holster body. When the holster retention device 200 is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention device 200 may disengage the mating portion of the firearm F, thereby allowing removal of the firearm F from the holster, specifically the holster body. As shown, the holster retention device 200 may include a housing 210, a plunger (which also may be referred to as an “actuator”) 230 movably disposed relative to the housing 210, and a locking block (which also may be referred to as a “locking member”) 250 movably disposed relative to the housing 210. As described herein, the holster retention device 200 also may include one or more first springs (which also may be referred to as “plunger springs”) 272 configured to bias the plunger 230 to its locked position and/or one or more second springs (which also may be referred to as “locking-block springs”) 274 configured to bias the locking block 250 to its locked position corresponding to the locked configuration of the holster retention device 200.

As shown, the housing 210 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion” or a “plunger portion”) 212 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion” or a “locking-block portion”) 214. The first portion 212 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger 230 and to guide movement of the plunger 230 relative to the housing 210, while the second portion 214 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the locking block 250 and to guide movement of the locking block 250 relative to the housing 210. In some examples, as shown, the first portion 212 may include a first channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the plunger 230, while the second portion 214 may include a second channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the locking block 250 and a receptacle configured to receive and guide another portion of the locking block 250. In some examples, the first portion 212 of the housing 210 also may include a cutout 224 for receiving at least a portion of the first spring 272 disposed between the housing 210 and the plunger 230 and a protrusion 226 for cooperating with the first spring 272 and/or the plunger 230 to define the locked position of the plunger 230 relative to the housing 210. In some examples, the housing 210 may include multiple components. For example, as shown, the housing 210 may include a body (which also may be referred to as a “housing body”) 216 and a cover (which also may be referred to as a “housing cover”) 218 coupled to the body 216, such as by one or more fasteners, a dovetail connection, and/or other means of attachment. As shown, this multi-component configuration of the housing 210 may facilitate assembly of the other components of the holster retention device 200 relative to the housing 210. In other examples, the housing 210 may be provided as a single, unitary component. In some examples, the housing 210 may be configured to be attached to the holster body of the firearm holster, thereby connecting the overall holster retention device 200 to the holster body. In some examples, as shown, the housing 210 may include a plurality of holes (which also may be referred to as “mounting holes”) 222 configured to receive corresponding fasteners for attaching the housing 210 to the holster body.

As shown, the plunger 230 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion,” a “user engagement portion,” a “first end portion,” or a “proximal end portion”) 232 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion,” a “locking-block engagement portion,” a “second end portion,” or a “distal end portion”) 234. The first portion 232 may be configured to be engaged by a user of the holster retention device 200, while the second portion 234 may be configured to engage and cooperate with the locking block 250. The plunger 230 may be configured to move relative to the housing 210 between a locked position (i.e., a position of the plunger 230 when the holster retention device 200 is in the locked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 2F, and 2G, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plunger 230 when the holster retention device 200 is in the unlocked configuration), as shown in FIG. 2D. In some examples, as shown, the plunger 230 may be configured to translate, relative to the housing 210, along a first axis. The first portion 232 of the plunger 230 may be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the first portion 232 with their thumb to overcome bias of the spring force(s) and move the plunger 230 along the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the first portion 232 may include a button 236 configured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. In some examples, the first portion 232 of the plunger 230 also may include a first cutout 244 for receiving at least a portion of the first spring 272, a protrusion 246 for cooperating with the first spring 272 and/or the housing 210 to define the locked position of the plunger 230 relative to the housing 210, and a second cutout 248 for receiving an cooperating with the protrusion 226 of the housing 210. As shown, the second portion 234 of the plunger 230 may include a locking-block engagement portion 238, which may include a first engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “locking-block engagement surface” or a “first cam surface”) 242, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with a corresponding second engagement surface 262 of the locking block 250.

As shown, the locking block 250 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion,” a “plunger engagement portion,” a “first end portion,” or a “proximal end portion”) 252 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion,” a “firearm engagement portion,” a “second end portion,” or a “distal end portion”) 254. The first portion 252 may include a plunger engagement portion 258 configured for engaging and cooperating with the second portion 234 of the plunger 230. The plunger engagement portion 258 may include the second engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “plunger engagement surface” or a “second cam surface”) 262, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the first engagement surface 242 of the plunger 230. The second portion 254 may include a firearm engagement portion (which also may be referred to as an “ejection-port engagement portion”) 264 configured for engaging and cooperating with a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP thereof. In particular, the firearm engagement portion 264 may include a protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “firearm engagement protrusion” or an “ejection-port engagement protrusion”) 266 configured for engaging and cooperating with the ejection port EP of the firearm F. As shown, the second portion 254 of the locking block 250 also may include a plurality of cutouts 268 configured to receive and retain the respective second springs 274 disposed between the locking block 250 and the housing 210, in particular, the cover 218 thereof.

The locking block 250 may be configured to move relative to the housing 210 between a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking block 250 when the holster retention device 200 is in the locked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, 2F, and 2G, in which the firearm engagement portion 264 engages at least a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP, and prevents removal of the firearm F from the holster body, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the locking block 250 when the holster retention device 200 is in the unlocked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, in which the firearm engagement portion 264 is disengaged from the at least a portion of the firearm F and allows for removal of the firearm F from the holster body. In some examples, as shown, the locking block 250 may translate, relative to the housing 210, along a second axis, which may be transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the second axis may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first axis. The first engagement surface 242 of the plunger 230 may be configured to engage and cooperate with the second engagement surface 262 of the locking block 250 in order to move the locking block 250 from its locked position to its unlocked position when the plunger 230 is pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plunger 230 is pressed and moves along the first axis, the first engagement surface 242 of the plunger 230 may engage with the second engagement surface 262 of the locking block 250, which may cause the locking block 250 to move along the second axis in a substantially linear direction from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plunger 230 is no longer pressed, the second springs 274 may move the locking block 250 from its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause the second engagement surface 262 of the locking block 250 to engage and cooperate with the first engagement surface 242 of the plunger 230 and move the plunger 230 from its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, the first spring 272 also may facilitate movement of the plunger 230 from its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the engagement surfaces 242, 262 may transfer translational movement of the plunger 230 along the first axis into translational movement of the locking block 250 along the second axis, and vice versa.

FIGS. 2L and 2M illustrate a firearm holster 280 in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. As shown, the firearm holster 280 may include the holster retention device 200 and a holster body (which also may be referred to as a “holster shell,” an “inner body,” or an “inner shell”) 282. The holster body 282 may define an interior space 284 configured to receive at least a portion of the firearm F therein. As shown, the holster body 282 may include a first sidewall 286 and a second sidewall 288 coupled to one another and together defining the interior space 284 therebetween. In some examples, the first sidewall 286 and the second sidewall 288 may be integrally formed with one another. In other words, the holster body 282 may be formed as a single, unitary component. For example, the first sidewall 286 and the second sidewall 288 may be thermoformed as a single component and then folded or otherwise manipulated and secured to form the holster body 282. According to various examples, the holster body 282 may be formed of various synthetic or natural materials and may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. As shown, the holster retention device 200 may be disposed at least partially within the interior space 284 and coupled to the holster body 282. For example, the holster retention device 200 may be coupled to the holster body 282 by a plurality of fasteners extending through the respective holes 222 of the housing 210 of the holster retention device 200. Various other means for coupling the holster retention device 200 to the housing 210 may be used in other examples. In some examples, the housing 210 may be coupled to the holster body 282 by being integrally formed with the first sidewall 286 or the second sidewall 288 of the holster body 282, such as by thermoforming or other manufacturing techniques. As shown, a portion of the holster retention device 200 may extend out of the interior space 284, allowing for ease of user actuation of the holster retention device 200. For example, a proximal portion of the plunger 230 may extend out of the interior space 284 and be positioned for ease of user engagement of the plunger 230 as the user grasps the firearm F disposed within the holster body 282. It will be appreciated that the illustrated holster body 282 is merely one example, and that the holster retention device 200 may be used with various other shapes and configurations of holster bodies for firearm holsters.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate another holster retention device 300 in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. Certain similarities and differences between the holster retention device 300 and the holster retention devices 100, 200 described above will be appreciated from the drawings and the following description. The holster retention device 300 may be used with a holster body of a firearm holster for releasably retaining and securing a firearm F within the holster. According to various examples, the holster retention device 300 may be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. As shown, the holster retention device 300 may have a right-handed configuration, designed such that a user may readily engage and actuate the holster retention device 300 as the user grasps the firearm F with the user's right hand. However, the holster retention device 300 alternatively may have a left-handed configuration in other examples, in manner similar to that discussed above. As described herein, the holster retention device 300 may have a locked or secured configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, in which the firearm F may not be removed from the holster, and an unlocked configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, in which the firearm F may be removed from the holster. In some examples, the holster retention device 300 may be biased to the locked configuration. In other words, absent external forces acting on the holster retention device 300, the holster retention device 300 may assume the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention device 300 is in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention device 300 may engage a mating portion of the firearm F, such as an ejection port EP thereof, in a manner that prevents removal of the firearm F from the holster, specifically the holster body. When the holster retention device 300 is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention device 300 may disengage the mating portion of the firearm F, thereby allowing removal of the firearm F from the holster, specifically the holster body. As shown, the holster retention device 300 may include a housing 310, a plunger (which also may be referred to as an “actuator”) 330 movably disposed relative to the housing 310, and a locking block (which also may be referred to as a “locking member”) 350 movably disposed relative to the housing 310. As described herein, the holster retention device 300 also may include one or more first springs (which also may be referred to as “plunger springs”) 372 configured to bias the plunger 330 to its locked position and/or one or more second springs (which also may be referred to as “locking-block springs”) 374 configured to bias the locking block 350 to its locked position corresponding to the locked configuration of the holster retention device 300.

As shown, the housing 310 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion” or a “plunger portion”) 312 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion” or a “locking-block portion”) 314. The first portion 312 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger 330 and to guide movement of the plunger 330 relative to the housing 310, while the second portion 314 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the locking block 350 and to guide movement of the locking block 350 relative to the housing 310. In some examples, as shown, the first portion 312 may include a channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the plunger 330, while the second portion 314 may include a recess configured to receive and guide a portion of the locking block 350 and a receptacle configured to receive and guide another portion of the locking block 350. In some examples, the first portion 312 of the housing 310 also may include a cutout (not shown; similar to cutout 224 described above) for receiving at least a portion of the first spring 372 disposed between the housing 310 and the plunger 330 and a protrusion (not shown; similar to protrusion 226 described above) for cooperating with the first spring 372 and/or the plunger 330 to define the locked position of the plunger 330 relative to the housing 310. In some examples, as shown, the housing 310 may be provided as a single, unitary component. For example, as shown, the housing 310 may include a body (which also may be referred to as a “housing body”) 316. In other examples, the housing 310 may include multiple components coupled to one another, including the body 316 and one or more additional components. As shown, the housing 310 may include a pair of holes (which also may be referred to as “pivot holes”) 318 to facilitate a pivotal connection between the housing 310 and the locking block 350, as discussed below. In some examples, the housing 310 may be configured to be attached to the holster body of the firearm holster, thereby connecting the overall holster retention device 300 to the holster body. In some examples, the housing 310 may include a plurality of additional holes (not shown; similar to holes 122, 222 discussed above) configured to receive corresponding fasteners for attaching the housing 310 to the holster body.

As shown, the plunger 330 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion,” a “user engagement portion,” a “first end portion,” or a “proximal end portion”) 332 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion,” a “locking-block engagement portion,” a “second end portion,” or a “distal end portion”) 334. The first portion 332 may be configured to be engaged by a user of the holster retention device 300, while the second portion 334 may be configured to engage and cooperate with the locking block 350. The plunger 330 may be configured to move relative to the housing 310 between a locked position (i.e., a position of the plunger 330 when the holster retention device 300 is in the locked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plunger 330 when the holster retention device 300 is in the unlocked configuration), as shown in FIG. 3D. In some examples, as shown, the plunger 330 may be configured to translate, relative to the housing 310, along a first axis. The first portion 332 of the plunger 330 may be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the first portion 332 with their thumb to overcome bias of the spring force(s) and move the plunger 330 along the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the first portion 332 may include a button (not shown; similar to button 136, 236 discussed above) configured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. In some examples, the first portion 332 of the plunger 330 also may include a first cutout (not shown; similar to first cutout 244 described above) for receiving at least a portion of the first spring 372, a protrusion (not shown; similar to protrusion 246 described above) for cooperating with the first spring 372 and/or the housing 310 to define the locked position of the plunger 330 relative to the housing 310, and a second cutout (not shown; similar to second cutout 248 described above) for receiving an cooperating with the protrusion 226 of the housing 210. As shown, the second portion 334 of the plunger 330 may include a locking-block-engagement portion 338 that may include an engagement opening 342, such as a slot, configured for receiving and cooperating with a mating first protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “plunger engagement protrusion”) 362 of the locking block 350. In this manner, the engagement opening 342 of the plunger 330 and the first protrusion 362 of the locking block 350 may form a coupling configured to transfer translational movement of the plunger 330 into pivotal movement of the locking block 350, and vice versa.

As shown, the locking block 350 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion,” a “plunger engagement portion,” a “first end portion,” or a “proximal end portion”) 352 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion,” a “firearm engagement portion,” a “second end portion,” or a “distal end portion”) 354. The first portion 352 may include a plunger engagement portion 358 configured for engaging and cooperating with the second portion 334 of the plunger 330. The plunger engagement portion 358 may include the first protrusion 362 configured for engaging and cooperating with the engagement opening 342 of the plunger 330. The second portion 354 may include a firearm engagement portion (which also may be referred to as an “ejection-port engagement portion”) 364 configured for engaging and cooperating with a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP thereof. In particular, the firearm engagement portion 364 may include a second protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “firearm engagement protrusion” or an “ejection-port engagement protrusion”) 366 configured for engaging and cooperating with the ejection port EP of the firearm F.

The locking block 350 may be configured to move relative to the housing 310 between a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking block 350 when the holster retention device 300 is in the locked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, in which the firearm engagement portion 364 engages at least a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP, and prevents removal of the firearm F from the holster body, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the locking block 350 when the holster retention device 300 is in the unlocked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, in which the firearm engagement portion 364 is disengaged from the at least a portion of the firearm F and allows for removal of the firearm F from the holster body. In some examples, as shown, the locking block 350 may pivot, relative to the housing 310, about a second axis, which may be transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the second axis may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first axis. In some examples, as shown, the locking block 350 may be pivotably coupled to the housing 310 by a pair of third protrusions 364 of the locking block 350 engaging the pair of mating first holes 318 of the housing 310. In this manner, the pivot axis of the locking block 350 may be an axis aligned with, and defined by, the respective central axes of the third protrusions 368 and the first holes 318. The first protrusion 362 of the locking block 350 may be configured to engage and cooperate with the engagement opening 342 of the plunger 330 in order to move the locking block 350 from its locked position to its unlocked position when the plunger 330 is pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plunger 330 is pressed and moves along the first axis, the second portion 334 defining the engagement opening 342 may engage with the first protrusion 362, which may cause the locking block 350 to pivot about the second axis from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plunger 330 is no longer pressed, the second spring 374 may pivot the locking block 350 from its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause, via the coupling between the plunger 330 and the locking block 350, the plunger 330 to move from its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, the first spring 372 also may facilitate movement of the plunger 330 from its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the coupling between the engagement opening 342 of the plunger 330 and the first protrusion 362 of the locking block 350, may transfer translational movement of the plunger 330 along the first axis into pivotal movement of the locking block 350 about the second axis, and vice versa.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate another holster retention device 400 in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. Certain similarities and differences between the holster retention device 400 and the holster retention devices 100, 200, 300 described above will be appreciated from the drawings and the following description. The holster retention device 400 may be used with a holster body of a firearm holster for releasably retaining and securing a firearm F within the holster. According to various examples, the holster retention device 400 may be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. As shown, the holster retention device 400 may have a right-handed configuration, designed such that a user may readily engage and actuate the holster retention device 400 as the user grasps the firearm F with the user's right hand. However, the holster retention device 400 alternatively may have a left-handed configuration in other examples, in manner similar to that discussed above. As described herein, the holster retention device 400 may have a locked or secured configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, in which the firearm F may not be removed from the holster, and an unlocked configuration, in which the firearm F may be removed from the holster. In some examples, the holster retention device 400 may be biased to the locked configuration. In other words, absent external forces acting on the holster retention device 400, the holster retention device 400 may assume the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention device 400 is in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention device 400 may engage a mating portion of the firearm F, such as an ejection port EP thereof, in a manner that prevents removal of the firearm F from the holster, specifically the holster body. When the holster retention device 400 is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention device 400 may disengage the mating portion of the firearm F, thereby allowing removal of the firearm F from the holster, specifically the holster body. As shown, the holster retention device 400 may include a housing 410, a plunger (which also may be referred to as an “actuator”) 430 movably disposed relative to the housing 410, and a locking block (which also may be referred to as a “locking member”) 450 movably disposed relative to the housing 310. As described herein, the holster retention device 400 also may include one or more first springs (which also may be referred to as “plunger springs”) 472 configured to bias the plunger 430 to its locked position and/or one or more second springs configured to bias the locking block 450 to its locked position corresponding to the locked configuration of the holster retention device 400.

As shown, the housing 410 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion” or a “plunger portion”) 412 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion” or a “locking-block portion”) 414. The first portion 412 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger 430 and to guide movement of the plunger 430 relative to the housing 410, while the second portion 414 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the locking block 450 and to guide movement of the locking block 450 relative to the housing 410. In some examples, as shown, the first portion 412 may include a channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the plunger 430, while the second portion 414 may include a recess configured to receive and guide a portion of the locking block 450 and a receptacle configured to receive and guide another portion of the locking block 450. In some examples, the first portion 412 of the housing 410 also may include a cutout (not shown; similar to cutout 224 described above) for receiving at least a portion of the first spring 472 disposed between the housing 410 and the plunger 430 and a protrusion (not shown; similar to protrusion 226 described above) for cooperating with the first spring 472 and/or the plunger 430 to define the locked position of the plunger 430 relative to the housing 410. In some examples, the housing 410 may be provided as a single, unitary component. For example, the housing 410 may include a body (which also may be referred to as a “housing body”) 416. In other examples, the housing 410 may include multiple components coupled to one another, including the body 416 and one or more additional components. As shown, the housing 410 may include a flexible hinge (which also may be referred to as a “resiliently flexible hinge”) 418 coupled to the body 416 and configured to facilitate a pivotal connection between the housing 410 and the locking block 450, as discussed below. In some examples, as shown, the housing 410 and the locking block 450 may be integrally formed with one another as a single component, with the flexible hinge 418 coupling the locking block 450 to the body 416. As described below, the flexible hinge 418 may be resiliently flexible and may function as a second spring that biases the locking block 450 to its locked position relative to the housing 410. In some examples, the housing 410 may be configured to be attached to the holster body of the firearm holster, thereby connecting the overall holster retention device 400 to the holster body. In some examples, the housing 410 may include a plurality of holes (which also may be referred to as “mounting holes”) 422 configured to receive corresponding fasteners for attaching the housing 410 to the holster body.

As shown, the plunger 430 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion,” a “user engagement portion,” a “first end portion,” or a “proximal end portion”) 432 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion,” a “locking-block engagement portion,” a “second end portion,” or a “distal end portion”) 434. The first portion 432 may be configured to be engaged by a user of the holster retention device 400, while the second portion 434 may be configured to engage and cooperate with the locking block 450. The plunger 430 may be configured to move relative to the housing 410 between a locked position (i.e., a position of the plunger 430 when the holster retention device 400 is in the locked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plunger 430 when the holster retention device 400 is in the unlocked configuration). In some examples, as shown, the plunger 430 may be configured to translate, relative to the housing 410, along a first axis. The first portion 432 of the plunger 430 may be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the first portion 432 with their thumb to overcome bias of the spring force(s) and move the plunger 430 along the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the first portion 432 may include a button 436 configured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. In some examples, the first portion 432 of the plunger 430 also may include a first cutout (not shown; similar to first cutout 244 described above) for receiving at least a portion of the first spring 472, a protrusion (not shown; similar to protrusion 246 described above) for cooperating with the first spring 472 and/or the housing 410 to define the locked position of the plunger 430 relative to the housing 410, and a second cutout (not shown; similar to second cutout 248 described above) for receiving and cooperating with the protrusion of the housing 410. As shown, the second portion 434 of the plunger 430 may include a locking-block engagement portion 438, which may include a first engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “locking-block engagement surface” or a “first cam surface”) 442, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with a corresponding second engagement surface 462 of the locking block 450.

As shown, the locking block 450 may include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion,” a “plunger engagement portion,” a “first end portion,” or a “proximal end portion”) 452 and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion,” a “firearm engagement portion,” a “second end portion,” or a “distal end portion”) 454. The first portion 452 may include a plunger engagement portion 458 configured for engaging and cooperating with the second portion 434 of the plunger 430. The plunger engagement portion 458 may include the second engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “plunger engagement surface” or a “second cam surface”) 462, such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the first engagement surface 442 of the plunger 430. The second portion 454 may include a firearm engagement portion (which also may be referred to as an “ejection-port engagement portion”) 464 configured for engaging and cooperating with a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP thereof. In particular, the firearm engagement portion 464 may include a protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “firearm engagement protrusion” or an “ejection-port engagement protrusion”) 466 configured for engaging and cooperating with the ejection port EP of the firearm F.

The locking block 450 may be configured to move relative to the housing 410 between a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking block 450 when the holster retention device 400 is in the locked configuration), as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, in which the firearm engagement portion 464 engages at least a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP, and prevents removal of the firearm F from the holster body, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the locking block 450 when the holster retention device 400 is in the unlocked configuration), in which the firearm engagement portion 464 is disengaged from the at least a portion of the firearm F and allows for removal of the firearm F from the holster body. In some examples, as shown, the locking block 450 may pivot, relative to the housing 410, about a second axis, which may be transverse to the first axis. In some examples, the second axis may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first axis. In some examples, as shown, the locking block 450 may be pivotably coupled to the housing 410 by the flexible hinge 418. In this manner, the pivot axis of the locking block 450 may be an axis aligned with, and defined by, the flexible hinge 418. The first engagement surface 442 of the plunger 430 may be configured to engage and cooperate with the second engagement surface 462 of the locking block 450 in order to move the locking block 450 from its locked position to its unlocked position when the plunger 430 is pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plunger 430 is pressed and moves along the first axis, the first engagement surface 442 of the plunger 430 may engage with the second engagement surface 462 of the locking block 450, which may cause the locking block 450 to pivot about the second axis from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plunger 430 is no longer pressed, the flexible hinge 418, due to its resilient nature, may move the locking block 450 from its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause the second engagement surface 462 of the locking block 450 to engage and cooperate with the first engagement surface 442 of the plunger 430 and move the plunger 430 from its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, the first spring 472 also may facilitate movement of the plunger 430 from its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the engagement surfaces 442, 462 may transfer translational movement of the plunger 430 along the first axis into pivotal movement of the locking block 450 about the second axis, and vice versa.

Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.