HOLSTER FOR FACILITATING THE MASTER GRIP

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/664,141 filed Jun. 25, 2024; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/726,022 filed Nov. 27, 2025, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/746,961 filed Jan. 18, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/794,287 filed Apr. 24, 2025. All of these applications are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handguns, particularly when used for law enforcement and military situations, need to be highly secure when holstered and reliably, intuitively, and safely unholstered in stressful situations ready for firing. When unholstered, the handgun is ideally grasped in the master grip with the forefinger positioned on the handgun body above the trigger region. Modern polymer holsters for semiautomatic handguns do not optimally facilitate grasping the holstered handgun in the master grip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor has recognized that modern polymer holsters for semiautomatic handguns do not optimally facilitate grasping the holstered handgun in the master grip.

The majority of holsters now utilize rigid polymer holster bodies and are made for receiving semi-automatic handguns having upper slides. The sidewalls of bodies that extend around the mass produced holsters have dramatically improved retention capabilities with different levels of retention available depending upon the need. One intended goal of such retention features is to prevent others from easily unholstering the handgun when in a struggle with the person wearing the holster and handgun, such as a law enforcement person. Holster retention capabilities are often categorized in three levels: level I, level II and level III. Level I typically equates to a conforming friction engagement for passive retention. Level II has an active mechanism that needs manual release to withdraw the handgun. Level III has two mechanical retention means for securing the handgun in the holster.

The manual release of the retention means is almost always by the same hand that grips and withdraws the holster, such as by an index finger or thumb release.

Although holsters may have surface structure on the holster to direct the user's forefinger to the correct location, even with such structure, upon withdrawal of the handgun and the transition of the forefinger from engaging the exterior surface of the holster to engaging the handgun, the forefinger needs to move inward to engage the handgun. The transition can be problematic, particularly in stressful situations, the forefinger may inadvertently move toward the trigger region. Any improvements in holsters to facilitate reliable and intuitive unholstering and facilitating the master grip when unholstered would be welcomed by users and the industry.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a holster that provides near conventional enclosure of the handgun by the holster while facilitating a secure withdrawal and master grip.

A holster with a slot for the index finger along the side of the weapon allowing handgun engagement along the holster body above the trigger guard when the handgun is still holstered facilitates the proper master grip when the holster is withdrawn.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a holster with a covered slot for receiving the user's forefinger on the holstered handgun, the cover on the slot providing access to the handgun body surface above the trigger region with the holster precluding access to the trigger region while the handgun is holstered. A feature and advantage of embodiments are latch mechanisms that are operative by the engagement of the user's hand on the holstered handgun in the master grip, without having to push a finger pad with the forefinger towards the handgun.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is that the holster allows complete extension of the index finger and contact with the handgun while the index finger is completely extended and before the handgun is withdrawn from the holster. A feature and advantage of embodiments is that the user may use one motion to reach downward to grasp the handgun allowing unholstering without altering the grasping of the handgun.

A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention, the distal phalanx and middle phalanx are in contact with the frame of the handgun prior to and as the handgun is being removed from the holster.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a holster that allows a full gripping of a holstered handgun simultaneously releasing one or two handgun latches as the handgun is gripped, allowing a full master grip with the hand to handgun contact with the holstered but now unlatched handgun. In embodiments, actuation portions configured as finger pads are actuated by a motion that does not sandwich or compress the pad between the handgun and the user's fingers after actuation, as in conventional handguns. In embodiments, the finger engagement portion of a latch, such as a finger pad, is pushed forwardly with respect to the handgun, and/or pushed outwardly with respect to the handgun.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a holster that allows a full gripping of a holstered handgun simultaneously releasing one or two handgun latches as the handgun is gripped, allowing a full master grip hand to handgun contact with the holstered but now unlatched handgun. In embodiments, actuation portions are positioned with a gap between the actuation portion and the handgun, without the holster body therebetween. The actuation pad is pushed toward the handgun no more that the gap distance such that the forefinger then, as the handgun is withdrawn, transitions from the actuation pad directly to the side surface of the handgun above the trigger region. In embodiments, the finger actuation portion may engage the side surface of the handgun above the trigger region of the handgun.

In embodiments, a Level II handgun holster has a handgun securement latch that requires the holstered handgun to be gripped in the master grip, with the forefinger on the handgun body above the trigger region to release the latch and withdraw the handgun. In embodiments, the forefinger pushes a finger engaging member outwardly with respect to the handgun. In embodiments, the forefinger pushes a finger engaging member forwardly with respect to the handgun. In embodiments, the forefinger pushes a finger engaging member forwardly and also outwardly with respect to the handgun.

In embodiments, a Level III handgun holster has a first handgun securement latch that requires the holstered handgun to be gripped in the master grip, with the forefinger on the handgun body above the trigger region to release the latch and further has a second handgun securement latch that must be released before withdrawing the handgun. In embodiments, the second latch is released by the user's thumb engaging the thumb engagement region of the handgun rearward of the trigger region. In embodiments, the first securement latch has a forefinger engagement portion that is pushed forwardly and/or outwardly with respect to the handgun body above the trigger region. In embodiments the first securement latch releasable engages the handgun trigger guard to latch and secure the handgun in the holster. In embodiments the first securement latch releasable engages the handgun discharge port to latch and secure the handgun in the holster. In embodiments the second securement latch releasable engages the handgun trigger guard to latch and secure the handgun in the holster. In embodiments the second securement latch releasable engages the handgun discharge port to latch and secure the handgun in the holster. In embodiments, the finger actuation portions of the first and/or second securement latches are positioned within a cavity defined by the holster body such as they are not readily visible when worn by a user and with a handgun holstered therein. In embodiments, a finger actuation portion may be positioned between the handgun and holster mount such that the finger actuation portion is not readily visible and accessible to a person other than the user wearing the holster. A feature and advantage of such embodiments is that it would be extremely difficult for a person other than the user wearing the holster to effectively disengage the first and/or second securement latches to release the handgun.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a holster that has adjustable or customizable latch release portions for users with different hand and finger sizes. In embodiments, a latch member with a finger engagement portion can be replaced with another latch member that changes the forward-rearward positioning of the finger engagement portion on the holster. In embodiments, the positioning of the finger engagement portion may be adjustable changed on the latch member to vary the position of the finger engagement portion with respect to the handgun.

In embodiments, a polymer holster has a lower portion that receives the forward portion of a handgun slide and frame, the lower portion conformingly shaped to minimize movement of the handgun in the holster, the holster lower portion extending beyond the forwardmost end of the handgun and having a conforming portion that constrains motion of the handgun when fully seated, limiting freedom of motion to a single axis withdrawal axis.

Embodiments allow the forefinger to initially be placed on the side of the handgun, while the handgun is holstered, and allowing it to remain there while the handgun is unholstered, and as the handgun is raised to a shooting position, with the shooting hand already in the master grip, eliminates the finger transition from the outside of the holster to the side of the handgun thereby reducing accidental discharges during the handgun withdrawal from the holster. Slots positioned on the side of the holster above the trigger region, where the forefinger is often placed on the outside of the holster, provide the normal holster functionality while allowing the master grip to be utilized on a holstered handgun. The slot may be defined by outwardly projecting lips formed of the holster wall, or a covered slot, the cover provided by an outwardly projecting elongate rounded cover formed of the holster wall.

In embodiments, an injection molded holster is configured as a duty holster to be worn in an OWB manner, the duty holster having an injection molded body and one or more active handgun restraint mechanisms. In embodiments, the holster has a rigid polymer side cover that is movable, for example pivotable, from a forefinger access inhibiting position, or a forefinger blocking position, to a forefinger non-inhibiting position with respect to the distal side of the holstered handgun. Wherein when the side cover is in the forefinger access inhibiting position, a user is precluded from grasping the holstered handgun in the master grip with the forefinger extending along and contacting the holstered handgun distal side above the trigger region. Wherein when the side cover is in the forefinger non-inhibiting position, the user may grasp the handgun with the master grip. In embodiments, the side cover is latchable in the forefinger access inhibiting position and has a user actuatable mechanism on the handgun body for releasing the side cover so that it moves, for example pivots, to the forefinger non-inhibiting position.

In embodiments, the trigger region may be defined as the region defined by the trigger guard and the handgun body. Precluding access to the trigger region precludes access to the trigger.

In embodiments, a holster is configured as an injection molded holster and includes a rigid polymer body, and further includes a rigid polymer hood restraint extending over a rear end of a handgun slide of a holstered handgun, the hood restraint is movable from a first position, a blocking position to a second position, a non-blocking position with respect to withdrawal of the handgun. In embodiments, the holster has a rigid polymer side cover that is operatively connected to the hood restraint. The side cover moveable from a first position, a forefinger access inhibiting position, or a forefinger blocking position, to a second position, a forefinger non-inhibiting position with respect to forefinger access to the distal side of the holstered handgun. Wherein the hood restraint and the forefinger access inhibiting side cover may be simultaneously or jointly moved from their respective first positions to their respective second positions. Wherein when the side cover is in the forefinger non-inhibiting position, the user may grasp the handgun in the master grip. In embodiments, the side cover and hood restraint are integral, fixed to each other. In embodiments, the side cover and hood restraint are unitarily formed such as by injection molding.

In embodiments, the holster body may define an open region allowing the user's forefinger to access the side of the handgun above the trigger region, where the forefinger is placed in the master grip, is open in a lateral direction. That is, it is visible and the holster body covers the trigger region such that it is not visible or is substantially not visible. In embodiments, the side cover extends over and along the region of the holstered handgun covering the region above the trigger region, visually blocking the side of the handgun where the forefinger may be placed in the master grip. In embodiments, the side cover may pivot from a forefinger access inhibiting position to a forefinger access position. In embodiments, the side cover may pivot about a pivot access extending in the forward rearward direction with respect to the handgun. In embodiments, the side cover may pivot about a laterally extending axis, that is transverse to the axis of the barrel of the handgun. In embodiments, the side cover may pivot about an upwardly-downwardly axis, with respect to the handgun. In embodiments, the side cover is integral or unitary with a slide hood restraint and the hood restraint and side cover may pivot jointly about a laterally extending axis. In embodiments, the side cover is integral or unitary with a slide hood restraint and the hood restraint and side cover may move jointly from respective blocking positions for the handgun and forefinger access to the side of the handgun above the trigger region. For example, the hood restraint and side cover may be slidingly engaged with the holster body, and/or may be connected with linkages. In embodiments, when the hood restraint and integrated or unitary side cover move from a first position, where handgun withdrawal is blocked, and forefinger access to the side of the handgun above the trigger guard is blocked, to a second position where the hood restraint is not blocking the handgun, and the forefinger may access the handgun in the master grip fashion, a forefinger slot is defined between a margin of the holster body extending above the trigger region and the hood restraint and unitary or integrated side cover, both now in the second position. In embodiments, the integrated or unitary hood restraint and side cover may be biased toward the second position and may be latched in the first position with a latch mechanism on the holster body. In embodiments, the latch mechanism may include a thumb release pad actuated by the users thumb.

In embodiments, a rigid polymer holster has a rigid polymer holster body and a rigid polymer side cover, movably attached to the holster body. The side cover having a first position where forefinger access to the side of the holstered handgun above the trigger region is blocked, and a second position where forefinger access to side of the holstered handgun above the trigger region is provided. In embodiments, the side cover also provides further handgun withdrawal blocking portion such that when the side cover is in the first position, withdrawal of the handgun is blocked and when the side cover is in the second position, withdrawal of the handgun is not blocked by the blocking portion. In embodiments, for example, the blocking portion may engage the ejection port of the handgun when the side cover is in the first position. Ine embodiments, the blocking portion may engage the trigger guard, or the handgun body, or the rearward end of the handgun slide, or generally any rearward facing surface of the handgun that can be engaged to block withdrawal.

In embodiments, a holster with a holster body may have a forefinger access cover movably attached to a holster body, the forefinger access cover movable between a first position where a user's forefinger is blocked from the side of the holstered handgun above the trigger region and a second position where the forefinger access cover allows a user's forefinger to access the side of the holstered handgun above the trigger region in the master grip fashion. In embodiments, the forefinger access cover operates as an actuation portion such that when actuated, the forefinger access cover moves to the second position where user's forefinger may access the side of the handgun above the trigger region. In embodiments, in the first position the forefinger access cover lays in proximity to the distal side of the handgun, in close enough proximity to preclude entry of the user's forefinger. In the second position the forefinger access cover is displaced from the first position away from the distal side of the handgun above the trigger region. In embodiments, the forefinger access cover is slidingly engaged with the holster body, in embodiments, the forefinger access cover is pivotally connected to the holster body, in embodiments, the forefinger access cover has linkage connecting it to the holster body. In embodiments, actuation of the forefinger access cover to move it from the first position to the second position also actuates a handgun retention mechanism to move a withdrawal inhibiting portion of the mechanism from a retention position to a non-retention position. The handgun retention mechanism may engage, for example, the handgun trigger guard, the handgun ejection port, the handgun slide, or other portions of the holstered handgun. In embodiments, the forefinger access cover may have an actuation face directed rearwardly with respect to the handgun and when pushed forward releases the forefinger access cover from the first position and it moves to the second position, the access cover may be biased to the second position. In embodiments, the movement of the forefinger access cover to the second position also jointly moves a handgun withdrawal blocking portion from a withdrawal blocking position to a non-blocking position. In embodiments, the handgun withdrawal blocking portion is integral or unitary with the access cover including the actuation face.

In embodiments, a holster with a holster body may have a forefinger access cover movably attached to a holster body, the forefinger access cover movable between a first position where a user's forefinger is blocked from the side of the holstered handgun above the trigger region and a second position where the forefinger access cover allows a user's forefinger to access the side of the holstered handgun above the trigger region in the master grip fashion. In embodiments, the forefinger access cover operates as an actuation portion such that when actuated, the forefinger access cover moves to the second position where user's forefinger may access the side of the handgun above the trigger region. In embodiments, in the first position the forefinger access cover lays in proximity to the distal side of the handgun, in close enough proximity to preclude entry of the user's forefinger. In the second position the forefinger access cover is displaced from the first position away from the distal side of the handgun above the trigger region. In embodiments, the forefinger access cover is slidingly engaged with the holster body, in embodiments, the forefinger access cover is pivotally connected to the holster body, in embodiments, the forefinger access cover has linkage connecting it to the holster body. In embodiments, actuation of the forefinger access cover to move it from the first position to the second position also actuates a handgun retention mechanism to move a withdrawal inhibiting portion of the mechanism from a retention position to a non-retention position.

The handgun retention mechanism may engage, for example, the handgun trigger guard, the handgun ejection port, the handgun slide, or other portions of the holstered handgun. In embodiments, the forefinger access cover may have an actuation face directed rearwardly with respect to the handgun and when pushed forward releases the forefinger access cover from the first position and it moves to the second position, the access cover may be biased to the second position. In embodiments, the movement of the forefinger access cover to the second position also jointly moves a handgun withdrawal blocking portion from a withdrawal blocking position to a non-blocking position. In embodiments, the handgun withdrawal blocking portion is integral or unitary with the access cover including the actuation face.

In embodiments, the holster body may define a forefinger slot that when viewed from the side, the side of the handgun above the trigger region, where the forefinger is placed in the master grip, is open in a lateral direction. That is, it is visible and the holster body covers the trigger region such that it is not visible or is substantially not visible. In embodiments, the side cover extends over and along the forefinger slot, covering the forefinger slot, for example, visually blocking the side of the handgun where the forefinger may be placed in the master grip.

In embodiments, the holsters may be manufactured utilizing vacuum forming methods, or injection molding. In embodiments, existing forms for vacuum forming can be adapted for providing the elongate outwardly projecting forefinger cover having a U-shape in cross-section. Such adaption may be accomplished with an insert seatable on the vacuum form where the slot with the cover is desired. In embodiments where injection molding is utilized for forming a conventional holster, not having a forefinger slot, a mold insert may be provided to the mold, positioned in the mold cavity to provide a slot for receiving the forefinger of a user of the holster, the insert positioned such that the molded holster has the forefinger slot positioned such that the slot is above the portion of the holster covering the trigger guard and trigger region of a holstered handgun.

In embodiments, holsters may be thermoformed or modified by thermoforming portions for users providing them customized sized slots for the users, custom sized slot covers, and custom sized slots with slot margins as projecting outwardly from the holster.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is that training of new users of handguns is facilitated by having a holster that requires or compels that the user to grasp the holstered handgun in the master grip before withdrawing the handgun.

The inventor has recognized that a trigger finger depressing a handgun release finger pad within the master grip forefinger slot, where the finger comes to rest on the handgun as the pad is depressed, with the finger already in a master grip position in the slot, is starkly different than depressing a finger pad position on a holster body. The latter requiring that the finger first transitions from the finger pad to the holster body and then transitions from the holster body to a different level of the side of the handgun during the withdrawal motion. Such transitions may cause positioning errors of the forefinger during the handgun withdrawal.

In embodiments, the upper margin of the finger pad is directly adjacent to the handgun body and/or slide, without any portion of the holster body positioned there between, allowing the finger to be in contact with the holstered handgun while the tip of the forefinger is in a preactuation or actuation position with respect to the fingerpad release lever.

In embodiments, a new method of unholstering a semiautomatic handgun with a slide, the handgun in a holster with a rigid polymer body extending about the handgun and covering the trigger region and extending over the slide. The holster worn with an upward access opening to the handgun receiving cavity such that the handgun is pointed downwardly with respect to the holster. The method comprising grasping the holstered handgun in a master grip with the forefinger engaging the side of the handgun above the trigger region. The method further comprising withdrawing the handgun along a handgun withdrawal axis that extends upwardly and downwardly with respect to the holster while maintaining the master grip on the handgun. The method further comprising pointing the handgun at a target while maintaining the master grip on the handgun. The method may further comprise releasing one or more latches on the handgun as the user grips the holstered handgun in the master grip. The method further may further insertion of the user's forefinger in a covered slot extending forward and reward with respect to the handgun and positioned between the trigger region, with respect to the handgun.

When used herein, the frame of reference with respect to the handgun, unless the context dictates differently, forward is in the direction of the barrel and a direction that a bullet would be discharged from the handgun, and rearward is opposite thereto. A downward reference with respect to a handgun means generally the direction the trigger extends from the handgun body, upward is opposite thereto. When used herein, the frame of reference with respect to a holster presumes the holster is worn on the side of an individual standing with the barrel of the holstered handgun pointing downwardly and with the receiving and withdrawal opening of the holster being directed upwardly. A forward direction with respect to the holster is the direction the standing user of the holster is facing with the holster on his side. A rearward direction being opposite thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a single hand master grip.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the master grip transitioned to a ready to fire position with the index finger on the trigger.

FIG. 5 illustrates a holster in accord with embodiments having a handgun holstered therein and gripped by a user, the user gripping the handgun with the master grip.

FIG. 6 illustrates the holster and handgun of FIG. 5A with the handgun withdrawn and with the handgun being grasped in the master grip.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the holster of FIG. 5B from viewed from user side.

FIG. 8A is a side view of another holster embodiment, the holster having a handgun therein gripped by a user, the user gripping the handgun with the master grip with the forefinger in an exposed slot.

FIG. 8B is a side view of another holster embodiment, the holster having a handgun therein gripped by a user, the user gripping the handgun with the master grip, the slot for the forefinger covered by a cover or a bulge in the exterior wall of the holster.

FIG. 9 is a side view of another holster embodiment, the holster having a handgun therein gripped by a user, the user gripping the handgun with the master grip with the forefinger in an exposed slot, the slot a J-shape that diverges towards the upper slot opening.

FIG. 10 illustrates a semiautomatic handgun with a slide holstered in a holster with a forefinger slot, the slot covered with a slot cover portion which with the handgun defines an open interior that tapers forwardly with respect to the handgun. Positioning of handgun portions covered by the holster are illustrated by dotted lines.

FIG. 11 is the semiautomatic handgun and holster of FIG. 8, with a thumb actuated release.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a holster with a forefinger master grip slot with a cover thereover allowing insertion of a forefinger thereunder.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover insert that could be received by the holster of FIG. 10 or 12 providing a cover over the forefinger slots.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of another cover with a flange suitable for attachment with fasteners on a holster body to cover a forefinger slot. The holster body being rigid plastic or could be leather.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken at line 15-15 of FIG. 8 showing the distal side of the holster when worn, the forefinger slot, and interfaces and confronting surfaces between the holster and handgun. The proximate side of the holster is broken away

FIG. 16 is a side view of the holster of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken at line 17-17 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of a holster embodiment with the holster body defining a covered slot for engagement of the body of the handgun above the trigger region.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the holster of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the holster of FIG. 19 illustrating the positioning of the handgun portions in the holster.

FIG. 21 is a front side view of the holster of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of another embodiment with the holster body providing increased spacing from the handgun for accommodating latching mechanisms.

FIG. 23 is a rear side view of a holstered handgun with the holster shown diagrammatically and with a latch mechanism that catches the handgun ejection port, the latch mechanism releasable during gripping of the holstered handgun with the user's forefinger moving to the master grip.

FIG. 24 is a distal side elevation and diagrammatic view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a top plan diagrammatic view of a holster with a handgun therein and with a latch mechanism that catches the ejection port for retention.

FIG. 26 is a front side view of the handgun and latch mechanism of FIG. 25 with the holster body removed illustrating the latch mechanism.

FIG. 27 is a distal side elevation and diagrammatic view of the handgun and holster of FIG. 25 with the positioning of the latch mechanism illustrated.

FIG. 28 is a proximal side view of a holster in a handgun with a latch mechanism that latches onto the trigger guard of the handgun for retention of the handgun in the holster, the latch releasable by insertion of the user's thumb between the handgun body and latch member finger pad.

FIG. 29 is a top plan diagrammatic view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 28 showing engagement of the trigger guard.

FIG. 30A is a proximal side elevational view of a holstered handgun with handgun retention systems illustrated diagrammatically with dotted lines.

FIG. 30B is a distal side elevational diagrammatic view of a holstered handgun with handgun retention systems illustrating the distal side of the holster.

FIG. 31A is side view of the distal side of a holster that may be thermoformed and is configured as an outside the waistband holster with a covered forefinger receiving slot allowing a master grip on a holstered handgun.

FIG. 31B is a side view of the proximal side of the holster of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 31C is a top view looking into the handgun cavity of the holster of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 31D is a top view of the holster of FIG. 31A with a holstered handgun illustrating the covered slot allowing the user's forefinger to be placed on the side of the holstered handgun.

FIG. 31E is a side view of the holster with a holstered handgun of FIG. 31D.

FIG. 31F is a user gripping the holstered handgun of FIG. 31D with the master grip.

FIG. 31G is the user unholstering the handgun of FIG. 31F with the user continuing with the master grip on the handgun.

FIG. 32A is holster that may be thermoformed and is convertible between an inside the waistband holster to an outside the waistband holster. FIG. 32A illustrates an outside the waistband configuration.

FIG. 32B is the holster of FIG. 32A in an inside the waistband configuration and with a forefinger slot having projecting margin portions providing spacing between the user's waistband and the side of the holstered handgun thereby allowing a master grip of the holstered handgun.

FIG. 32C is a top view of the holster of FIG. 32B illustrating the projecting slot margins providing space for the user's forefinger to be place on the side of a holstered handgun.

FIG. 32D is a top view of the holster of FIG. 32C with the belt straps removed.

FIG. 32E is a side view of the holster of FIG. 32B with a holstered handgun attached to a belt depicting an inside the waistband configuration.

FIG. 32F is a perspective view of the holster of FIG. 32B with a holstered handgun with forefinger access to the side of the handgun allowing grasping the handgun with the master grip.

FIG. 32G is another perspective view of the holster of FIG. 32F with the holstered handgun.

FIG. 32H is the holstered handgun of FIG. 32D gripped with the master grip, the belt straps have been removed.

FIG. 33A is a side view of the distal side of a holster with a forefinger slot for grasping the handgun in the master grip and with a handgun release pad position in the forefinger slot.

FIG. 33B is a side view of the distal side of a holster with a forefinger slot for grasping the handgun in the master grip and with a handgun release pad position in the forefinger slot, displaced from the end of the slot.

FIG. 33C is a side view from the front of the holster of either FIG. 33A or FIG. 33B.

FIG. 33D is a side view of the proximal side of the holster of either FIG. 33A or FIG. 33B.

FIG. 33E is a perspective view of a user ready to grasp a handgun holstered in the holster of FIG. 33B.

FIG. 33F is another perspective view of the user grasping the handgun of FIG. 33E with the master grip and simultaneously activating the handgun release.

FIG. 33G is another perspective view of the user withdrawing the handgun from the holster of FIGS. 33E and 33F with the forefinger remaining in the forefinger slot and remaining in the master grip as the handgun is unholstered.

FIG. 34A is a side view of the distal side of a holster with a handgun therein and with a forefinger slot and with a handgun release at the end of the slot corresponding to the forward end of the trigger guard.

FIG. 34B is a side view of the distal side of a holster with a handgun therein and with a forefinger slot and with a handgun release at the end of the slot corresponding to the forward end of the trigger guard.

FIG. 35A is a side view of the distal side of a holster with a handgun therein.

FIG. 35B is a side view of the proximal side of the holster of FIG. 35A with the handgun therein and with a thumb actuated handgun retention release.

FIG. 35C is a side view of the proximal side of the holster with handgun of FIG. 35A with after the handgun retention release is actuated.

FIG. 35D is a side view of the distal side of the holster of FIG. 35A after the handgun retention release is actuated.

FIG. 36A is a side view of the distal side of a holster with a side cover configured as a forefinger access cover in a first position where the forefinger access to the side of the handgun above the trigger region is blocked and where a handgun withdrawal inhibiting portion is engaged in a ejection port of the handgun inhibiting unholstering of the handgun.

FIG. 36B is a side view of the distal side of the holster of FIG. 36A with the side cover in a second position providing forefinger access to the side of the handgun above the trigger region and with the handgun withdrawal inhibiting portion moved out of the handgun withdrawal inhibiting position.

FIG. 36C is a front view of the holster of FIG. 36A with the side cover in the first forefinger blocking position.

FIG. 36D is a front view of the holster of FIG. 36A with the side cover in the second position allowing users forefinger to access the side of the handgun above the trigger region and with the withdrawal inhibiting portion moved out of the ejection port.

FIG. 36E is a top view of the holster of FIG. 36A with the side cover in the first position blocking the user's forefinger from a master grip position on the holstered handgun.

FIG. 36F is a top view of the holster of FIG. 36A with the side cover in the second position providing access of the user's forefinger to the side of the holstered handgun in the master grip position.

FIG. 37 is a conceptual exploded perspective view of thermoforming equipment including a mold and a mold insert for adapting a thermoform mold to manufacture holsters with a covered slot for allowing a user of the holster to grip a holstered handgun with the master grip.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a preform that may be formed from the thermoforming equipment of FIG. 37, the preform including a covered slot portion.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of another preform that may be formed from the thermoforming equipment of FIG. 37, where a forefinger slot may be cut from the preform.

FIG. 40 is a conceptual perspective view of a mold for injection molding a holster and an accessory slot defining insert adapted for insertion in the mold cavity of the mold.

FIG. 41 is the mold of FIG. 38 with the mold opened showing a positioning of the slot defining insert for adapting the mold to manufacture holsters with a slot for allowing a user of the holster to grip a holstered handgun with the master grip.

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view of the mold of FIG. 38 taken at a plane along the dashed line of FIG. 38.

FIG. 43 is a conceptual perspective view of a mold portion of the mold of FIG. 38 illustrating the mold cavity.

FIG. 44 is the mold portion of FIG. 43 with the slot defining insert in place in the mold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1-2 the well-known “master grip” for gripping handguns is illustrated with the user's forefinger 10 on a body of a handgun 22 above the trigger region 30. The tip 11 of the forefinger may extend to a juncture 23 between the handgun body 27 and a slide 26. FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the one hand ready-to-fire grip with the finger at the trigger.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a holster 20 with the handgun 22 therein being worn by a user 25. The handgun being a semiautomatic handgun with the slide 26 on the body 27, a barrel 28, a grip 29 on a rearward end of the body, a trigger region 30, with a trigger guard 33 and a trigger 35. A muzzle 36 at a forward end 37 of the slide. The holster secured to the user by conventional attachment means 39, such as a strap or clip, for securing the holster to the user's belt 39.1 or elsewhere. The user gripping the handgun 22 with his hand 32 with the master grip prior to withdrawal of the holster from the handgun. The user's forefinger 32.4 is positioned in a covered master grip forefinger slot 40 of the holster, the middle finger 32.5, the ring finger 32.6 and the little finger 32.7 are wrapped around and are gripping the grip 29. The user's forefinger 32.4 is pressed against the surface 32.9 handgun and may engage the handgun body 27 below the slide 26 and above the trigger region 30 and may also engage the slide and the tip of the forefinger and may be placed at juncture 23 of the slide 26 and handgun body 27.

The covered slot 40 having a forward margin 40.4, a rearward margin 40.6, and a lower rounded apex margin 40.8. The forward margin 40.4 has a generally straight portion that may follow and be parallel to the juncture 23 between the slide and handgun body and the handgun insertion and withdrawal axis 40.9. The rearward margin 40.6 may be angled rearwardly with respect to the forward margin such that the slot 40 converges in a downward direction. The rearward margin 40.6 providing positioning for the user's forefinger 10 on the handgun and further providing a barrier to entry of the forefinger into the trigger region 30 of the handgun. As the handgun is withdrawn, the forward margin 40.4 being substantially parallel to the insertion withdrawal axis 40.9 allows the forefinger 10 and tip 11 of the forefinger to remain frozen on handgun during the withdrawal process.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 the holster body 41 is illustrated and is configured as a rigid polymer housing 42 defining a handgun receiving cavity 44 therein. Opposing sidewall portions, a proximal wall portion 46, and a distal wall portion 48, are connected by a forward wall portion 51 and a rearward wall portion 50. A trigger guard capture region 50.2 is defined at the juncture of the opposing side wall portions 46, 48 and the rearward wall portion. The trigger guard capture region 50.2 conformingly sized to the trigger guard of the handgun to be received in the holster. The width W1 between the opposing side wall portions 46, 48 at the trigger guard capture region 50.2 sized to slightly oversized to the width W2 of the handgun trigger guard. See FIG. 14. In embodiments, the width W1 is within 0.25 inches of the width W1 of the handgun trigger guard. In embodiments, the width W1 is within 0.15 inches of the width W1 of the handgun trigger guard. The internal wall surfaces 50.4 of the holster at the trigger guard capture region 50.2 providing bearing and guide surfaces during insertion of the handgun and constraining the handgun when holstered. A slide capture region 52.2 is defined by the opposing side wall portions 46, 48 and the forward wall 52 and is conformingly shaped to the slide 26 of the handgun to be received in the holster. Internal wall surfaces 52.6 at and defining the slide capture region 52.2 may provide bearing and guide surfaces during insertion of the handgun. The internal wall surfaces 52.6 at the slide capture region 52.2 and the internal wall surfaces 50.4 at the trigger guard capture region 50.2 are adequate to position the handgun in the holster, allowing clearance, that is gaps, between the opposing side walls and the handgun between the trigger guard capture region and the slide capture region 52.2.

Attachment bosses 52 shown in dashed lines are for connecting the holster to a suitable mounting system. Such mounting systems are known to those of skill in the art and are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,782,094; 10,883,795. Said patents and publications are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. The holster sidewall away from user when worn, the distal sidewall 48, has the master grip forefinger slot 40 therein that extends downward, with respect to a holster being worn by the user standing, or forwardly with respect to the handgun, or when the user is sitting, from the upper margin 64 of the holster. The forefinger slot defined by a slot defining margin 69, including a forward and rearward margins or edge portions 40.4, 40.6 and a curved end margin 40.8 at the user's forefinger tip and being generally sized for and configured for the user's forefinger 32.4. The slot may extend the length of the user's forefinger. In embodiments the slot may extend one inch or more into the distal side wall from the upper margin and can accommodate, in embodiments, at least the distal phalange of the user's forefinger. In embodiments the slot length may be up to 3.75 inches measured from the upper margin forward of the slot to the lowest end of the slot. In embodiments the slot may be up to 3.25 inches measured from the upper margin forward of the slot to the lowest end of the slot. The forward margin and rearward margin may be generally straight and may be parallel or within 30 degrees of parallel in embodiments. The forward margin and rearward margin may be generally straight and may be parallel or within 40 degrees of parallel in embodiments. In embodiments, the forward margin and rearward margin may be substantially straight and be angled with respect to each other of 25 degrees or less. In embodiments, the slot is long enough to place the distal phalange on the handgun body above the trigger region, or the juncture between the body and slide, or on the slide, with the forefinger fully extended as shown in FIG. 5B.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-9, holsters 75.1, 75.2, 75.3 with a master grip forefinger slot 40 is illustrated and has a forward margin 70 significantly longer than the rearward margin 72. The forward margin essentially parallel to an insertion withdrawal axis 73 of the handgun 22 with respect to the holster and also parallel to the juncture 77 between the slide 26 and body 27 of the handgun 22. The lower margin may be parallel to the user's forefinger when gripping the holstered handgun. The user's forefinger 78 engaging the handgun with the master grip proximate the juncture 77. The rearward margin 72 and rearward portion 79 of the holster precluding the user's forefinger from entering the trigger region on the holstered handgun. The forward margin 70, parallel to the insertion withdrawal axis 73 allows the tip 11 of the user's finger to maintain its position on the handgun body and potentially the slide. The holster has a body 80 that extends proximate the rearward end 83 of the slide 26.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, slot covers 72.1, 72.2, 72.3, 72.4 may cover and further define the slot 40 for receiving the forefinger. In embodiments, the slot cover may be attachable to, removable from, or unitary with the holster body. As depicted the slot covers may be channel shaped or U-shaped, and in combination with a holstered handgun, the channel shaped slot cover and body, or body and slide, of the holstered handgun define a covered forefinger receiving slot or tunnel 40 allowing the user's fully extended forefinger to be placed on the side of the handgun in the master grip. The gaps defined by the channel shaped slot covers 72.1, 72.2, 72.3, 72.4 and the side of the handgun, particularly the gap proximate the trigger region 30, are sized to preclude passing of a user's finger. In embodiments, the gap proximate the trigger region 30 is less than 0.25 inches. In embodiments, the gap proximate the trigger region 30 is not greater than less than 0.33 inches. In embodiments the channel shape tapers in a downward direction with respect to the holster, and a forward direction with respect to the holstered handgun.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 16, 17, 28, and 29, the rigid holster with the forefinger slot, covered or uncovered, is particularly amenable to holsters with thumb actuation buttons. Such buttons may require depressing toward the handgun or pushing a pad forwardly. Referring to FIGS. 10-17, a holster 87 with a master grip forefinger slot 40, may have a cover configured as a separate piece. As best shown in FIG. 13, the cover piece may have a protrusion or rib 93 extending along the insert margin 94 that interfaces with a groove at the margins of the slot in the holster body.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 16, and 17, the thumb actuated release mechanism 90 is illustrated. A lever 104 with a thumb engaging pad 106, pivots about a pin 108 in a conforming recess 112 in the proximal sidewall portion 46. The lever has a stop portion 116 that in a normal position obstructs the removal of the handgun by blocking the trigger guard 33. Depression of the thumbpad 90 as indicated by arrow 121 pivots the lever about pin 108 and moves the stop portion 116 outwardly, as indicated by arrow 122, to a non-obstructing position allowing removal of the handgun from the holster. Other known latches with release mechanisms may also be utilized. See for example, U.S. Patents and Publications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,694,860; 8,602,275; 9,134,093; 9,494384; 9,759,515; 2019/0293386; and 10,330,435. Said patents and publications are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, a form fitting polymer holster 310 is depicted with a holstered handgun 312. The holster has a holster body 318 that has an elongate raised portion 321 on the distal side wall 322 of the of the holster body defining a forefinger covered receiving slot 327 that positions a user's forefinger over the handgun body 330 forward of (when the handgun is pointing downwardly in the holster) the trigger region 329. The distal phalange of the user's forefinger (not shown in these views) may seat and press upon the handgun body 330 between the trigger region 329 and slide 332 and may engage a portion of the slide 332, such as by the tip 11 of the user's finger, depending on, for example, the particular handgun and the length of the user's finger, The holster distal wall 322 confronts and is in close proximity to the handgun. The gaps 340, 341 forward and rearward (when the holstered handgun is pointing downward) of the covered forefinger receiving slot 327 are sized to retain the user's forefinger in the covered slot and preclude the user's finger from entering the trigger region 329. In embodiments, the gaps 340 forward and rearward of the covered receiving slot 327 at the handgun body distal phalange receiving region 344 are less than 0.25 inches. In embodiments, the gaps 340 forward and rearward of the covered receiving slot 327 at the handgun body distal phalange receiving region 344 are less than 0.40 inches. In embodiments, the covering portion of the holster may be removable such as illustrated by the channel shaped cover of FIGS. 12-15, and may have different sizes for accommodating users with different finger sizes or for accommodating a user when wearing a glove, for example. The polymer holster may further comprise a mounting system 350, such as a belt clip as best illustrated in FIG. 21.

Referring to FIGS. 23-29, embodiments of holsters with different handgun retention mechanisms 402, 403, 404 are illustrated. FIG. 22 illustrates a holster 410 with raised portions 412 of the holster body 414 to accommodate retention mechanisms that may be associated with the forefinger covering raised portion 321. Retention mechanisms known in the art, such as levers, linkages, flexing arms, may generally be utilized with the master grip holsters as described and depicted herein. In embodiments, the user grasping the handgun in the master grip may simultaneously actuate the release mechanisms. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, an actuation portion 420 of a latching system 422 may be pushed in a direction away from the handgun 423 and/or toward the muzzle of the handgun by the user's forefinger 426. That is, an angled finger receiving pad 420 may be pushed outward as the user's finger is slid between the pad and the handgun body into the phalange receiving region 430. The actuation pad is connected to a lever portion 432 that pivots about pivot point 434 with axis 435, to move trigger guard retention portion 436 away from the blocking position shown in FIG. 23 to a non-blocking position out of the trigger guard 440 such that the handgun may be unholstered. A suitably placed spring 442 may urge the mechanism to the blocking position. Trigger guard retention portion may have a angled cam surface 447 to provide automatic retraction when the handgun is holstered.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, another pivoting retention mechanism 403 is illustrated with a pivot axis 406 that extends upwardly and downwardly (when the holstered handgun is pointing downward) with the pivot point 467. As the actuation portion 470, configured as a finger engaging member, is forced outward from the handgun as the user's finger is inserted between the handgun and actuation portion, the ejection port catch 475 is moved from a blocking retention position to a non-blocking position as indicated by the arrow 480 allowing withdrawal of the handgun from the holster. The mechanism may be biased to urge the mechanism to the blocking position and may have a cam surface 481 to allow retraction of the ejection port catch 475 when the handgun is holstered.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, a retention mechanism 404 similar to that of FIGS. 9, 13, and 14 is illustrated and rather than having the finger engaging member configured as a finger pad that is pressed against or toward the handgun, the finger pad 490 is pushed away as the thumb is gripping the handgun. The pivot axis 491 forward of the retention member 492 causes the retention member to move in the same direction, away from the handgun and trigger guard 493, as the finger pad 490 when the user's thumb is inserted in the region between the pad 490 and the handgun as indicated by the arrow 494 effectuating release of the trigger guard 493.

Referring to FIGS. 30A and 30B, embodiments of holsters 510 may have two active retention mechanisms 512, 514, such as described above, with finger release pads, each of which require user steps to release the retention mechanism for withdrawal of the handgun 520 from the holster. Additionally, in embodiments, a third retention mechanism 516 may be configured as a hood that pivotally extends over the rearward slide end and requires pivotal displacement of the hood, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 30A, to move the hood out of the way to permit the handgun withdrawal. The hood may be released by a release mechanism or may be manually rotated out of the way by the user. Thus, in embodiments, a handgun in a holster may be grasped in a master grip with the forefinger on the handgun body and/or slide in a Level 3 holster, with two actuations provided by the hand grasping the handgun.

In embodiments, a holster with a forefinger slot may have a pad that is depressed toward the handgun and with the rearward edge of the pad being adjacent and above the handgun frame such that after the pad is depressed by the end of the user's forefinger, the forefinger tip transitions to the body of the handgun above the trigger region and still being constrained by the rearward margin of the slot (with or without a slot cover) to prevent the migration of the forefinger to the trigger region. In embodiments at withdrawal of the handgun 1.0 inches, the user's forefinger is still constrained by the rearward margin of the forefinger slot to prevent the migration of the forefinger to the trigger region.

In embodiments at withdrawal of the handgun 2.5 inches, the user's forefinger is still constrained by the rearward margin of the forefinger slot to prevent the migration of the forefinger to the trigger region. In embodiments at withdrawal of the handgun 3.0 inches, the user's forefinger is still constrained by the rearward margin of the forefinger slot to prevent the migration of the forefinger to the trigger region.

In embodiments, the main lever member of the retention mechanisms or other portions of the latch mechanisms may be replaced to accommodate users with different sized fingers.

In embodiments, the holster may be equipped with a thumb released retention mechanism and a forefinger retention mechanism to provide a Level III retention. Both retention mechanisms may then be released by the user gripping the handgun in the master grip.

Referring to FIGS. 31A-37, the holsters as depicted may comprise rigid polymers and can be generally formed from polymers such as by injection molding or thermoforming, for example vacuum form molding.

Referring to FIG. 31A-31G, a holster 1100 may suitably be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polymers such as that known as Boltaron or Kydex, and may be form fit for receiving a specific handgun 1102 in through the open upper end 1104 and into the holster cavity 1106. The holster 1100 having a body 1108, defining the cavity 1106 with a proximal side 1109 to be worn adjacent the user, and an opposite distal side 1110, facing away from the user. The distal side having a projecting forefinger cover portion 1112 defining a forefinger slot 1120 that may receive a user's extended forefinger 1121 being inserted in an axial direction, that is, forward direction with respect the handgun 1102, and a downward direction with respect to the holster worn by a standing user. The projecting portion 1112 may have a U-shape in cross section. In that the depicted configuration is formed from a thermoformable sheet of thermoplastic material, the holster body defines a loop with two end portions 1123, 1124 that are joined with fasteners which in the finished holster are at a rearward side 1124 of the holster.

The holster body 1109 having apertures with fasteners 1130, such as screw and nut combinations 1130 extending therethrough for securing the opposing halves 1132, 1134 of the holster body 1110 together at a spacing configured for the specific handgun to be received by the holster. The holster may utilize spacers 1138 with the fasteners for maintaining such space and for providing, for example, a trigger guard stop 1139 that may define a seating position for the holstered handgun 1102. The handgun is depicted as fully seated in FIGS. 31D, 31E, and 31F. The apertures and fasteners 1130 also may secure attachment means 1142, such as belt loops 1144, or clips, not shown to the holster body. The loops 1144 allow insertion of a belt through the loop for carrying the holster. As depicted, with the belt loops on the proximal side 1109 of the holster body, the holster may be worn as an outside the waistband (OWB) holster. In embodiments, the loops may be positioned on the distal side 1110, for example with offset spacers, not shown, for allowing the holster to be worn in an inside the waistband (IWB) configuration.

As depicted, the projecting forefinger cover portion 1112 is sized to receive the user's forefinger 1121 to lay along the distal side 1148 of the holstered handgun 1102. As best shown in FIG. 31F, the user may simultaneously wrap their little finger, ring finger, and middle finger around the handgun grip 1150 and have their thumb at the proximal side 1154 of the handgun, thus establishing the master grip on the holstered handgun.

FIGS. 31C, 31D, and 31G illustrate that the holster has a forefinger blocking portion 1158 that prevents the forefinger 1121 from moving from the forefinger slot 1120 into the handgun trigger region 1160 when holstered and while the handgun is partially withdrawn, for example withdrawn about one inch, as in FIG. 33B. The handgun trigger region 1150 is visually disclosed as the handgun is unholstered as depicted but with the user's forefinger 1121 already seated on the distal side 1148 of the handgun, the forefinger is unlikely to migrate to the trigger region 1160. The blocking portion 1158 can define a gap between the handgun body 1166 and the holster, in embodiments, the gap is less than 0.25 inches. In embodiments, the gap is less than 0.20 inches. In embodiments, the handgun body contacts the holster body at the blocking portion 1158.

The trigger region, particularly the trigger, is inaccessible to the user when the handgun is seated in the holster, with the trigger region covered entirely or substantially by the trigger region covering portion 1162.

Referring to FIGS. 32A-32H, another holster 1200, has a holster body 1208 and is conformingly shaped for a specific handgun 1202. The body 1208 defines an open upper end 1204 leading into a holster cavity 1206 conformingly sized for the handgun 1202. The holster having a distal side 1210 and a proximal side 1209. A forefinger slot 1220 is defined by outwardly projecting flanges 1226, 1228 or slot margins for receiving the user's forefinger 1221. Fasteners 1230 may secure the body halves 1232, 1234 together at a specific spacing, and may secure a spacer 1238, configured as a trigger guard stop 1239 for seating of the handgun in the holster cavity 1206. Belt loops 1244 may be attached with the fasteners 1230 and may be on the distal side 1209 suitable defining an inside the waistband (IWB) holster.

The projecting slot margins 1226, 1228 may allow a belt 1227 to be inserted through the loops 1244 and still provide room for the insertion of the forefinger 1221 in the open forefinger slot 1220 to grasp the handgun 1202 in the master grip. The holster body defining a blocking portion 1258 that precludes the forefinger in the forefinger slot from entering the trigger region 1260 when fully holstered, with the trigger region covering portion 1262 of the holster body also preventing access.

Referring to FIGS. 33A-33F, holsters 1300 and 1301, have forefinger slots 1320 with a handgun release mechanism activation pad 1340 positioned in the slot. Notably, where prior art holsters have an activation pad in a similar location, the forefinger presses the pad, and then the forefinger transitions to the external surface of the holster body while the holster is being withdrawn, and finally at a certain withdrawal position, the forefinger migrates from the holster body to the handgun. Such migration can be uncontrolled allowing the forefinger to migrate to the trigger region possible causing an accidental discharge. Referring to FIGS. 33E to 33G, embodiments, have the finger migrating directly to the handgun body from the activation pad 1340 and still has the forefinger 1321 in the forefinger slot 1320 during the withdrawal of the handgun from the holster, see, in particular, FIG. 33G. The slot margins provide further constraint of the forefinger after actuation of a release mechanism which inhibits or prevents the migration of the forefinger to the trigger region during and after the withdrawal.

The holsters of FIGS. 33A to 33G may have mounting bosses 1374 for attachment to standardized accessories for securement to the user.

Referring to FIG. 34, another holster 1400, similarly configured as the holster of FIGS. 33A and 33B, has a handgun retention mechanism 1442 with a forefinger engagement portion 1440 positioned to be engaged by the tip, or first phalange, of the user's finger, at a forward end of the slot 1420. Such mechanisms can grab the trigger guard as described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 35A-35D, a holster 1500 has a handgun 1501 holstered therein and generally comprises a holster body 1502 and a movable portion 1503 that is connected to the holster body 1502 and movable with respect thereto. The connection by a connection means 1504 depicted conceptually by the dash dot structure. Such connection means 1504 may be a pivoting connection, linkages, a hinge connection, a sliding connection or combination of such known to those skilled in the art. The connection means allows the movable portion 1503 to move from a first position shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B to the second position of FIGS. 35C and 35D. The movable portion may extend over the slide and be configured as a rigid polymer hood restraint portion 1505 that has a first position, shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B where a stop portion 1506 on the hood restraint confronts the handgun slide end 1507 and precludes withdrawal of the handgun. The movable portion may also have a ejection port 1511 engagement member 1514 such that when the movable member is in the first position the engagement member precludes withdrawal of the holster. The engagement member may be integrated on the interior of the hood restraint and may be a fastener, a polymer projection or the like. Embodiments may have either of the ejection port engagement member 1514 or the hood restraint, as well as other means for inhibiting withdrawal of the holstered handgun. The movable member 1503 may also have a side cover portion 1515 that has a first position where the user's forefinger is blocked from accessing the side of the handgun above the trigger region, the surface associated with the master grip. The side portion movable to a second position where the user may position his forefinger on the side of the handgun in the master grip position. In embodiments, the forward facing margin 1517 of the holster body proximate the trigger region and the rearward facing margin 1518 of the side cover portion define a forefinger slot 1519 that provide positioning information to the user as to where to position his forefinger. The movable portion may be released from the first position to the second position by a thumb actuated pad 1525 that may rotate about a axis 1526 perpendicular to the axis of the barrel and release a tab 1527 in a recess 1528 in the hood restraint portion 505. The hood restraint portion may be biased to the second position.

Referring to FIGS. 36A to 36F, a holster 1600 has a holstered handgun 1602 therein and generally comprises a holster body 1608, with a distal side 1610 with a side cover 1603 thereon that has a first position, depicted in FIGS. 36A, 36C and 36E where the user's forefinger is inhibited or blocked from placement on the side of the handgun adjacent to the trigger region in the master grip position, and a second position depicted in FIGS. 36B, 36D, and 36F where the side cover is displaced and the user's forefinger may be placed on the side of the handgun in the master grip position. The side cover 1603 may be connected to the holster body 1608 such as by pivoting linkages 1611, or other means known in the art. The side cover may have a finger engagement pad 1617. In embodiments, the side cover may include a ejection port engagement member 1614 that when the side cover is in the first position engages a rearward facing surface of the ejection port 1613 and inhibits withdrawal of the handgun. As the side cover is moved to the second position, the ejection port engagement member disengages with the ejection port thereby not inhibiting the handgun withdrawal. In embodiments, the side cover may have an axis extending forward rearward with respect to the handgun (upwardly downwardly with respect to the holster worn by a standing user) such that it foldable down over the side of the handgun where the forefinger is received in the master grip.

Referring to FIGS. 37-39, a thermoform mold 1710 is illustrated suitable for thermoforming holsters from polymer sheet material 1712. Such material is readily available and is commonly known as Kydex or Boltaron. The mold has two halves 1718, 1720, with respective mold faces that will define the interior surfaces of the holster when formed. The sheet of polymer may be heated sufficient to be readily malleable and is then positioned on the mold halves 1718, 1720, which also may be heated. Vacuum may be applied to the region between the sheet and the mold to pull the sheet material down onto the mold such that the sheet takes the shape of the mold, is then allowed to cool and is removed from the mold, providing the preforms 1726, 1728 of FIGS. 38 and 39. In embodiments, a covered slot defining insert 1730 may be placed on the exposed surface of the mold as depicted with the arrow 1731 in FIG. 37, with the polymer sheet then placed on the mold with insert in place. The polymer sheet will then have the outwardly projecting forefinger slot cover 1740 as depicted in FIG. 38. The sheet preforms 1726, 1728 may then be cut and trimmed such as along the cut lines 1745 as indicated by the dashed line. The preforms may then have a central fold line 1748 heated such that the preforms may be folded into the holster configuration. Suitable fasteners and other accessories may be attached to the flaps 1756, 1758 to secure the holster together and provide suitable fit. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 39, the preform may be made without the covered slot defining insert and a forefinger access slot may be created by cutting at the slot cut line 1763.

Referring to FIGS. 40-44, ejection molding equipment 1810 including a mold that has mold halves 1820, 1824, alignment pins 1827, molten resin input ports 1829, runners 1831 and a holster cavity defining core 1835 as is conventional. A forefinger slot defining insert 1840 is configured to fit in the mold cavity 1844 defined between the cavity defining core and the mold surface 1850 that defines the exterior surface of a holster molded therein. Utilizing such an insert, molds for injection molding conventional holsters can be readily converted to a holster with a defined forefinger slot. Slot covers, 72.2, 72.3, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, may then be added to the molded holster body having the slot thereby providing a covered forefinger slot.

The following U.S. patents and patent publications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes: U.S. Pat. Nos. 12,018,910; 9,134,093; 8,602,275; 8,251,266; 8,517,235; 9,759,515; 7,694,860; 7,819,294; 2018/0180380; and 2019/0293386.

Each of the additional figures and methods disclosed herein can be used separately, or in conjunction with other features and methods, to provide improved devices and methods for making and using the same. Therefore, combinations of features and methods disclosed herein may not be necessary to practice the disclosure in its broadest sense and are instead disclosed merely to particularly describe representative and preferred embodiments.

Various modifications to the embodiments may be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the various features described for the different embodiments can be suitably combined, un-combined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or in different combinations. Likewise, the various features described above should all be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitations to the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as permitted under the law. Furthermore, it should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably, or preferred in the description above indicates that feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and any embodiment lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one” and “at least a portion” are used, there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. Further, when the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the element may be a less than all portion of a item, component, or assembly, and/or may be the entire item, component, or assembly, unless specifically stated to the contrary.