Holster Retention Systems and Methods

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.

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.

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 Most commonly, holsters may be secured relative to the user's body in a location where the firearm can be easily withdrawn from the holster for immediate use.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.

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.

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.

Referring now to the drawings,illustrate a holster retention devicein accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. The holster retention devicemay 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 devicemay be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. As shown, the holster retention devicemay have a right-handed configuration, designed such that a user may readily engage and actuate the holster retention deviceas the user grasps the firearm F with the user's right hand. However, the holster retention devicealternatively may have a left-handed configuration in other examples, as discussed below. As described herein, the holster retention devicemay have a locked or secured configuration, as shown in, in which the firearm F may not be removed from the holster, and an unlocked configuration, as shown in, in which the firearm F may be removed from the holster. In some examples, the holster retention devicemay be biased to the locked configuration. In other words, absent external forces acting on the holster retention device, the holster retention devicemay assume the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention devicemay 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 deviceis moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention devicemay 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 devicemay include a housing, a plunger (which also may be referred to as an “actuator”)movably disposed relative to the housing, and a locking block (which also may be referred to as a “locking member”)movably disposed relative to the housing. As described herein, the holster retention devicealso may include one or more first springs (which also may be referred to as “plunger springs”)configured to bias the plungerto its locked position and/or one or more second springs (which also may be referred to as “locking-block springs”)configured to bias the locking blockto its locked position corresponding to the locked configuration of the holster retention device.

As shown, the housingmay include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion” or a “plunger portion”)and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion” or a “locking-block portion”). The first portionmay be configured to receive at least a portion of the plungerand to guide movement of the plungerrelative to the housing, while the second portionmay be configured to receive at least a portion of the locking blockand to guide movement of the locking blockrelative to the housing. In some examples, as shown, the first portionmay include a first channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the plunger, while the second portionmay include a second channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the locking blockand a receptacle configured to receive and guide another portion of the locking block. In some examples, the first portionof the housingalso may include a cutout for receiving at least a portion of the first springdisposed between the housingand the plungerand a protrusion for cooperating with the first springand/or the plungerto define the locked position of the plungerrelative to the housing. In some examples, the housingmay include multiple components. For example, as shown, the housingmay include a body (which also may be referred to as a “housing body”)and a cover (which also may be referred to as a “housing cover”)coupled to the body, such as by one or more fasteners or other means of attachment. As shown, this multi-component configuration of the housingmay facilitate assembly of the other components of the holster retention devicerelative to the housing. In other examples, the housingmay be provided as a single, unitary component. In some examples, the housingmay be configured to be attached to the holster body of the firearm holster, thereby connecting the overall holster retention deviceto the holster body. In some examples, as shown, the housingmay include a plurality of holes (which also may be referred to as “mounting holes”)configured to receive corresponding fasteners for attaching the housingto the holster body.

As shown, the plungermay 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”)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”). The first portionmay be configured to be engaged by a user of the holster retention device, while the second portionmay be configured to engage and cooperate with the locking block. The plungermay be configured to move relative to the housingbetween a locked position (i.e., a position of the plungerwhen the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration), as shown in, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plungerwhen the holster retention deviceis in the unlocked configuration), as shown in. In some examples, as shown, the plungermay be configured to translate, relative to the housing, along a first axis. The first portionof the plungermay be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the first portionwith their thumb to overcome bias of the spring force(s) and move the plungeralong the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the first portionmay include a buttonconfigured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. In some examples, the first portionof the plungeralso may include a cutout for receiving at least a portion of the first springand a protrusion for cooperating with the first springand/or the housingto define the locked position of the plungerrelative to the housing. As shown, the second portionof the plungermay include a locking-block engagement portion, which may include a first engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “locking-block engagement surface” or a “first cam surface”), such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with a corresponding second engagement surfaceof the locking block.

As shown, the locking blockmay 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”)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”). The first portionmay include a plunger engagement portionconfigured for engaging and cooperating with the second portionof the plunger. The plunger engagement portionmay include the second engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “plunger engagement surface” or a “second cam surface”), such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the first engagement surfaceof the plunger. The second portionmay include a firearm engagement portion (which also may be referred to as an “ejection-port engagement portion”)configured for engaging and cooperating with a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP thereof. In particular, the firearm engagement portionmay include a protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “firearm engagement protrusion” or an “ejection-port engagement protrusion”)configured for engaging and cooperating with the ejection port EP of the firearm F. As shown, the second portionof the locking blockalso may include a plurality of cutoutsconfigured to receive and retain the respective second springsdisposed between the locking blockand the housing, in particular, the coverthereof.

The locking blockmay be configured to move relative to the housingbetween a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking blockwhen the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration), as shown in, in which the firearm engagement portionengages 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 blockwhen the holster retention deviceis in the unlocked configuration), as shown in, in which the firearm engagement portionis 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 blockmay 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 first engagement surfaceof the plungermay be configured to engage and cooperate with the second engagement surfaceof the locking blockin order to move the locking blockfrom its locked position to its unlocked position when the plungeris pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plungeris pressed and moves along the first axis, the first engagement surfaceof the plungermay engage with the second engagement surfaceof the locking block, which may cause the locking blockto move along the second axis in a substantially linear direction from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plungeris no longer pressed, the second springsmay move the locking blockfrom its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause the second engagement surfaceof the locking blockto engage and cooperate with the first engagement surfaceof the plungerand move the plungerfrom its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, the first springalso may facilitate movement of the plungerfrom its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the engagement surfaces,may transfer translational movement of the plungeralong the first axis into translational movement of the locking blockalong the second axis, and vice versa.

As noted above, the holster retention deviceshown inmay have a right-handed configuration, although a left-handed configuration of the holster retention devicemay be used.show a left-handed version of a plunger′ and a locking block′ as may be used for a left-handed configuration of the holster retention devicein accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. Certain similarities and differences between the plunger′ and the locking block′ and the plungerand the locking blockdescribed above, respectively, will be appreciated from the respective drawings and the following description. As shown, the plunger′ may include a first portion′ and a second portion′. The second portion′ may include a locking-block engagement portion′ that may include a first engagement surface′. The locking block′ may include a first portion′ and a second portion′. The first portion′ may include a plunger engagement portion′ that may include a second engagement surface′. The second portion′ may include a firearm engagement portion′ that may include a protrusion′. As shown, the shape and configuration of the locking block′ may be simplified as compared to the locking block. Notably, when in use, the entire locking block′ may be disposed along the side of the firearm F having the ejection port EP, and thus the locking block′ need not extend over the top of the firearm F in order to engage the ejection port EP. Accordingly, both the plunger′ and the locking block′ may be disposed along the ejection port EP side of the firearm F, allowing the locking block′ to have a more compact and simplified configuration.

illustrate another holster retention devicein accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. Certain similarities and differences between the holster retention deviceand the holster retention devicedescribed above will be appreciated from the drawings and the following description. The holster retention devicemay 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 devicemay be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. As shown, the holster retention devicemay have a right-handed configuration, designed such that a user may readily engage and actuate the holster retention deviceas the user grasps the firearm F with the user's right hand. However, the holster retention devicealternatively may have a left-handed configuration in other examples, in manner similar to that discussed above. As described herein, the holster retention devicemay have a locked or secured configuration, as shown in, in which the firearm F may not be removed from the holster, and an unlocked configuration, as shown in, in which the firearm F may be removed from the holster. In some examples, the holster retention devicemay be biased to the locked configuration. In other words, absent external forces acting on the holster retention device, the holster retention devicemay assume the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention devicemay 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 deviceis moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention devicemay 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 devicemay include a housing, a plunger (which also may be referred to as an “actuator”)movably disposed relative to the housing, and a locking block (which also may be referred to as a “locking member”)movably disposed relative to the housing. As described herein, the holster retention devicealso may include one or more first springs (which also may be referred to as “plunger springs”)configured to bias the plungerto its locked position and/or one or more second springs (which also may be referred to as “locking-block springs”)configured to bias the locking blockto its locked position corresponding to the locked configuration of the holster retention device.

As shown, the housingmay include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion” or a “plunger portion”)and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion” or a “locking-block portion”). The first portionmay be configured to receive at least a portion of the plungerand to guide movement of the plungerrelative to the housing, while the second portionmay be configured to receive at least a portion of the locking blockand to guide movement of the locking blockrelative to the housing. In some examples, as shown, the first portionmay include a first channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the plunger, while the second portionmay include a second channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the locking blockand a receptacle configured to receive and guide another portion of the locking block. In some examples, the first portionof the housingalso may include a cutoutfor receiving at least a portion of the first springdisposed between the housingand the plungerand a protrusionfor cooperating with the first springand/or the plungerto define the locked position of the plungerrelative to the housing. In some examples, the housingmay include multiple components. For example, as shown, the housingmay include a body (which also may be referred to as a “housing body”)and a cover (which also may be referred to as a “housing cover”)coupled to the body, such as by one or more fasteners, a dovetail connection, and/or other means of attachment. As shown, this multi-component configuration of the housingmay facilitate assembly of the other components of the holster retention devicerelative to the housing. In other examples, the housingmay be provided as a single, unitary component. In some examples, the housingmay be configured to be attached to the holster body of the firearm holster, thereby connecting the overall holster retention deviceto the holster body. In some examples, as shown, the housingmay include a plurality of holes (which also may be referred to as “mounting holes”)configured to receive corresponding fasteners for attaching the housingto the holster body.

As shown, the plungermay 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”)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”). The first portionmay be configured to be engaged by a user of the holster retention device, while the second portionmay be configured to engage and cooperate with the locking block. The plungermay be configured to move relative to the housingbetween a locked position (i.e., a position of the plungerwhen the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration), as shown in, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plungerwhen the holster retention deviceis in the unlocked configuration), as shown in. In some examples, as shown, the plungermay be configured to translate, relative to the housing, along a first axis. The first portionof the plungermay be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the first portionwith their thumb to overcome bias of the spring force(s) and move the plungeralong the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the first portionmay include a buttonconfigured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. In some examples, the first portionof the plungeralso may include a first cutoutfor receiving at least a portion of the first spring, a protrusionfor cooperating with the first springand/or the housingto define the locked position of the plungerrelative to the housing, and a second cutoutfor receiving an cooperating with the protrusionof the housing. As shown, the second portionof the plungermay include a locking-block engagement portion, which may include a first engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “locking-block engagement surface” or a “first cam surface”), such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with a corresponding second engagement surfaceof the locking block.

As shown, the locking blockmay 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”)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”). The first portionmay include a plunger engagement portionconfigured for engaging and cooperating with the second portionof the plunger. The plunger engagement portionmay include the second engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “plunger engagement surface” or a “second cam surface”), such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the first engagement surfaceof the plunger. The second portionmay include a firearm engagement portion (which also may be referred to as an “ejection-port engagement portion”)configured for engaging and cooperating with a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP thereof. In particular, the firearm engagement portionmay include a protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “firearm engagement protrusion” or an “ejection-port engagement protrusion”)configured for engaging and cooperating with the ejection port EP of the firearm F. As shown, the second portionof the locking blockalso may include a plurality of cutoutsconfigured to receive and retain the respective second springsdisposed between the locking blockand the housing, in particular, the coverthereof.

The locking blockmay be configured to move relative to the housingbetween a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking blockwhen the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration), as shown in, in which the firearm engagement portionengages 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 blockwhen the holster retention deviceis in the unlocked configuration), as shown in, in which the firearm engagement portionis 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 blockmay 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 first engagement surfaceof the plungermay be configured to engage and cooperate with the second engagement surfaceof the locking blockin order to move the locking blockfrom its locked position to its unlocked position when the plungeris pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plungeris pressed and moves along the first axis, the first engagement surfaceof the plungermay engage with the second engagement surfaceof the locking block, which may cause the locking blockto move along the second axis in a substantially linear direction from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plungeris no longer pressed, the second springsmay move the locking blockfrom its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause the second engagement surfaceof the locking blockto engage and cooperate with the first engagement surfaceof the plungerand move the plungerfrom its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, the first springalso may facilitate movement of the plungerfrom its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the engagement surfaces,may transfer translational movement of the plungeralong the first axis into translational movement of the locking blockalong the second axis, and vice versa.

illustrate a firearm holsterin accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. As shown, the firearm holstermay include the holster retention deviceand a holster body (which also may be referred to as a “holster shell,” an “inner body,” or an “inner shell”). The holster bodymay define an interior spaceconfigured to receive at least a portion of the firearm F therein. As shown, the holster bodymay include a first sidewalland a second sidewallcoupled to one another and together defining the interior spacetherebetween. In some examples, the first sidewalland the second sidewallmay be integrally formed with one another. In other words, the holster bodymay be formed as a single, unitary component. For example, the first sidewalland the second sidewallmay be thermoformed as a single component and then folded or otherwise manipulated and secured to form the holster body. According to various examples, the holster bodymay be formed of various synthetic or natural materials and may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. As shown, the holster retention devicemay be disposed at least partially within the interior spaceand coupled to the holster body. For example, the holster retention devicemay be coupled to the holster bodyby a plurality of fasteners extending through the respective holesof the housingof the holster retention device. Various other means for coupling the holster retention deviceto the housingmay be used in other examples. In some examples, the housingmay be coupled to the holster bodyby being integrally formed with the first sidewallor the second sidewallof the holster body, such as by thermoforming or other manufacturing techniques. As shown, a portion of the holster retention devicemay extend out of the interior space, allowing for ease of user actuation of the holster retention device. For example, a proximal portion of the plungermay extend out of the interior spaceand be positioned for ease of user engagement of the plungeras the user grasps the firearm F disposed within the holster body. It will be appreciated that the illustrated holster bodyis merely one example, and that the holster retention devicemay be used with various other shapes and configurations of holster bodies for firearm holsters.

illustrate another holster retention devicein accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. Certain similarities and differences between the holster retention deviceand the holster retention devices,described above will be appreciated from the drawings and the following description. The holster retention devicemay 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 devicemay be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. As shown, the holster retention devicemay have a right-handed configuration, designed such that a user may readily engage and actuate the holster retention deviceas the user grasps the firearm F with the user's right hand. However, the holster retention devicealternatively may have a left-handed configuration in other examples, in manner similar to that discussed above. As described herein, the holster retention devicemay have a locked or secured configuration, as shown in, in which the firearm F may not be removed from the holster, and an unlocked configuration, as shown in, in which the firearm F may be removed from the holster. In some examples, the holster retention devicemay be biased to the locked configuration. In other words, absent external forces acting on the holster retention device, the holster retention devicemay assume the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention devicemay 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 deviceis moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention devicemay 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 devicemay include a housing, a plunger (which also may be referred to as an “actuator”)movably disposed relative to the housing, and a locking block (which also may be referred to as a “locking member”)movably disposed relative to the housing. As described herein, the holster retention devicealso may include one or more first springs (which also may be referred to as “plunger springs”)configured to bias the plungerto its locked position and/or one or more second springs (which also may be referred to as “locking-block springs”)configured to bias the locking blockto its locked position corresponding to the locked configuration of the holster retention device.

As shown, the housingmay include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion” or a “plunger portion”)and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion” or a “locking-block portion”). The first portionmay be configured to receive at least a portion of the plungerand to guide movement of the plungerrelative to the housing, while the second portionmay be configured to receive at least a portion of the locking blockand to guide movement of the locking blockrelative to the housing. In some examples, as shown, the first portionmay include a channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the plunger, while the second portionmay include a recess configured to receive and guide a portion of the locking blockand a receptacle configured to receive and guide another portion of the locking block. In some examples, the first portionof the housingalso may include a cutout (not shown; similar to cutoutdescribed above) for receiving at least a portion of the first springdisposed between the housingand the plungerand a protrusion (not shown; similar to protrusiondescribed above) for cooperating with the first springand/or the plungerto define the locked position of the plungerrelative to the housing. In some examples, as shown, the housingmay be provided as a single, unitary component. For example, as shown, the housingmay include a body (which also may be referred to as a “housing body”). In other examples, the housingmay include multiple components coupled to one another, including the bodyand one or more additional components. As shown, the housingmay include a pair of holes (which also may be referred to as “pivot holes”)to facilitate a pivotal connection between the housingand the locking block, as discussed below. In some examples, the housingmay be configured to be attached to the holster body of the firearm holster, thereby connecting the overall holster retention deviceto the holster body. In some examples, the housingmay include a plurality of additional holes (not shown; similar to holes,discussed above) configured to receive corresponding fasteners for attaching the housingto the holster body.

As shown, the plungermay 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”)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”). The first portionmay be configured to be engaged by a user of the holster retention device, while the second portionmay be configured to engage and cooperate with the locking block. The plungermay be configured to move relative to the housingbetween a locked position (i.e., a position of the plungerwhen the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration), as shown in, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plungerwhen the holster retention deviceis in the unlocked configuration), as shown in. In some examples, as shown, the plungermay be configured to translate, relative to the housing, along a first axis. The first portionof the plungermay be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the first portionwith their thumb to overcome bias of the spring force(s) and move the plungeralong the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the first portionmay include a button (not shown; similar to button,discussed above) configured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. In some examples, the first portionof the plungeralso may include a first cutout (not shown; similar to first cutoutdescribed above) for receiving at least a portion of the first spring, a protrusion (not shown; similar to protrusiondescribed above) for cooperating with the first springand/or the housingto define the locked position of the plungerrelative to the housing, and a second cutout (not shown; similar to second cutoutdescribed above) for receiving an cooperating with the protrusionof the housing. As shown, the second portionof the plungermay include a locking-block-engagement portionthat may include an engagement opening, 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”)of the locking block. In this manner, the engagement openingof the plungerand the first protrusionof the locking blockmay form a coupling configured to transfer translational movement of the plungerinto pivotal movement of the locking block, and vice versa.

As shown, the locking blockmay 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”)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”). The first portionmay include a plunger engagement portionconfigured for engaging and cooperating with the second portionof the plunger. The plunger engagement portionmay include the first protrusionconfigured for engaging and cooperating with the engagement openingof the plunger. The second portionmay include a firearm engagement portion (which also may be referred to as an “ejection-port engagement portion”)configured for engaging and cooperating with a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP thereof. In particular, the firearm engagement portionmay include a second protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “firearm engagement protrusion” or an “ejection-port engagement protrusion”)configured for engaging and cooperating with the ejection port EP of the firearm F.

The locking blockmay be configured to move relative to the housingbetween a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking blockwhen the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration), as shown in, in which the firearm engagement portionengages 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 blockwhen the holster retention deviceis in the unlocked configuration), as shown in, in which the firearm engagement portionis 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 blockmay 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. In some examples, as shown, the locking blockmay be pivotably coupled to the housingby a pair of third protrusionsof the locking blockengaging the pair of mating first holesof the housing. In this manner, the pivot axis of the locking blockmay be an axis aligned with, and defined by, the respective central axes of the third protrusionsand the first holes. The first protrusionof the locking blockmay be configured to engage and cooperate with the engagement openingof the plungerin order to move the locking blockfrom its locked position to its unlocked position when the plungeris pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plungeris pressed and moves along the first axis, the second portiondefining the engagement openingmay engage with the first protrusion, which may cause the locking blockto pivot about the second axis from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plungeris no longer pressed, the second springmay pivot the locking blockfrom its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause, via the coupling between the plungerand the locking block, the plungerto move from its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, the first springalso may facilitate movement of the plungerfrom its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the coupling between the engagement openingof the plungerand the first protrusionof the locking block, may transfer translational movement of the plungeralong the first axis into pivotal movement of the locking blockabout the second axis, and vice versa.

illustrate another holster retention devicein accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure. Certain similarities and differences between the holster retention deviceand the holster retention devices,,described above will be appreciated from the drawings and the following description. The holster retention devicemay 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 devicemay be attached to or otherwise secured relative to the holster body. As shown, the holster retention devicemay have a right-handed configuration, designed such that a user may readily engage and actuate the holster retention deviceas the user grasps the firearm F with the user's right hand. However, the holster retention devicealternatively may have a left-handed configuration in other examples, in manner similar to that discussed above. As described herein, the holster retention devicemay have a locked or secured configuration, as shown in, 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 devicemay be biased to the locked configuration. In other words, absent external forces acting on the holster retention device, the holster retention devicemay assume the locked configuration. As described herein, when the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration, a portion of the holster retention devicemay 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 deviceis moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the portion of the holster retention devicemay 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 devicemay include a housing, a plunger (which also may be referred to as an “actuator”)movably disposed relative to the housing, and a locking block (which also may be referred to as a “locking member”)movably disposed relative to the housing. As described herein, the holster retention devicealso may include one or more first springs (which also may be referred to as “plunger springs”)configured to bias the plungerto its locked position and/or one or more second springs configured to bias the locking blockto its locked position corresponding to the locked configuration of the holster retention device.

As shown, the housingmay include a first portion (which also may be referred to as a “proximal portion” or a “plunger portion”)and a second portion (which also may be referred to as a “distal portion” or a “locking-block portion”). The first portionmay be configured to receive at least a portion of the plungerand to guide movement of the plungerrelative to the housing, while the second portionmay be configured to receive at least a portion of the locking blockand to guide movement of the locking blockrelative to the housing. In some examples, as shown, the first portionmay include a channel configured to receive and guide a portion of the plunger, while the second portionmay include a recess configured to receive and guide a portion of the locking blockand a receptacle configured to receive and guide another portion of the locking block. In some examples, the first portionof the housingalso may include a cutout (not shown; similar to cutoutdescribed above) for receiving at least a portion of the first springdisposed between the housingand the plungerand a protrusion (not shown; similar to protrusiondescribed above) for cooperating with the first springand/or the plungerto define the locked position of the plungerrelative to the housing. In some examples, the housingmay be provided as a single, unitary component. For example, the housingmay include a body (which also may be referred to as a “housing body”). In other examples, the housingmay include multiple components coupled to one another, including the bodyand one or more additional components. As shown, the housingmay include a flexible hinge (which also may be referred to as a “resiliently flexible hinge”)coupled to the bodyand configured to facilitate a pivotal connection between the housingand the locking block, as discussed below. In some examples, as shown, the housingand the locking blockmay be integrally formed with one another as a single component, with the flexible hingecoupling the locking blockto the body. As described below, the flexible hingemay be resiliently flexible and may function as a second spring that biases the locking blockto its locked position relative to the housing. In some examples, the housingmay be configured to be attached to the holster body of the firearm holster, thereby connecting the overall holster retention deviceto the holster body. In some examples, the housingmay include a plurality of holes (which also may be referred to as “mounting holes”)configured to receive corresponding fasteners for attaching the housingto the holster body.

As shown, the plungermay 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”)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”). The first portionmay be configured to be engaged by a user of the holster retention device, while the second portionmay be configured to engage and cooperate with the locking block. The plungermay be configured to move relative to the housingbetween a locked position (i.e., a position of the plungerwhen the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration), as shown in, and an unlocked position (i.e., a position of the plungerwhen the holster retention deviceis in the unlocked configuration). In some examples, as shown, the plungermay be configured to translate, relative to the housing, along a first axis. The first portionof the plungermay be configured to be pressed by a user. For example, a user may press on the proximal end of the first portionwith their thumb to overcome bias of the spring force(s) and move the plungeralong the first axis in a substantially linear direction. In some examples, the first portionmay include a buttonconfigured for being engaged and pressed by the user's thumb. In some examples, the first portionof the plungeralso may include a first cutout (not shown; similar to first cutoutdescribed above) for receiving at least a portion of the first spring, a protrusion (not shown; similar to protrusiondescribed above) for cooperating with the first springand/or the housingto define the locked position of the plungerrelative to the housing, and a second cutout (not shown; similar to second cutoutdescribed above) for receiving and cooperating with the protrusion of the housing. As shown, the second portionof the plungermay include a locking-block engagement portion, which may include a first engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “locking-block engagement surface” or a “first cam surface”), such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with a corresponding second engagement surfaceof the locking block.

As shown, the locking blockmay 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”)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”). The first portionmay include a plunger engagement portionconfigured for engaging and cooperating with the second portionof the plunger. The plunger engagement portionmay include the second engagement surface (which also may be referred to as a “plunger engagement surface” or a “second cam surface”), such as a chamfered or beveled corner or the like, configured for engaging and cooperating with the first engagement surfaceof the plunger. The second portionmay include a firearm engagement portion (which also may be referred to as an “ejection-port engagement portion”)configured for engaging and cooperating with a portion of the firearm F, such as the ejection port EP thereof. In particular, the firearm engagement portionmay include a protrusion (which also may be referred to as a “firearm engagement protrusion” or an “ejection-port engagement protrusion”)configured for engaging and cooperating with the ejection port EP of the firearm F.

The locking blockmay be configured to move relative to the housingbetween a locked position (i.e., a position of the locking blockwhen the holster retention deviceis in the locked configuration), as shown in, in which the firearm engagement portionengages 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 blockwhen the holster retention deviceis in the unlocked configuration), in which the firearm engagement portionis 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 blockmay 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. In some examples, as shown, the locking blockmay be pivotably coupled to the housingby the flexible hinge. In this manner, the pivot axis of the locking blockmay be an axis aligned with, and defined by, the flexible hinge. The first engagement surfaceof the plungermay be configured to engage and cooperate with the second engagement surfaceof the locking blockin order to move the locking blockfrom its locked position to its unlocked position when the plungeris pressed and moved from its locked position to its unlocked position. For example, when the plungeris pressed and moves along the first axis, the first engagement surfaceof the plungermay engage with the second engagement surfaceof the locking block, which may cause the locking blockto pivot about the second axis from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the plungeris no longer pressed, the flexible hinge, due to its resilient nature, may move the locking blockfrom its unlocked position back to its locked position, which may cause the second engagement surfaceof the locking blockto engage and cooperate with the first engagement surfaceof the plungerand move the plungerfrom its unlocked position back to its locked position. In some instances, the first springalso may facilitate movement of the plungerfrom its unlocked position to its locked position. As described, the engagement surfaces,may transfer translational movement of the plungeralong the first axis into pivotal movement of the locking blockabout 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.