Auto Open Holster Optic Dust Cover

This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63/659,389 filed Jun. 13, 2024 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

In many countries (e.g., Germany, Poland and the United States) law enforcement officers often carry a handgun in an openly visible manner while on duty. The handgun is typically carried in a holster designed to protect the handgun and hold it securely. The holster may include a belt loop that allows it to be hung from a wide belt, for example, a police officer's service belt. The holster may also include a locking mechanism to prevent an assailant from drawing the holster user's weapon and prevent the handgun from inadvertently falling out of the holster, for example, when the holster user is running, climbing over a fence, etc. It is important that the retention mechanisms are secure in such challenging situation.

A holster may comprise a holster body configured to receive a handgun equipped with a red dot sight (RDS), said holster body comprising a plurality of holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity and a rearward opening, the holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the plurality of holster wall portions comprising a user proximal wall portion, a user distal wall portion and an upward wall portion having a projection to accommodate at least a portion of the RDS; an auto open dust cover pivotal relative to the holster body and positioned and configured to cover at least a portion of the RDS not covered by the holster body when the auto open dust cover is in a second, closed position and to not cover the RDS when in a first, open position, the auto open dust cover further comprising a foot portion disposed at an end distal from the upward wall portion of the holster body; a cantilever spring comprising a fixed end fixed to one of the holster body and the dust cover, and a free end slidingly received in the other of the holster body and the dust cover; a first user actuable handgun retention mechanism at the user proximal wall portion for selectively preventing the handgun, when in the cavity, from being withdrawn from the cavity, the first actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a trigger guard blocking portion movable from a trigger guard blocking position to a non-blocking position; and a second user actuable handgun retention mechanism, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a shroud that is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the shroud selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the shroud extends across a portion of a rearward opening of a cavity of the holster body and a release position in which the shroud is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so a withdrawal path of the handgun is unobstructed by the shroud, the shroud further comprising a channel disposed on an interior surface of the shroud and configured to engage the foot portion of the dust cover when the shroud is in the handgun retaining position, wherein the cantilever spring biases the auto open dust cover to the open, first position, and wherein the dust cover is moved from the first, open position to the second, closed position by engagement with the channel of the shroud when the shroud is pivoted from the release position to the handgun retaining position.

In embodiments, the foot portion is disposed on a user proximal or a user distal side of the auto open dust cover, and the cantilever spring is a flat cantilever spring.

In embodiments, an adapter bracket is stationarily attached to the holster body and configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover to the holster body, wherein the adapter bracket comprises an offset length along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis with respect to the holster body.

In embodiments, the adapter bracket further comprises: a holster proximal end; a holster distal end; a user proximal side; a user distal side; two first protrusions disposed at the holster proximal end of the adapter bracket, one first protrusion extending from a user proximal side of the adapter bracket and one first protrusion extending from a user distal side of the adapter bracket, the two first protrusions configured to attach the adapter bracket to the upward wall portion of the holster body; and two second protrusions disposed at the holster distal end of the adapter bracket, one second protrusion extending from a user proximal side of the adapter bracket and one second protrusion extending from a user distal side of the adapter bracket, the two second protrusions configured to hingeably connect the auto open dust cover to the adapter bracket.

In embodiments, the auto open dust cover further comprises a central slot, and wherein the fixed end of the cantilever spring is fixed to the adapter bracket, and the free end of the cantilever spring is slidingly received in the central slot of the dust cover.

In embodiments, the adapter bracket further comprises a central channel extending from the holster proximal end to the holster distal end on an exterior side of a central portion of the adapter bracket, wherein the cantilever spring is disposed within the central channel.

In embodiments, the adapter bracket further comprises a molded post on the holster proximal end, and the cantilever spring further comprises a hole at the fixed end for receiving the molded post to fix the fixed end of the cantilever spring to the adapter bracket.

In embodiments, the auto open dust cover further comprises two holes, one hole in the user proximal side of the auto open dust cover and one hole in a user distal side of the auto open dust cover, the two holes configured to receive the two second protrusions at the holster distal end of the adapter bracket to hingeably connect the auto open dust cover to the adapter bracket.

In embodiments, the central slot extends from a holster proximal end to a holster distal end of the auto open dust cover, wherein the auto open dust cover and cantilever spring are configured such that, when the auto open dust cover is moved to the second, closed position, the free end of the cantilever spring is flexed downwardly and slides within the central slot.

In embodiments, the user proximal wall portion having a thumb button recess with a thumb button edge portion defining the thumb button recess, the thumb button recess extending forwardly from the rearward opening, and the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprising a first lever pivotally mounted on the user proximal wall portion of the holster body with a first axis of rotation, the first lever having an actuation tab rearwardly positioned on the first lever and positioned within the thumb button recess, the actuation tab having an upper margin, a rearward margin, and a lower margin, the first lever further having the trigger guard blocking portion forwardly positioned on the first lever, the first lever configured and positioned such that depression of the actuation tab rotates the first lever about its respective axis of rotation to move the trigger guard blocking portion from the trigger guard blocking position to the non-blocking position, wherein an upper portion of the thumb button recess edge portion extends rearwardly of the actuation tab along the upper margin of the actuation tab and a lower portion of the thumb button recess edge portion extends rearwardly of the actuation tab at the lower margin of the actuation tab.

In embodiments, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprising a second lever, the second lever having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button, the actuation tab of the first lever positioned behind the thumb button whereby depression of the thumb button also depresses the actuation tab of the first lever and actuates the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism and the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

In embodiments, the holster further comprises a pair of thumb guides positioned above and below the thumb button, the thumb guides projecting laterally outward from the holster body user proximal wall portion beyond an undepressed position of the thumb button, and the thumb guide is positioned above the thumb button comprises a housing for the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

In embodiments, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism further comprises a second lever, the second lever having an actuation tab configured as a thumb button, the actuation tab of the first lever positioned behind the thumb button and spaced therefrom such that the thumb button moves a range of rotary distance when depressed before the thumb button engages with the actuation tab of the first lever, whereby depression of the thumb button actuates the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism and, after moving the range of rotary distance and depressing the actuation tab of the first lever, actuates the first user actuable handgun retention mechanism.

In certain embodiments, a holster, comprises a holster body configured to receive a handgun equipped with a red dot sight (RDS), said holster body comprising a plurality of unitary holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavity and a rearward opening, the holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the plurality of holster wall portions comprising a user proximal wall portion, a user distal wall portion and an upward wall portion having a projection to accommodate at least a portion of the RDS and a two-position detent positioned on an interior surface of the upward wall portion; an auto open dust cover positioned and configured to cover at least a portion of the RDS not covered by the holster body when the dust cover is in a second, closed position and to not cover the RDS when in a first, open position, the auto open dust cover further comprising a foot portion disposed at an end distal from the upward wall portion of the holster body on a user proximal, the auto open dust cover further comprising a central slot; an adapter bracket stationarily attached to the holster body and configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover to the holster body, wherein the adapter bracket comprises an offset length along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis configured to pivotally mount the auto open dust cover further rearwardly along the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis with respect to the holster body; a cantilever spring comprising a fixed end fixed to one of the adapter bracket and the dust cover, and a free end slidingly received in the other of the adapter bracket and the dust cover a first user actuable handgun retention mechanism at the user proximal wall portion for selectively preventing the handgun, when in the cavity, from being withdrawn from the cavity, the first actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a trigger guard blocking portion movable from a trigger guard blocking position to a non-blocking position; and a second user actuable handgun retention mechanism, the second user actuable handgun retention mechanism comprising a shroud that is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the shroud selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the shroud extends across a portion of a rearward opening of a cavity of the holster body and a release position in which the shroud is displaced from the portion of the rearward opening so a withdrawal path of the handgun is unobstructed by the shroud, the shroud further comprising a channel disposed on an interior surface of the shroud and configured to engage the foot portion of the auto open dust cover when the shroud is in the handgun retaining position, wherein the cantilever spring biases the auto open dust cover to the open, first position, and wherein the dust cover is moved from the first, open position to the second, closed position by engagement with the channel of the shroud when the shroud is pivoted from the release position to the handgun retaining position.

In embodiments, the foot portion is disposed on a user proximal or a user distal side of the auto open dust cover; the cantilever spring is a flat cantilever spring, and the fixed end of the cantilever spring is fixed to the adapter bracket and the free end of the cantilever spring is slidingly received in the dust cover.

In embodiments, the foot portion comprises a laterally extending proximal portion and a hook-like distal portion extending from the laterally extending proximal portion, wherein the channel comprises a keyed channel configured to receive the foot portion.

In embodiments, the shroud comprises one or more flaps on at least one of a forward edge and a rearward edge of the shroud.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

While the embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Referring to, perspective views of a handgunand a holsterare shown.shows the handgunwithdrawn from the holsterandshows the handgun inserted into the holster. The handgun being conventional and having a forward end, a handgun body, a gripat a rearward endof the handgun, a trigger guard, a back strapwith a backstrap recess, a slidepositioned above the handgun body, and a railpositioned below the slide. In embodiments, the holsterfor receiving and withdrawing the handgun having a trigger guardcomprises a polymer holster body, an elongate polymer pivoting leverthat is part of a first handgun retention mechanismthat is thumb actuated. The pivoting lever has an actuation tabconfigured as by a thumb receiving button that is disposed in an openingin the holster body, actuation of the thumb receiving button moves a trigger guard block portionof the lever between retention and release positions. The retention mechanismhas two distinct separated pivoting connectionseach formed from a pair of cooperating connector pivot portions, one of each pair unitary with the holster body and the other of each pair unitary with the lever. In embodiments, the pivot portionsof the leverand pivot portionsof the holster bodyare coupled using a simple assembly process with no separate hinge pin.

The holster body has three unitary bosseson a proximal wall portionfor attachment to a plate portion of a user attachment means, such as a belt engaging member. See. The holster having a proximal side and the holster body having a proximal side.

Continuing to referring to, in embodiments, the holster bodyhas a plurality of holster wall portions defining a cavityextending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axisH. In embodiments, the retention mechanismcomprises a leverpivotally supported by the holster bodyand retained by holster attachment plate portionor by other means. The levermay comprise an elongate central portionintegrally formed with a first forward pivot portionand the holster bodymay comprises a second forward pivot portionintegrally formed with one of the holster wall portions. The first forward pivot portionmay mate with the second forward pivot portionto form a forward pivoting connection. In embodiments, the leverfurther comprises a first rearward pivot portionintegrally formed with the elongate central portionof the leverand the holster bodycomprises a second rearward pivot portionintegrally formed with one of the holster wall portions. The first rearward pivot portionmay mate with the second rearward pivot portionto form a rearward pivoting connection. In embodiments all pivot portions of the retention mechanism are axially aligned and co-axial when assembled.

Continuing to referring to, in embodiments, is a retention mechanism having a lever that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is contacting the a thumb button portion of the lever. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a lever having a thumb button portion, and the lever pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a lever that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis.

Referring to, in embodiments, the leverof the retention mechanismhas an elongate central portion, a thumb receiving portion, configured as a thumb button, and a blocking portion. The thumb receiving portion of the lever comprising a first armextending away from the elongate central portionin a first direction, the elongate central portionand the first armcooperating to form a first L-shaped portion. The blocking portionof the levercomprises a second armextending away from the elongate central portionin a second direction opposite the first direction, the elongate central portionand the second armcooperating to form a second L-shaped portion.

Referring to, the leveris elongate in the direction of the axis X and has a lever length L. The pivot portions,have a separation distance Dand have a pivoting connection length L. The pivoting connection length Lto the overall lever length Lis in embodiments greater than 0.70 or 70%; in embodiments, greater than 0.60 or 60%; in embodiments greater than 0.80 or 80%.

Referring to, a forward or handgun insertion direction Z and a rearward or handgun withdrawal direction −Z are illustrated using arrows labeled “Z” and “−Z,” respectively. An upward direction Y and a downward direction −Y are illustrated using arrows labeled “Y” and “−Y,” respectively. A direction X extending away from the user's body and the user attachment side of the holster is illustrated using an arrow labeled “X.” A direction −X extending toward the user's body and the user attachment side of the holster is illustrated using an arrow labeled “−X.” The directions illustrated using these arrows may be conceptualized, by way of example and not limitation, from the point of view of a user who is wearing a holster hung from a service belt and inserting a handgun into the holster. The directions illustrated using these arrows may also be conceptualized, by way of example and not limitation, from the point of view of a user holding a handgun in a normal firing position and viewing the gunsights of the handgun. The directions illustrated using these arrows may be applied to the apparatus shown and discussed throughout this application. In embodiments, the Z direction and the −Z direction are both generally orthogonal to the XY plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction. In embodiments, the X direction and the −X direction are both generally orthogonal to the ZY plane defined by the Z direction and the −Z direction. In embodiments, the Y direction and the −Y direction are both generally orthogonal to the ZX plane defined by the Z direction and the X direction. Various direction-indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that many direction indicating terms are related to the instant orientation of the object being described. It will also be appreciated that the objects described herein may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, direction-indicating terms such as “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “forwardly,” “rearwardly,” etc. should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims.

Referring to, a cross-sectioned perspective view of a holster bodyis shown. In the example embodiment of, the holster bodyis formed from two polymers, one overmolded onto the other, providing an interior layerand an exterior layer. In embodiments, the interior layeris softer than the exterior layerminimizing any wear, damage or markings on the exterior surface of the handgun that is received in the cavitydefined by the holster. In embodiments, the interior layerand the exterior layerare combined using an assembly process. In embodiments, the interior layercomprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and the exterior layera thermoplastic material. In embodiments, the interior layercomprises Hytrel® polymer, available from DuPont, and the exterior layercomprises nylon. The exterior layer being harder and stiffer than the interior layer.

Referring to, a cross-sectional view of a holster bodyis shown. In embodiments, the holster bodyis formed to provide a handgun fitting function that can be adjusted by rotating a tensioning screw. The shape of the forward portion of the handgun can be conceptualized as a four cornered geometric figure, roughly a rectangle, and the shape of the cavitydefined by the holster bodycan be configured to make point contact with the four corners of the figure or rectangle. In embodiments, the shape of the cavitydefined by the holster bodycan be conceptualized as two opposing V-shapes, an upper V-shapeand a lower V-shape. The upper V-shapeand the lower V-shapeare shown using dashed lines in. The two legs of the upper V-shapeand the two legs of the lower V-shapemay each contact one corner of the figure or rectangle. In embodiments, the lower V-shapedefines a slotnear the lower end of the lower V-shape. A tensioning screwis positioned to selectively decrease the angle between the two legs of the lower V-shape. As the angle between the two legs of the lower V-shapedecreases, the two legs of the lower V-shapeapply upwardly directed component forces to two lower cornersof the rectangle. The forces applied to the lower cornersof the rectangle urge the two upper cornersof the rectangle against the two legs of the upper V-shape.

The components herein may be formed of thermoplastic polymers using an injection molding process.

Referring to, a retention mechanismfor a holstermay include a lever pivotally supported by the holster body. The levermay comprise an elongate central portionintegrally formed with a first forward pivot portion, and the holster bodymay comprise a second forward pivot portionintegrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body. The first forward pivot portionmay be mated with the second forward pivot portion so that the leveris pivotally supported by the holster body. In embodiments, one of the forward pivot portions,is a pin portionand the other of the forward pivot portions,is a C-shaped pin receiving portion. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portionhas a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portionhas a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees; in embodiments greater than 185°; and in embodiments greater than 190°. In embodiments, one of the forward pivot portions,is a pin portionand the other of the forward pivot portions,is a U-shaped pin receiving portion.

With continuing reference to, the levermay further comprise a first rearward pivot portionintegrally formed with the elongate central portionand the holster bodymay comprise a second rearward pivot portionintegrally formed with a wall portion of the holster body. The first rearward pivot portionmay be mated with the second rearward pivot portion so that the leveris pivotally supported by the holster body. In embodiments, one of the rearward pivot portions,is a pin portionand the other of the rearward pivot portions,is a C-shaped pin receiving portion. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portionhas a circumferential span less than or equal to 180 degrees. In embodiments, the C-shaped pin receiving portionhas a circumferential span greater than 180 degrees; in embodiments greater than 185°; and in embodiments greater than 190°. In embodiments, one of the rearward pivot portions,is a pin portionand the other of the rearward pivot portions,is a U-shaped pin receiving portion.

Referring to, a holsterin accordance with this detailed description may comprise a holster attachment plate portionthat is part of or all of a user attachment means for the holster which may be a belt engaging member. The plate portionmay retain the leverin a pivoting connection arrangement with the holster body. The levermay be pivotally supported by the holster bodyand may be moveable between a handgun trigger guard capture position and a handgun trigger guard release position. In embodiments, the plate portionis fixed to the holster bodyby a plurality of screws.

The lever, may be, for example, captured between the belt engaging member, or other user attachment means, and the holster body. In embodiments, the levercan be freely separated from the holster bodyafter the belt engaging memberis removed from the holster body. In embodiments, the belt engaging membercomprises a first belt loop portiondefining a first passagewayto receive a belt and a second belt loop portiondefining a second passagewayfor receiving the belt.

The user attachment meansmay comprise various holster supporting devices without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Examples of holster supporting devices that may be suitable in some applications are disclosed in the following United States Patents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein: USD653848, USD567707, USD508318, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,134,093, 8,783,532, 8,517,234, 8,469,245, 8,297,562, 8,251,266, 8,235,263, 7,866,515, 7,320,420, 9,423,210, 9,664,480, 9,841,255, 9,222,751, 8,544,706, 8,215,525, 8,100,304, 7,971,762, 7,922,050, 7,690,541, 6,478,202, 6,189,751, and 5,467,909.

Referring to, in embodiments, a holsterhas a first handgun retention mechanism′ that engages the trigger guard as previously described with respect to, and a second handgun retention mechanism′ with a pivoting lever′. A dual actuation memberwith a thumb buttonactuates both the first handgun retention mechanism′ and the second handgun retention mechanism. In embodiments, each handgun retention mechanism selectively prevents the handgunfrom being withdrawn from the cavitydefined by the wall portionsof the holster body.

The second handgun retention mechanism′ comprises a slide retention member configured as a U-shaped shroudthat is pivotally supported by the holster bodyso that the U-shaped shroudselectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the U-shaped shroudextends across a portion of a rearward openingof the cavityand a release position in which the U-shaped shroudextends forward of the rearward openingso that a withdrawal path of the handgunis unobstructed. In embodiments, the U-shaped shroudpivots about a shroud pivot axis AC that extends laterally and is perpendicular to the handgun insertion and withdrawal axis AA.

Referring to, in embodiments, the first handgun retention mechanism′ comprises a lever′ pivotally supported by the holster body. The lever′ may be similarly configured to the leverof. In embodiments, the lever′ has an elongate central portion, a depressible actuation portion, and a trigger guard blocking portion. The depressible actuation portionof the levercomprises a first armextending away from the elongate central portionin a first direction so that the elongate central portionand the first armcooperate to form a first L-shape. The trigger guard blocking portionof the lever′ comprises a second armextending away from the elongate central portionin a second direction opposite the first direction so that the elongate central portionand the second armcooperate to form a second L-shape. In embodiments, the lever′ is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the lever′ pivots about a lever axisthat extends in upward and downward directions as the holster is worn or forward and rearward with respect to the handgun. In embodiments, the lever pivots between a handgun trigger guard blocking or capture position and a handgun trigger guard non-blocking or release position. The trigger guard blocking portionof the leverextends into a trigger guard portion of the holster bodywhen the lever′ is disposed in the handgun trigger guard capture position.

Continuing to referring to, a feature and benefit of embodiments is a retention mechanism having a lever that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is used to rotate the lever. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb-actuated button that pivots about a first axis and a lever that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. In embodiments, the lever pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster. In embodiments, the thumb-actuated button pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster.

Referring to, the second handgun retention mechanism is illustrated. The slide blocking member configured as a shroudis part of a hood assembly. Fasteners,pivotally secure the U-shaped shroud, second handgun retention mechanism housing, bracketwith slot, to the holster body. Fastenersecures the opposite side of the shroud to the holster body. The second handgun retention mechanismutilizes the retention mechanism housingto secure components of the retention mechanism in place. The housing has two cooperating components, and inward memberand an outward member, that may be arranged in a clamshell-like fashion that captures the leaf springand a pivoting shaftof the dual actuation memberwithin the housing. In embodiments, the holster includes a springthat biases the U-shaped shroudto pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the holsterincludes the leaf springthat is received in the slotof the bracketwhen the U-shaped shroudis in the handgun retaining position. The baseof the leaf springis fixed with respect to the holster body and the tipof the leaf springcan flex inwardly and outwardly. The bracketis attached to the U-shaped shroudsuch that as the leaf springkeeps the bracket from rotating forwardly it also keeps the shroud from rotating forwardly. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tab or buttonthrough a first range of rotary motion causes deflection of the leaf springso that a distal portion of the leaf springmoves outside of the slotallowing the bracketand also the shroudto rotate forwardly. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb buttonthrough a second range of rotary motion causes the thumb buttonto engage the depressible actuation portionof the levercausing at least part of the trigger guard blocking portionof the lever to be withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body. In this embodiment, the thumb receiving portion of the leverof the embodiment ofhas been replaced with an actuation portion or depressible portion that is depressed by the inner side of the thumb receiving tab.

The first and second active handgun retention mechanisms may be arranged such that the second and first mechanisms can actuate sequentially or simultaneously, in embodiments.

Referring to, another embodiment of a holstercomprising a holster bodysimilar to that ofwith a top or forward wall portion that mostly covers the slide of a handgun holstered therein, a pair of bossesthat can receive components of a second active handgun retention mechanism or, as illustrated in, a removable thumb button guardsecured to the bosses with fasteners. The levermay be configured as discussed previously with respect toand has a thumb button. The plate portionof a belt engaging member may capture the pivoting lever onto the holster body.

Referring to, the sequence of gripping and drawing a handgunfrom a holsterhaving a optimally positioned thumb buttonis illustrated. The handgripof the handgunhas a backstrapregion with a backstrap recessthat receives the user's handinitially by the webbingof the hand contacting the recess. The user will then wrap his middle, ring, and pinky fingers,,around the grip as shown inand will have his forefingerin a longitudinal recess for said finger on the side of the holster opposite the thumb button. The thumbwill naturally be positioned at the thumb buttonsuch that a normal grasping action of the grip, consistent with the “master grip” will depress the thumb buttonand actuate the retention mechanism. Referring to, the master grip and ergonomics are further facilitated in embodiments where the thumb buttonis positioned with no holster body directly rearward of the rearward margin of the thumb button, as well as no holster body portions below the thumb button. In use, as the handgunis gripped prior to actuation of the thumb button, the user's thumb is in the natural gripping position at the surface of the thumb button, the thumb buttonis depressed, coincident with grasping the handgun, and as the handgunis withdrawn, the user's thumb slides off of the thumb buttoninto immediate contact with the handgun. That is, there is no engagement with the exterior surface of the holster bodyby the user's thumb either during actuation of the release of the retention mechanism or as the handgunis withdrawn. In that the thumb buttonis positioned in close proximity to the surface of the handgun, the thumb movement inward as the thumb transitions from engagement with the thumb buttonto engagement with the body of the handgunis minimal.

Referring to, in embodiments, the holster includes the hood spring, a lever springand a tab spring. In embodiments, each spring comprises a length of wire, the wire of the spring forming a first leg, a second legand a coildisposed between the first legand the second leg. In embodiments, the first legof the hood springis fixed relative to the holster bodyand the second legof the hood springis seated against the hood assemblyso that the U-shaped shroudis biased to pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the lever springis positioned and adapted to bias the leverto rotate toward the handgun trigger guard capture position. In embodiments, the first legof the lever springis seated against to the holster bodyand the second legof the lever springis seated against the lever. In embodiments, the tab springis positioned and adapted to bias the thumb receiving tabto rotate in a direction that moves a distal end of the thumb receiving tabaway from the holster body. In embodiments, the first legof the tab springis seated against to the holster bodyand the second legof the tab springis seated against the thumb receiving tab.

Referring to, in embodiments, the U-shaped shroudis part of a hood assembly. In embodiments, a bracketof the hood assemblyincludes a lug portionand the thumb receiving tabincludes a protrusion portionthat engages the lug portionof the hood assemblywhile the U-shaped shroudis in the handgun retaining position. In embodiments, the holsterfurther includes a hood springthat biases the U-shaped shroudto pivot toward the release position. In embodiments, the hood springbiases the lug portionof the hood assemblyagainst the protrusion portionof the thumb receiving tabwhile the U-shaped shroudis in the handgun retaining position. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tabthrough a first range of rotary motion causes the protrusion portionof the thumb receiving tabto disengage from the lug portionof the hood assembly. In embodiments, rotation of the thumb receiving tabthrough a second range of rotary motion causes the thumb receiving tabto engage the tab receiving portion of the levercausing at least a portion of the trigger guard retaining portion of the leverto be withdrawn from the trigger guard receiving portion of the holster body.

Referring to, a feature and benefit of embodiments is a retention mechanism having a lever′ that can be pivoted with little tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and thumb while the forearm is extending in a downward direction and the thumb is contacting a thumb receiving tab. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a thumb receiving tabthat pivots about a first axis and a lever′ that pivots about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. In embodiments, the lever′ pivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axisH of the holster. In embodiments, the thumb receiving tabpivots about an axis that is parallel to a handgun insertion and withdrawal axis of the holster.are two perspective views showing a holster including a U-shaped shroud. In the embodiment of, the U-shaped shroud is in a handgun retaining position. In the embodiment of, the U-shaped shroud is in a release position.

Referring to, in embodiments, an exteriorly worn holsterfor receiving a handgunhas a holster bodyhaving a plurality of unitary holster wall portions defining a handgun receiving cavityand a rearward opening. In embodiments, the handgun has a handgun body, a handgrip, a slide, and a trigger guard. In embodiments, the holster bodyhas a handgun receiving and withdrawal axisH. In embodiments, the plurality of holster wall portions comprise a user proximal wall portionand a user distal wall portion, the proximal wall portionhaving thumb button recesswith a thumb button recess edge portiondefining the thumb button recess. In embodiments, the thumb button recessextends forwardly from the rearward opening.

In embodiments, a first user actuatable handgun retention mechanismof the holsteris located at the proximal wall portionfor selectively preventing the handgun, when in the cavity, from being withdrawn from the cavity. In embodiments, the first handgun retention mechanismcomprises a first leverpivotally mounted on the proximal wall portionof the holster bodywith a first axis of rotation. In embodiments, the first leverhas an actuation tabrearwardly positioned on the leverand positioned within the thumb button recess. In embodiments, the actuation tabhas an upper margin, a rearward margin, and a lower margin. In embodiments, the leverfurther has a trigger guard blocking portionforwardly positioned on the lever, the leverbeing configured and positioned such that depression of the actuation tabrotates the leverabout its respective axis of rotation to move the trigger guard blocking portionfrom a trigger guard blocking position to a non-blocking position.

In embodiments, an upper portionof the thumb button recess edge portionextends rearwardly of the actuation tabalong the upper marginof the actuation taband a lower portionof the thumb button recess edge portionextends rearwardly of the actuation tabat the lower marginof the actuation tab.