US20210372735A1

US20210372735A1 - Modular firearm protection and alignment assembly and method of operation

Info

Publication number: US20210372735A1
Application number: US17/331,348
Authority: US
Inventors: Jose Luis Flores
Original assignee: U.S. Duty Gear, Inc
Priority date: 2020-05-26
Filing date: 2021-05-26
Publication date: 2021-12-02
Also published as: US11333463B2; US20210372734A1

Abstract

A modular firearm protection and alignment assembly and method of operation integrates with a firearm holster to align and protect the firearm. The assembly is arranged, such that a firearm is centrally aligned, and provided with a fixed stopping point in the holster. An upper base includes a platform defined by a protruding alignment member that projects upwardly from the platform. The platform serves as a barrier to prevent the firearm from sliding beyond a predetermined point into the holster. The protruding alignment member projects from the bottom of the holster to receive, and concentrically align, the barrel of the firearm with the holster. A lower base joins with the upper base through use of a fastening mechanism. The lower base has an elongated panel that couples to the upper base, and a circular panel that protects light accessories mounted on the firearm, and drains fluids from the holster.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) on US Provisional Patent Application No(s). 63/030,241 filed on May 26, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a modular firearm protection and alignment assembly and method of operation. More so, the firearm protection and alignment assembly is operatively integrated with a firearm holster, and arranged in such that a firearm being fitted into a holster is centrally aligned and provided with a fixed stopping point so as not to be able to slide further into holster; and also to provide protection for any light accessory mounted on the firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
In the United States, gun protection and safety have become a necessity. Common custom holsters, which are mainly worn with a belt and fixed on the thigh side or waist, and the holster is comprising a bag body and a belt buckle. In order to prevent the gun from falling out, the body is generally provided with a buckle strap for crimping the buckle, so that the gun can be enclosed in a bag after crimping. However, the main disadvantage of this type of holster is that it is prone to accidental shots or easy to be snatched or triggered. The criminals can easily pull out the gun by unfastening the buckle. Many male and female police officers were killed by their own guns after they were disarmed by an increasing number of violent criminals, which is quite dangerous.
Another flaw is that the conventional holster can't hold the barrel of the firearm centrally so that the policeman cannot pull the firearm quickly and smoothly when necessary. Also, the prior holster can't facilitate the mounting of light accessories on the firearm. Moreover, the conventional holster is easily penetrated by the barrel of the firearm when being applied for a long time.
In order to adapt to these important realities, it is necessary to provide holsters that can ensure that firearm can be hold and pulled in safety and in handy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problem above, the present invention provides a modular firearm protection and alignment assembly, which can hold and draw the fireman in safety and in handy.
A modular firearm protection and alignment assembly, the assembly comprising:

- an upper base operable to enable detachable coupling to a firearm holster, the upper base comprising a platform, the platform comprising a protruding alignment member, the platform further comprising multiple flanges adapted to align the end of the barrel of a firearm,
- whereby the platform helps prevent the firearm from sliding beyond a predetermined point into the firearm holster,
- whereby the protruding alignment member receives, and concentrically aligns, the barrel of the firearm with the holster; and
- a lower base operable to join with the upper base through a fastening mechanism, the lower base comprising an elongated panel that couples to the upper base, and a circular panel. defined by a drain. hole and a lipped perimeter.

In another aspect, wherein the fastening mechanism is a swivel lock.
In another aspect, wherein the circular panel. comprises a circular shape.
In another aspect, wherein the circular panel protects a light accessory mounted on the firearm.
In another aspect, wherein the circular panel drains fluids from the holster.
In another aspect, wherein the assembly is fabricated from a Nylon Resin.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary modular firearm protection and alignment assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary upper base of the modular firearm holster safety retention assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an elevated side view of the upper base of the modular firearm holster safety retention assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the upper base of the modular firearm holster safety retention assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the upper base of the modular firearm holster safety retention assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a frontal view of the upper base of the modular firearm holster safety retention assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the upper base of the modular firearm holster safety retention. assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary lower base of the modular firearm holster safety retention assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary lower base of the modular firearm holster safety retention assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of an exemplary lower base of the modular firearm holster safety retention assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a lower base having a short length, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a. lower base having a mid-length, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a lower base having a long length, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments.
As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “-vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific assemblies and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112.
In one embodiment of the present invention presented in FIGS. 1-12, a modular firearm protection and alignment assembly 100 and method of operation. is operatively integrated. with a firearm holster to help align and protect the firearm. As FIG. 1 references, the firearm protection and alignment assembly 100, hereafter “assembly 100” is arranged, such that a firearm being fitted into a holster is centrally aligned, and provided with a fixed stopping point through an upper base 102. In some embodiments, the upper base 102 may include a platform 104. The platform 102 is a flat surface defined by a protruding alignment member 106 that projects upwardly from the platform 104. The platform 104 serves as a barrier to prevent the firearm from sliding beyond a predetermined point into the holster. The protruding alignment member 106 projects from the bottom of the holster to receive, and concentrically align, the barrel of the firearm with the holster.
Additionally, a lower base 110 is configured to join with the upper base 102 through use of a fastening mechanism, such as a swivel lock. The lower base 110 has an elongated panel 112 that couples to the upper base 102, and a circular panel 116 with a lipped perimeter 118 that protects light accessories mounted on the firearm and a drain hole 114 that drains fluids from the holster.
In one aspect of the present invention, shown in FIG. 2, a modular firearm protection and alignment assembly 100, comprises:

- an upper base 102 operable to enable detachable coupling to a firearm holster, the upper base 102 comprising a platform 104, the platform comprising a protruding alignment member 106, the platform 104 further comprising multiple flanges 106 adapted to align the end of the barrel of a firearm,
- whereby the platform 104 helps prevent the firearm from sliding beyond a predetermined point into the firearm holster,
- whereby the protruding alignment member 106 receives, and concentrically aligns, the barrel of the dream with the holster; and
- a lower base 110 operable to join with the upper base 102 through a fastening mechanism 300, the lower base 110 comprising an elongated panel 112 that couples to the upper base 102, and a circular panel 116 defined by a drain hole 114 and a lipped perimeter 118.

In one aspect, the fastening mechanism 300 is a swivel lock.
In one aspect, the circular panel 1:16 comprises a circular shape.
In one aspect, the circular panel 116 protects a light accessory mounted on the firearm.
In one aspect, the assembly 100 is fabricated from a Nylon Resin.
One objective of the present invention is to provide an assembly 100 that prevents a firearm for sliding into a firearm holster beyond a predetermined point.
Another objective is to centrally align the barrel of the firearm in the holster,
Yet another objective is to protect light accessories coupled to the firearm.
An exemplary objective is to prevent a strong force from forcing the barrel of the firearm through the bottom of the holster.
Looking again at FIG. 1, the assembly 100 provides a unique modular contraption that couples to the bottom end of a firearm holster. The modular configuration provides a two-piece set up with an upper base 102 that is shaped and dimensioned to couple to the bottom of the holster, while also maintaining the barrel of the firearm concentric with the firearm holster (See FIG. 3). The second piece of the modular configuration is a. lower base 110 that serves the dual purpose of protecting accessories from the firearm, and draining any liquids that may drip or pour from the holster. Other alternatively architectural arrangements are known to the inventor. For example, the assembly 100 can also be constructed by three or more pieces, not limited to two-piece.
Turning now to FIG. 4, the assembly 100 comprises an upper base 102 that detachably couples to the bottom end of a firearm holster. The upper base 102 is oriented at a higher elevation than the lower base 110, more proximal to the firearm opening in the holster. The upper base 102 may have a. generally block shaped, configuration with a slight protrusion at the top end. In some embodiments, the upper base 102 provides a platform 104 that is generally flat. The platform 104 is defined by a protruding alignment member 106 that projects upwardly anywhere from ½″ to 3″.
In some embodiments, the platform 104 helps prevent a firearm from sliding beyond a predetermined point into the firearm holster. Thus, as the firearm is pushed down into the hole the end. of the barrel abuts against the platform 104 or downward. movement. As FIG. 5 shows, the platform 104 is also defined by multiple flanges 106 adapted to align the end of the barrel of a firearm. This can include a geometric arrangement of flanges 106 sized and shaped for a specific firearm barrel.
Turning now to FIG. 6, the assembly 100 also provides a protruding alignment member 106. The protruding alignment member 106 is a linear shaft-like member having a diameter sized sufficiently to receive, and concentrically align, the barrel of the firearm with the holster (FIG. 7). Thus, the barrel fits into the protruding alignment member 106.
As FIG. 8 illustrates, the assembly 100 also provides a lower base 110 that is configured to detachably join with the upper base 1102. This unique two-piece configuration creates a module effect that facilitates coupling and decoupling, and reduces manufacturing costs. The upper base 102 and the lower base 110 are connected through a fastening mechanism 300 that releasably attaches and detaches the bases to each other. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fastening mechanism 300 is a swivel lock. However, in other embodiments, different fastening mechanisms known in the art may also be used. Other alternatively architectural arrangements are known to the inventor. For example, the assembly 100 can also be constructed by three or more pieces, not limited to two-piece.
As referenced in FIG. 9, the lower base 110 comprises an elongated panel 112 that couples to the upper base 102. The elongated panel 112 has a fastening hole 800 that rotatably locks with the fastening mechanism 300 at the bottom of the upper base 102. The lower base 110 is also defined by a circular panel 116. The circular panel 116 forms a drain hole 114 and a lipped perimeter 118. The lower panel is useful for protecting accessories of the firearm. The lipped perimeter 118 forms a protective outer barrier and also helps to retain the firearm accessory on the circular panel 116. In addition, the circular panel 116 forms a drain hole 114. The drain hole 114 is visible in FIG. 10, In one non-limiting embodiment, the drain hole 114 is circular in shape and sufficiently sized to allow Woods that flow from the holster drain through.
In alternative embodiments, the assembly 100 is sized to receive variously sized and types of firearms. This can include having longer or shorter upper base 102. For example, a longer base may be used for shorter barreled. firearms while a shorter base can accommodate longer firearms. However, the size of the holster is also determinative of the diameter of the upper base 102. Further the length of the protruding alignment member 106 can be longer for longer barrels, and shorter for shorter barrels. In regard to the lower base 110, the size of the circular panel 116 is dependent on the type of firearm accessory that needs to be protected were held in place.
In regard to the lower base 110, the distance between the fastening hole and the drain hole 114 can also have various lengths. As shown in FIG. 11, a lower base 1100 with a parting line between the drain hole and fastening hole is 0.125″. FIG, 12. shows a lower base 1200 that has a parting line between the drain hole and fastening hole with a distance of 0.250″, And FIG. 13 illustrates a lower base 1300 with a parting line between the drain hole and fastening hole with a distance of 0.375″. However, in other embodiments, the scalable nature of the assembly allows for greater variances in dimension sizes for the upper and lower bases 1102, 110.
In operation, the assembly 100 is juxtapositioned towards the bottom and of a firearm holster with the protruding alignment member 106 facing up into the cavity of the holster. The protruding alignment member 106 is centrally disposed in the holster. A firearm is oriented into the holster, with the barrel pointed towards opening in the holster. The firearm is pushed into the holster until the end of the barrel abuts the platform 104. Furthermore, the protruding alignment member 106 receives the firearm barrel, in this manner, the firearm is centrally held in place. Finally, any firearm accessories are held in the circular panel 116. And any fluids that drip from the holster pass through the drain hole 114 of the circular panel 116 of lower base 110.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

What I claim is:

1. A modular firearm protection and alignment assembly, the assembly comprising:

an upper base operable to enable detachable coupling to a firearm holster, the upper base comprising a platform, the platform comprising a protruding alignment member, the platform further comprising multiple flanges adapted to align the end of the barrel of a firearm,

whereby the platform helps prevent the firearm from sliding beyond a predetermined point into the firearm holster,

whereby the protruding alignment member receives, and concentrically aligns, the barrel of the firearm with the holster; and

a lower base operable to join with the upper base through a fastening mechanism, the lower base comprising an elongated panel that couples to the upper base, and a circular panel defined by a drain hole and a lipped perimeter.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism is a swivel lock.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the circular panel comprises a circular shape.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the circular panel protects a light accessory mounted on the firearm.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the circular panel drains fluids from the holster.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is fabricated from a Nylon Resin.