WO2021086894A1

WO2021086894A1 - Handgun holder assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2021086894A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/057630
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dean Jeffery Thompson
Original assignee: Tac Bracket, Llc
Priority date: 2019-10-28
Filing date: 2020-10-28
Publication date: 2021-05-06

Abstract

An example handgun holder assembly includes a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, a lock, and a bracket. The lock is configured to selectively engage with the arm. The bracket has two side arms and a central portion. A first side arm is secured to the lock such that the bracket is pivotable with the arm from a first position having the central portion positioned over a first region of the base and a second position having the central portion absent from over the first region of the base. At least one of the arm or the first side arm is adjustably secured to the lock such that the central portion of the bracket is movable from a first height to a second height relative to the first region of the base effective to lock the handgun at least partially between the bracket and the base.

Description

HANDGUN HOLDER ASSEMBLY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/926,868 filed on October 28, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] For safety purposes, handgun owners are encouraged to have their handguns securely locked when not in use or being appropriately worn by a user. Accordingly, handgun mounting assemblies may be used to secure handguns in place. Additionally, handgun owners are desirous of having their handguns stored in a position, whether in their car, office, or home, that allows for quick and efficient access.

SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments disclosed herein include a handgun holder assembly. The handgun holder assembly may include a base, an arm pivotable relative to the base, a lock, and a U- shaped bracket. The lock includes a first channel and a second channel each extending through the lock. The second channel is sized to receive at least a portion of the arm therein and the lock being configured to selectively engage with the arm within the first channel. The U-shaped bracket having two side arms and a central portion extending between the two side arms. The U-shaped bracket is sized to receive at least a portion of a handgun between the two side arms, wherein a first side arm of the two side arms extends through the first channel of the lock such that the U-shaped bracket is pivotable with the arm from a first position having the central portion positioned over a first region of the base to a second position having the central portion absent from over the first region of the base. At least one of the arm or the first side arm is adjustably secured to the lock such that the central portion of the U-shaped bracket is movable from a first height relative to the first region of the base to a second height relative to the first region of the base that is less than the first height effective to lock the handgun at least partially between the central portion of the U-shaped bracket and the first region and at least partially between the first side arm and the second side arm when the U-shaped bracket is in the first position at the second height.

[0004] In an embodiment, a method of mounting a handgun to a handgun holder assembly includes mounting a handgun holster to a back wall of a base the handgun holder assembly. The method also includes positioning the handgun in the handgun holster. The method also includes sliding an arm attached to a front wall of the handgun holder assembly through a channel in a lock until a central portion of a U-bracket adjustably secured to the lock is positioned in a recess on the handgun between a backstop of a grip of the handgun and a tang of the handgun. The method also includes locking the lock to secure the lock to the arm positioned within the channel of the lock.

[0005] In an embodiment, a handgun holder assembly includes a base, an arm, a lock, and a latch. The base has at least a back wall and a bottom wall. The arm is pivotable relative to the base. The lock is configured to selectively engage with the arm. The latch has at least a first portion secured to the lock and a second portion extending from the first portion towards the back wall of the base such that the latch is pivotable with the arm from a first position having the second portion of the latch positioned over a first region of the bottom wall and a second position having the second portion of the latch absent from over the first region of the bottom wall.

[0006] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front top isometric view of a handgun holder assembly in a locked configuration with a handgun, according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front top isometric view of a handgun holder assembly in an unlocked configuration without a handgun, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a rear top isometric view of a handgun holder assembly in a locked configuration with a handgun, according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 A is a side top isometric view of a handgun holder assembly including an attachment plate, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4B is a front view of the attachment plate of FIG. 4A before installation onto the handgun holster or the handgun holder assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial top view of a handgun holder assembly including a positioning element, according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a front top isometric view of a handgun holder assembly including a securement element, according to an embodiment. [0015] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of mounting a handgun to a handgun holder assembly, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Embodiments herein relate to handgun mounting assemblies. It is desirable for handgun mounting assemblies to securely lock a handgun in place when the handgun is not in use or being worn by a user and/or allow the handgun to be mounted in an accessible orientation. As described in greater detail herein, handgun mounting assemblies of this disclosure are configured to securely lock a handgun to the handgun holder assembly with an after-market holster. The handgun mounting assemblies described herein are adjustable to lock different sizes of handguns and holsters in place. Moreover, the handgun mounting assemblies described herein may be secured within a console of a vehicle, to a wall, a counter, a desk, a drawer, a compartment, or to any of a number of a different objects. [0017] FIG. 1 is a front top isometric view of a handgun holder assembly 100 in a locked configuration with a handgun 10, according to an embodiment. In many embodiments, the handgun holder assembly 100 includes a base 110 having a bottom wall 114, a back wall 116 angled relative to the bottom wall 114, a front wall 112 spaced from the back wall 116 at least by the bottom wall 114, and one or more (e.g., two) side walls 118 extending at least partially between the back wall 116 and the front wall 112. In some embodiments, the base 110 includes a single, continuous and integral base 110 having the front wall 112, the bottom wall 114, the back wall 116, and the one or more side walls 118. In some embodiments, one or more of the front wall 112, the bottom wall 114, the back wall 116, and the one or more side walls 118 maybe fixedly or detachably secured to one another to form the base 110.

[0018] In some embodiments, the back wall 116 may be generally perpendicular to the bottom wall 114 or at another suitable angle. The back wall 116 includes a plurality of openings 117 extending therethrough. A first portion 117a (shown in FIG. 3) of the plurality of openings 117 in the back wall 116 are positioned to allow a user to removably secure or mount an after-market holster 50 to the back wall 116 with one or more fasteners 120. The first portion 117a of the plurality of openings 117 are positioned to accommodate securing different sized handgun holsters 50, a holster connection system 200 (shown in FIG. 2), and/or handguns 10 to the back wall 116.

[0019] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of openings 117 in the back wall 116 are positioned to allow a user to use one or more fasteners 120 to removably secure or mount a back plate (not shown) to the back surface of the back wall 116 to cover one or more fasteners 120 securing the holster to back wall 116, thereby preventing or inhibiting removal of the handgun holster 50 and handgun 10 from the handgun holder assembly 100. One or more of the plurality of openings 117 in the back wall are positioned to allow a user to secure the back wall to separate wall or object with one or more fasteners 120. A second portion 117b (shown in FIG. 3) of the plurality of openings 117 in the back wall 116 are positioned to allow a user to use one or more fasteners 120 to secure an accessory 130, such as a pocketed magazine holder, to the back wall 116.

[0020] The bottom wall 114 of the base 110 also may include a plurality of openings 115. The plurality of openings 115 in the bottom wall 114 may be positioned to allow a user to use one or more fasteners 120 to secure the base 110 to an object, such as the bottom of a console in a vehicle, a wall, a safe, and so on. For example, at least a portion of the plurality of openings 115 in the bottom wall 114 are positioned to allow a user to adjust positioning of the bottom wall 114 to accommodate positioning on different external surfaces. The plurality of openings 115 in the bottom wall 114 also may be positioned to allow a user to secure a bottom plate 124 to the bottom wall 114. The bottom wall 114 also may include a fastener 127 extending upward from the bottom wall 114 and positioned between the back wall 116 and a front wall 112 of the base 110. The fastener 127 may include a threaded fastener and may be fixedly secured to the bottom wall 114 with, for example, welding, adhesives, and so on. In an embodiment, the fastener 127 may be removable from the bottom wall 114 and may extend through an opening of the plurality of openings 115 in the bottom wall 114.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base 110 also includes the front wall 112 angled relative to the bottom wall 114 and opposite the back wall 116. For example, the front wall 112 may be generally perpendicular to the bottom wall 114 or another suitable angle. The front wall 112 may include a plurality of openings 113 extending therethrough. At least a portion of the plurality of openings 113 in the front wall 112 are positioned to allow a user to adjust positioning of the pivot arm 146, the lock 150, and the bracket 160 on the base 100 to accommodate different sized handgun holsters 50 and handguns 10. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of openings 113 in the front wall 112 are positioned to align with one or more openings 117 in the back wall 116 to allow a user to extend a fastener 120 through both the front wall 112 and the back wall 116 to secure the base 110 to a wall behind the back wall 116. A portion of the plurality of openings 113 in the front wall 112 may be positioned to allow a user to detachably secure a pivotable arm 146 and/or a front plate 140 to the front wall 112, according to some embodiments. [0022] The base 110 also includes at least one side wall 118 angled relative to the bottom wall 114 of the base 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base 110 includes two opposing side walls 118 positioned at opposite ends of the back wall 116 and the front wall 112. In some embodiments, at least one of the side walls 118 includes one or more openings 119 extending therethrough. For example, the one or more openings 119 may be positioned to allow a user to removably secure a side plate 122 to the side wall 118 with one or more fasteners 120.

[0023] In some embodiments (not shown), the handgun holder assembly 100 also may include back plate. The back plate may include one or more openings extending therethrough. The one or more openings in the back plate are positioned to align with one or more openings 117 in the back wall 116 of the base 110, thereby allowing a user to mount the back plate to the back wall 116 after the handgun holster 50 has been mounted to the back wall 116. The back plate may include a height that is substantially equal to a height of the back wall 116.

[0024] In some embodiments, the handgun holder assembly 100 also may include one or more side plates 122. At least one of the one or more side plates 122 may include a plurality of openings 123 extending therethrough. For example, at least a portion of the openings 123 in the side plate 122 may be positioned to allow a user to removably secure an accessory or an accessory holder 130 to the side plate 122. One or more of the openings 123 in the side plate 122 are positioned to align with one or more openings 119 in at least one of the side walls 118 of the base 110 to allow a user to extend a fastener 120 through both the side plate 122 and the side wall 118 to secure the side plate 122 to the base 110. [0025] In some embodiments, the handgun holder assembly 100 also may include a bottom plate 124. The bottom plate may include one or more openings (not visible). At least one of the one or more openings in the bottom plate 124 may be positioned to align with the fastener 127 in the bottom wall 114 when the bottom plate 124 is positioned on the bottom wall 114 between the back wall 116 and front wall 112, thereby allowing the fastener 127 to extend through at least one of the one or more openings in the bottom plate 124. The bottom plate 124 may be sized to fit on the bottom wall 114 between the front wall 112 and the back wall 116, and also between the two opposing side walls 118. In some embodiments, the bottom plate 124 includes a lateral dimension that is generally equal to a distance between the front wall 112 and the back wall 116. In some embodiments, the bottom plate 124 includes a longitudinal length that is less than a distance between the two opposing side walls 118. For example, when the bottom plate 124 is secured to the bottom wall 114, a first region 114a (shown in FIG. 2) of the bottom wall 114 may remain uncovered by the bottom plate 124 (e.g. , the bottom plate 124 is absent from the first region 114a) of the bottom wall 114 and the bottom plate covers a second region of the bottom wall 114.

[0026] In some embodiments, the bottom plate 124, when affixed via the fastener 127 therethrough, is sized and configured to cover any connection made through the bottom wall 114 to a connected surface external surface. For example, the base 110 may be secured to an external surface (such as a console in a vehicle) with one or more fasteners extending through the second region of the bottom wall 114, and the base plate 124 may cover the one or more fasteners securing the base 110 to the external surface. In some embodiments, the base plate 124 may include one or more recess configured receive the one or more fasteners therein when the base plate 124 is secured to the base wall 114.

[0027] In some embodiments (not shown), the bottom plate 124 may include an L-shaped bottom plate having a first section that is generally parallel to the bottom wall 114 and a second section that is angled generally perpendicular to the bottom wall 114. At least one of the first section or the second section of the L-shaped bottom plate may include one or more openings. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more openings in the first section may be positioned to align with the fastener 127 in the bottom wall 114 when the L-shaped bottom plate is positioned on the bottom wall between the back wall 116 and the front wall 112, thereby allowing the fastener to extend through the at least one of the one or more openings in the first section of the L-shaped bottom plate. The first section of the L-shaped bottom plate may be sized to fit on the bottom wall between the front wall and the back wall, and also between the two opposing side walls 118. In some embodiments, the L-shaped bottom plate includes a lateral dimension that is generally equal to a distance between the front wall 112 and the back wall 116. In some embodiments, the bottom plate includes a longitudinal length that is less than a distance between the two opposing side walls 118. Similar to the bottom plate 124, the L-shaped bottom plate, when affixed via the fastener therethrough, may be sized and configured to cover any connection made through the bottom wall 114 to a connected surface and the vertical section of the plate serves to hinder access to the rear of any handgun holster 50 installed on the back wall 116. [0028] In some embodiments, a tamperproof security nut, such as a pyramid fastener 125, may be used with the fastener 127 on the bottom wall 114 to secure the bottom plate 124 (or the L-shaped bottom plate) to the bottom wall 114. The tamperproof security nut and the bottom plate 124 may prevent or inhibit a person from removing the entire handgun holder assembly 100 while a handgun 10 is locked in the handgun holder assembly 100. [0029] In some embodiments, the handgun holder assembly 100 also includes a pivot arm 146 pivotally secured or pivotable relative to the base 110, such as through an opening of the plurality of openings 113 in the front wall 112. The pivot arm 146 may include a fastener 120 extending through an opening of the plurality of openings 113 in the front wall 112. The pivot arm 146 may include a receiver 144 and a ring 145 through which the fastener 120 extends to pivotably secure the pivotable arm 120 to the base 110. The pivot arm 146 may be secured at least partially within the receiver 144 and the receiver 144 may be attached to the ring 145. The fastener 120 may include a tamperproof nut, such as the pyramid fastener 125, that prevents or inhibits removal of the fastener 120 when a handgun 10 is mounted in the handgun holder assembly 100. The pivot arm 164 may be removably attached to one opening of the plurality of openings 113 in the front wall 112 such that the one opening and/or the fastener 120 extending at least partially through the one opening define an axis about which the pivot arm 146 pivots or swings.

[0030] The pivot arm 146 also includes a plurality of locking notches 148 extending longitudinally along the pivot arm 146, according to some embodiments. Each of the plurality of locking notches 148 is configured to engage with a collar or other element of the lock 150 when the lock 150 is in a locked position, thereby preventing movement of the pivot arm 146 through a locking channel 152 of the lock 150 when the lock 150 is in the locked configuration. While shown in a round configuration, the pivot arm 146 and the locking channel 152 of the lock may complementary polygonal cross-sectional shapes to prevent or inhibit rotation of the pivot arm 146 in the locking channel 152. While some of the embodiments provided herein show the pivot arm 146 having locking notches 148, in some embodiments, the pivot arm 146 may be threaded to engage with the lock 150 (and the bracket 160 may include locking notches 148).

[0031] The handgun holder assembly 100 also includes the lock 150, according to some embodiments. The lock 150 includes a first channel 154 or through hole configured to secure to a portion of the bracket 160. For example, at least a portion of the first channel 154 may be threadedly engaged with the first side arm 161 of the bracket 160. In some embodiments, the first side arm 161 of the bracket 160 includes a plurality of locking notches 148 and the lock 150 is configured to selectively lock to first side arm 161 at one or more different locking notches 148. The lock 150 also includes a second or locking channel 152 or through hole sized to receive the pivot arm 146 therethrough. The second channel 152 may be generally complementary to a cross-sectional shape of the pivot arm 146, such as generally circular, polygonal, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the second channel 152 and the pivot arm 146 may include corresponding polygonal, non circular, and/or notched shapes that inhibit rotation of the pivot arm 146 within the second channel 152. Non-limiting examples may include a tear-dropped shaped second channel, a tabbed (or notched) circular channel, or a polygonal channel. The lock 150 also includes a lock controller configured to allow a user to selectively change the lock 150 between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In some embodiments, the lock controller includes a key receiver and a key. In other embodiments, the lock controller may include a detector configured to recognize a physical feature of an authorized user, such as a fingerprint, a face, a retina, and so on.

[0032] In the unlocked configuration of the lock 150, at least one of the first side arm 161 or the pivot arm 146 is slidable or movable through the first channel 154 or the second channel 152, respectively. In FIG. 1, the pivot arm 146 is slidable through the second channel 152 in the unlocked configuration of the lock 150 and the first side arm 161 is not slidable through the 154 in the unlocked configuration of the lock 150. In some embodiments, both the first side arm 161 and the pivot arm 146 include the locking notches 148 and both the first side arm 161 and the pivot arm 146 are slidable through respective channels 154, 152 when the lock 150 is in the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the first side arm 161 includes the locking notches 148 and the pivot arm does not include locking notches 148, and only the first side arm 161 is slidable through the first channel 154 when the lock 150 is in the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, when the lock 150 is in the locked configuration, a shack collar or other element in the lock 154 engages with a locking notch 148 on at least one of the first side arm 161 or the pivot arm 146, thereby preventing the at least one of the first side arm 161 or the pivot arm 146 from sliding through respective channels 154, 152 of the lock 150 effective to secure the lock 150 in place relative to the at least one of the first side arm 161 or the pivot arm 146.

[0033] In some embodiments, the handgun holder assembly 100 also includes a latch or bracket 160 configured to lock or secure the handgun 10 in place on the handgun holder assembly. The latch or bracket 160 may include at least a first portion secured to the lock 150, such as the first side arm 161. The latch or bracket 160 also my include a second portion extending from or secured to the first portion and positionable towards the back wall 116 of the base 110 when the latch or bracket 160 is secured to the lock 150. In some embodiments, the bracket 160 includes a U-shaped or other-shaped bracket having two side arms 161, 162 and a central portion 164 extending between the two side arms 161. The bracket 160 may be fixedly or adjustably secured to the lock 150 at, for example, the first side arm 161. With the bracket 160 and the pivot arm 146 secured to the lock 150, the bracket 160 is pivotable with the pivot arm 146, /._<?., movement of the pivot arm 146 correspondingly moves or swings the bracket 160.

[0034] The lock 150 may be selectively and moveably secured to the first side arm 161. For example, in many embodiments, at least the first side arm 161 of the bracket 160 is threaded, and the channel 154 of the lock 150 may be threadedly engaged with the threaded first side arm 161 such that rotation of the lock 150 around the first side arm 161 (or rotation of the bracket 160 relative to the lock 150) in a first radial direction may move the lock 150 along the first side arm 161 in a first axial direction to decrease a distance of the central portion 164 from the bottom wall 114 and/or the axis about which the pivot arm 146 pivots. Rotation of the lock 150 around the first side arm 161 (or rotation of the bracket 160 relative to the lock 150) in a second radial direction opposite of the first radial direction may move the lock 150 along the first side arm 161 in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction to increase a distance of the central portion 164 from the bottom wall 114 and/or the axis about which the pivot arm 146 pivots. Accordingly, the bracket 160 may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of handguns 10 and/or positions of the handgun holster 50 secured to the base 110.

[0035] The bracket also may include one or more nuts 166 or other hardware threadedly engaged with the first side arm 161 to limit movement of the lock 150 along the first side arm 161. For example, the lock 150 may be positioned between two nuts 166 threadedly engaged with the first side arm 161. The bracket 161 also may include a cover on at least the central portion 164, such as a rubber or plastic cover that prevents the central portion 164 from contacting or damaging a handgun 10 secured to the handgun holder assembly 100.

[0036] As noted above, the bracket 160 and the pivot arm 146 may be secured to the lock 150 such that the bracket 160 is pivotable with the pivot arm 146, /._<?., movement of the pivot arm 146 correspondingly moves or swings the bracket 160. The bracket 160 (and the pivot arm 146) may be pivotable from a first position (shown in FIG. 1) having the central portion 164 positioned over a first region 114a of the bottom wall 114 of the base 110 to a second position (shown in FIG. 2) having the central portion 164 absent from over the first region 114a of the bottom wall 114 of the base 110. For example, in the second position, the central portion 164 of the bracket 160 may not be positioned over any portion of the bottom wall 114 or the base 110. In some embodiments, the in the second position, the central portion 164 of the bracket 160 may be positioned over a region of the bottom wall 114 that is different from the first region 114a. The first region 114a of the bottom wall 114 may include a region below the handgun 10 and/or the handgun holster 50.

[0037] At least one of the pivot arm 146 or the first side arm 161 of the bracket 160 may be adjustably secured to the lock 150 (as described above) such that the central portion 164 of the bracket 160 is movable between different heights relative to the bottom wall 114 and/or the axis about which the pivot arm 146 (and the first side arm 161) pivots or swings. For example, at least one of the pivot arm 146 or the first side arm 161 may be adjustable secured to the lock 150 such that the central portion 164 of the bracket is movable or adjustable from a first height (shown in FIG. 2) relative to the first region 114a of the bottom wall 114 or the pivot axis to a second height (shown in FIG. 1) relative to the first region 114a of the bottom wall 114 or the pivot axis that is less than the first height. In FIG. 1, the height of the central portion 164 has been adjusted to the second height in the first position to lock the handgun 50 to the handgun holder assembly 100 at least partially between the central portion 164 of the bracket 160 and the first region 114a of the bottom wall 114, and also at least partially between the first side arm 161 and the second side arm 162.

[0038] In some embodiments, to lock the handgun 10 in the handgun holder assembly 100, the barrel of the handgun 10 is inserted into the handgun holster 50, such as an after-market handgun holster. A portion of the pivot arm 146 may be inserted into the second channel 152 of the lock 150, and the pivot arm 146 may be pivoted until the central portion 164 of the bracket 160 is positioned above the recess 18 between a backstrap 14 of the grip 12 and a tang 16 of the handgun 10. The lock 150 or the bracket 160 may then be pushed towards the handgun 10 until the central portion 164 of the bracket 160 contacts the recess 18 or is at least positioned below the tang 16 of the handgun 10 on the backstrap 14, with the pivot arm 146 sliding through the second channel 152. Once the central portion 164 contacts the recess 18 and/or is below the tang 16 of the handgun 10, the lock 150 may be changed to a locked configuration, thereby engaging the collar in the lock 150 with one of the locking notches 148 on the pivot arm 146 (and/or the first side arm 161) and preventing the lock 150 from loosening. With the lock 150 in the locked configuration and the bracket 160 so positioned against the recess 18 or below the tang 16 and on the backstrap 14 of the grip 12 of the handgun 10, the handgun 10 is locked in the handgun holder assembly 100 because the bracket 160 and lock 150 cannot be pulled off the pivot arm 146, and the pivot arm 146 is prevented from pivoting away from the handgun 10 by the backstrap 14 of the grip 12 and the tang 16 of the handgun 10. Turning to FIG. 3, the second side arm 162 of the bracket 160 may be positioned with the back wall 116 between the first side arm 161 and the second side arm 162 of the bracket 160, thereby further preventing removal of the handgun holster 50 from the handgun holder assembly 100 when the handgun 10 is locked in the handgun holder assembly 100. If the handgun 10 does not include a tang 16, the bracket 160 may be locked in place on a recess 18 of the handgun 10. For example, on a revolver, the shape of an exposed hammer may provide a suitable recess for the bracket 160 to be locked in place in the handgun holder assembly.

[0039] Turning back in the drawings to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the handgun holder assembly 100 also includes a front plate 140. The front plate 140 may be pivotably secured to the base 110, such as pivotably secured to the front wall 112 at the same opening of the plurality of opening 113 that the pivot arm 146 is secured to the front wall 112. As such, the front plate 140 may be pivotable with the pivot arm 146 (e.g., the front plate 140 and the pivot arm 146 pivot or swing together about the same axis). The front plate 140 may include two posts 142 extending therefrom with a portion of the pivot arm 146 positioned between the two posts 142. At least a portion of the front plate 140 extends at least from the pivot arm 146 to the first side arm 161 of the bracket 160 effective to prevent rotation of the lock 150 about an axis defined by the pivot arm 146 or an axis defined by the first side arm 161 of the bracket 160. In some embodiments, the front plate 140 includes a narrow portion proximate to the front wall 112 and a wide portion distal to the front wall 112. The wide portion 114 of the front plate 140 may include a profile complementary to a profile of the lock 150. The front plate 140 may prevent or inhibit the lock 150 from rotating on the pivot arm 146 to disengage the pivot arm 146 while the lock 150 is still locked. The two posts 146 may be positioned on the front plate 140 to prevent or inhibit the pivot arm 146 pivoting without the front plate 140. In some embodiments, the front plate 140 and the pivot arm 146 are fixedly secured to one another with the pivot arm 146 spaced from the front plate 140 to allow the lock 150 to move off at least long the pivot arm 146 and be at least partially positioned between the pivot arm 146 and the front plate 140.

[0040] In many embodiments, the holster clip or another connection device, such as a quick disconnect device 200, of an after-market holster may be secured to the back wall 116 of the base 110. The clip of the after- market holster is secured to the back wall with a fastener 120 extending through the clip and one opening of the first portion 117a of the plurality of openings 117 in the back wall 116. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the first portion 117a of the plurality of openings 117 on the back wall 116 allow a user to select a desired angle of mounting the handgun 10 in the handgun holder assembly 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, the handgun holder assembly 100 may include one or more one or more accessories or accessory mounts secured or securable to at least one of the back wall 116 or the side plate 122. In FIG. 2, the handgun holder assembly 100 includes a pocket accessory 130 secured to the back wall 116 and another pocket accessory 130 secured to the side plate 122 with one or more fasteners 120. The pocket accessory 130 may be sized and dimensioned to hold at least a portion of a magazine 30 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 6) therein. The pocket accessory 130 may be sized hold other tools or devices therein, such as a multitool 40 (shown in FIG. 6).

[0042] Turning to FIG. 3, an accessory may be secured to the back wall 116 through one or more of a second portion 117b of the plurality of openings 117 on the back wall 116. In some embodiments, the first portion 117a of the plurality of openings 117 on the back wall

116 may be positioned such that the handgun holster 50 and/or the handgun 10 are generally positioned over the first region 114a of the bottom wall 114 when secured to the back wall 116. In some embodiments, the second portion 117b of the plurality of openings 117 on the back wall 116 may be positioned such that the an accessory 130 is generally positioned over a second region of the bottom wall 114 or the bottom plate 124 secured to the bottom wall 114 when the accessory 130 is secured to the back wall 116. The first portion 117a may be arranged in various rows, columns, and/or arrays to accommodate securement of any of a variety of different handgun holsters 50 to the back wall 50. The second portion 117b may be arranged in various rows, columns, and/or arrows to accommodate securement of various accessories at multiple positions on the back wall 116.

[0043] In embodiments of the handgun assembly including a back plate (not shown), the back plate may be secured to the back wall 116 of the base 110 with one or more fasteners 120 extending through one or more openings of the back plate and one or more openings

117 of the back wall 116. The head(s) of the one or more fasteners 120 securing the back plate to the back wall may be positioned on the front side of the back wall 116, or with the back wall 116 between the head(s) of the one or more fasteners 120 and the back plate. With the head(s) of the one or more fasteners 120 so positioned, the back plate can be removed only when a person has access to the front side of the back wall 116. Accordingly, the head(s) of the one or more fasteners 120 are typically only accessible when there is no handgun 10 mounted on the handgun holder assembly 100, as the handgun 10 and/or handgun holster 50 will prevent or inhibit access to the head(s) of the one or more fasteners 120. When the back plate is secured to the back wall 116, the back plate covers the head(s) of the one or more fasteners 120 securing the handgun holster to the back wall 116, thereby preventing access to the head(s) of the one or more fasteners 120. Accordingly, when the back plate is secured to the back wall 116 and a handgun 50 is locked in the handgun holder assembly 100, a person is prevented or inhibited from removing the handgun holster 50 from the handgun holder assembly 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, a handgun holder assembly also may include an attachment plate that is secured or securable to the back wall. FIG. 4A shows a side view of a handgun holder assembly 100 including an attachment plate 400 mounted to the back wall 116 of the base 110. In some embodiments, the attachment plate 400 may include one or more spacers 404 extending between the attachment plate 400 and the back wall 116 when the attachment plate 400 is secured to the back wall 116. The spacers 404 are sized and dimensioned to provide a distance or gap between the back wall 116 and the handgun holster 50 to allow proper or improved access to the handgun 10. Spacers 404 may come in various sizes and dimensions, thereby allowing a user to select, based on the handgun holster 50 and/or the handgun 10, a preferred size of spacer 404 to create the desired distance or gap between the back wall 116 and the handgun holster 50. To create the desired spacing, the spacers 404 may be positioned between the back wall 116 and the attachment plate 400, between the attachment plate 400 and the handgun holster 50, or both between the back wall 116 and the attachment plate 400 and also between the attachment plate 400 and the handgun holster 50. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the attachment plate 400 is secured directly to the back wall 116 and one or more spacers are positioned between the attachment plate 400 and the handgun holster 50. In some embodiments, the attachment plate 400 is secured directly to the back wall 116 with no spacers 404 positioned between the attachment plate 400 and the back wall 116 (e.g., spacers 404 are absent between the attachment plate 400 and the back wall 116).

[0045] Turning to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the attachment plate 400 may include a plurality of first holes 406a and a plurality of second holes 406b. The plurality of first holes 406a in the attachment plate 400 are positioned to align with one or more openings of the first portion 117a of the plurality of openings 117 on the back wall 116 to mount the attachment plate 400 to the back wall 116. As the plurality of first holes 406a in the attachment plate 400 may correspond with one or more openings 117 in the back wall 116, the attachment plate 400 may be positioned at different height, angle, or cant orientations relative to the back wall 116. The attachment plate 400 may be secured to the back wall

116 with one or more security fasteners 122a (shown in FIG. 3), such as a security nut, requiring a special bit to tighten and loosen the attachment plate 400 against the back wall 116. In some embodiments, at least one of the first portion 117a of the plurality of openings

117 or the first portion of the plurality of holes 406a may be threaded to engage with the security fastener 122a to more securely fasten the attachment 400 to the back wall 116. At least a portion of the fastener 122a may extend through one opening of the first portion 117a of the plurality of openings 117 and one hole of the plurality of first holes 406a. [0046] The plurality of second holes 406b in the attachment plate 400 are positioned to allow a number of different types of handgun holsters 50 to be attached to the attachment plate 400. The plurality of second holes 406b in the attachment plate 400 allow for different orientations and/or different handgun holsters 50 to be installed on and attached to the attachment plate 400. For example, various holster 50 types or models may be attached to the attachment plate 400 at different heights or cants. The plurality of first holes 406a in the attachment plate 400 also may correspond with one or more openings in the back wall 116, thereby allowing the attachment plate 400 to be positioned at different height, angle, or cant orientations relative to the back wall 116.

[0047] In some embodiments, a bracket may include a positioning element configured to prevent the bracket from rotating past either the backstrap of the grip or the tang when the handgun is locked in the handgun holder assembly. FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a positioning element 550 on a bracket 560. Unless otherwise noted, the bracket 560 may include any aspect of the bracket 160, such as a first side arm 561, a second side arm 562, and a central portion 564 extending at least partially between the first side arm 561 and the second side arm 562. The positioning element 550 may be attached or clipped to the central portion 564 of the bracket 560 and may be configured to slide laterally along the central portion 564, thereby allowing the positioning element 550 to accommodate different gun distances from the back wall 116. In some embodiments, the positioning element 550 may be shaped complementary to a portion of the tang 16 (not visible in FIG. 5) below the tang 16 and/or the entire tang 16. In some embodiments, the positioning element 550 may be shaped complementary to at least a portion of the backstrap 14 of the grip 12, the tang 16, and back of the slide or hammer of a handgun 10. For example, in FIG. 5, a portion of the positioning element 550 is shaped generally complementary to a portion of the tang 16, a portion of the positioning element 550 is shaped generally complementary to a portion of the backstrap 14 of the grip 12, and a central portion of the positioning element 550 is shaped generally complementary to the recess 18 between the tang 16 and the backstrap 14 of the grip 12.

[0048] Some handgun users may prefer to use an inside the waistband (IWB) holster to holster their handgun rather than a quick-disconnect holster. An IWB holster typically includes a clip configured to attach to the belt or pants of a wearer, with a portion of the clip being positioned outside the pants. The IWB holster also includes a holder designed to be positioned between the pants of the wearer and the torso of the wearer. Some handgun users also may prefer to use an outside the waistband (OWB) holster or accessory such as a magazine holder. An OWB holster or accessory typically includes a clip configured to attach to the belt or pants of the wearer with a portion of the clip being positioned around the belt and leaving the holster or accessory on the outside of the pants.

[0049] In some embodiments, a handgun holder assembly may be configured to allow the mounting of a handgun positioned in an IWB or OWB holster in the handgun holder assembly or allow mounting of a magazine holder in the handgun holder assembly. FIG. 6 includes a handgun holder assembly 600 including a securement element 610 mounted to the back wall 116. Unless otherwise noted, the handgun holder assembly 600 may include any aspect of the handgun holder assembly 100, such as the base 110. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the handgun assembly 600 also may include any aspect of the pivot arm 146, the front plate, the lock 150, and the bracket 160 described above. The securement element 610 may include a planar region spaced from the back wall when the securement element 610 is secured to the back wall 116, with the planar region being sized and dimensioned for detachable attachment of a clip 62 of an OWB or IWB holster 60 thereto with the OWB or IWB holster 60 positioned between the planar region and the back wall 116.

[0050] The securement element 610 may include one or more walls, such as side walls 612 and front wall 614, according to an embodiment. The front wall 614 may include the planar region sized and dimensioned for detachable attachment of the clip 62 of the OWB or IWB holster 60 thereto. In some embodiments (not shown), the securement element 610 may include four sidewalls, with one of the four sidewalls including one or more holes positioned to align with one or more openings 117 on the back wall 116. The securement element 610 may include one or more holes and may detachably secure to the back wall 116 similar to securement of the handgun holster 50, described above. For example, the securement element 610 may detachably secure to the back wall 116 through with fasteners 122 extending through one or more of a third portion 117c of the plurality of openings 117 in the back wall 116. [0051] In some embodiments, the securement element 610 is adjustable. For example, the front wall 614 may include two plates detachably secured together with a fastener 120 extending through one opening of a plurality of openings 615. The two plates of the front wall 614 may be movable relative to one another to allow the front wall 614 to increase or decrease in height to mimic and accommodate different belt widths. The two plates of the front wall 614 may be adjusted by positioning the fastener 120 in different openings of the plurality of openings 615. In some embodiments, the front wall 614 may be moved closer or further from the back wall 116. For example, each side wall 612 may include multiple openings to secure the front wall 614 to the side walls 612 at different distances from the back wall 116.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method 700 of mounting a handgun to a handgun holder assembly disclosed herein, according to an embodiment. The method 700 may include act 710, which recites mounting a handgun holster to a back wall of a base of a handgun holder assembly. The handgun holder assembly may include a handgun holder assembly described herein, such as the handgun holder assembly 100. Some embodiments of the method 700 also include securing an attachment plate to the back wall with one or more spacers between the attachment plate and the back wall and/or between the attachment plate and the handgun holster. Mounting a handgun holster to a back wall of a base the handgun holder assembly, then, may include mounting the handgun holster to the attachment plate secured to the back wall with the spacers positioned between the attachment plate and the back wall and the attachment plate positioned between the handgun holster and the spacers.

[0053] The method 700 also may include act 720, which recites positioning the handgun in the handgun holster. Some embodiments of the method 700 also include pivoting the arm to position the central portion of the U-bracket over the recess on the handgun. Some embodiments of the method 700 also include adjusting a height of the central portion of the U-shaped bracket relative to the base by rotating the U-shaped bracket about an axis defined by the first side arm, the first side arm be threadedly engaged with a first channel of the lock. Some embodiments of the method 700 also include positioning a positioning element attached to the central portion of the U-shaped bracket in the recess of the handgun, the positioning element preventing the U-shaped bracket from rotating past the recess in the handgun when the U-shaped bracket is positioned within the recess.

[0054] The method also may include act 730, which recites sliding an arm attached to the handgun holder assembly into a lock until a portion of a bracket is positioned in a recess on the handgun. In some embodiments, the act 730 may include sliding an arm attached to a front wall of the handgun holder assembly through a channel in a lock until a central portion of a U-bracket adjustably secured to the lock is positioned in a recess on the handgun between a backstrap of a grip of the handgun and a tang of the handgun.

[0055] Some embodiments of the method 700 may include securing a bottom wall of the base to an external mounting surface at a connection point on the bottom wall and securing a bottom plate to the bottom wall with the bottom plate covering the connection point. Some embodiments of the method 700 may include securing a side plate to the base, mounting one or more pocket accessories to at least one of the side plate or the back wall, and inserting a magazine at least partially into the one or more pocket accessories. Some embodiments of the method 700 may include locking the lock to secure the lock to the arm positioned within the channel of the lock

[0056] Acts of the method 700 described above, including the acts 710, 720, and 730, are for illustrative purposes. For example, the acts 710, 720, and 730 of the method 700 may be performed in different orders, split into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, or combined. In an embodiment, one or more of the acts the acts 710, 720, and 730 of the method 700 may be omitted from the method 700. Any of the acts the acts 710, 720, and 730 may include using any of the handgun holder assemblies disclosed herein [0057] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0058] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A handgun holder assembly, comprising: a base; an arm pivotable relative to the base; a lock including a first channel and a second channel each extending through the lock, the second channel being sized to receive at least a portion of the arm therein and the lock being configured to selectively engage with the arm within the first channel; and a U-shaped bracket having two side arms and a central portion extending between the two side arms, the U-shaped bracket being sized to receive at least a portion of a handgun between the two side arms, wherein a first side arm of the two side arms extends through the first channel of the lock such that the U-shaped bracket is pivotable with the arm from a first position having the central portion positioned over a first region of the base to a second position having the central portion absent from over the first region of the base; wherein at least one of the arm or the first side arm is adjustably secured to the lock such that the central portion of the U-shaped bracket is movable from a first height relative to the first region of the base to a second height relative to the first region of the base that is less than the first height effective to lock the handgun at least partially between the central portion of the U-shaped bracket and the first region and at least partially between the first side arm and the second side arm when the U-shaped bracket is in the first position at the second height.

2. The handgun holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the second channel includes a non-circular cross-sectional shape and the arm includes a non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the arm, thereby preventing rotation of the arm when the arm is positioned within the second channel.

3. The handgun holder assembly of claim 1, wherein: the base includes a bottom wall, a front wall including one or more first openings, and a back wall generally opposite to front wall and having a plurality of second openings positioned for removably securing a handgun holster to the back wall at a predetermined position; the arm is pivotably secured to the front wall of the base at one opening of the one or more first openings and pivotable about an axis defined by the one opening of the one or more first openings; at least one of the arm or the first side arm is adjustably secured to the lock such that the central portion of the U-shaped bracket is movable from the first height to the second height effective to lock the handgun in the handgun holster to the handgun holder assembly with the handgun and the handgun holster at least partially between the first side arm and the back wall when the U-shaped bracket is in the first position at the second height.

4. The handgun holder assembly of claim 3, further comprising a front plate pivotably secured to the front wall at the one opening of the one or more first openings such that the front plate is pivotable with the arm, the front plate having two posts extending therefrom with a portion of the arm positioned between the two posts, wherein a portion of the front plate extends at least from the arm to the first side arm of the U-shaped bracket effective to prevent rotation of the lock about an axis defined by the arm or an axis defined by the first side arm.

5. The handgun holder assembly of claim 3, wherein the bottom wall includes a plurality of third openings, and the handgun holder assembly further comprises a bottom plate removably mounted to the bottom wall through at least one of the plurality of third openings, the bottom plate having a lateral dimension that is generally equal to a distance between the front wall and the back wall, wherein the bottom plate is sized to cover a connection between the bottom wall and an external mounting surface.

6. The handgun holder assembly of claim 3, further comprising a securement element detachably secured to the back wall and including a planar region spaced from the back wall when the securement element is secured to the back wall, the planar region being sized and dimensioned for detachable attachment of a clip of an outside the waistband (OWB) holster or an inside the waistband (IWB) holster thereto with the OWB holster or the IWB holster positioned between the planar region and the back wall.

7. The handgun holder assembly of claim 3, further comprising a side plate detachably secured to the base and one or more pocket accessories detachably mounted to at least one of the side plate or the back wall, wherein the one or more pocket accessories are sized and dimensioned to hold a magazine therein.

8. The handgun holder assembly of claim 3, further comprising: an attachment plate detachably secured to the back wall and including a plurality of first holes positioned to secure the handgun holster to the attachment plate and a plurality of second openings positioned to secure the attachment plate to the back wall; and one or more spacers positioned between the attachment plate and the back wall or between the attachment plate and the handgun holster.

9. The handgun holder assembly of 1, wherein the arm includes a plurality of locking notches spaced longitudinally from one another, the lock is configured to selectively engage with one of the plurality of notches on the arm, and the first arm is threaded and threadedly engaged with the first channel of the lock.

10. The handgun holder assembly of claim 1, further comprising a positioning element attached the central portion of the U-shaped bracket and configured to prevent the U-shaped bracket from rotating past the handgun when the handgun is locked in the handgun holder assembly, the positioning element being shaped generally complementary to at least the recessed portion of the handgun.

11. A method of mounting a handgun to a handgun holder assembly, the method comprising: mounting a handgun holster to a back wall of a base of the handgun holder assembly; positioning the handgun in the handgun holster; sliding an arm attached to a front wall of the handgun holder assembly through a channel in a lock until a central portion of a U-bracket adjustably secured to the lock is positioned in a recess on the handgun between a backstrap of a grip of the handgun and a tang of the handgun; locking the lock to secure the lock to the arm positioned within the channel of the lock.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising pivoting the arm to position the central portion of the U-bracket over the recess on the handgun.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: securing a bottom wall of the base to an external mounting surface at a connection point on the bottom wall; and securing a bottom plate to the bottom wall with the bottom plate covering the connection point.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: securing a side plate to the base; mounting one or more pocket accessories to at least one of the side plate or the back wall; and inserting a magazine at least partially into the one or more pocket accessories.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising securing an attachment plate to the back wall with one or more spacers between the attachment plate and the back wall or between the attachment plate and the handgun holster.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting a height of the central portion of the U-shaped bracket relative to the base by rotating the U-shaped bracket about an axis defined by the first side arm, the first side arm be threadedly engaged with a first channel of the lock.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising positioning a positioning element attached to the central portion of the U-shaped bracket in the recess of the handgun, the positioning element preventing the U-shaped bracket from rotating past the recess in the handgun when the U-shaped bracket is positioned within the recess.

18. A handgun holder assembly, comprising: a base having at least a back wall and a bottom wall; an arm pivotable relative to the base; a lock configured to selectively engage with the arm; and a latch having at least a first portion secured to the lock and a second portion extending from the first portion towards the back wall of the base such that the latch is pivotable with the arm from a first position having the second portion of the latch positioned over a first region of the bottom wall and a second position having the second portion of the latch absent from over the first region of the bottom wall.

19. The handgun holder assembly of claim 18, wherein at least one of the arm or the first portion of the latch is adjustably secured to the lock such that the second portion of the latch is movable from a first height relative to the first region of the bottom wall to a second height relative to the first region of the bottom wall that is less than the first height effective to lock the handgun at least partially between the second portion of the latch and the first region of the bottom wall and at least partially between the first portion of the latch and the back wall when the latch is in the first position at the second height.

20. The handgun holder assembly of claim 18, further comprising a front plate pivotably secured to the base such that the front plate is pivotable with the arm, the front plate having two posts extending therefrom with a portion of the arm positioned between the two posts, wherein the front plate extends at least from the arm to the first portion of the latch effective to prevent rotation of the lock about an axis defined by the arm or an axis defined by the first portion of the latch.

21. The handgun holder assembly of claim 18, wherein the bottom wall includes a plurality of third openings, and the handgun holder assembly further comprises a bottom plate removably mounted to the bottom wall through at least one of the plurality of third openings, the bottom plate having a lateral dimension that is generally equal to a distance between the front wall and the back wall, wherein the bottom plate is sized to cover a connection between the bottom wall and an external mounting surface.

22. The handgun holder assembly of claim 18, further comprising a securement element detachably secured to the back wall and including a planar region spaced from the back wall when the securement element is secured to the back wall, the planar region being sized and dimensioned for detachable attachment of a clip of an outside the waistband (OWB) holster or an inside the waistband (IWB) holster thereto with the OWB holster or the IWB holster positioned between the planar region and the back wall.

23. The handgun holder assembly of claim 18, further comprising a side plate detachably secured to the base and one or more pocket accessories detachably mounted to at least one of the side plate or the back wall, wherein the one or more pocket accessories are sized and dimensioned to hold a magazine therein.

24. The handgun holder assembly of claim 18, further comprising: an attachment plate detachably secured to the back wall and including a plurality of first holes positioned to secure the handgun holster to the attachment plate and a plurality of second openings positioned to secure the attachment plate to the back wall; and one or more spacers positioned between the attachment plate and the back wall or between the attachment plate and the handgun holster.

25. The handgun holder assembly of claim 18, wherein the arm includes a plurality of locking notches spaced longitudinally from one another, the lock is configured to selectively engage with one of the plurality of notches on the arm, and the first portion of the latch is threaded and threadedly engaged with the first channel of the lock.

26. The handgun holder assembly of claim 18, further comprising a positioning element attached to the second portion of the latch and configured to prevent the latch from rotating past the handgun when the handgun is locked in the handgun holder assembly, the positioning element being shaped generally complementary to at least a recessed portion of the handgun.