Holster for concealed firearm

Abstract

This invention provides a holster for a concealed handheld firearm, wherein there is a back panel with a relatively stiff frame, and a front panel with latching means that swings open and away from the body of the person wearing the holster. When the front panel is opened, the firearm is exposed for easy and rapid withdrawal for use, and simultaneously, the interior of the front panel is exposed to view and displays credentials of the wearer to carry and use a concealed firearm.

1 . A holster for concealing a firearm, comprising:
 a frame with a pocket therein for safely storing a handheld firearm while being carried by a person, wherein the firearm is ready for use and can be quickly drawn;   a means for attaching the frame and pocket to the body of the person wearing the holster;   a front panel hingeably attached to one edge of the frame with a latching means on the opposite edge of the panel, wherein the inside face of the front panel contains a mounting means for storing a badge or other medallion that can be displayed to demonstrate that the bearer has a license for carrying and using a concealed weapon;   
     where the front panel conceals the firearm when in the latched position, and the front panel can be quickly unlatched, and when unlatched, the panel can rotate about the hingeable attachment axis to expose the firearm for use and simultaneously display the badge or medallion. 
   
   
       2 . The holster of  claim 1 , where the latching means is selected from a snap, a Velcro strip, and a mechanical connector. 
   
   
       3 . The holster of  claim 1 , where the attaching means comprises at least one loop for attachment to a belt worn around the waist of the person. 
   
   
       4 . The holster of  claim 1 , where the frame has an approximately square or rectangular shape, and where the top and bottom edge are approximately level to the ground when worn, and where the front panel is hingeably attached to the bottom edge of the frame, and the front panel swings down when unlatched. 
   
   
       5 . The holster of  claim 4 , wherein the latching means is one or more Velcro tabs mounted on the top edge of the frame. 
   
   
       6 . The holster of  claim 5 , wherein the latching means further comprises Velcro strips that aid in securing the front panel along the vertical edges of the frame. 
   
   
       7 . The holster of  claim 1 , further comprising a personal accessory compartment affixed to the front panel. 
   
   
       8 . The holster of  claim 3  further comprising at least one strap for wearing around the thigh of the wearer.