Open frame clasping holster

Abstract

Clasping holders, such as weapon holsters, are described including one or more of a first part configured to attach the holder to a belt or other load bearing equipment (LBE); a holding part configured to hold an accessory in at least one direction; a second part configured to move relative to the first part; and a release mechanism. The second part may transition between a first position that holds the accessory in the holder and a second position that allows the accessory to be drawn from the holder. The release mechanism may be at least partially received by the first part, and may be configured to release the second part from the first position to the second position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A weapon holster, comprising:
 a first part configured to attach to a belt or other load bearing equipment (LBE);   a holder configured to hold a forward part of a weapon in at least one direction;   a second part configured to move relative to the first part; and   a release mechanism attached to the first part and configured to release the second part from a first position that holds the weapon in the holster to a second position that allows the weapon to be drawn from the holster.   
     
     
         2 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism includes a button that is accessible from the top of the holster and that is configured to be manipulated by the user's thumb when the user draws the weapon from the holster. 
     
     
         3 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the holder is at least one of fixedly attached to, or monolithically formed with, the first part, and the holder is substantially channel-shaped with an at least partially closed end and an open top, the holder further including at least one rail configured to engage with a corresponding rail of the weapon and to restrain the weapon from being moved forward while holstered. 
     
     
         4 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the second part includes a projecting portion configured to fit at least partially within a trigger guard of the weapon in the first position, the second part moves away from the first part as it travels from the first position to the second position, and the projecting portion is clear of the trigger guard in the second position. 
     
     
         5 . The holster of  claim 1 , further comprising a rail that is fixedly attached to the second part and that is received at least partially in a channel of the first part in the first position, and that is configured to guide the second part as it travels from the first position to the second position by sliding within the channel of the first part. 
     
     
         6 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the first part includes a spring that pushes the second part away from the first part to move the second part to the second position. 
     
     
         7 . The holster of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to hold the second part in the first position under tension, and to release the second part from the first position when the release mechanism is activated. 
     
     
         8 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the first part includes a plurality of integral mounting elements configured to attach the holster to the belt or LBE. 
     
     
         9 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the holster is open in the forward direction. 
     
     
         10 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the first part configured to attach to at least one of a chest, side or back plate, a vest, a ballistic plate carrier, a backpack, a harness, and/or a holster. 
     
     
         11 . A holder, comprising:
 a first part configured to attach to a belt or other load bearing equipment (LBE);   a holding part configured to hold at least part of an accessory in at least one direction;   a second part configured to move relative to the first part; and   a release mechanism at least partially received by the first part and configured to release the second part from a first position that holds the accessory in the holder to a second position that allows the accessory to be drawn from the holder.   
     
     
         12 . The holder of  claim 11 , wherein the release mechanism includes a button that is configured to be manipulated by a user's thumb or finger when the user draws the accessory from the holder. 
     
     
         13 . The holder of  claim 11 , wherein the holder is at least one of fixedly attached to, or monolithically formed with, the first part, and the holder has a substantially c-shaped cross section, with an at least partially closed end, and the holder further includes at least one surface feature configured to engage with a corresponding surface feature of the accessory and to restrain the accessory from being moved forward while in the holder. 
     
     
         14 . The holder of  claim 11 , wherein the holder is configured to hold at least one of a firearm, a firearm magazine, a radio, a tool, a grenade, tactical equipment or ordnance. 
     
     
         15 . The holder of  claim 11 , further comprising a rail or other element that is fixedly attached to the second part and that is received at least partially in a channel of the first part in the first position, and that is configured to guide the second part as it travels from the first position to the second position by sliding within the channel of the first part. 
     
     
         16 . The holder of  claim 11 , wherein the first part includes a spring that pushes the second part away from the first part to move the second part to the second position. 
     
     
         17 . The holder of  claim 11 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to hold the second part in the first position under tension, and to release the second part from the first position when the release mechanism is activated. 
     
     
         18 . The holder of  claim 11 , wherein the first part includes a plurality of integral mounting elements configured to attach the holster to the belt or LBE. 
     
     
         19 . The holder of  claim 11 , wherein the holder is open in the forward direction.