A HOLSTER FOR A FIREARM WITH AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR DETECTING AND SENDING DATA

Technical field

The present invention refers to the technical field relative to the holsters for firearms, in particular guns.

More in particular, the present invention refers to an electronic device applied (for example, integrated) or applicable to a holster for a firearm and capable of detecting and providing a series of useful information for multiple aims, among which safety.

Background art

Holsters for firearms, in particular guns, have long been known and there exist of multiple types.

In general, a holster is made of rigid plastic material, for example realized in a mould, and forms a cavity conformed to hold inside it the firearm with the stock directed towards the outside for allowing the user to be able to grasp the arm and draw it regularly. The holster foresees walls, for example two lateral ones, a front one and a back one, which delimit such a cavity. The holster is then fixed to a belt which is applicable around the waist of the user, or that can be fixed on other types of platforms such as commando or bulletproof vests or drop-leg platforms.

Naturally, the same is valid also for the holsters that are not necessarily of rigid plastic material, but rather of a material such as nylon or leather.

In the holster various safety systems of mechanical nature are integrated and are well known in the state of the art, such as the restraint systems that block the arm inside the same to avoid unauthorized draws , for example during scuffles or clashes.

Having said that, the classic restraint systems are enough to guarantee a certain degree of safety when the holster with the arm is worn by the lawful owner, but nothing can guarantee in the case in which the holster with the arm are replaced after use and an unauthorized person takes the arm, therefore in the case in which they result to be unattended.

For example, in the case of regular possession of arms at home, the owner cannot know if anyone is by any chance handling his own arm in a fraudulent manner. This can be also the cause of undesired accidents, if for example a kid finds the arm in the holster at home and starts to play with it, drawing the arm or anyway moving the holster with the arm inside it.

In other cases, the owner of the arm cannot know if the arm inside the holster, replaced in a safe place, has maybe been found by a third person and removed from the holster in an unlawful manner. For example, a burglar could break into a house to steal, find the arm and draw the arm from the holster or steal the holster with the arm to then maybe use it subsequently.

The impossibility today to know if the arm is inside the holster, or if the holster with the arm has been removed, is often the cause of danger since there are more changes of possible involuntary accidents as well as of actions of thieves.

Moreover, the holsters, today, are in fact cases for arms with various restraint systems of mechanical nature. They are not capable of "interacting" with the arm that they contain, therefore limiting their function to a pure support device.

For example, in the sports or exercise field, today, it is not possible to detect the speed of draw and/or of re-insertion of an arm, a piece of information that is anyway useful for shooting and draw practice, both in the professional and sports field.

Moreover, today it is not possible to collect data for statistics or information concerning the activities performed by the holster (number of draws, draw times, movements, alarms, etc.), useful both for a professional and for sports purposes.

Disclosure of invent!on

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a device, applied/applicable to the holster of the arm itself, which solves said technical inconveniences.

In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide a device applied/applicable to the holster that is capable of interacting with the user, providing several useful information, in particular information relative to the safety of the arm.

These and other advantages are obtained with the present device for a holster, as per claim 1.

Such a device (1) comprises:

Means (30, 40) configured for detecting the presence of the arm in the holster and/or a movement of the holster itself ;

Thanks to such means, the device is capable of determining the presence or not of the arm in the holster as weill as an eventual movement of the holster.

These aspects, or the presence of the arm in the holster and/or the eventual movement of the holster, are very important for the safety since they are indicative of eventual unauthorized manumissions/actions. The arm replaced after use could in fact be removed from the holster in a fraudulent manner, as the entire holster could also be taken with the arm placed inside of it, always in a fraudulent manner.

A system that detects in some way such events is anyway fundamental to increase the level of safety.

The device is further configured to communicate with an external device.

In this manner, the information of the presence or not of the arm in the holster and/or of its eventual and unauthorized movement can be immediately communicated to such an external device, which can also be at a distance.

For example, the device can send an SMS to a mobile telephone in the moment in which we pass from a state of presence of arm in the holster to a condition of drawn arm and/or movement of the holster. This can be useful in multiple safety cases, when for example the arm is left unattended or replaced after use and is taken from the holster in a fraudulent manner and with the owner that is far from it or when the entire holster with the arm inside of it is stolen. Such communication with external devices, such as PCs, telephones, portable devices, etc., which are in possession of the lawful owner, allows to inform the owner of the arm in real time.

Advantageously, such means (30, 40) can foresee at least one sensor (30, 40) suitable to detect the presence of the arm in the holster.

For example, in a possible solution, such a sensor can be in the form of a mobile pivot (30) arranged in such a way as to modify its position on the basis of the presence or not of the arm in the holster and generate a relative signal .

When the arm is inside the holster the pivot is pushed in a first position and when the arm is drawn, an elastic element (for example, a spring) or another element of a different nature pushes the pivot in a second position. Such a position of the pivot is therefore detected, generating a consequent indicative signal of presence or not of the arm.

Alternatively, advantageously, the sensor for detecting the presence of the arm can be of the magnetic or capacitive type.

It interacts with the metallic parts of the arm, varying the magnetic or capacitive field on the basis of the presence or not of the arm in the holster and generating a relative signal.

Advantageously, two sensors (30, 40) can be foreseen, arranged in such a way as to further determine the speed of draw/retraction of the arm, preferably one at the bottom of the holster and the other one at the top of the holster .

Advantageously, such means (30, 40) can comprise movement means suitable for detecting a movement of the holster.

In that sense, therefore, said means (30, 40) can foresee the single sensor, the single movement means or a combination of both.

Advantageously, such movement means can foresee at choice :

- A gyroscope;

- An accelerometer .

Advantageously, such a device is suitable for sending one or more data processed by said means (30, 40) towards said external device, in particular the data relative to the presence of arm in holster and/or its eventual movement .

In particular, advantageously, the device is configured to receive a signal of presence/absence of the arm in the holster from the sensor and send such a si.gnal to said external device.

In combination with what has been said above, or in an independent manner, the device is configured to receive a movement signal from said movement means and send such a signal to said external device.

When the holster is moved, the gyroscope or the accelerometer feel such a movement and generate a relative signal .

Advantageously, such a device can be integrated or integrable in the holster or in the belt loop of the holster .

Advantageously, such a device is configured to communicate in Wireless modality with said external device .

Advantageously, such a device can also, or alternatively, comprise a SIM card for sending an SMS to said external device, for example a mobile telephony device.

Advantageously, the external device can be at choice:

- A PC, such as a portable one or a tablet;

- A watch;

- A mobile telephony device, for example an I-Phone or a Smartphone.

Advantageously, the device can comprise a GPS device to communicate its geo-localization to the external device .

In this way, in case of theft, its position can be traced .

In theory, the GPS, per se, could be a movement means to detect a movement of the holster even if, naturally, its sensitivity is low and cannot be compared to an accelerorneter or gyroscope, which would intercept movements also of some centimeters or a few meters.

Advantageously, the device can comprise a screen (7), preferably of the touch screen type.

In this way, the various functions and the eventual program setting can be displayed.

Advantageously, the device can comprise a microphone

(6) .

In this way, environmental registrations can be made and/or there can be a vocal guide on the modality of functioning set.

Advantageously, the device can comprise a USB input, in such a way as to be connectable to the external device to read data and/or for a reprogramming .

Advantageously, the device can be programed according to a pre-determined functioning modality that can include at choice:

The activation of the single function of check of presence of arm in the holster;

The activation of the single function of check of the movement of the holster;

Both functions of check of presence of the arm in holster and movement of the holster.

It is also here described a holster forming a cavity for the lodging of a firearm and comprising a device (1) as described.

11 is a1so here described a belt loop for holster comprising a device (1) as described.

Br ie f description of drawings

Further features and advantages of the present apparatus, according to the invention, will result to be clearer with the description that follows of some embodiments, made to illustrate but not to limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 show axonometric views of such a device in a first embodiment in which it is adapted and applied between the belt loop/thigh platform and the holster itself;

- Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 show a second possible embodiment in which such a device is adapted in a belt loop for holster or thigh platform;

- Figures 9 and 10 show a third embodiment in which such an apparatus is integrated directly in the body of the holster ;

- Figures from 11 to 14 show constructive details of such an apparatus, in particular the possible solutions to be able to determine the position and the detection of the arm in the holster;

Figure 15 shows external apparatuses, such as PCs, smartphones and Tablets, electronic devices that are wearable such as Smart-watches, etc., with which such an apparatus can communicate the various dated detected, in such a way that the user can monitor the position of the arm and have information in real time also at a distance. The communication can take place through various types of connections such as Wi-fi, Bluetooth, telephone network (through the arrangement for the insertion of a Sim card inside the same device) ;

- Figure 16 introduces a further embodiment of invention relative to the sensor;

Figure 17 shows the device arranged in a modality capable of detecting the movement of the holster and of signaling such an event to the associated apparatuses (Smartphones, Tablets, Smart-watches, PCs, etc.) . The signaling takes place in wireless modality and, if in presence of a mobile network, also through the sending of SMS or the making of calls to one or more telephone numbers defined by the user. Contemporaneously to the wireless signaling, the device can emit sounds and/or light signals.

Description of some preferred embodiments

The device described is constituted of an electronic circuit provided with sensors and fed by a battery.

The electronic circuit foresees a processor that processes the various data, among which those coming from the various sensors, to then interact with an external device.

In particular, on the whole, means (30, 40) are foreseen configured to detect the presence of the arm in the holster and/or a movement of the holster and the device is further configured to communicate with an external device.

In such a manner, as clarified below, it is able to interface with the user and allows to obtain a multiplicity of pieces of informal: io /data .

Such a device, or apparatus, derives from a need to: - Have a control and monitoring instrument of the holster and of the arm contained in it, with the aim of passive or operative safety;

Be a support instrument to the training and to the sports/game activities, providing information and statistical analysis on the use of the arm.

In all cases, the communication and the transmission to the operator of the data detected, in real time or subsequently, is naturally important.

As described in detail below, the device can constitute an integrating part of the holster or be a separate component to be assembled to it through hooks, screws, joints or other.

In the first case the device is projected and produced together with the holster, while in the second case it can be joined in a removable manner to the existing holsters with which it is compatible.

Figure 1 and figure 2 show, in an axonometric view, a first embodiment of the device capable of monitoring/detecting the presence of the arm in the holster. The relative figures 3 and 4 show its application to a pre-existing holster.

Such an embodiment is arranged to be inserted between the belt loop 20 and the holster 10.

Such a device, as for all the other embodiments and as described in detail below, is capable of monitoring/detecting information of various types, among which the presence of the arm in the holster, the number of draws, the speed of the draw, the movement of the holster (and therefore of the arm if inserted in it) .

It is in the form of a box with such a size, shape and holes as to be able to be applied between the belt loop for the belt (or the thigh platform or "Molle" platform) and the holster as shown in figures 3 and 4. It can vary in shape and size according to the needs and the shape shown in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 is obviously not to be considered limitative.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, it foresees various components described below and some of which are optional. Such components can be present in all the embodiments described below. Such components are per se well-known in the state of the art and do not require particular descriptive detail here. The components are:

A display 7; A Led lighting 3;

A switch-on/off button 4;

A multiple holing 8;

A speaker/microphone 6; A USB connector 5.

The display 7 allows the device to interact directly with the user since it permits to see directly on the display all the information relative to its functioning, such as draw times, statistics, time settings, number of draws, alarm record, etc. In this manner, the version of the invention that foresees such an integrated screen 7 allows the display of the data without the need of a second device, such as a Smart-Phone or a Tablet or a Smart-Watch to which to connect it to display the whole, once such data have been memorized in a specific memory.

Through such a screen the various modalities of functioning can also be inserted.

To that aim, the integrated screen can be of the "Touch Screen" type through which to be able to insert the data and/or request the display of other information.

In a variant, nevertheless, for economy of project and production reasons, it is not to be excluded the possibility of employing a simple display of liquid crystals as those of sports watches with which to interact through mechanical buttons; in this case the operative system would be much simplified. The mechanical buttons could be present also in the case of a Touch-Screen because they would result to be useful in case the operator wears non-capacitive gloves.

It is then foreseen a switch on/off button 4 through which the switch on and the switch off of the device are controlled and a lighting 3 (for example a LED) indicates the status of functioning (for example on/off).

The multiple holing 8 is a sort of universal holing, or positioned in such a way as to permit to arrange the devi ce 1 between the belt loop and the holster through passing screws (or an eventual different fixing method).

All these listed parts can be foreseen in their totality or only in part according to the market needs.

The display is, for example, an option/alternative with respect to the version without screen, this last one to be preferred because it is cheaper and less subject to breakages. As said, the display shows the interface of the operative system of the apparatus, through which the direct interaction with the user is possible without resorting to a connected device. In this manner, it is possible to perform the operations of "input" as for example the embodiment of the device, or of "output" as for example the reading of the reports generated by the apparatus and relative to the monitoring analysis (just to cite some: registration of the movements of the holster, registration of the draws of the arm, speed of draw of the arm, etc.).

The presence of the microphone is not fundamental; nevertheless, it results to be useful for the vocal activation of the functionalities, thus helping the operator to make sure of which function has been activated. Basically, according to the activity activated, it is confirmed vocally. Moreover, in case of emergency, it allows the registration of sounds and environmental noise, therefore becoming in fact a sort of black box.

The registration can be activated in various ways.

For example, through the interaction with the Touch- Screen, the pressure of a mechanical button, or the vocal activation through the use of a key word (on the lines of the well-known "ok Google" of Android) and in case of environmental detection it could be activated as a consequence of the unauthorized movement, etc.

The micro-USB connection allows the data exchange between the apparatus and the external devices for operations of the input /output type (for example the configuration, the update of the firmware, the reading of the reports, the charging of the integrated battery, etc . ) .

Such a device, as shown in figures 3 and 4, can be connected in a removable manner to the holster. Alternatively, the holster can be born with such an apparatus integrated in it (see fig. 9 and 10).

Just as a way of example, therefore, figure 3 shows a holster 10 in which an arm 100 is inserted and with the apparatus 1 that results to be interposed between the holster and'the belt loop 20 that serves to hold the belt to allow to tight the holster around the waist.

In figure 3 it is noted that the holes 8 are obtained in such a way as to coincide with the holes 21 and 22 present both in the belt loop 20 and in the holster 10 so that the device can be fixed in a stable manner. The holes 8 can be different to be able to adapt the apparatus to all the types of belt loops (or thigh platforms or special kits of the molle type) and holsters existing in the market (as it can be decided to do a single series to adapt itself to a single model).

Figures from 5 to 8 show a second variant which differs from the first one by the fact that it is conformed to be inserted externally to a belt loop specifically studied for this function (or in a thigh platform or in a special kit such as of the molle type) . Such a solution is suitable for being applied externally or also internally to a belt loop in a removable or unremovable manner. The holes present on the belt loop can be different to adapt it to many types of holsters existing in the market (as it can be decided to do a single series to adapt itself to a single model) .

The shape has no importance and the circular one indicated in the figures is not to be considered limiting.

Also in this case a micro-USB connector 205 can be foreseen, a display screen 207, an ON/OFF button 204 (this is valid also for all the solutions indicated, the functions/features of the apparatus remain always the same) .

Figure 9 and figure 10 show a further solution in which the apparatus is integrated in a specifically studied holster. The device is not therefore a separate object to be assembled to the holster or to the belt loop and is not removable. The substantial difference is that it cannot be adapted to other holsters in the market because the holster is specifically born with the integrated apparatus.

Going greater into the constructive detail, figures from 11 to 14 show the solutions that can be adopted so that the device described (in all its embodiments) is capable of detecting the presence of the arm in the holster and can eventually detect also draw times and/or other parameters.

Basically, in all the configurations, it is always foreseen the use of one or more sensors. In particular, the use of a single sensor is enough to detect the presence or not of the arm in the holster, while the use of at least two sensors is necessary to detect the draw/retraction times. With reference to figure 11, the holster is highlighted in transversal section to which such a device is applied. The solution described is preferably applicable to the device of figures 1-4 or 9-10 even if nothing would impede its applicability also to other embodiments .

It is therefore foreseen a pivot 30 which is slidingly mobile inside a seat of the device in which it is inserted.

The device foresees inside of it an electric circuit fed by a battery (preferably chargeable ) that enters in function when in contact with the pivot. The principle is therefore similar to the pressure torches; when the button is pressed, the circuit makes contact through a physical contact with the battery, generating the light, and when it is released the circuit is open since the battery is isolated. In that case, the re-entered pivot closes the circuit fed by the battery, therefore generating a signal, and the pivot extended towards the outside instead isolates the battery or anyway opens the circuit. In the position of drawn pistol the pivot is pushed towards the holding seat of the arm by a spring and is not in contact position. In this case, the electric circuit remains open and the battery results to be isolated. The absence of the signal is interpreted as a "drawn arm". When the arm is re-inserted, the pivot is pushed towards the inside of its seat, closing the electric circuit, and such a signal is interpreted as presence of arm in holster.

The solution of figure 12 shows an alternative with wiring in which the sensor 40 is connected to the device through wiring.

The system is similar to the superior one (therefore, always like the torches) . When the arm enters in the holster with its front part, it pushes the pivot and takes it downwards in contact, causing the generation of the signal that indicates the presence of the arm. When the arm is drawn the spring lifts the sensor 40 in a position of non-contact and the absence of such a signal is therefore interpreted as absence of arm in holster.

Ά further a lternat ive without wi res is shown in figures 13 and 14 with wireless communication with a simple contact or friction of the arm with one or more sensors.

The solution of figure 16 shows one or more sensors of the magnetic or capacitive type inside the single device (such a solution does not present any modification or part to be inserted internally in the holster, something which is necessary for the other solutions) . The sensor/s recognize/s the iron mass present at least in part on all the arms and therefore are capable of recognizing the presence of the arm in holster or of measuring the draw times (in this case with the presence of at least 2 sensors) .

The need to have two sensors, for all the configurations in case the draw times want to be measured, derives from the fact that the arm is considered drawn when it is totally ou side of the holster. Ά single sensor can therefore be useful to state if part of the arm is in holster but two sensors, for example one placed at the bottom and another one at the top of the holster, are useful to determine a total draw and/or reinsertion time of the arm. In that sense, the solution of figure 16 is preferred for those purposes such as draw/retraction, in addition to the presence of arm or not in holster.

Such a solution of figure 16 is also preferred since, apart from not needing any intervention on the holster, it is more precise and long-lasting since it does not require the use of mechanical elements that can be more easily harmed with respect to homologous electronic components .

All the solutions described above are capable of communicating in real time, as shown in figure 15, with external devices such tphones, Smart-Watches,

Tablets, PCs, etc., in such a way that in a continuative manner the presence or not of the arm in the holster can be monitored and/or the draw times can be detectable.

This aspect is very important for the safety since each piece of information, for example presence or not of arm in holster, can be sent at a distance to such external devices .

The software development of a specific software application or "App" can be foreseen, which allows the connection and the remote control of the device in all its functions. In this manner, the data are downloadable and the device can be programed for the use that wants to be given to it.

The apparatus, in all its configurations, can further foresee inside it also movement means to detect and communicate the movement of the same (and therefore of the holster and of the arm if inserted in it).

To that aim, an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope

(but also other systems that copy the function thereof) can be foreseen, capable of detecting a movement of the holster. Such a function can be de-activated during use and activated when the holster is replaced. If it was always active also during the normal use of the arm, then it would always give a movement signal . By activating the correct and different modalities of use, as described below, the correct function is selected. Such a function is very useful, above all for the safety, since it detects the movement of the holster and can send signals/alarms through, for example, the mobile telephony line, GSM, Wi-fi or Bluetooth, therefore always through the connection to said external devices.

For example, the holster with the arm is at home in a drawer or in a safe, therefore if the movement recognition system is activated the user can be warned by a message or by a light or acoustic signal or by a phone call of the movement and therefore of the possible danger before the arm is drawn. This function is therefore very important for the safety and is valid for kids as well as for malicious people.

The device foresees also an internal memory which, in case the arm and the holster are deposited in areas where there is no signal (for example, inside a safe), the system anyway detects and registers the movement (like also the eventual draw) and at the moment that it is taken out from the absence of signal sends the pre-registered information (and anyway the information will be always available for consultation) .

The device could foresee the presence of a GPS electronic component, useful for the geo-localization and/or for the tracing of the movements.

On the whole, therefore, such a device will have an internal battery (rechargeable or replaceable).

It will be able to register data (for example, on local Frame) and such data will be consultable through the application (or directly in the case of display) .

- It will be able to communicate with external and internal apparatuses.

It will be able to have an internal lodging for a Sim Card and therefore a GSM apparatus and an antenna for the sending of signals, data, etc. to external apparatuses.

It will be able to communicate through i-fi, in case a Sim Card does not want to be used, to send signals, data, etc. to external apparatuses.

The apparatus (its electronic board) will be able to manage a series of bi-directional data (from external apparatuses such as Smartphones, Smart-Watches, Tablets, Computers to the internal apparatus), among which also the recharging of the battery, data relative to the charging/discharging current, voltage and others.

In accordance with the modalities of use, therefore, the device operates in many modalities, according to the use that is made of the holster on which it is assembled.

Through the Touch Screen 7 it is possible to program the various modalities. Alternatively, it is programmable through the relative App, in case there is no Touch-screen or the apparatus is in an uncomfortable position for the operator .

For example, a first modality of use is the "alert modal ity" .

This can be selected in the Touch Screen and inserted as "ON". In this case, when the holster is not worn, the user can activate on the device the alert modality that permits him to detect and to communicate any type of unauthorized movement. In case of movement of the holster the device detects the event and performs a series of predefined actions, which can be configured by the user:

It registers the event in the own memory area;

- It emits an alarm sound and/or light signals;

It communicates with the associated applications (installed in smartphones, Tablets, PCs, etc.) sending alarm data and information on the event. Basically, it communicates the event to an external device with which it is configured to communicate (for example, a mobile phone ) . - It communicates with associated telephones or operative central units (for example by sending SMS and/or making phone calls).

The sending of the information can be differed in case the device has no connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-fi, mobile phone network and other eventual connections).

In such a modality, automatically the control modality of the arm in the holster is activated. The device detects constantly the presence of the arm in the holster and therefore also the draw from it thereof. When the alert modality is activated the draw of the arm is not allowed in fact, and if this event takes place, the device will place the actions of detection of the movement of the holster after those of removal of the arm according to the modalities described previously. Such an event is detected through the sensor/s described above.

Another modality can be the "Operative" one.

In operative modality, the device detects the movements of the holster and of the arm with parameters that are different from the ones of the alert modality, taking into consideration the possible scenarios. Also in this case the device can be set to act following different procedures, which can be configured by the user:

It registers the event in the own memory area;

It communicates with the associated applications (installed in smartphones, Tablets, PCs, etc.) sending alarm data and information on the event.

It communicates with associated telephones or operative central units (for example by sending SMS or making phone calls) .

For instance, in operative modality the device could determine the posture of the operator on the basis of the position and of the movements of the holster. This could permit to evaluate if the operator is hurt on the ground and, in that case, send an alert signal to the operative center for further checks and actions to be performed.

Another modality can be that of "training, sports and games activities".

In this modality the device ignores the movements of the holster and evaluates only the actions of draw and insertion of the arm. Thanks to the sensors with which it is provided, described above, the device can detect, register and transmit the time and the speed of draw and insertion, the number of draws and other data for statistical purposes. The device can contain an archive of training programs that can be configured and updated; thanks to the wireless connection with headsets or earphones it can give the user the sequences of verbal commands to be executed or also through simple acoustic signals, the data detected in real time are transmitted to the associated applications and communicated to the operator through the headsets.

An example can be a training program in which the user is given a sequence of draws and insertions of the arm, also with shooting, in order to evaluate the times and speed of reaction thereof. A time can be set for a start acoustic signal and a second finish acoustic signal.