US20200232755A1

US20200232755A1 - Holster and holster spacer

Info

Publication number: US20200232755A1
Application number: US16/746,776
Authority: US
Inventors: Larry A. Houck; Daniel D. Sereday
Original assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
Current assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
Priority date: 2019-01-20
Filing date: 2020-01-17
Publication date: 2020-07-23

Abstract

A holster system having a spacer and a holster for receiving a handgun. The holster comprising a holster body having a forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall extending therebetween. The holster wall defining a cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis. The spacer comprising a ramp portion for receiving and positioning a forward portion of handgun frame as the handgun is inserted into the holster, the ramp portion having a recess for receiving the trigger guard while the handgun is holstered. The spacer further comprising a landing portion extending downward from an upper end of the ramp portion, the landing portion having a leaf spring that confronts a rearward facing surface of the handgun and biases the handgun against two rails of the holster while the handgun is holstered.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/794,691 filed on Jan. 20, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In many countries (e.g., Germany and the United States) law enforcement officers typically carry a handgun in an openly visible manner while on duty. The handgun is typically carried in a holster designed to protect the handgun and hold it securely. The holster may include a belt loop that allows it to be hung from a wide belt, for example, a police officer's service belt. The holster may also include a locking mechanism to prevent an assailant from drawing the holster user's weapon and prevent the handgun from inadvertently falling out of the holster, for example, when the holster user is running, climbing over a fence, etc. It is important that the retention mechanisms are secure in such challenging situation. In addition to having the handgun be secure in the holster in challenging situations, ease of withdrawal when urgently needed by the user is an important feature. That is, easy actuation of release mechanisms in stressful situations.
In some cases, it is desirable to holster a handgun while an accessory is attached to the handgun. Examples of popular firearm accessories include targeting devices, such as LASER sighting devices, and target illuminators, such as flashlights. These handgun-mounted accessories may be attached to a mounting rail located forward of the trigger guard of the handgun. A holster that securely retains a handgun while an accessory is attached to the handgun and while no accessories are attached to the handgun would be welcomed by the industry.
To have holsters be commercially viable, they need to be priced to meet expectations of the consuming populace. So any improvement of assembly and cost efficiencies by minimizing the number of parts and minimizing the number of assembly steps would also be welcomed by the industry.

SUMMARY

A holster system for receiving and releasably retaining differently configured handguns with or without an accessory (e.g., a light or laser sight) mounted thereto. In embodiments, the holster system comprises a holster and a spacer. In embodiments, the spacer comprises a ramp portion and a landing portion contiguous with the ramp portion. The ramp portion having two slots defining a central leaf spring member that extends upwardly past the two lateral portions of the landing portion. In embodiments, the spacer has staggered columns supporting the two lateral portions of the landing portion, the staggered columns allowing the spacer to be easily manufactured by injection molding a polymeric material.
A spacer for use with holster to receive a handgun with or without an accessory (e.g., a light) attached thereto, the spacer comprising a ramp portion for receiving and positioning a forward portion of handgun frame as the handgun is inserted into the holster, the ramp portion having a recess for receiving the trigger guard while the handgun is holstered. The spacer further comprising a landing portion extending downward from an upper end of the ramp portion, the landing portion having a leaf spring that confronts a rearward facing surface of the handgun and biases the handgun against two rails of the holster while the handgun is holstered.
A holster system for receiving and releasably retaining differently configured handguns is disclosed, such as handguns with or without an accessory (e.g., a light) mounted thereto. In embodiments, each of the differently configured handgun has a mounting rail positioned below a barrel thereof and a predetermined accessory attached to the rail. In embodiments, the accessory has a vertical distance from the bottom surface of the accessory to the top surface of a pair of clamp portions. A holster body of the holster system may comprise a pair of opposing side wall portions defining an interior with an open rearward end, the holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly. In embodiments, the holster body further has a pair of opposing ribs extending linearly forwardly and backwardly and projecting inwardly from each of the opposing side wall portions. In embodiments, the ribs are spaced from an upwardly facing bottom surface of the holster body a distance substantially equal to the vertical distance. In embodiments, the pair of opposing side walls and the ribs define a lower accessory receiving pocket in the interior.
A holster system having a spacer and a holster for receiving a handgun. The holster comprising a holster body having a forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall extending therebetween. The holster wall defining a cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis. The spacer comprising a ramp portion for receiving and positioning a forward portion of handgun frame as the handgun is inserted into the holster, the ramp portion having a recess for receiving the trigger guard while the handgun is holstered. The spacer further comprising a landing portion extending downward from an upper end of the ramp portion, the landing portion having a leaf spring that confronts a rearward facing surface of the handgun and biases the handgun against two rails of the holster while the handgun is holstered.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is a handgun holstering system capable of assuming a first configuration in which the holster receives the handgun while an accessory is mounted to the handgun and a second configuration in which the holster receives the handgun while an accessory is not mounted to handgun.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is a handgun holstering system including a holster body and a spacer each unitarily formed as a single piece of thermoplastic material. This arrangement allows the holster body and the spacer to each be fabricated using an automated and efficient thermoplastic injection molding process. This arrangement may also provides ease of assembly and cost efficiencies by minimizing the number of parts and minimizing the number of assembly steps.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is an arrangement in which the spacer is nested within and structurally supported by the holster body and is selectively fixed and retained therein by a single screw so that the end consumer may easily switch spacers or remove the spacer by removing and reinstalling the single screw.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is the spacer that is selectively removable from the holster body. The removable spacer can have various shapes and sizes for different handguns so that a particular spacer can fit into the holster body and then be switched out with another spacer, depending on the desired type of handgun for use. Thus, manufacturing costs for holsters for different handguns can be reduced.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is a single thumb actuated push button that releases the spring loaded pivoting latch hood and a gun withdrawal obstruction member. In embodiments the obstruction member may engage the ejection port.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the retention of the firearm at the slide allows the holster to be configured to receive firearms with laser illumination sights units mounted forwardly of the trigger guard. Conventional holsters with trigger guard retention mechanisms cannot receive firearms with such laser sights.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is a thumb-actuated release actuation mechanism that selectively releases the retention mechanism when the user wishes to draw his or her weapon. The handgun is released when a thumb receiving portion on a sliding member is pressed downward, and such may be applicable for the holster with or without the spacer.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is a holster system having level-3 configuration, with two active restraints that is usable with a handgun with or without a rail mounted accessory. In embodiments, a first active constraint engages the ejection port of the hand gun and a second active constraint has a hood that is pivotally supported by the holster body so that the hood selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the hood extends across a rearward facing opening of the cavity and a release position in which the hood is displaced from the rearward facing opening so that a withdrawal path of the handgun is unobstructed.
A feature and benefit of embodiments is that the holster body defines a cavity that is capable of accepting handguns having different widths, lengths and shapes with or without an accessory attached to the handgun.
In embodiments, a handgun in accordance with the detailed description may comprise a frame supporting a barrel. In embodiments, the barrel has a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel wall extending therebetween. The barrel wall may extend along a barrel axis in the forward direction from the breech end to the muzzle end and extends along the barrel axis in a rearward direction from the muzzle end to the breech end. A standardized rail provided as part of the body below the barrel. In embodiments, the handgun comprises a rearward grip portion of the frame and a forward block portion supported by the frame. In embodiments, the rearward grip portion and the forward block portion each extend in a generally downward direction away from the barrel. The handgun may comprise a trigger guard having a rearward-most end, a forward-most end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The rearward-most end of the trigger guard may be fixed to a forward facing surface of the rearward grip portion. The forward-most end of the trigger guard may be fixed to a downward facing surface of frame.
The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a handgun holstered in a holster.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a holster.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a holster.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of the holster shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a spacer that can be seen inside a cavity defined by the body of the holster shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of the holster shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a spacer that can be seen inside a cavity defined by the body of the holster shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a spacer.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a handgun being advanced into the cavity defined by the body in a holster.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a handgun holstered in a holster.

FIG. 9A is a stylized diagram showing a handgun and a spacer having a leaf spring. In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, the leaf spring has been deflected by a distance DD.

FIG. 9B is a stylized cross-sectional view of the spacer shown in FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9B, the spacer is shown in an undeflected state.

FIG. 9C is a stylized cross-sectional view of the spacer shown in FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9B, the spacer is shown in a deflected state. In the embodiment of FIG. 9C, the leaf spring of the spacer has been deflected by a distance DD. An undeflected shape of the leaf spring is illustrated using a dashed line in FIG. 9C.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a spacer.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the spacer shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a spacer showing a first side thereof.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a spacer showing a second side thereof.

FIG. 11C is an elevation view of a spacer showing the second side thereof.

FIG. 11D is an elevation view of a spacer showing the first side thereof.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a spacer.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mold forming a spacer via thermoplastic injection molding. The mold includes two halves, each defining a mold cavity.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a handgun and a holster.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a holster.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a holster.

While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a holster 100 for receiving a handgun 102 is disclosed. In embodiments, the holster 100 comprises a holster body 104 having a holster wall portions 106 defining a cavity 108 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly. In embodiments, the holster 100 comprises a holster body 104 comprising a plurality of holster wall portions 106 unitarily formed of a thermoplastic polymer material. In embodiments, the plurality of holster wall portions 106 include a pair of side wall portions joined at a top and bottom thereof by top and bottom wall portions. In embodiments, the handgun 102 is retained in the holster cavity 108 by a mechanical retaining mechanism 110. Examples of mechanical retaining mechanisms that may be suitable in some applications are disclosed in the following United States publications each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,134,093, 9,759,515, 9,777,986, and US20070181619. In embodiments, the handgun 102 is retained in the holster cavity 108 via frictional contact between the holster body 104 and the handgun 102.
Referring to FIGS. 3-5B and 7, an assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments includes the combination of a spacer 112 and a holster 100 for receiving a handgun 102. In embodiments, handgun 102 has a handgun frame 114, a handgrip 116 connected to the handgun frame 114 at the rearward end of the handgun frame 114, a slide 118 on a top of the handgun frame 114, a barrel with a muzzle portion extending beyond a forward end of the slide, a trigger guard 120 and trigger 122 forward of the handgrip 116 and below the handgun frame 114. In embodiments, the spacer 112 comprises a ramp portion 124 for engaging and positioning a forward portion of the handgun frame 114 as the handgun 102 is inserted into the holster 100. In embodiments, the ramp portion 124 having a recess 126 for receiving the trigger guard 120 while the handgun 102 is holstered. In embodiments, the spacer 112 has a landing portion 128 extending downward from an upper end of the ramp portion 124.
Referring to FIGS. 3, 8 and 9A-9C, in embodiments, the landing portion 128 has a leaf spring 130 that confronts a surface of the handgun 102 and biases the handgun 102 against rails 132 of the holster body 104 while the handgun 102 is holstered. In embodiments, the holster body 104 has a channel 134 between the rails 132. In embodiments, the channel 134 is dimensioned and adapted to receive a front sight of the handgun 102. In embodiments, the slide 118 of the handgun 102 is seated against the rails 132 and the front sight extents into the channel 134 while the handgun 102 is holstered. In embodiments, for example, the leaf spring 130 is been deflected by a distance DD and resiliently applies a reaction force to the surface of the handgun to bias the handgun against the rails 132. In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, leaf spring 130 has been deflected by a distance DD. An undeflected shape of the leaf spring 130 is illustrated using reference numeral 130′ in FIG. 9B and also by a dashed line in FIG. 9C.
Referring to FIGS. 6-11D, in embodiments, the spacer 112 includes a central panel 136 that supports the ramp portion 124 and the landing portion 128. In embodiments, the central panel 136 has a side surface defining a side plane, the side plane being perpendicular to a plane defined by a ramp surface of the ramp portion 124. In embodiments, the spacer 112 includes an eyelet portion 138. In embodiments, the eyelet portion 138 comprises a hole extending through the central panel 136. In embodiments, the central panel 136 and the landing portion 128 define a T-shape when viewed in lateral cross-section. In embodiments, the central panel 136 and the ramp portion 124 define a T-shape when viewed in cross-section. In embodiments, the spacer 112 includes a plurality of support columns or portions 140. In embodiments, each of the support portions 140 extends between the central panel 136 and the landing portion 128. In embodiments, the support portions 140 located on one side of the central panel 136 are offset from support portions located on the opposite side of the central panel 136. This arrangement may help simplify the cost and complexity of molds/tooling used to injection mold the spacer 112.
Referring to FIGS. 6-11D, in embodiments, the spacer 112 has an overall length, an overall width and an overall thickness, the overall length being more the twice the overall width. In embodiments, the overall width is greater than the overall thickness and the overall length is more the three times the overall thickness. In embodiments, the leaf spring 130 has a first end and a second end, both ends being supported by the landing portion 128 of the spacer 112. In embodiments, the leaf spring 130 is cantilevered with a first end of the leaf spring 130 being supported by the landing portion 128 of the spacer 112 and a second end of the leaf spring 130 being unsupported. In embodiments, the ramp portion 124 and the landing portion 128 define an angle having a magnitude between 0 and 90 degrees. In embodiments, the ramp portion 124 and the landing portion 128 define an angle having a magnitude between 15 and 50 degrees. In embodiments, the ramp portion 124 and the landing portion 128 define an angle having a magnitude between 20 and 35 degrees. In embodiments, the ramp portion 124 and the landing portion 128 define an angle having a magnitude of 25 degrees+/−3 degrees.
Referring to FIGS. 14-16, in embodiments, a mechanical retaining mechanism 110 for a holster 100 having a holster body 104 defining a cavity 108 for receiving and holding handgun 102 comprises an axially movable member 142 having a thumb push button 144. In embodiments, the axially movable member 142 is slidably engaged with the holster body 104 within the cavity 108 of the holster body 104. In embodiments, the axially movable member 142 has a first securement position and a second release position axially displaced from the first securement position. In embodiments, an ejection port catch member 146 of the mechanical retaining mechanism 110 is attached to the holster body 104. In embodiments, ejection port catch member 146 is dimensioned, positioned and adapted to selectively engage an ejection port 150 of the handgun 102. In embodiments, the ejection port catch member 146 has a normal obstructing position with respect to the handgun ejection port 150 and the ejection port catch member 146 is deflectable to a non-obstructing position. In embodiments, the ejection port catch member 146 is operatively coupled to the axially movable member 142 at a wedge surface such that moving the axially movable member 142 from the first securement position to the second release position moves the ejection port catch member 146 to the non-obstructing position.
Referring to FIGS. 14-16, in embodiments, holster 100 also includes a guard or hood 148 that is pivotally supported by the holster body 104 so that the hood 148 selectively pivots between a handgun retaining position in which the hood 148 extends across a rearward facing opening of the cavity 108 and a release position in which the hood 148 is displaced from the rearward facing opening of the cavity 108 so that a withdrawal path of the handgun 102 is unobstructed. In embodiments, the hood 148 is operatively coupled to the axially moveable member for selected movement between a closed capture position and an open release position. In embodiments, the hood 148 engages the axially movable member when the axially movable member is in the first securement position and when the hood 148 is in the capture position. In embodiments, when the axially movable member is moved from the first securement position to the second release position, the hood 148 is released and moves to the open release position. In embodiments, the axially movable member 142 has a U-shape with two opposing side surfaces for receiving a portion of the handgun 102 therebetween.
Referring to FIG. 12, a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a spacer 112 is shown, and also referring to FIG. 13 a mold 162 is shown. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mold 160 forming a spacer 112 via thermoplastic injection molding. The mold 160 includes two halves 160A, 160B, each defining a mold cavity 162A, 162B. Example methods of forming a spacer 112 may include providing the mold 160 comprising two mold halves 160A, 160B defining cavities 162A, 162B to form the spacer 112 (step 152). In embodiments, the cavities 162A, 162B are adapted and configured to form a spacer 112 including staggered support portions 140. In embodiments, the staggered support portions 140 allow the spacer 112 to be more easily manufactured by injection molding a polymeric material. In embodiments, the staggered support portions 140 arrangement helps reduce the cost and complexity of molds/tooling used to injection mold the spacer 112. Example methods of forming a spacer may include closing the mold 160 (step 154) and injecting molten thermoplastic polymer material into the mold 160 (step 156). These example methods may further include allowing the thermoplastic polymer material to cool, thereby forming a solid spacer 112 (step 156). The mold 160 may be opened and the solid spacer 112 may be removed from the mold cavities 162A, 162B (step 158).
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an upward direction Z and a downward or lower direction −Z are illustrated using arrows labeled “Z” and “−Z,” respectively. A forward direction Y and a rearward direction −Y are illustrated using arrows labeled “Y” and “−Y,” respectively. A first lateral direction X and a second lateral direct −X are illustrated using arrows labeled “X” and “−X,” respectively. The directions illustrated using these arrows are applicable to the apparatus shown and discussed throughout this application. The second lateral direction may also be referred to as a left direction and/or the second lateral direction. The first lateral direction may also be referred to as a right direction. In one or more embodiments, the upward direction is generally opposite the downward direction. In one or more embodiments, the upward direction and the downward direction are both generally orthogonal to an XY plane defined by the forward direction and the first lateral direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward direction is generally opposite the rearward direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward direction and the rearward direction are both generally orthogonal to a ZX plane defined by the upward direction and the first lateral direction. In one or more embodiments, the first lateral direction is generally opposite the second lateral direction. In one or more embodiments, first lateral direction and the second lateral direction are both generally orthogonal to a ZY plane defined by the upward direction and the forward direction. Various direction-indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that many direction indicating terms are related to the instant orientation of the object being described. It will also be appreciated that the objects described herein may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, direction-indicating terms such as “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “forwardly,” “backwardly,” should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims.
The following United States patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,918,784, 6,112,962, 6,267,279, 6,547,111, 6,641,009, 7,937,880, 7,434,712, 7,461,765, 7,556,181, 7,694,860, 7,841,497, 7,954,971, 8,132,355, 8,177,108, 8,235,263, 8,474,670, 8,517,235, 8,690,032, 8,720,755, 8,985,412, 9,057,579, 9,057,580, 9,134,093, 9,759,515, and 9,777,986. Published U.S. Patent Applications US20170205172 and US20070181619 are hereby incorporated by reference herein. All U.S. patents issuing from and claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/261,079 and 15/723,616 are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The above references to U.S. patents in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized with embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).
The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes.
Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A combination of a spacer and a holster for receiving a handgun, the handgun having a handgun frame, a handgrip connecting to the handgun frame at the rearward end of the handgun frame, a slide on a top of the handgun frame, an exposed barrel with a muzzle at the forward end of the slide, a trigger guard and trigger forward of the handgrip and below the handgun frame, the combination comprising:

the holster comprising a holster body defining a cavity extending forwardly along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the holster body comprising a plurality of wall portions unitarily formed of a polymeric material, the plurality of wall portions including a pair of side wall portions joined at a top and bottom of the side wall portions;

the spacer comprising a ramp portion for engaging and positioning a forward portion of handgun frame as the handgun is inserted into the holster, the ramp portion having a recess for receiving the trigger guard while the handgun is holstered; and

the spacer further comprising a landing portion extending downward from an upper end of the ramp portion, the landing portion having a leaf spring that confronts a rearward facing surface of the handgun and biases the handgun against two rails of the holster while the handgun is holstered.

2. The combination of claim 1 further including a central panel that supports the ramp portion and the landing portion, the central panel having a side surface defining a side plane, the side plane being perpendicular to a plane defined by a ramp surface of the ramp portion.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the central panel and the landing portion define a T-shape when viewed in cross-section.

4. The combination of claim 2 wherein the central panel and the ramp portion define a T-shape when viewed in cross-section.

5. The combination of claim 2 wherein the spacer has an overall length, an overall width and an overall thickness, the overall length being more the twice the overall width.

6. The combination of claim 6 wherein the overall width is greater than the overall thickness and the overall length is more the three times the overall thickness.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein the leaf spring has a first end and a second end, both ends being supported by the landing portion of the spacer.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein the leaf spring is cantilevered with a first end of the leaf spring being supported by the landing portion of the spacer and a second end of the leaf spring being unsupported.

9. The combination of claim 1 wherein the ramp portion and the landing portion define an angle, the angle having a magnitude being between 0 and 90 degrees.

10. A spacer for use with a holster, the holster configured to receive a handgun, the handgun having a handgun frame, a handgrip connecting to the handgun frame at the rearward end of the handgun frame, a slide on a top of the handgun frame, an exposed barrel with a muzzle at the forward end of the slide, a trigger guard and trigger forward of the handgrip and below the handgun frame, the spacer comprising:

a ramp portion for engaging and positioning a forward portion of handgun frame as the handgun is inserted into the holster, the ramp portion having a recess for receiving the trigger guard while the handgun is holstered; and

a landing portion extending downward from an upper end of the ramp portion, the landing portion having a leaf spring that confronts a rearward facing surface of the handgun and biases the handgun against two rails of the holster while the handgun is holstered.

11. The spacer of claim 11 further including a central panel that supports the ramp portion and the landing portion, the central panel having a side surface defining a side plane, the side plane being perpendicular to a plane defined by a ramp surface of the ramp portion.

12. The spacer of claim 12 further including an eyelet portion, the eyelet portion having a hole extending through the central panel.

13. The spacer of claim 12 wherein the central panel and the landing portion define a T-shape when viewed in cross-section.

14. The spacer of claim 12 wherein the central panel and the ramp portion define a T-shape when viewed in cross-section.

15. The spacer of claim 12 wherein the spacer has an overall length, an overall width and an overall thickness, the overall length being more the twice the overall width.

16. The spacer of claim 16 wherein the overall width is greater than the overall thickness and the overall length is more the three times the overall thickness.

17. The spacer of claim 11 wherein the leaf spring has a first end and a second end, both ends being supported by the landing portion of the spacer.

18. The spacer of claim 11 wherein the leaf spring is cantilevered with a first end of the leaf spring being supported by the landing portion of the spacer and a second end of the leaf spring being unsupported.

19. The spacer of claim 11 wherein the ramp portion and the landing portion define an angle, the angle having a magnitude being between 0 and 90 degrees.

20. A spacer for use with a holster, the holster configured to receive a handgun, the handgun having a handgun frame, a handgrip connecting to the handgun frame at the rearward end of the handgun frame, a slide on a top of the handgun frame, an exposed barrel with a muzzle at the forward end of the slide, a trigger guard and trigger forward of the handgrip and below the handgun frame, the spacer comprising:

a ramp portion for engaging and positioning a forward portion of handgun frame as the handgun is inserted into the holster; and