Rotatable accessory attachment platform

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

p-0002This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/998,110, filed Oct. 9, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

p-00031. Field of the Invention

p-0004The present invention is directed generally to a rigid or semi-rigid platform for attaching a handgun holster or other accessory carrier to a belt, a waistband of a pair of trousers, another article of clothing, to a MOLLE or S.T.R.I.K.E. webbing attachment, or to a harness or one or more pieces of webbing or strap material. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a platform that allows an attached holster or other accessory carrier to be selectively rotated between at least two positions relative to the platform body.

p-00052. Description of Related Art

p-0006Many handgun users, particularly military and law enforcement personnel, carry a handgun in a holster designed to protect the handgun and hold it securely. Holsters can be worn in a number of ways and in a variety of locations on a user's body, such as on the chest, under an arm, at the waist, on the thigh, or around an ankle.

p-0007Unfortunately, most modern holsters and holster carriers can be uncomfortable to wear, particularly by someone who must wear the holster while in a seated position. For example, when a law enforcement officer sits in a vehicle, the holster, which is typically attached to the officer's belt in the officer's hip region, generally contacts the seat and is forced upward by the seat. This typically causes the officer's belt to be pushed up and/or the rear of the handgun to be pushed into the officer's side, resulting in great discomfort to the officer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0008The prior holster holders and carriers fail to provide a user with the ability to readily and easily rotate or re-position a holster or other attached accessory carrier from a normal, carry position to a rotated or angular position. Furthermore, the prior holster holders fail to provide a holster holder or carrier that provides a user with the ability to readily and easily rotate a holster or other attached accessory carrier from a rotated or angular position to a normal, carry position.

p-0009Accordingly, the present invention is directed generally to a rigid or semi-rigid holder, carrier, or platform usable for attaching a handgun holster or other accessory carrier to a belt, a waistband of a pair of pair of trousers, another article of clothing, to a MOLLE or S.T.R.I.K.E. webbing attachment, or to a harness or one or more pieces of webbing or strap material. More specifically, the platform includes several adjustment points that allow a relative rotational angle between the platform and an attached holster or other accessory carrier to be changed.

p-0010In various exemplary embodiments, the platform comprises a platform body, a platform plate, and an accessory plate.

p-0011Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, a holster or other accessory carrier may be attached or coupled to the accessory plate such that the platform plate and the accessory plate may be turned or rotated with respect to the platform body to allow a user to be more comfortable while in, for example, a seated position, while still having access to a holstered handgun or a carried accessory. Then, when the user returns to a standing position, the holster or other accessory carrier can easily be returned to a normal, carry position.

p-0012In certain exemplary embodiments, a holster or other accessory carrier may be maintained in a movable position allowing for movement of the holster or carrier as the a user moves, thereby allowing for a constant repositioning and allowance for, for example, seat position, movement of the wearer, or interfering objects.

p-0013In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention, a holster or other accessory carrier may be adjustably rotated or turned to one of a number of predetermined angles. That is to say, an angle between the platform and a holster, for example, may be adjusted between several determined adjustment points.

p-0014Thus, the present invention comprises a new and improved platform that allows an attached holster or other accessory carrier to be rotated to one or more determined angles relative to the platform.

p-0015Accordingly, this invention provides a platform, having a simple and reliable holster or accessory carrier attachment system.

p-0016This invention separately provides a platform that allows a holster or other accessory carrier to be selectively rotated between at least a normal, carry position and a rotated position.

p-0017This invention separately provides a platform, which is capable of being manufactured using injection molding and/or thermoform production techniques.

p-0018These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0019The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a rear perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein an attached holster is shown in a normal, carry position;

p-0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows an exploded rear perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention;

p-0022<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a first exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein an attached holster is shown in a normal, carry position;

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a first exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein an attached holster is shown in a rotated position;

p-0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a partially exploded cross-sectional view, taken along line <b>5</b>A-<b>5</b>A of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref>;

p-0025<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> shows a cross-sectional view, taken along line <b>5</b>A-<b>5</b>A of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref>, illustrating the accessory attachment platform in a normal, carry position;

p-0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref> shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the accessory attachment platform at an intermediate angular position between the angular position illustrated by line <b>5</b>A-<b>5</b>A of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> and line <b>5</b>C-<b>5</b>C of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>;

p-0027<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref> shows a cross-sectional view, taken along line <b>5</b>C-<b>5</b>C of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>, illustrating the accessory attachment platform in a rotated position;

p-0028<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows partial exploded front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention;

p-0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows an exploded rear perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention;

p-0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a third exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein an attached holster is shown in a normal, carry position;

p-0031<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein an attached holster is shown in a rotated position;

p-0032<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref> shows a cross-sectional view, taken along line <b>9</b>B-<b>9</b>B of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>, illustrating the accessory attachment platform in a rotated position;

p-0033<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein an attached holster is shown in a normal, carry position;

p-0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows a rear elevational view of the fifth exemplary embodiment of the accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein the attached holster is shown in a rotated position;

p-0035<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein the platform body comprises a universal mounting platform that is capable of being removably attached or coupled to a portion of MOLLE or S.T.R.I.K.E. webbing; and

p-0036<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention, wherein the platform body comprises a mounting platform that is capable of being attached or coupled to a portion of webbing or strap material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

p-0037The design factors and operating principles of the present invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of a rotatable accessory attachment platform.

p-0038It should be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to a handgun holster being attached to the rotatable accessory attachment platform. However, it should be appreciated that any handgun holster, other holster, accessory carrier, or other carrier, platform, carrier rail (i.e., a Picatinny rail) or device may be removably or permanently attached or coupled to the rotatable accessory attachment platform of this invention. Thus, it should be understood that the rotatable accessory attachment platform of this invention may be utilized in conjunction with any carrier or holder for any handgun, edged weapon, ammunition magazine, less than lethal product (i.e., a taser, pepper spray, mace canister, baton, or the like), radio, flashlight, cellular telephone, personal digital assistants, or other device.

p-0039It should also be appreciated that the terms “carrier”, “holder”, “holster”, and “platform” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the terms “carrier”, “holder”, “holster”, and/or “platform” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, apparatuses, or applications of this invention.

p-0040Referring now to the drawing figures, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> show various views of a first exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b> includes at least some of a platform body <b>110</b>, a platform plate <b>130</b>, and an accessory plate <b>150</b>.

p-0041The platform body <b>110</b> comprises a first side and a second side and a front portion and a rear portion. Typically, the first side is considered the outer side of the platform body <b>110</b> and is worn facing away from a user's body, while the second side is considered the inner side of the platform body <b>110</b> and is worn facing against or adjacent the user's body.

p-0042Typically, the front portion is worn facing towards the front of a user's body, while the rear portion is worn facing towards the rear of the user's body.

p-0043The platform body <b>110</b> extends from a belt attachment portion <b>112</b> to a plate attachment portion <b>115</b>.

p-0044In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the belt attachment portion <b>112</b> of the platform body <b>110</b> is offset from the plate attachment portion <b>115</b> of the platform body <b>110</b>. This offset, if included, provides a gap between the user's hip or leg and the plate attachment portion <b>115</b> of the platform body <b>110</b>. However, it should be appreciated that the inclusion of such an offset is a design choice based upon the desired functionality of the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b>.

p-0045As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, the belt attachment portion <b>112</b> includes attachment members <b>113</b>. The attachment members <b>113</b> are capable of extending around, receiving, or attaching to, for example, a user's belt, so as to secure the platform body <b>110</b> to the user's belt.

p-0046It should be appreciated that while attachment members <b>113</b> are illustrated as comprising two elongated belt loop members, any number of elongated belt members may be utilized in the belt attachment portion <b>112</b>. Furthermore, the belt attachment portion <b>112</b> may include any number of a variety of attachment members <b>113</b> for attaching the platform body <b>110</b> to a user's belt, waistband, or other article of clothing. For example, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the attachment members <b>113</b> may comprise two or more belt receiving apertures.

p-0047A platform opening <b>120</b> is formed in the plate attachment portion <b>115</b>. The platform opening <b>120</b> is counter-bored from both the first side of the platform body <b>110</b> and the second side of the platform body <b>110</b>, resulting in an internal projection <b>122</b> that extends into a portion of the platform opening <b>120</b>. Thus, the platform opening <b>120</b> is defined by a first, outer diameter, in the areas on either side of the internal projection <b>122</b> and a second, inner diameter, in the area of the internal projection <b>122</b>. Additionally, the internal projection <b>122</b> defines a first side wall or shoulder <b>123</b>, facing towards the first side of the platform body <b>110</b>, and a second side wall or shoulder <b>124</b>, facing towards the second side of the platform body <b>110</b>.

p-0048A release lever receiving slot <b>125</b> is formed in the rear portion of the plate attachment portion <b>115</b>. The release lever receiving slot <b>125</b> is formed so as to receive at least a portion of a release lever <b>170</b>. In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the release lever receiving slot <b>125</b> is formed at a position that is approximately 90° to a vertical axis of the platform body <b>110</b>.

p-0049The platform plate <b>130</b> has a substantially circular or disk shape and includes a central portion <b>132</b> and an outer rim portion <b>133</b>. As illustrated most clearly in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the central portion <b>132</b> and the outer rim portion <b>133</b> are sized such that, when the platform plate <b>130</b> and the platform body <b>110</b> are assembled, the central portion <b>132</b> fits within the portion of the platform opening <b>120</b> defined by the internal projection <b>122</b> (the inner diameter of the platform opening <b>120</b>) and the outer rim portion <b>133</b> of the platform plate <b>130</b> fits within the outer diameter of the platform opening <b>120</b>.

p-0050Accordingly, and inner portion of the outer rim portion <b>133</b> is capable of rotatably sliding along the surface of the second side wall or shoulder <b>124</b> of the internal projection <b>122</b>, while the central portion <b>132</b> is capable of being maintained within the area defined by the inner diameter created by the internal projection <b>122</b>. In this manner, the platform plate <b>130</b> is capable of rotating with respect to the platform body <b>110</b> while being restrained from being pulled through the platform opening <b>120</b> by the interaction of the outer rim portion <b>133</b> and the second side wall or shoulder <b>124</b>.

p-0051The accessory plate <b>150</b> also has a substantially circular, disk shape and includes a notch segment <b>155</b>. The outer circumference of the accessory plate <b>150</b> is sized such that, when the accessory plate <b>150</b> and the platform body <b>110</b> are assembled, the accessory plate <b>150</b> fits within the outer diameter of the platform opening <b>120</b> such that the accessory plate <b>150</b> is capable of rotatably sliding along the surface of the first side wall or shoulder <b>123</b> of the internal projection <b>122</b>, while being maintained within the outer diameter of the platform opening <b>120</b>. In this manner, the accessory plate <b>150</b> is capable of rotating with respect to the platform body <b>110</b> while being restrained from being pulled through the platform opening <b>120</b> by the interaction of the accessory plate <b>150</b> and the first side wall or shoulder <b>123</b>.

p-0052The notch segment <b>155</b> is formed so as to interact with the stop <b>126</b> formed in the front side of the platform opening <b>120</b>. The interaction of the notch segment <b>155</b> and the stop <b>126</b> allows the accessory plate <b>150</b> to only rotate a predetermined number of degrees, as dictated predominantly by the length of the notch segment <b>155</b>. As illustrated herein, the notch segment <b>155</b> provides for approximately 90° of rotation. However, it should be appreciated that the notch segment <b>155</b> may be formed so as to allow for greater or reduced rotation of the accessory plate <b>150</b>.

p-0053The platform plate <b>130</b> further includes one or more platform plate apertures <b>132</b> formed through the platform paddle <b>130</b>, while the accessory plate <b>150</b> further includes one or more accessory plate apertures <b>152</b> formed through the accessory plate <b>150</b>. The size and positional relationship of the platform plate apertures <b>132</b> and the accessory plate apertures <b>152</b> are such that the platform plate apertures <b>132</b> and the accessory plate apertures <b>152</b> are each capable of simultaneously interacting with corresponding holster body attachment points <b>192</b> on the holster <b>190</b> and an appropriate attachment means <b>195</b> to allow the platform body <b>100</b>, the platform plate <b>130</b>, the accessory plate <b>150</b>, and the holster <b>190</b> to be assembled.

p-0054Each of the platform plate apertures <b>132</b> and the accessory plate apertures <b>152</b> is formed so as to be capable of receiving an attachment means <b>195</b>, which passes therethrough for securing the holster <b>190</b>, via the holster body attachment points <b>192</b>, to the platform body <b>100</b>, the platform plate <b>130</b>, and the accessory plate <b>150</b>. Thus, the platform plate apertures <b>132</b> and the accessory plate apertures <b>152</b>, in cooperation with appropriate attachment means <b>195</b> and holster body attachment points <b>192</b>, allow a holster <b>190</b> (or any other accessory carriers or mounting devices) to be attached to the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b>.

p-0055In various exemplary embodiments, the attachment means <b>195</b> may comprise screws, snap-together parts, or any other known or later developed means for removably attaching or coupling the platform plate <b>130</b> and the accessory plate <b>150</b> to cooperating attachment points (not shown) of the holster <b>190</b>.

p-0056In various exemplary embodiments, the shape and positional relationship of the platform plate apertures <b>132</b>, the accessory plate apertures <b>152</b>, and the holster body attachment points <b>192</b> may be such that simultaneous interaction of only one platform plate aperture <b>132</b>, accessory plate aperture <b>152</b>, and holster body attachment point <b>192</b> is necessary to assembled the platform body <b>100</b>, the platform plate <b>130</b>, the accessory plate <b>150</b>, and the holster <b>190</b>.

p-0057When the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b> is assembled and, for example, attached to a holster <b>190</b>, the accessory plate <b>150</b> is abutted, on a first in side, to the holster <b>190</b>. The accessory plate <b>150</b> is placed within the platform opening <b>120</b> (from a first side of the platform body <b>110</b>) such that a second side of the accessory plate <b>150</b> contacts the surface of the first side wall or shoulder <b>123</b>. The platform plate <b>130</b> is then placed within the platform opening <b>120</b> (from a second side of the platform body <b>110</b>) such that the inner surface of the outer rim portion <b>133</b> (on a first side of the platform plate <b>130</b>) is in contact with the surface of the second side wall or shoulder <b>124</b>.

p-0058Once the platform plate <b>130</b>, the platform body <b>110</b>, the accessory plate <b>150</b>, and in the holster body <b>190</b> are appropriately aligned, attachment means <b>195</b> are used to secure these components such that the platform body <b>110</b> is secured between the platform plate <b>130</b> and the accessory plate <b>150</b>.

p-0059In this manner, the platform plate <b>130</b>, the accessory plate <b>150</b>, and the holster body <b>190</b> are capable of rotating with respect to the platform body <b>110</b>. The rotational range of motion of the combine platform plate <b>130</b>, accessory plate <b>150</b>, and holster body <b>190</b>, with respect to the platform body <b>110</b>, is dictated by the interaction of the notch segment <b>155</b> and the stop <b>126</b>.

p-0060As illustrated herein, the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b> includes an exemplary holster <b>190</b> being attached to the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b>. It should be appreciated that the holster <b>190</b> may be any type of holster. Additionally, while a holster <b>190</b> is illustrated, it should be understood that the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b> of this invention may be utilized in conjunction with any carrier or holder for any handgun, edged weapon, ammunition magazine, less than lethal product (i.e., a taser, pepper spray, mace canister, baton, or the like), radio, flashlight, cellular telephone, personal digital assistants, or other device.

p-0061The platform plate release lever <b>170</b>, as shown in greater detail in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-5C</figref>, comprises at least some of a thumb/finger engagement portion <b>172</b> and a plate engagement portion <b>174</b>. The thumb/finger engagement portion <b>172</b> and the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> are generally separated by a fulcrum or pivot pin <b>178</b>.

p-0062In various exemplary embodiments, the thumb/finger engagement portion <b>172</b> is smooth and non-textured. Alternatively, at least one surface of the thumb/finger engagement portion <b>172</b> may include a textured or serrated portion (as illustrated) so that the thumb/finger engagement portion <b>172</b> may be distinguished tactilely from other portions of the release lever <b>170</b> or the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b> and to aid the user's thumb/finger as the user's thumb/finger applies a pivoting force to the release lever <b>170</b> and pivots the release lever <b>170</b> to a release position.

p-0063In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, release lever <b>170</b> is pivotally connected within the lever receiving slot <b>125</b>, via a fulcrum or pivot pin <b>178</b>. In various exemplary embodiments, the pivot pin <b>178</b> is positioned substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the platform body <b>110</b>. However, it should be appreciated that the pivot pin <b>178</b> may be positioned at any angle relative to a vertical axis of the platform body <b>110</b>.

p-0064In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8</figref>, <b>10</b>, and <b>11</b>, a ridge <b>118</b> is formed around at least a portion of the release lever <b>170</b>. Generally, the ridge <b>118</b> does not contact the release lever <b>170</b>, but provides a perimeter around at least a portion of the release lever <b>170</b> to reduce the likelihood of the release lever <b>170</b> being inadvertently manipulated and to keep items from accidentally snagging or hooking the release lever <b>170</b>.

p-0065The ridge <b>118</b> may include a textured portion (not shown). In this manner, the ridge <b>118</b> may be distinguished tactilely from other portions of the platform body <b>110</b> or the release lever <b>170</b>.

p-0066The release lever <b>170</b> is pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position. When the release lever <b>170</b> is in the locking position, the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> extends into a portion of the platform opening <b>120</b>, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5A</figref>.

p-0067In various exemplary embodiments, the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> may include a ramped or tapered surface on one or both sides of the plate engagement portion <b>174</b>. The ramped or tapered surface, if included, may aid in the seating of the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> in the primary notch <b>135</b> and/or the secondary notch <b>137</b>. Additionally, the ramped or tapered surface may aid in forcing the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> from the secondary notch <b>137</b>, as described below.

p-0068In various exemplary embodiments, the release lever <b>170</b> is biased to the locking position by, for example, a spring means or biasing means <b>179</b>. In various exemplary embodiments, the spring means or biasing means <b>179</b> comprises a portion of spring steel or a spring-biased coil. Alternatively, the spring means or biasing means <b>179</b> may comprise an extension or finger that extends from either the release lever <b>170</b> or a portion of the body <b>110</b> that provides a biasing force to the release lever <b>170</b> relative to the body <b>110</b>.

p-0069When the bias of the release lever <b>170</b> is overcome and the release lever <b>170</b> is pivoted from the locking position to the unlocking position, the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> is withdrawn from the platform opening <b>120</b>, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>. When the pivoting force is removed from the release lever <b>170</b>, the release lever <b>170</b> returns to the biased locking position.

p-0070At least one primary notch <b>135</b> is formed in the platform plate <b>130</b>. In various exemplary embodiments, at least one secondary notch <b>137</b> is also formed in the platform plate <b>130</b>. The at least one primary notch <b>135</b> is formed at a position that allows the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> of the release lever <b>170</b> to interact with the primary notch <b>135</b> when the holster body <b>190</b> is in the normal, carry position, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>3</b>A, <b>8</b>, and <b>10</b>, so as to receive at least a portion of the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> of the release lever <b>170</b>, when the release lever <b>170</b> is in the locking position.

p-0071The secondary notch <b>137</b>, if included, is formed at a position that allows the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> of the release lever <b>170</b> to interact with the secondary notch <b>137</b> when the holster body <b>190</b> is in a rotated position, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3B</figref>, <b>9</b>A, and <b>11</b>, so as to receive at least a portion of the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> of the release lever <b>170</b>, when the release lever <b>170</b> is in the locking position.

p-0072During use of the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>100</b> (within attached holster <b>190</b>), the holster <b>190</b> is initially presented in a normal, carry position, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>3</b>A, <b>8</b>, and <b>10</b>. When in the normal, carry position, the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> extends into the primary notch <b>135</b>, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, such that the platform plate <b>130</b> is unable to rotate relative to the platform body <b>110</b>.

p-0073If the user desires to rotate the holster <b>190</b> from the normal, carry position, the user contacts the thumb/finger engagement portion <b>172</b> of the release lever <b>170</b>, overcomes any bias of the release lever <b>170</b>, and pivots the release lever <b>170</b> from the locking position to the unlocking position.

p-0074When the release lever <b>170</b> is pivoted from the locking position to the unlocking position, the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> of the release lever <b>170</b> is withdrawn from the platform opening <b>120</b> and the primary notch <b>135</b>, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>.

p-0075As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, once the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> of the release lever <b>170</b> is sufficiently withdrawn from the primary notch <b>135</b>, the holster <b>190</b> may be rotated from the normal, carry position towards the rotated position (as indicated by the arrow in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>).

p-0076Once the holster <b>190</b> has been rotated to the rotated position and the pivoting force is removed from the release lever <b>170</b>, the release lever <b>170</b> returns to the biased locking position and engages at least a portion of the secondary notch <b>137</b>, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>. Thus, for example, a user is able to rotate the holster <b>190</b> to a rotated position before being seated.

p-0077It should be appreciated that, depending upon the relative sizes of the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> and the secondary notch <b>137</b>, the plate engagement portion <b>174</b>, when in the locking position, may extend far enough into the secondary notch <b>137</b> to maintain the platform plate <b>130</b> in the rotated position.

p-0078Alternatively, the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> may only extend far enough into the secondary notch <b>137</b> to loosely maintain the platform plate <b>130</b> in the rotated position. If the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> only loosely maintains the platform plate <b>130</b> in the rotated position, a user may simply apply a counter rotating force to the holster <b>190</b> to overcome the bias of the release lever <b>170</b>, force the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> from the secondary notch <b>137</b>, and allow the holster <b>190</b> to be rotated to the normal, carry position.

p-0079In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, one or more additional, optional notches <b>136</b> may be included in the platform plate <b>130</b>. These additional notches, if included, may allow the platform plate <b>130</b> to be engaged by the release lever <b>170</b> at various, predetermined points. Therefore, utilizing additional notches <b>136</b>, the holster body <b>190</b> may be maintained in a variety of rotational or angular positions, relative to the platform body <b>110</b>.

p-0080<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows a second exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform <b>100</b> according to this invention, wherein the lever receiving slot <b>125</b> is removed from the rear portion of the platform body <b>110</b> and replaced with a lever receiving slot <b>125</b>′ located in a front portion of the platform body <b>110</b>. In this manner, instead of being located along a rear portion of the platform body <b>110</b> (as is the case with the lever receiving slot <b>125</b>), the release lever <b>170</b> may be positioned along a front portion of the platform body <b>110</b>.

p-0081As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, a lever receiving slot <b>125</b> may be formed in a rear portion of the platform body <b>110</b>, while a second lever receiving slot <b>125</b>′ may be formed in a front portion of the platform body <b>110</b>. In this manner, the release lever <b>170</b> may optionally be positioned in either of the lever receiving slots <b>125</b> or <b>125</b>′.

p-0082<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> illustrate an accessory attachment platform <b>100</b> having a modified release lever <b>170</b>. As illustrated most noticeably in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref>, the release lever <b>170</b> includes an additional protrusion or step <b>177</b> along a portion of the plate engagement portion <b>174</b>. The inclusion of the step <b>177</b> allows the release lever <b>170</b> to more fully engage the secondary notch <b>137</b> of the platform plate <b>130</b>. In various exemplary embodiments, the step <b>177</b> allows the plate engagement portion <b>174</b> to more closely match in internal shape of the secondary notch <b>137</b>.

p-0083<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> illustrate an additional exemplary embodiment of the current invention. As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>, the platform plate <b>130</b> is replaced with a platform plate <b>130</b>′. The platform plate <b>130</b>′ has it and increased diameter, such that secondary notch <b>137</b>′ has a size that more closely approximates the size of the primary notch <b>135</b>. In this manner, the release lever <b>170</b>, and more particularly the plate engagement portion <b>174</b>, may be fully received within not only the primary notch <b>135</b>, but also the secondary notch <b>137</b>′. Thus, the holster <b>190</b> may be positively locked in either the normal, carry position, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, but also in the rotated position, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>.

p-0084<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention. In the accessory attachment platform <b>200</b>, the platform body <b>110</b>, as described above with respect to

p-0085<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, is replaced with a universal mounting platform <b>210</b> that is capable of being removably attached or coupled to a portion of MOLLE or S.T.R.I.K.E. webbing. In various exemplary embodiments, the universal mounting platform is as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/906,629, filed Oct. 3, 2007, entitled Universal Mounting Platform, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

p-0086As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, the universal mounting platform <b>210</b> includes a platform opening <b>220</b>, which is capable of receiving a platform plate <b>230</b> and an accessory plate <b>250</b>, each of which have features similar to the platform opening <b>120</b>, the platform plate <b>130</b>, and the accessory plate <b>150</b>.

p-0087However, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, the release lever <b>270</b> is positioned proximate a top portion of the universal mounting platform <b>210</b>. Additionally, a plurality of primary notches <b>235</b> is included around the platform plate <b>230</b>. Thus, the holster <b>290</b> may be secured at a variety of desired angles relative to the universal mounting platform <b>210</b>.

p-0088While the primary notches <b>235</b> are illustrated as being positioned at approximately 45° increments around the platform plate <b>230</b>, it should be appreciated that the number and position of any included primary notches <b>235</b> is a design choice based upon the desired functionality of the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>200</b>.

p-0089In various exemplary embodiments, the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>200</b> can be mounted directly to a surface (i.e., a piece of furniture, a side of a counter or desktop, a vehicle console, shipboard bulkhead, etc.) as opposed to being worn by a user. In these exemplary embodiments, an attachment means may be used to attach or couple the platform <b>200</b> directly to the surface. Alternatively, one or more spacers may be included between the platform <b>200</b> and the mounting surface so as to provide sufficient space between the platform <b>200</b> and mounting surface to allow proper function and operation of the lock <b>270</b> and/or to allow the user to rotate the attached holster or accessory carrier.

p-0090In these exemplary embodiments, the overall size and shape of the platform <b>200</b> may be modified (i.e., attachment arms removed and/or additional or varied mounting apertures or holes provided). Additionally, the thickness of the platform <b>200</b> may be modified.

p-0091<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows a rear elevational view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of an accessory attachment platform according to this invention. In the accessory attachment platform <b>300</b>, the platform body <b>110</b>, as described above with respect to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, is replaced with a mounting platform <b>310</b> that is capable of being attached or coupled to a portion of webbing or strap material, such as, for example, the strap material used to form a shoulder holster.

p-0092As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the mounting platform <b>310</b> of the accessory attachment platform <b>300</b> includes a platform opening <b>320</b>, which is capable of receiving a platform plate <b>330</b> and an accessory plate <b>350</b>, each of which have features similar to the platform opening <b>120</b>, the platform plate <b>130</b>, and the accessory plate <b>150</b>. As illustrated, the mounting platform <b>310</b> further includes three apertures <b>360</b>, formed through the mounting platform <b>310</b>, which are capable of being attached or coupled to a portion of webbing or strap material <b>365</b>.

p-0093As further illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the release lever <b>370</b> is positioned proximate a top portion of the mounting platform <b>310</b>. Additionally, a plurality of primary notches <b>335</b> is included around the platform plate <b>330</b>. Thus, the holster <b>390</b> may be secured at a variety of desired angles relative to the mounting platform <b>310</b>.

p-0094It should be appreciated that while the mounting platform <b>310</b> is illustrated as including three webbing or strap receiving apertures (one strap receiving aperture <b>360</b> proximate a lower portion of the mounting platform <b>310</b> and two strap receiving apertures <b>360</b> proximate and upper portion of the mounting platform <b>310</b>), the number and position of strap receiving apertures <b>360</b> is a design choice based upon desired functionality of the accessory attachment platform <b>300</b>.

p-0095It should also be appreciated that while the release lever <b>370</b> is illustrated as being positioned proximate a top portion of the mounting platform <b>310</b>, the release lever <b>370</b> may be positioned at any position around the mounting platform <b>310</b>.

p-0096Likewise, while the primary notches <b>335</b> are illustrated as being positioned at approximately 45° increments around the platform plate <b>330</b>, it should be appreciated that the number and position of any included primary notches <b>335</b> is a design choice based upon the desired functionality of the rotatable accessory attachment platform <b>300</b>.

p-0097While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while the accessory plate <b>150</b> has been described as being a separate component that is attachable to the holster body <b>190</b>, it should be appreciated that the accessory plate <b>150</b> may be permanently attached to the holster body <b>190</b> or integrally formed as a portion of the holster body <b>190</b>.

p-0098Such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes, modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.