 |
Description  |
|
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to a repository for firearms and, more
particularly, to a security system for the containment of at least one
firearm in a repository which operates in conjunction with an alarm
adapted to generate a signal upon opening of the repository indicative of
access to and possible removal of the firearm contained therein.
2. Background Art
The proliferation of registered firearms, such as handguns, rifles and
shotguns, in the possession of the general public has, in recent years,
dramatically increased the necessity of providing secure repositories or
safe storage for such firearms or weapons when these are not in use.
Portable firearms of this type are currently adapted to be stored in a
wide variety of containers, strongboxes, safes and rifle racks, depending
upon the kind of firearm. The firearms are locked in these containers to
inhibit unauthorized or unlawful access thereto.
Various types of mechanical locking means have been devised for restricted
access storage receptacles in which materials of a confidential or
dangerous nature are kept. The types of locking devices designed for the
security of storage receptacles, specifically those devices which operate
mechanically, are limited to perform the single action of unlocking to
provide access to the contents of the receptacle. One such device is the
permutation lock, one form of which is the common pushbutton lock.
Push-button mechanical locking devices have been further developed as a
means of security adaptable to location entry access and storage
receptacle access. Requiring the entry of an access code, locking devices
of this type eliminate the necessity of a key although many of these type
devices provide the option as a means of bypassing code entering. The
prior art of this type of locking device does not provide for the ability
to be unlocked by several codes. The purpose of this feature is to enable
the lock to perform two functions simultaneously. The primary function
which takes place when an access code has been entered and an actuator
knob has been turned is the unlocking of the lock itself. The secondary
function which occurs simultaneously with the primary function is that
part(s) of the inner lock will protrude from the lock itself to act as an
actuating contact to any mechanical or electrical system that is designed
to be used by this specific type of lock.
In and attempt to provide adequate, or at least substantially effective,
safeguards against the removal of firearms from safes, strongboxes or
similar type of repositories, particularly under unauthorized or unlawful
circumstances, various types of security systems have been developed in
the technology which will afford an indication, such as an alarm or the
like, that actual or attempted access has been made to the stored firearm.
Thus, Ferraro U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,021 discloses a safe for a weapon, such
as a loaded handgun, in which a box-like container having a hinged closure
member is adapted to receive the firearm, and in which the closure member
is automatically locked when in its closed position on the container. In
order to gain access to the weapon contained in the safe, a keypad is
provided thereon which, upon the entry of a specific sequence of numbers
or letters, or upon fingerprint identification, will correlate with a
preprogrammed sequence of such numbers or letters, or fingerprints, and
thereby effectuate opening of the safe and allow for access to the weapon
contained therein. Although the foregoing structure provides for a
relatively secure storage of the weapon or firearm, an alarm is triggered
only in the event that an incorrect program is entered and/or a forcible
entry is attempted to the safe, thereby indicating that the weapon or
firearm is in process of being removed by an unauthorized person.
Shaw U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,280 discloses a lock device for a rifle rack, in
which a timing device constituting a component of an alarm system will
trigger an alarm upon an unauthorized opening or attempted breach of a
lock device. The only authorized opening of the lock device is either
through actuation of a programmed keypad or, selectively, by means of a
key which will preclude the triggering of the alarm system. Consequently,
when the lock device is opened in a specified manner, such as by the owner
of the firearm constrained in the rifle rack, the alarm will not be
triggered.
Young U.S. Pat. No. 3,731,818 discloses a storage for a plurality of
handguns, in which the latter are secured within a box-like safe or
strongbox. However, there is no disclosure of an alarm system which will
trigger so as to generate a signal indicative of access to the contents of
the safe.
Gurvis U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,148 discloses a theft deterring and signal
device for a portable fire extinguisher, wherein the unauthorized removal
of the fire extinguisher from a particular location will cause an alarm
signal to be triggered.
Other references disclosing containers or storage locations which
incorporate alarm signals to protect the contents of a receptacle or
valuables at various exposed locations include Field, et al. U.S. Pat. No.
4,663,621; Stelter U.S. Pat. No. 2,797,403 and Rauchut, et al. U.S. Pat.
No. 4,268,823.
A considerable need has arisen to ensure that, even in particular instances
when the repositories are accessed in a lawful and intentional manner and
the firearm removed therefrom, indication of this action should be
imparted to suitable law enforcement agencies, such as the local police
department or other security services. Moreover, some information should
be supplied to the appropriate law enforcement agency as to whether the
access to the weapon or firearm in response to the opening of the
repository was carried out under duress or in an emergency condition to
signal an unlawful situation requiring police action, or as to whether the
access to the firearm was intended to be in a normal manner by the owner
thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, in order to meet the demands of the public in the provision of
a system for the secure containment of a firearm, preferably in a
repository, especially when such a firearm may become easily accessible to
the owner, and possibly to others than the owner thereof, the present
invention contemplates a repository for the containment of a firearm such
as a handgun or the like, comprising a housing which receives at least a
portion of at least one firearm therein. The repository may be an enclosed
container structure having an operable drawer for storing one or more
firearms of that type; or in the case of storage for long-barreled
firearms such as rifles or shotguns, a locking device operating in
conjunction with a rifle rack for securely preventing access to and
removal of the firearm by any one other than the lawful owner of the
firearm. In this connection, the firearm security system, besides the
repository, incorporates a lock release which includes a selectively
actuatable keypad-operated electric lock release mechanism and
key-operated mechanical lock release mechanism.
In the event of actuation of the electrical lock release, which
incorporates a programmable keypad containing either a numerical or
alphabetically programmed code, the opening of the repository containing
the firearm generates a signal through an alarm system at a location which
is remote from the repository, such as at a police station, security
service or similar law enforcement agency, that access to the contents of
the repository, in effect, possible removal of the firearm contained
therein, has been carried out under a certain condition; for example,
intentionally by the owner, or under duress or emergency state in which
the owner of the firearm is subjected to or expects an unlawful or
criminal entry to the locale of the firearm repository.
Alternatively, the repository may be selectively opened by the mechanical
release mechanism through manual operation with a key, which will
simultaneously deactivate the electrical lock release mechanism, and again
generate an alarm signal at the appropriate location of the law
enforcement agency as to which kind of access has been made to the firearm
in the repository, in all likelihood by the owner of the weapon. In this
connection, the firearm security system includes an electrical alarm
circuit which is connected with the repository locking device, and in
which the release of the latter, through the selective actuation of the
electrical or mechanical lock release mechanism, generates a signal at the
remote location of the law enforcement agency, while the alarm is silent
at the location of the repository, as to which particular lock release has
been actuated, thereby imparting information as to whether the access to
the firearm was intentional by the owner or effected under duress and in
an emergency condition.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to a
provide a security system for firearms or the like which will provide
immediate information at a remote location of access having been made to
firearm stored in a repository.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a firearm security
system incorporating an alarm system generating a signal at a remote
location indicative as to whether the firearm in the repository has been
accessed and/or removed either in an intended manner or under emergency
and/or duress conditions.
A more specific object of the present invention resides in the provision of
a firearm security system of the type described herein, in which the
repository, which may be either a closed container structure for storing a
handgun or a locking device for restraining rifles and shotguns in a rifle
rack, includes a selectively-actuated lock releases of electrical and
mechanical types, in which the activation of a specific one of the lock
releases will provide information as to whether access to the firearm
contained in the repository was effectuated in an intentional or emergency
mode.
The invention also relates to a security system for the containment of at
least one firearm in a repository, comprising a repository having a
housing which defines an internal space which receives at least a portion
of at least one firearm therein; locking means for securing the firearm in
the repository; and means for releasing the locking means to unlock the
repository and facilitate access to the firearm contained therein. The
releasing means includes an electrical lock release means for selectively
actuating the electric lock release and alarm means responsive to
selective activations of electrical lock release. The alarm means includes
means for generating a first alarm signal indicative of an emergency
condition in response to a first selective actuation of the electrical
lock release; means for generating a second alarm signal indicative of a
non-emergency condition in response to a second actuation of the
electrical lock release and means for bypassing the alarm means in
response to a third selective actuation of the electrical lock release.
In this system, the means for selectively actuating the releasing means
comprises a manually-operable programmable key pad, the means for
transmitting the first and second alarm signals at a remote location
includes a telephone line, and the means for generating the first, second
and third alarm signals each comprise a code which is entered with the
keypad. The releasing means preferably comprises a separately actuatable
mechanical lock operatively associated with the electrical lock release
for accessing the firearm.
4. The mechanical lock preferably comprises a latch mechanism, and a key
member, and may be engaged with the key member without actuating the
electrical lock and without generating any alarm signals. Also, the alarm
means may include audio alarm means connected to the firearm repository
for triggering the emitting of an audio or visual alarm at a location
remote from the repository responsive to the first selective actuation of
the electrical lock release.
Advantageously, the firearm repository comprises a closed box-shaped
container structure and a drawer for the firearm in the container
structure, where the mechanical lock latches the drawer in the container
structure in the closed position of the repository. Thus, the electrical
lock release is capable of disengaging the latching engagement of the
drawer from the container structure to allow withdrawal of the drawer
therefrom in response to the selective actuation of the electrical lock
release to facilitate access to the contents of the repository.
When the, latching arrangement encompasses at least the trigger-actuating
portions of the firearms to inhibit access thereto when said firearms are
locked in said rack structure. Also, the rack structure may include a
bullet-proof end portion for housing the muzzle ends of the firearms.
In the firearm security system of the invention, the remote location may be
a police station or security service locale and the alarm signal is
indicative of an emergency condition requiring access to the firearm. To
provide continuous monitoring, the repository preferably includes means
for generating an alarm signal in the event of a power loss or an attempt
at removal of the repository.
Another embodiment of the invnetion relates to a repository having a
housing which defines an internal space which receives at least a portion
of at least one firearm therein; a firearm received in the repository;
means for sending a first alarm signal automatically upon removal of the
firearm from the repository; and means for transmitting a second alarm
signal independent of the removal of the firearm from the repository.
In this system, the repository includes a recess for receiving the firearm
and switch means for sending the first alarm signal. Preferably, the
repository recess includes a switch means which engages upon removal of
the firearm to automatically send the first alarm signal. In addition, the
repository may include a switch which can be depressed for transmitting
the second signal.
In one arrangement, the repository comprises a holster and the means for
sending the first alarm signal comprises a switch operatively associated
with the firearm for engagement upon withdrawal of the firearm from the
holster.
Also, the switch for sending the second alarm may be mounted upon a
bracelet.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a mechanical
push button lock which may be used with these security systems. This lock
may be released by the entry of one of three different codes. Two of the
three access codes unlock the locking mechanism to permit access and
causes either one of two parts to protrude from the lock housing as an
actuating contact. When protruded, the contact can be used to actuate a
device, such as an electronic alarm system or other possible security
arrangement. The third combination allows access but performs no other
function. Codes can be easily changed by the user as desired.
In particular, a multiple access code permutation combination lock that
provides for push-buttons which selectively operate on groups of gears
within a housing and, in which part(s) of the lock mechanism protrudes
from the inner lock to function as an actuating contact(s) upon the
application of two of the three possible access code arrangements is
preferred. The combination lock mechanism together with a control knob is
connected to a latch mechanism and provides for manual opening of the
lock. A control is also provided for easy changing of the combination
locking code(s). Thus, a functionally improved permutation push-button
combination lock is provided which serve as a controlled access actuator
in addition to its inherent locking function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference may now be had to the following detailed description of exemplary
embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a generally diagrammatic perspective view of a first
embodiment of a firearm security and alarm system illustrating a
repository for the firearm in the closed condition thereof;
FIG. 2 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the repository in an
opened condition providing for access to a firearm contained therein;
FIGS. 3A-3B are a diagram of the base and remote units of the wireless
switch of the invention;
FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate various AC and DC electronic locking circuits for
use in the present invention;
FIGS. 5A-5C show various electric strike systems for use in the invention;
FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate diagrams for fail-safe and fail-secure solenoid
operated belts;
FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment in the form of a rifle rack having a
rifle or shotgun supported thereon and incorporating a firearm security
and alarm system pursuant to the invention;
FIGS. 8-13 illustrate a preferred mechanical locking mechanism for use with
the security system of the invention; in which:
FIG. 8 is a top view of the locking mechanism;
FIG. 9 is a side view, in cross-section, of the locking mechanism of FIG.
8;
FIG. 10 is a top view of the inside of the locking mechanism of FIG. 8;
FIGS. 11 and 11A are top and side views of the bottom portion of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 8;
FIG. 12 is a detail illustration of the ball bearing gears of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 8;
FIG. 13 is a detail of a side mounting plate for the gears shown in FIG.
12.
FIG. 14 is a view of a third embodiment of the invention in the form of a
separate repository and base unit;
FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the repository of FIG. 14 to
illustrate a theft deterrent device for use therewith;
FIG. 15A is a partially cut away view of the theft deterrent device of FIG.
15;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mount for use with the repository of
FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a top view of a drawer or repository chamber for retaining a
plurality of weapons and corresponding patrol or monitoring bracelets; and
FIG. 18 is another embodiment of a patrol related firearm security system
in the form of a gun holster.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now in detail to the drawings, and particularly the embodiment of
the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is disclosed a
firearm security system 10 which incorporates a repository 12 for a
firearm, such as a loaded handgun (not shown). In this embodiment, the
repository 12 essentially consists of a box-like container structure,
preferably of steel or the like, possessing a generally rectangular
configuration having upstanding sidewalls 14, a rear wall, a top wall 16,
a front wall 18 with a sloping portion with an opening 20 therein adapted
to receive a drawer 22 structure 12 which is insertable and with drawable
through the opening 20, and which drawer includes a handgrip or recessed
wall portion 24 enabling the drawer 22 to be pulled outwardly of the
repository 12 when the latter is in an unlocked condition, for either
inserting a firearm | | |
