SG193058A1 - Armory weapon rack - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an armory weapon rack adapted for housing a 5 number of weapons and securing them therein in a controlled manner. The armory weapon rack comprising a plurality of weapon lock module units fitted on the armory weapon rack, wherein each weapon lock module unit further includes a base holder for holding the weapon thereon, and a place and lock mechanism for securing a distal part of the weapon on the weapon lock module unit, the place and lock mechanism further 10 comprises a locking arm, a support, a back panel, and a locking assembly, the locking arm includes an actuating bar and a closing bar, the locking arm pivots about the support, the locking arm is securable by the locking assembly at a locked position, the support together with the closing bar of the locking arm form a substantially closed loop for securing the distal part of the weapon with a single flowing action by a user; and the single flowing action by the user includes using the weapon to push the actuating bar of the locking arm. (FIG. I B)

Description

i

Armory Weapon Rack

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to an armory weapon rack for a secure safekeeping of weapons. In particular, the armory weapon rack has a unique place and lock mechanism that enables a single flowing action with a highly secured and robust locking arm for various weapons.

Background

[002] A rise in the number of weapon thefts has also been reported all around the world. The military, authorities or authorized personnel have become more concerned with the rising numbers. As such, there is a need to tighten the security measures in safeguarding the weapons against theft or loss.

[003] There are various types of storage facilities for weapon in the market,

Some of the storage facilities include armories, security cabinets, weapon racks, etc. ‘The storage facilities may include security features such as access card approval, biometric sensors, etc. Such security features require specific authorization before accessing the weapons.

[004] US patent number “US 7,448,156”, discloses a firearm wall lock that allows quick and easy removal of a firearm when the lock is released. The firearm wall lock is primarily constructed of four components including a post, a shelf, a locking clasp assembly and a clamp. A firearm is supported by the shelf and is positioned parallel to the post. The clamp holds the top of the firearm barrel in place and the locking clasp assembly encircles and secures the trigger, breach and firing mechanism of the firearm. To release the lock, a key is inserted into the lock, turning the lock to an unlocked position.

[005] PCT publication application “WQO 2005/013031”, discloses a firearm security and access system comprising a combined firearm repository and security access control system. The firearm repository includes a housing chamber defining an internal space to accommodate at least one firearm, a means of holding the firearm securely in the housing chamber and a means of securely locking the firearm in the housing chamber. The means of securely locking the firearm in the housing chamber includes at least one type of locking mechanism. The locking mechanism further consists of at least one motor mechanism, at least two adjoining plates and a lever means. Further, the system includes triggering an alarm system when an authorized access to the firearm is detected, identifying and verifying an authorized access to the firearm, and recording all transactions relating to an authorized or an unauthorized access fo the firearm held in the housing chamber of the firearm repository.

Summary

[006] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an armory weapon rack adapted for housing a number of weapons and securing them therein in a controlled manner. The armory weapon rack comprising a plurality of weapon lock module units fitted on the armory weapon rack, wherein cach weapon lock module unit further includes a base holder for holding the weapon thereon, and a place and lock mechanism for securing a distal part of the weapon on the weapon lock module unit,

the place and lock mechanism further comprises a locking arm, a support, a back panel, and a locking assembly, the locking arm includes an actuating bar and a closing bar, the locking arm pivots about the support, the Jocking arm is securable by the locking assembly at a locked position, the support together with the closing bar of the Jocking arm form a substantially closed loop for securing the distal part of the weapon with a single flowing action by a user; and the single flowing action by the user includes using the weapon to push the actuating bar of the locking arm.

[007] In another embodiment, the armory weapon rack further includes an electronics compartment located along the sides of the armory weapon rack, wherein the electronics compartment houses various security components. The electronic compartment also includes a high security key lock to secure the electronic compartment, wherein the high security key lock may only be locked or unlocked with a key held by a person with an authorized access to the electronics compartment.

[008] In yet another embodiment, the armory weapon rack further includes a security camera for capturing video scenes in front of the armory weapon rack.

[009] In another embodiment, the weapon lock module unit is removably attached to the inner structure of the armory weapon rack.

[0010] In another embodiment, the armory weapon rack further comprises a back panel disposed across the width of the armory weapon rack within the recess area where the weapons are being stored.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the base holder is fixed on the base of the internal structure of the armory weapon rack. The base holder further includes a radio-

frequency identification (RFID) module that is housed within the base holder. The

RFID module in the base holder identifies the weapon placed into the base holder.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a locking assembly in a place and lock mechanism for a weapon lock module unit is fitted within an armory weapon rack. The locking assembly comprising a solenoid, a locking pin, a stopper and a spring, located within a back panel in the armory weapon rack; the locking assembly when enabled, power is supplied to the solenoid and carries an electrical current, the solenoid pulls the locking pin inwards, enabling the movement of the stopper, the locking assembly when disabled, there is no power supply and the solenoid ceases carrying an clectrical current, the locking pin propels out of the solenoid, restricting the movement of the stopper; and the spring to push the stopper into or out of the back panel.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the armory weapon rack is adapted as part of a weapon management system installed within a facility, wherein the weapon management system enables networks of all the armory weapon rack within the facility to provide a central command and control center.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] This invention will be described by way of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIGs. 1A Hlustrates an overall structure of an armory weapon rack in a weapon management system as one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] F1G. 1B illustrates an overall view of a single weapon lock module unit;

[0017] FIGs. 1C-1E provides a cross-sectional view of the back panel and the place and lock mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position;

[0018] FIG. 2 exemplifies an armory weapon rack with a modified weapon lock module unit; 5 [0019] FIG. 3A illustrates an overall architecture of the weapon management system; and

[0020] FIG. 3B exemplifies a screenshot of the security interface.

Detailed Description [0021} The following descriptions of a number of specific and alternative embodiments are provided to understand the inventive features of the present invention.

It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however that this invention may be practiced without such specific details. Some of the details may not be described in length so as to not obscure the invention. For ease of reference, common reference numerals will be used throughout the figures when referring to same or similar features common to the figures.

[0022] FIG. TA illustrates an armory weapon rack 102 as one embodiment of the present invention. The armory weapon rack 102 is adapted as part of a weapon management system installed within a facility. The armory weapon rack 102 is adapted for housing a number of weapons 101 and securing them therein in a controlled manner. The armory weapon rack 102 can hold weapons 101 of different type and sizes. The weapons 161 may include rifles, submachine guns, etc. Preferably, the armory weapon rack 102 would allow authorized personnel to deposit or remove the weapons 101 with minimal effort, yet able to secure the weapons 101 deposited thereon.

[0023] The armory weapon rack 102 includes an electronics compartment 103 and a plurality of weapon lock module units 104. Each weapon lock module unit 104 6 further includes a place and lock mechanism 105 and a base holder 106 for holding one weapon 101. The base holder 106 holds the weapon 101 thereon, and the place and lock mechanism 105 secures a distal part of the weapon 101 on the weapon lock module unit 104.

[0024] The armory weapon rack 102 is typically made of metal such as steel, cte. with a complete welded structure with possibly reinforcement structures to secure its recess arca from unauthorized access. The electronics compartment 103 may be located along the sides of the armory weapon rack 102. The electronics compartment 103 houses various security components such as a rack controller, a manual bypass switch, a variety of access control units, ete. The electronics compartment 103 also includes a high security key Jock 107 to secure the electronics compartment 103. The high security key lock 167 may only be unlocked/locked with a key that is held by a person with an authorized access to the electronics compartment 103.

[0025] The variety of access control units authorizes and identifies a user requesting access 1o the weapon 101. Types of access control units include biometrics systems, card readers, etc. The users may include individuals who have the authority to access the weapons 101 such as soldiers, police, armed personnel, etc.

[0026] The access control unit identifies and authenticates the user as owner of the weapon 101. The user first requests for authorization through a mode of request in the access control unit. The mode of request depends on the type of access control unit utilized. The mode of request may include a fingerprint, an access card, facial detection, etc. The access control unit then matches the user to their weapon 101 that is secured In the weapon lock module unit 104. Once the access control unit accepts the mode of request, the place and lock mechanism 105 releases and the user may retrieve the weapon 101.

[0027] In another embodiment in the present invention, all the weapon lock module units 104 are removably attached to the inner structure of the armory weapon rack 102. The armory weapon rack 102 further comprises a body lock bar (not shown) disposed across the width of the armory weapon rack 102 within the recess area where the weapons are being stored. The body lock bar allows the weapon lock module units 104 to attach to the internal structure of the armory weapon 102. Preferably, the weapon lock module units 104 are only removable from the armory weapon rack 102 by detaching them from the internal structure. As mentioned, the armory weapon rack 102 is properly shielded from unauthorized access; unauthorized personnel cannot easily access the weapon lock module units 104.

[0028] The number of weapons 101 that may be stored within the armory weapon rack 102 depends on the number of weapon lock module units 104 fitted into the armory weapon rack 102. The design or structure of the weapon lock module unit 104 is configurable according to the design of the weapon 101. As such, the weapon lock module unit 104 provides for a flexible housing or storage of different types and sizes of weapons 101 within one armory weapon rack 102. The weapon lock module unit 104 also allows hassle-free replacements and flexibility of maintaining different type of weapon 101 within the armory weapon rack 102.

[0029] Still referring to FIG. 1A, the place and lock mechanism 105 further comprises a locking arm 108, a support 109, a back panel 110, and a locking assembly.

The locking arm 108 has three sides: a short bar 111; a side bar 112; and a fron bar 113. The side bar 112 may also serve as an actuating bar and the front bar 113 may serve as a closing bar. The support 109 has a fork-like shape, with four protruding arms 114. The support 109 is fixated firmly onto the back panel 110. Further, the corner between the side bar 112 and the front bar 113 of the locking arm 108 pivots between the tips of two vertically aligned protruding arms 114 of the support 109. The length of the front bar 113 is similar to the length between the two horizontally aligned protruding arms 114. The locking assembly is located within the back panel 110. The support 109 together with the locking arm 108 forms a substantially closed loop for securing the weapon 101,

[0030] When the place and Jock mechanism 105 is in a locked position, the front bar 113 of the locking arm 108 is aligned to the tips of the four protruding arms 114 of the support 109. In the locked position, the four protruding arms 114 and the front bar 113 securely enclose the weapon 101. When the place and lock mechanism 105 is in an unlocked position, the front bar 113 and the short bar 111 of the locking arm 108 protrudes out and the side bar 112 is aligned to the tips of the four protruding arms 114 of the support 109,

[0031] The base holder 106 may be modified to support different types of the butt of the weapon 101, depending on the type of weapon 101 being stored in the armory weapon rack 102. Typically, the base holder 106 is located along the same vertical axis as the place and lock mechanism 105 and is fixed onto the base of the internal structure in the armory weapon rack 102. Each base holder 106 further includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module that is housed within the base holder 106.

[0032] The RFID module identifies the weapon 101 placed into the base holder 106. If a false object (i.e. an object that is not a weapon 101 or any other device without an RID tag recognized by the RFID module) is placed in the base holder 106, an alert may be notified through the weapon management system.

[0033] The locking assembly includes a solenoid, a locking pin, a stopper and a spring. The solenoid is made out of metal that acts as a magnet when carrying an electrical current. The solenoid is fixed onto the back panel 110. The electrical current is passed through the back panel 110 from the electronics compartment 103 through the rack controller.

[0034] When the place and lock mechanism 105 is in the locked position, there is no electrical current passing through the solenoid. The solenoid ceases acting as a magnet and the locking pin propels outward due to a spring on the solenoid. However, when the place and lock mechanism 105 switches to the unlocked position, the electrical current passes through the solenoid. The solenoid then acts as a magnet and pulls the locking pin inwards.

[0035] The stopper in the locking assembly comprises a head and a body. The stopper’s head protrudes out of the back panel 110, on the surface of the base of the support 109. The stopper’s body is inserted through the base of the support 109 and into the back panel 110. The spring in the locking assembly is located beneath the stopper’s head, in between the support 109 and ihe back panel 110. The stopper may be pushed into or out of the back panel 110 by the spring easily. However, when the locking pin propels outwards, the locking pin blocks the movement of the stopper and prevents the stopper from moving further into the back panel 110.

[0036] When the user attempts 1o safely secure the weapon 101 into the weapon lock module unit 104, the user first place the butt of the weapon 101 into the base holder 106 before further pushing the weapon inwards to bring the place and lock mechanism 105 into its locked position. This requires only the single flowing action by the user in order to lock the weapon 101. {0037} Firstly, the butt of the weapon 101 is placed into the base holder 106 and pushed inwards towards the internal structure of the weapon rack 102. The place and lock mechanism 10S is initially in the unlocked position, therefore the front bar 113 and the short bar 111 of the locking arm 108 are protruding outwards. Still pushing the weapon 101 inwards, the barrel hand guard portion of the weapon 101 presses against the side bar 112. As the weapon 101 pushes inward, the corner between the side bar 112 and the front bar 113 of the locking arm 108 pivots between the tips of the two vertically aligned protruding arms 114 of the support 109.

[0038] As the weapon 101 continues {0 push inwards, the locking arm 108 also moves. The side bar 112 of the locking arm 108 also moves towards the two vertically aligned protruding arms 114 of the support 109 that is in contact with the locking arm 108.

[0039] FIG. 1B illustrates an overall view of a single weapon lock module unit 104. The locking arm 108 fully encloses the weapon 101 within the support 109, thereby locking the weapon 101.

[0040] FIGs. 1C-1E provides a cross-sectional view of the place and lock mechanism 105 from a locked position to an unlocked position. The place and lock mechanism 105 comprises a Jocking arm 108, a support 109, a back panel 110 and a locking assembly 115. The locking arm 108 has a short bar 111, a side bar 112 and a front bar 113. The support 109 has four protruding arms 114. The locking assembly 115 is located within the back panel 110. The locking assembly 115 includes a solenoid 116, a locking pin 117, a stopper 118 and a spring 119. The locking arm 108 pivots about a pivoting point 120, between the protruding arms 114 of the support 109, The pivoting point 120 is in the corner between the side bar 112 and the front bar 113 of the locking arm 108.

[0041] Irom FIG. 1C, the place and lock mechanism 103 is in its locked position, securing the weapon 101 therein. The side bar 112 of the locking arm 108 is in the same vertical axis as the protruding arms 114 of the support 109. The front bar 113 of the locking arm 108 js in line with the tips of the protruding arms 114. The locking pin 117 is propelled outwards by the solenoid 116, restricting the stopper 118 from moving further inwards into the back panel 110. As the locking pin 117 restricts the stopper 118 from moving further inwards, the locking arm 108 is not able to turn outwards.

[0042] In FIG. ID, the place and lock mechanism 105 switches to its unlocked position. The locking arm 108 turns outwards as the weapon 101 moves outwards.

Electric current passes through the solenoid 116 and therefore the locking pin 117 pulled into the solenoid 116. The rack controller in the electronics compartment 103 triggers the solenoid 116 after a user has been authenticated and required his weapon to be released from the weapon lock module unit 104. As the locking arm 108 is turning,

the locking arm 108 pushes the stopper inwards and the spring 119 compresses downwards.

[0043] In FIG. TE, the locking arm 108 turns outward with the short bar 111 and the front bar 113 protruding outwards, The side bar 112 is in the same axis as the tips of the protruding arms 114 of the support 109. Thereafter, the weapon 101 may be removed entirely from the armory weapon rack 102.

[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, if the user wants to lock the weapon 101, the user will place the weapon 101 in the place and lock mechanism 105 and through the access control unit in the electronics compartment 103. The access control unit identifies and authenticates the user as its owner. The access control unit then matches the user to the weapon 101 secured in the weapon lock module unit 104 and enables the locking process by disenabling the solenoid’s 116 power source. When disenabled, the electric current stops passing through the solenoid 116 and the locking pin 117 propels outwards. The locking pin 117 blocks the stopper 118 from pushing downward into the back pane} 110. This therefore prevents the focking arm 108 from turning outwards,

[0045] Further, the rack controller in the electronics compartment 103 monitors the weapon 101 that is locked in place on individual lock through a sensor integrated in cach weapon lock module unit 104. When a user is authenticated through the access control unit as the owner of the weapon 101, the rack controller will activate the selected weapon lock module unit’s 104 place and lock mechanism 105 and its solenoid 116, thus releasing the locking arm 108 for the user to retrieve his weapon

[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a manual bypass switch that can only be assessed through the electronics compartment 103. The use of the manual bypass switch is known to those skilled in the art, therefore no further illustrations will be provided.

[0047] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, each weapon lock module unit 104 further includes a fail-safe-mode lock. The fail-safe-mode lock is provided for the weapon lock module unit 104 to remain in its locked position during cases such as power failure, ete. For example, during a power failure, electric current will not flow through the solenoid 116. The locking pin 117 propels outward and the locking arm 108 will not be able to turn or move.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the armory weapon rack 102 may include a security camera installed at a suitable location for capturing video scenes in front of the armory weapon rack 102. Preferably, the security camera is installed on the armory weapon rack 102 where an entire view of the area in front of the armory weapon rack 102 may be captured. More specifically, the security camera may be installed in the middle of the top of the anmory weapon rack 102. The security camera is electrically coupled to the weapon management system. The security camera record video scenes of any user retrieving/storing the weapon 101 from/into the armory weapon rack 102.

[0049] FIG. 2 exemplifies an armory weapon rack 200 with a modified weapon lock module unit 201 to secure a weapon 202 as another embodiment of the present invention. The armory weapon rack 200 further includes an access control unit 203.

The access control unit 203 is stored along the top comer of the armory weapon rack

200. Similarly, the armory weapon rack 206 is adapted for the weapon management system.

[0050] Different weapons have different overall lengths, different barrel sizes, ete. As such the modified weapon lock module unit 201 is an exemplarily modification of the weapon tock module unit 105 as shown in FIG. TA. The modified weapon lock module unit 201 includes a place and lock mechanism 204 and a base holder 205.

Similar to FIG. 1A, the place and Jock mechanism 204 comprises a locking arm 206, a modified support 207, a back panel and a locking assembly. However, the modified support 207 is bulkier as it is designed specially to store the weapon 202,

[0051] The barrel of the weapon 202 in FIG. 2 is slimmer than the barrel of the weapon 101 in FIG. 1A. The design modification of the modified weapon lock module unit 201 only differs in the overall size, length, width, ete. of the individual components but the place and lock mechanism 204 works the same way as the place and lock mechanism 105 that is described above.

[0052] FIG. 3A illustrates an overall architecture of a weapon management system 300 in a facility as another embodiment in the present invention. The weapon management system 300 enables networks of all the armory weapon rack 102 within the facility to provide a central command and control center. This allows users a quicker access to the inventory of the weapons 101 within their care as well as an ability to track any breach in weapon security. The weapon management system 300 provides access to existing security and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system via a security interface 301. The security interface 301 is a graphical user interface that enables a security personnel fo activate the CCTV and track a suspect within the facility when there is any breach in the weapon security. The security personnel may also control the entrances or exits within the facility, to prevent the suspects from escaping. The suspects may include people who attempted to steal the weapons 101 from the armory weapon rack 102, unauthorized users, ele.

[0053] The weapon management system 300 may also control at least one armory weapon rack 102 (i.e. » armories weapon racks 102) throughout the facility.

[0054] Security personnel may use an electronic device 302 with a display screen lo view the security interface 301. Some examples of the electronic device 302 include computers, laptops, ete. As the security interface 301 incorporates the various devices such as surveillance cameras 303, access gates 304, ctc., the security personnel may conirol or view all ongoing activities captured using the security interface 301.

[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention, the weapon management system 300 is also coupled to an electronic key management interface 308 to manage of all access control units to the armory weapon rack 102 and lock keys 16 including a manual override key of the armory weapon rack 102. As such, any removal of the lock keys may be controlled tightly with the weapon management system 300.

[00586] Additionally, the security personnel may obtain the audit trail of weapons 101 through the security interface 301. This enables the security personnel to continuously keep track of the weapons 101 that have been taken in and out of the armory weapon rack 102, and to also keep track of the user that has accessed to the weapon 101.

[0057] FIG. 3B is a screenshot 306 of the security interface 301. The screenshot 306 is an image of a map of the facility. If there is a forced entry or a suspect accessing to the weapons 101 in the armory weapon rack 102, the security interface 301 activates a locking mode that locks all the access gates 304 or any other possible escape route exit door. The suspect is a user that does not have an authority or a permit to access the weapons 101. The security interface 301 activating the locking mode locks the suspect within the facility. As such, the weapon management system 300 may assist in capturing the suspect and also prevent loss of the weapons 101 from the armory weapon rack 102.

[0058] The above description illustrates various embodiments of the present invention along with examples of how aspects of the present invention may be implemented. While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated it is understood that many charges, modifications, variations and combinations thereof could be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above examples, embodiments, instructions semantics, and drawings should not be deemed to be the only embodiments, and are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of the present invention as defined by the following claims:

Claims (11)

Claims

1. An armory weapon rack adapted for housing a number of weapons and securing them therein in a controlled manner, the armory weapon rack comprising: a plurality of weapon lock module units fitted on the armory weapon rack, wherein each weapon lock module unit further includes a base holder for holding the weapon thereon, and a place and lock mechanism for securing a distal part of the weapon on the weapon lock module unit, the place and lock mechanism further comprises a locking arm, a support, a back panel, and a locking assembly, the Jocking arm includes an actuating bar and a closing bar, the locking arm pivots about the support, the locking arm is securable by the locking assembly at a locked position, the support together with the closing bar of the locking arm form a substantially closed loop for securing the distal part of the weapon with a single flowing action by a user; and the single flowing action by the user includes using the weapon to push the actuating bar of the locking arm.

2. The armory weapon rack according to claim 1, wherein the armory weapon rack further includes an electronics compartment located along the sides of the armory weapon rack, wherein the electronics compartment houses various security components.

3. The armory weapon rack according to claim 2, wherein the electronic compartment also includes a high security key lock to secure the electronic compartment, wherein the high security key lock may only be locked or unlocked with a key held by a person with an authorized access to the electronics compartment.

4, The armory weapon rack according to claim 1, wherein the armory weapon rack further includes a security camera for capturing video scenes in front of the armory weapon rack.

5. The armory weapon rack according fo claim 1, wherein the weapon lock module unit is removably attached to the inner structure of the armory weapon rack.

0. The armory weapon rack according to claim 1, wherein the armory weapon rack further comprises a body lock bar disposed across the width of the armory weapon rack within the recess area where the weapons are being stored.

7. The armory weapon rack according to claim 1, wherein the base holder is fixed on the base of the internal structure of the armory weapon rack.

8. The armory weapon rack according to claim 1, wherein the base holder further includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module that is housed within the base holder.

9. The armory weapon rack according to claim 8, wherein the RFID module in the base holder identifies the weapon placed into the base holder.

10. A locking assembly in a place and lock mechanism for a weapon lock module unit is fitted within an armory weapon rack, the locking assembly comprising:

a solenoid, a locking pin, a stopper and a spring, located within a back panel in the armory weapon rack, the locking assembly when enabled, power is supplied to the solenoid and carries an electrical current, the solenoid pulls the locking pin inwards, enabling the movement of the stopper, the locking assembly when disabled, there is no power supply and the solenoid ceases carrying an electrical current, the locking pin propels out of the solenoid, restricting the movement of the stopper; and the spring to push the stopper into or out of the back panel.

11. The armory weapon rack according to claim 1, wherein the armory weapon rack is adapted as part of a weapon management system installed within a facility, wherein the weapon management system enables networks of all the armory weapon rack within the facility to provide a central command and control center.