US20030024283A1

US20030024283A1 - Quick opening child proof gun/medicine cabinet lock

Info

Publication number: US20030024283A1
Application number: US09/922,612
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Meyer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-04
Filing date: 2001-08-04
Publication date: 2003-02-06

Abstract

The lock can be used as a lock for an individual box, cabinet door or drawer where the objective is to keep guns, medicine, chemicals etc. secure from children. Only an individual whose finger it has been adjusted to can open the lock.

The components of the lock include a machined hole where the finger is inserted which has a flanged front for attachment. The finger presses against a curved spring-loaded plate where the three tabs measure the thickness of the first three components of the index finger. (Corresponding to the three finger bones). The tabs are adjusted so when a downward and forward motion is made with the finger, the pins will align with the slots on the alignment plates and the lock will open.

Thus the lock is as unique as the thickness and length of the individuals finger and due to the small size of a child's finger it is child proof.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention is a lock devise which can simply be installed on a lock box (as in photographs) a cabinet door or night stand drawer etc. where security of the contents from children or irresponsible persons is desired. The invention was developed because of the number of child-gun related accidents. Even though new guns are being developed with more complex integral locks, there are currently millions of unprotected and accessible handguns in homes today.

This lock provides quick access (in seconds) to the content of the secured container. The finger-activated lock can be operated in the dark without having to find keys or fumbling with a combination. Because of the three components of the finger combined with the downward and forward motion required to align the pins the lock is virtually not pickable or defeated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The lock as described and illustrated with drawing and actual prototype photos provides a finger actuated quick opening childproof lock. The lock is fully adjustable to a man or woman's finger.

The lock operates by inserting the index finger into the machined hole pushing down and forward on the curved spring loaded plate. The three curved tabs measure the thickness of the first three components (bones) of the index finger as shown in FIG. 2. If the measurements are correct for the individuals finger the lock was adjusted for, then the finger will align the three pins with the alignment slots on the three pin alignment plates, FIG. 5. Then the sliding mechanism can be pushed forward and the latch opens. If the measurements taken by the three tabs are not correct then the forward motion of the finger is restricted and will not disengage the latch. To prevent tampering or trying to pick the lock the alignment pins are grooved and the slots on the alignment plates have sharp points to catch the groves and prevent releasing the latch.

Although individual fingers (thickness and length) are not as unique as fingerprints-there are enough differences where adjustment is required. Three fine adjustment screws are part of the invention to calibrate the tabs and pins within very close tolerances thus individualizing the lock.

This adjustment is made as follows: course adjustment is made using the two screws, which attach the side plate to the sliding mechanism frame. (Typical both sides). This is adjusted so that the tabs are parallel when the finger is inserted into the lock. Then push down the slide mechanism and using the fine adjustment screws align the three pins with the slots on the three pin alignment plates until the slide can be pushed forward and the latch releases. When this is complete then virtually only the person whose finger was used to calibrate the lock can open it. Thus a child or teens finger could not release the lock. Since all three pins must align exactly and the downward and forward motion is required at the same time the lock is virtually not pickable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a three dimensional front/side elevation assembled view of the lock. FIG. 2 is a cross section view showing the index finger inserted through the machined hole. It shows the three tabs with the alignment pins, which measure the finger components. Detailed, as part of this drawing is an alignment plate and fine adjustment screw. (3 required). The latch shows it can be used for a drawer lock by removing the top shaded portion of the latch. As it is shown on the drawing it is for a box with a hinged lid. [0007]
FIG. 3 shows an individual component sliding mechanism frame and the curved finger push plate with tension spring plate. (1 required). [0008]
FIG. 4 shows individual component slide plate for assembly of tabs (FIG. 6) and two slotted holes for course adjustment. (2 required). Opposite side has attachment for spring on FIG. 6. [0009]
FIG. 5 shows individual component detail of fine adjustment screw, screw tension spring and pin alignment plate. Three pin alignment plates are required with the alignment slot in different positions on each plate to allow for the taper of the finger. [0010]
FIG. 6 shows individual component measuring tab with alignment pin. Spring is to provide downward tension.[0011]

Photos

Photos show working prototype of lock installed in a gun security box. [0012]
The embodiments of the invention in which exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:[0013]

Claims

1. A quick opening child proof lock comprising a rectangular housing having a flanged front face which can be secured to a security box, drawer or cabinet so when the index finger is inserted a downward pressure is made, measurement confirmed and a forward pressure is applied the latch will release from a striker plate.

2. The lock means of claim 1 where in thickness measurements are taken by three tabs (FIG. 2 and FIG. 6) of the individuals first three bones of the finger to align the tamper proof pins.

3. The lock means of claim 1 where in said member has tamper proof pins attached to the tabs (FIG. 6) grooved so exact alignment must be achieved on all three pins or the sharp points of the pin three alignment plates (FIG. 5) will prevent engagement and the latch will not release.

4. The lock means of claim 1 where in said member has two tabs on top of the rectangular housing (FIG. 1) that are bent down at a slight angle and interfere with the sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism must be pushed down to clear the two tabs before it can be pushed forward. This is part of the childproof and tamper proof feature of the lock.