US20170241730A1 - Gun locking device - Google Patents
Gun locking device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170241730A1 US20170241730A1 US15/278,543 US201615278543A US2017241730A1 US 20170241730 A1 US20170241730 A1 US 20170241730A1 US 201615278543 A US201615278543 A US 201615278543A US 2017241730 A1 US2017241730 A1 US 2017241730A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- gun
- lock
- rod
- chamber
- locking device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A17/00—Safety arrangements, e.g. safeties
- F41A17/44—Safety plugs, e.g. for plugging-up cartridge chambers, barrels, magazine spaces
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to guns and firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gun locking device that prevents a gun from being loaded with ammunition and fired.
- Firearm use and ownership has increased over the years.
- Those owning and using guns include members of the military, police forces, and those owning guns ranging from the casual gun collector to those using guns for recreational or protective purposes.
- trigger locks and chain or cable locks can be used for locking the firing mechanism of guns.
- One problem with these types of locks is their safety is poor. As these locks are exposed on the outside of the gun after they have been locked, it is easy for someone to discover the lock. Consequently, it is easy to destroy the lock with a hacksaw, file or cutting pliers. In addition, in the case of a handgun, it is difficult to put the handgun into a holster if it has an outside lock.
- every new semi-automatic handgun is supplied with a cable-type lock wherein a flexible cable extends through the magazine well and chamber of the gun and is attached to an external lock, such as a padlock or the like.
- an external lock such as a padlock or the like.
- these are easily defeated as the cable can be accessed and cut with wire cutters or bolt cutters or the like.
- the handgun is not able to be placed within a holster or the like when locked.
- lockable barrel plug as a deterrent to unauthorized use or inadvertent or accidental discharge of a gun is also well known.
- Such plugs typically rely on some form of inside-of-the-barrel plug expansion or outside-of-the-barrel plug compression to secure the plug in the barrel.
- these lockable plugs also have disadvantages.
- a substantial portion of their operating structure is usually exposed to tampering outside of the barrel.
- the locking barrel plugs can also be difficult for the user to install and remove, and only offer modest resistance to unauthorized removal of the plug from the barrel. They may also mar or more severely damage the barrel surface in normal use as their expanding components must exert significant force against the barrel wall. Moreover, lockable barrel plugs may still permit cartridges or other ammunition to be within the gun, such as in a cartridge magazine within the magazine well of the gun.
- a gun locking device which is simple to manufacture and easy to install and remove. What is also needed is a gun locking device which is not easily disarmed or removed from the gun. What is also needed is a gun locking device which when in operation still allows the gun owner to utilize existing cases, holders, holsters and the like.
- the present invention fulfills these needs, and provides other related advantages.
- the present invention resides in a gun locking device which is relatively simple in manufacture and easy to use. When in operation, the gun locking device is disposed within the gun so as to not be easily disarmed or destroyed. Moreover, the gun locking device of the present invention enables the locked gun to be placed in its existing case, holder, holster or the like.
- the gun locking device of the present invention generally comprises a lock removably disposable within a cavity of the gun.
- An elongated rod is extendable into the gun through a chamber of the gun and configured for locking engagement with the lock.
- An end of the elongated rod defines a plug which is disposable in the chamber of the gun when the rod is in engagement with the lock. Ammunition cannot be disposed within the chamber and the gun discharged when the rod is in locked engagement with the lock and the plug is disposed within the chamber.
- the lock includes a housing that is slidably received within a magazine well of the gun.
- the lock housing has an exterior configuration similar to that of a cartridge magazine of the gun so as to be inserted into and removed from the magazine well similar to the cartridge magazine.
- the plug substantially occupies the gun chamber to prevent ammunition from being inserted therein.
- the plug may have a configuration substantially matching or conforming to the gun chamber.
- the rod is typically rigid substantially along a length thereof. A portion of the rod spaced from the plug engages a latch of the lock.
- the device includes means, such as a key, for selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of components of a gun locking device embodying the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a gun and a cartridge-bearing magazine, and the device of the present invention being inserted into the gun to lock the gun and prevent operation and discharge thereof, in accordance with the present invention;
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating a rod of the device being moved into locked engagement with a lock of the device of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a gun having the device of the present invention therein in a locked state, with a key positioned to unlock the device for removal, in accordance with the present invention.
- the present invention is directed to a gun locking device, generally referred to by the reference number 100 .
- the device of the present invention is simple and easy to use and securely locks a firearm and prevents it from being loaded and discharged.
- the gun locking device 100 of the present invention generally comprises a lock assembly 102 which is removably disposable within a cavity of the gun.
- a rod 104 extends through a chamber of the gun and is configured for locking engagement with a lock 106 of the locking assembly 102 .
- the device 100 also includes a key 108 , or other means for selectively unlocking the lock 106 to disengage the rod 104 .
- the present invention is particularly adapted for use in guns and firearms 10 , such as the illustrated semi-automatic handgun, which utilize an ammunition magazine during normal use.
- the ammunition magazine 12 is removably inserted into a magazine well 14 , which is an internal compartment or cavity of the gun 10 .
- the magazine well or compartment 14 is within the grip or handle 16 of the gun 10 .
- the ammunition magazine 12 could be inserted into magazine well 14 having a different location, depending upon the gun.
- the ammunition magazine 12 is loaded with ammunition 18 , which are typically cartridges, comprising a shell encasing a gun powder and partially encasing a bullet.
- the ammunition magazine 12 advances the cartridges 18 , or other ammunition, into a chamber 20 where a firing mechanism (not shown) of the gun 10 will discharge the ammunition, such as a firing pin hitting a primer of the cartridge 18 so as to ignite the gun powder therein and discharge the bullet from the gun 10 .
- a firing mechanism (not shown) of the gun 10 will discharge the ammunition, such as a firing pin hitting a primer of the cartridge 18 so as to ignite the gun powder therein and discharge the bullet from the gun 10 .
- the discharge of the cartridge or other ammunition such as by pulling the trigger 22 of the gun 10 will cause a series of components of the gun 10 to move which will typically eject the empty shell, as the chamber 20 is opened, such as by moving slide 24 to an open and extended position, whereupon in the case of automatic or semi-automatic weapons will also result in another round of ammunition or a cartridge 18 being automatically inserted into the chamber 20 .
- a cartridge 18 or other ammunition can be inserted into the chamber 20 by other means, such as by an operator of the gun manually inserting a cartridge 18 into the chamber 20 .
- the device 100 of the present invention is particularly adapted for use in connection with guns and firearms having ammunition magazines and magazine wells, such as the semi-automatic handgun 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- the device 100 of the present invention can be used in a wide variety of guns. These can include handguns and rifles which have magazines and magazine wells, and even those that do not.
- the ammunition magazine 12 is removed from the gun 10 , and the chamber 20 opened. Removal of the ammunition magazine 12 and the opening of the chamber 20 ensures that there is no ammunition within the gun 10 , and also places the gun 10 in a state to receive the locking device 100 of the present invention.
- the locking assembly 102 includes a housing 110 into which the lock 106 is operably disposed. The lock assembly 102 is slidably received within the magazine well 14 of the gun 10 .
- the exterior configuration of the housing 110 of the lock assembly 102 is similar in shape and configuration to the actual magazine for the specific model and brand of the gun or firearm. This allows the lock assembly 102 to be insertable and engagable, or removable, from the gun 10 as would be the normal ammunition magazine 12 used in connection with that gun.
- the rod 104 is inserted into the gun through the chamber 20 and into a passageway 112 of the lock assembly 102 which extends to the lock 106 .
- a portion of the rod 104 is configured for locking engagement with the lock.
- An end 114 of the rod 104 defines a plug which is disposable within the chamber 20 of the gun 10 when the rod is in locked engagement with the lock 106 .
- the plug 114 substantially occupies the gun chamber 20 to prevent ammunition from being inserted therein.
- the plug 114 when disposed within the chamber 20 prevents ammunition from being inserted within the chamber 20 .
- the plug 114 may have a configuration substantially matching that of the gun chamber 20 so that the plug substantially occupies the gun chamber to prevent ammunition from being inserted therein, and so as to substantially be disposed and reside within the gun chamber 20 when the device 100 of the present invention is in a locked state.
- the illustrated lock 106 is in the form of a cylinder or barrel lock, such as a vending machine lock.
- a latch or detent 116 is biased outwardly from the lock 106 , such as by spring 118 .
- the latch 116 may have a beveled face 120 .
- the rod 104 includes an area 124 of reduced cross-sectional diameter compared to the end 122 , or a portion of the rod immediately adjacent thereto.
- Spring 118 will push the latch or detent 116 into the area of reduced cross-sectional diameter 124 once it is aligned with the latch 116 .
- an audible click sound will be heard by the latch 116 moving back into a locking position and into engagement with the rod 104 , alerting the user that the rod 104 has been moved into locking engagement with the lock 106 .
- Engagement of the latch 116 with a ledge 126 or other enlarged area of the rod prevents the rod 104 from being lifted, removed or otherwise disengaged from the lock 106 .
- the rod 104 may instead include an area of reduced cross-sectional diameter 124 , the rod may instead include an area of enlarged diameter which will engage the latch 116 , and provide a ledge 126 or other stop that engages the latch 116 once the latch 116 extends back into a locking position. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that different types of locks, locking mechanisms and rod configurations may be employed in connection with the present invention, so long as the rod 104 can be moved into locking engagement with the lock 106 .
- the plug 114 is disposed within the chamber 20 of the gun.
- the rod 104 is substantially rigid along a length thereof. While the rod 104 is shown as being generally straight and angled in the embodiment illustrated, it will be appreciated that the rod 104 may have one or more bends or curves along the length thereof or have a different configuration depending upon the gun with which it is used so that the plug 114 ends up being disposed within the gun chamber 20 while the rod, typically at generally the opposite end thereof, comes into locking engagement with the lock 106 .
- the rod 104 and locking assembly 102 are substantially disposed within the gun 10 when in locking engagement with one another in the locked state. This prevents tampering with the locking device 100 as the components thereof reside within the gun 10 and are not readily accessible for tampering or damage, such as by cutting or the like. Moreover, as the locking device 100 of the present invention is substantially disposed within the gun 10 in its locked state, the gun 10 can be placed within its regular holster, case, holder or the like.
- the locking device 100 of the present invention prevents any cartridge or ammunition from being disposed within the chamber 20 as well as any cartridge or other ammunition being within the magazine well 14 of the gun 10 . This provides an extra degree of safety and protection. This also prevents an ammunition cartridge from being automatically loaded into the chamber when the locking device is removed, as it is possible with other prior art gun locking devices.
- FIG. 4 a bottom perspective view of a handgun 10 having the locking device 100 of the present invention therein in a locked state is shown. It can be seen how the plug 114 of the rod 104 is disposed within the chamber 20 of the gun so as to substantially fill the chamber, yet provide very little profile extending therefrom, in accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. Similarly, the locking assembly 102 is disposed within the magazine well within the handle or grip 16 of the gun 10 so as to be substantially disposed within the gun 10 as well. In order to unlock the locking device 100 , a key 108 is inserted into the lock 106 and turned which will cause the latch 116 to be retracted, similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3A .
- the lock 106 of the device 100 in the drawings While a cylinder lock commonly used in vending machines is illustrated as the lock 106 of the device 100 in the drawings, it will be understood that other locks could be used and other means of unlocking the lock could also be used in connection with these locks.
- the lock may be operated with a key, a combination key, a biometric key or the like.
- the rod 104 may have different configurations, geometric shapes, cutouts, etc. formed therein in order to lockingly engage with the lock.
- the lock 106 may be removable. This would allow the lock or locking mechanism to be exchanged and interchangeable. This would enable a new or different lock to be installed or a lock or locking mechanism with a different key to be installed.
- the present invention also contemplates that a plurality of the locking devices 100 of the present invention have locks which are keyed-alike or keyed sequentially so as to be installed and removed by the user without affecting the lock system form and function. Having a plurality of lock devices of the present invention all keyed alike so as to be unlocked with a single key or single type of key could be useful, for example, in police departments, military situations and the like where a master key, keys of the same cut or configuration, etc. can be used to unlock locking devices associated with a plurality of guns for the sake of convenience.
- the rod 104 can be removed, such as by manually removing the rod 104 by grasping plug 114 and pulling the rod 104 away from the gun, or the gun can be rotated and tilted so that the rod 104 falls therefrom.
- the locking assembly 104 is then removed from the gun 10 , typically by actuating a lever or latch 26 which typically is used to unlatch and remove the ammunition magazine 12 .
- the lock housing 110 will then be ejected or slide out of the magazine well 114 , enabling the user to insert an ammunition magazine 12 into the magazine well 14 in order to use the gun 10 .
- the process of unlocking and locking the device 100 is easy, intuitive and can be done within a few seconds.
- the device 100 of the present invention has been illustrated for use in connection with a handgun 10 having an ammunition magazine 12 , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention could be used for other firearms, such as revolver-style pistols, shotguns and some rifles that do not have a removable magazine. This would include the placement of a locking plug into the open chamber of the gun, and the insertion of the locking rod through the gun and into engagement with the lock which is disposed in a cavity of the gun, such as within the barrel of the gun or other cavity.
- Such a configuration would still prevent a cartridge or other ammunition from being disposed within the chamber of the gun, preventing the gun from firing or discharging, and would also be very tamper resistant of the components of the locking device would be disposed substantially, or even completely, within the gun making defeat of the lock more difficult.
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Abstract
A gun locking device includes a lock removably disposable within a cavity of a gun, such as being slidably received within a magazine well of the gun. An elongated rod is extendable into the gun through a chamber thereof for locking engagement with the lock. An end of the rod defines a plug disposable within the chamber of the gun when the rod is in engagement with the lock to prevent ammunition from being disposed within the chamber and the gun being discharged.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/233,744, filed Sep. 28, 2015.
- The present invention generally relates to guns and firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gun locking device that prevents a gun from being loaded with ammunition and fired.
- Firearm use and ownership has increased over the years. Those owning and using guns include members of the military, police forces, and those owning guns ranging from the casual gun collector to those using guns for recreational or protective purposes.
- Along with the increased firearm ownership and use has come an enhanced concern for firearm safety. This includes a concern for preventing accidental discharge or unauthorized use of the gun.
- Safety devices have been introduced to address this concern. For example, there are various types of gun locks that are available. Many of these, however, are ineffective as they can be easily disarmed, difficult to install, fail to prevent discharge of the gun when installed, or overly complex in construction and expensive.
- It is known that trigger locks and chain or cable locks can be used for locking the firing mechanism of guns. One problem with these types of locks is their safety is poor. As these locks are exposed on the outside of the gun after they have been locked, it is easy for someone to discover the lock. Consequently, it is easy to destroy the lock with a hacksaw, file or cutting pliers. In addition, in the case of a handgun, it is difficult to put the handgun into a holster if it has an outside lock.
- Currently, as a safety measure, every new semi-automatic handgun is supplied with a cable-type lock wherein a flexible cable extends through the magazine well and chamber of the gun and is attached to an external lock, such as a padlock or the like. However, these are easily defeated as the cable can be accessed and cut with wire cutters or bolt cutters or the like. Furthermore, the handgun is not able to be placed within a holster or the like when locked.
- The use of a lockable barrel plug as a deterrent to unauthorized use or inadvertent or accidental discharge of a gun is also well known. Such plugs typically rely on some form of inside-of-the-barrel plug expansion or outside-of-the-barrel plug compression to secure the plug in the barrel. However, these lockable plugs also have disadvantages. As the plugs often radially expand within the barrel and rely on frictional engagement with the inner wall of the barrel to resist removal of the plug from the barrel, they often require complex expanding mechanisms in order to achieve sufficient frictional contact between the barrel and the plug surfaces. Moreover, while the plug is in the barrel, a substantial portion of their operating structure is usually exposed to tampering outside of the barrel. The locking barrel plugs can also be difficult for the user to install and remove, and only offer modest resistance to unauthorized removal of the plug from the barrel. They may also mar or more severely damage the barrel surface in normal use as their expanding components must exert significant force against the barrel wall. Moreover, lockable barrel plugs may still permit cartridges or other ammunition to be within the gun, such as in a cartridge magazine within the magazine well of the gun.
- Accordingly, there is a continuing need for overcoming the problems encountered in the conventional practices. What is needed is a gun locking device which is simple to manufacture and easy to install and remove. What is also needed is a gun locking device which is not easily disarmed or removed from the gun. What is also needed is a gun locking device which when in operation still allows the gun owner to utilize existing cases, holders, holsters and the like. The present invention fulfills these needs, and provides other related advantages.
- The present invention resides in a gun locking device which is relatively simple in manufacture and easy to use. When in operation, the gun locking device is disposed within the gun so as to not be easily disarmed or destroyed. Moreover, the gun locking device of the present invention enables the locked gun to be placed in its existing case, holder, holster or the like.
- The gun locking device of the present invention generally comprises a lock removably disposable within a cavity of the gun. An elongated rod is extendable into the gun through a chamber of the gun and configured for locking engagement with the lock. An end of the elongated rod defines a plug which is disposable in the chamber of the gun when the rod is in engagement with the lock. Ammunition cannot be disposed within the chamber and the gun discharged when the rod is in locked engagement with the lock and the plug is disposed within the chamber.
- The lock includes a housing that is slidably received within a magazine well of the gun. Typically, the lock housing has an exterior configuration similar to that of a cartridge magazine of the gun so as to be inserted into and removed from the magazine well similar to the cartridge magazine.
- The plug substantially occupies the gun chamber to prevent ammunition from being inserted therein. The plug may have a configuration substantially matching or conforming to the gun chamber.
- The rod is typically rigid substantially along a length thereof. A portion of the rod spaced from the plug engages a latch of the lock. The device includes means, such as a key, for selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
- The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of components of a gun locking device embodying the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a gun and a cartridge-bearing magazine, and the device of the present invention being inserted into the gun to lock the gun and prevent operation and discharge thereof, in accordance with the present invention; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating a rod of the device being moved into locked engagement with a lock of the device of the present invention; and -
FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a gun having the device of the present invention therein in a locked state, with a key positioned to unlock the device for removal, in accordance with the present invention. - As shown in the accompanying illustrations for exemplary purposes, the present invention is directed to a gun locking device, generally referred to by the
reference number 100. The device of the present invention is simple and easy to use and securely locks a firearm and prevents it from being loaded and discharged. - With reference to
FIG. 1 , thegun locking device 100 of the present invention generally comprises alock assembly 102 which is removably disposable within a cavity of the gun. Arod 104, as will be more fully explained herein, extends through a chamber of the gun and is configured for locking engagement with alock 106 of thelocking assembly 102. Thedevice 100 also includes akey 108, or other means for selectively unlocking thelock 106 to disengage therod 104. - With reference now to
FIG. 2 , the present invention is particularly adapted for use in guns andfirearms 10, such as the illustrated semi-automatic handgun, which utilize an ammunition magazine during normal use. Theammunition magazine 12 is removably inserted into a magazine well 14, which is an internal compartment or cavity of thegun 10. In the case of many handguns, including the illustratedhandgun 10, the magazine well orcompartment 14 is within the grip or handle 16 of thegun 10. However, it will be understood that theammunition magazine 12 could be inserted into magazine well 14 having a different location, depending upon the gun. Theammunition magazine 12 is loaded withammunition 18, which are typically cartridges, comprising a shell encasing a gun powder and partially encasing a bullet. - During operation of the
gun 10, theammunition magazine 12 advances thecartridges 18, or other ammunition, into achamber 20 where a firing mechanism (not shown) of thegun 10 will discharge the ammunition, such as a firing pin hitting a primer of thecartridge 18 so as to ignite the gun powder therein and discharge the bullet from thegun 10. As is known in the art, the discharge of the cartridge or other ammunition, such as by pulling thetrigger 22 of thegun 10 will cause a series of components of thegun 10 to move which will typically eject the empty shell, as thechamber 20 is opened, such as by movingslide 24 to an open and extended position, whereupon in the case of automatic or semi-automatic weapons will also result in another round of ammunition or acartridge 18 being automatically inserted into thechamber 20. - However, as is known in the art, a
cartridge 18 or other ammunition can be inserted into thechamber 20 by other means, such as by an operator of the gun manually inserting acartridge 18 into thechamber 20. This could be done, for example, in the semi-automatic handgun which is illustrated by pulling theslide 24 back to open thechamber 20, manually inserting acartridge 18 therein, and closing theslide 24, and thuschamber 20, rendering thegun 10 ready for firing or discharge. - The
device 100 of the present invention is particularly adapted for use in connection with guns and firearms having ammunition magazines and magazine wells, such as thesemi-automatic handgun 10 illustrated inFIG. 2 . However, it will be appreciated that thedevice 100 of the present invention can be used in a wide variety of guns. These can include handguns and rifles which have magazines and magazine wells, and even those that do not. - With reference again to
FIG. 2 , in a particularly preferred embodiment, theammunition magazine 12 is removed from thegun 10, and thechamber 20 opened. Removal of theammunition magazine 12 and the opening of thechamber 20 ensures that there is no ammunition within thegun 10, and also places thegun 10 in a state to receive thelocking device 100 of the present invention. The lockingassembly 102 includes ahousing 110 into which thelock 106 is operably disposed. Thelock assembly 102 is slidably received within the magazine well 14 of thegun 10. Preferably, the exterior configuration of thehousing 110 of thelock assembly 102 is similar in shape and configuration to the actual magazine for the specific model and brand of the gun or firearm. This allows thelock assembly 102 to be insertable and engagable, or removable, from thegun 10 as would be thenormal ammunition magazine 12 used in connection with that gun. - With reference to
FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B , once thelock assembly 102 is disposed within the magazine well 14, therod 104 is inserted into the gun through thechamber 20 and into apassageway 112 of thelock assembly 102 which extends to thelock 106. A portion of therod 104 is configured for locking engagement with the lock. - An
end 114 of therod 104 defines a plug which is disposable within thechamber 20 of thegun 10 when the rod is in locked engagement with thelock 106. Theplug 114 substantially occupies thegun chamber 20 to prevent ammunition from being inserted therein. Theplug 114, when disposed within thechamber 20 prevents ammunition from being inserted within thechamber 20. Theplug 114 may have a configuration substantially matching that of thegun chamber 20 so that the plug substantially occupies the gun chamber to prevent ammunition from being inserted therein, and so as to substantially be disposed and reside within thegun chamber 20 when thedevice 100 of the present invention is in a locked state. - With continuing reference to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , the illustratedlock 106 is in the form of a cylinder or barrel lock, such as a vending machine lock. A latch ordetent 116 is biased outwardly from thelock 106, such as byspring 118. Thelatch 116 may have abeveled face 120. As theend 122 of therod 104 engages thelatch 116, such as pushing on thebeveled face 120, the latch ordetent 116 is pushed against thespring 118 inwardly into thelock 106, permitting theend 122 of therod 104 to pass thereby. Therod 104 includes anarea 124 of reduced cross-sectional diameter compared to theend 122, or a portion of the rod immediately adjacent thereto.Spring 118 will push the latch ordetent 116 into the area of reducedcross-sectional diameter 124 once it is aligned with thelatch 116. When therod 104 is fully inserted into the gun and into locking engagement withlock 106, typically an audible click sound will be heard by thelatch 116 moving back into a locking position and into engagement with therod 104, alerting the user that therod 104 has been moved into locking engagement with thelock 106. Engagement of thelatch 116 with aledge 126 or other enlarged area of the rod prevents therod 104 from being lifted, removed or otherwise disengaged from thelock 106. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that instead of the
rod 104 having an area of reducedcross-sectional diameter 124, the rod may instead include an area of enlarged diameter which will engage thelatch 116, and provide aledge 126 or other stop that engages thelatch 116 once thelatch 116 extends back into a locking position. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that different types of locks, locking mechanisms and rod configurations may be employed in connection with the present invention, so long as therod 104 can be moved into locking engagement with thelock 106. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3B , when therod 104 is in locking engagement withlock 106, theplug 114 is disposed within thechamber 20 of the gun. Typically, therod 104 is substantially rigid along a length thereof. While therod 104 is shown as being generally straight and angled in the embodiment illustrated, it will be appreciated that therod 104 may have one or more bends or curves along the length thereof or have a different configuration depending upon the gun with which it is used so that theplug 114 ends up being disposed within thegun chamber 20 while the rod, typically at generally the opposite end thereof, comes into locking engagement with thelock 106. - One of the advantages and benefits of the
locking device 100 of present invention is that therod 104 and lockingassembly 102 are substantially disposed within thegun 10 when in locking engagement with one another in the locked state. This prevents tampering with thelocking device 100 as the components thereof reside within thegun 10 and are not readily accessible for tampering or damage, such as by cutting or the like. Moreover, as thelocking device 100 of the present invention is substantially disposed within thegun 10 in its locked state, thegun 10 can be placed within its regular holster, case, holder or the like. - Another advantage of the
locking device 100 of the present invention is that thedevice 100 in its locked state prevents any cartridge or ammunition from being disposed within thechamber 20 as well as any cartridge or other ammunition being within the magazine well 14 of thegun 10. This provides an extra degree of safety and protection. This also prevents an ammunition cartridge from being automatically loaded into the chamber when the locking device is removed, as it is possible with other prior art gun locking devices. - With reference now to
FIG. 4 , a bottom perspective view of ahandgun 10 having the lockingdevice 100 of the present invention therein in a locked state is shown. It can be seen how theplug 114 of therod 104 is disposed within thechamber 20 of the gun so as to substantially fill the chamber, yet provide very little profile extending therefrom, in accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. Similarly, the lockingassembly 102 is disposed within the magazine well within the handle orgrip 16 of thegun 10 so as to be substantially disposed within thegun 10 as well. In order to unlock thelocking device 100, a key 108 is inserted into thelock 106 and turned which will cause thelatch 116 to be retracted, similar to that illustrated inFIG. 3A . - While a cylinder lock commonly used in vending machines is illustrated as the
lock 106 of thedevice 100 in the drawings, it will be understood that other locks could be used and other means of unlocking the lock could also be used in connection with these locks. For example, the lock may be operated with a key, a combination key, a biometric key or the like. Therod 104 may have different configurations, geometric shapes, cutouts, etc. formed therein in order to lockingly engage with the lock. - The
lock 106, or locking mechanism thereof, may be removable. This would allow the lock or locking mechanism to be exchanged and interchangeable. This would enable a new or different lock to be installed or a lock or locking mechanism with a different key to be installed. The present invention also contemplates that a plurality of thelocking devices 100 of the present invention have locks which are keyed-alike or keyed sequentially so as to be installed and removed by the user without affecting the lock system form and function. Having a plurality of lock devices of the present invention all keyed alike so as to be unlocked with a single key or single type of key could be useful, for example, in police departments, military situations and the like where a master key, keys of the same cut or configuration, etc. can be used to unlock locking devices associated with a plurality of guns for the sake of convenience. - After unlocking the
lock 106, therod 104 can be removed, such as by manually removing therod 104 by graspingplug 114 and pulling therod 104 away from the gun, or the gun can be rotated and tilted so that therod 104 falls therefrom. The lockingassembly 104 is then removed from thegun 10, typically by actuating a lever or latch 26 which typically is used to unlatch and remove theammunition magazine 12. Thelock housing 110 will then be ejected or slide out of the magazine well 114, enabling the user to insert anammunition magazine 12 into the magazine well 14 in order to use thegun 10. The process of unlocking and locking thedevice 100 is easy, intuitive and can be done within a few seconds. - Although the
device 100 of the present invention has been illustrated for use in connection with ahandgun 10 having anammunition magazine 12, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention could be used for other firearms, such as revolver-style pistols, shotguns and some rifles that do not have a removable magazine. This would include the placement of a locking plug into the open chamber of the gun, and the insertion of the locking rod through the gun and into engagement with the lock which is disposed in a cavity of the gun, such as within the barrel of the gun or other cavity. Such a configuration would still prevent a cartridge or other ammunition from being disposed within the chamber of the gun, preventing the gun from firing or discharging, and would also be very tamper resistant of the components of the locking device would be disposed substantially, or even completely, within the gun making defeat of the lock more difficult. - Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. A locking device for a gun, comprising:
a lock removably disposable within a cavity of the gun; and
an elongated rod extendible into the gun through a chamber of the gun and configured for locking engagement with the lock and an end defining a plug disposable in the chamber of the gun when the rod is in engagement with the lock;
wherein ammunition cannot be disposed within the chamber and the gun discharged when the rod is in locked engagement with the lock and the plug is disposed within the chamber.
2. The gun locking device of claim 1 , wherein the lock includes a housing that is slidably received within a magazine well of the gun.
3. The gun locking device of claim 2 , wherein the lock housing has an exterior configuration similar to that of a cartridge magazine of the gun so as to be inserted into and removed from the magazine well similar to the cartridge magazine.
4. The gun locking device of claim 1 , wherein the plug substantially occupies the gun chamber to prevent ammunition from being inserted therein.
5. The gun locking device of claim 4 , wherein the plug has a configuration substantially matching the gun chamber.
6. The gun locking device of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the rod spaced from the plug engages a latch of the lock.
7. The gun locking device of claim 1 , including means for selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
8. The gun locking device of claim 1 , wherein the rod is rigid substantially along a length thereof.
9. A locking device for a gun, comprising:
a lock including a housing configured to be slidably inserted and
removed from a magazine well of the gun; and
an elongated rod configured for releasable locking engagement with the lock and having an end defining a plug that substantially occupies a chamber of the gun when the rod is in engagement with the lock;
wherein ammunition cannot be disposed within the chamber and the gun discharged when the rod is in locked engagement with the lock and the plug is disposed within the chamber.
10. The gun locking device of claim 9 , wherein the lock housing has an exterior configuration similar to that of a cartridge magazine of the gun.
11. The gun locking device of claim 9 , wherein the plug has a configuration substantially matching the gun chamber.
12. The gun locking device of claim 9 , including means for selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
13. The gun locking device of claim 9 , wherein the rod is rigid substantially along a length thereof.
14. A locking device for a gun, comprising:
a lock including a housing having an exterior configuration similar to a cartridge magazine of the gun so as to be slidably inserted and removed from a magazine well of the gun;
an elongated rigid rod configured for releasable locking engagement with the lock and having an end defining a plug that substantially occupies a chamber of the gun when the rod is in engagement with the lock;
wherein ammunition cannot be disposed within the chamber and the gun discharged when the rod is in locked engagement with the lock and the plug is disposed within the chamber.
15. The gun locking device of claim 14 , wherein the plug has a configuration substantially matching the gun chamber.
16. The gun locking device of claim 14 , including means for selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/278,543 US20170241730A1 (en) | 2015-09-28 | 2016-09-28 | Gun locking device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562233744P | 2015-09-28 | 2015-09-28 | |
US15/278,543 US20170241730A1 (en) | 2015-09-28 | 2016-09-28 | Gun locking device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170241730A1 true US20170241730A1 (en) | 2017-08-24 |
Family
ID=59629338
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/278,543 Abandoned US20170241730A1 (en) | 2015-09-28 | 2016-09-28 | Gun locking device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20170241730A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10030925B1 (en) * | 2015-01-08 | 2018-07-24 | Robert Bianchin | Internal firearm locking mechanism |
US10571209B1 (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2020-02-25 | Roy Dagan | Safety mechanism retrofittable into existing firearms without changing external shape of firearm |
WO2021005262A1 (en) * | 2019-07-08 | 2021-01-14 | Ilpo Palovaara | Safety device arrangement for firearm with magazine well |
US10982919B2 (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2021-04-20 | Roy Dagan | Safety mechanism retrofittable into existing firearms without changing external shape of firearm |
US11262147B2 (en) | 2019-08-23 | 2022-03-01 | AmmoBlock LLC | Firearm safety device |
US11493295B1 (en) | 2021-07-08 | 2022-11-08 | Charles L. Broadnax | Tamper-actuated fluid release firearm interlock |
-
2016
- 2016-09-28 US US15/278,543 patent/US20170241730A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10030925B1 (en) * | 2015-01-08 | 2018-07-24 | Robert Bianchin | Internal firearm locking mechanism |
US10571209B1 (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2020-02-25 | Roy Dagan | Safety mechanism retrofittable into existing firearms without changing external shape of firearm |
US10982919B2 (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2021-04-20 | Roy Dagan | Safety mechanism retrofittable into existing firearms without changing external shape of firearm |
WO2021005262A1 (en) * | 2019-07-08 | 2021-01-14 | Ilpo Palovaara | Safety device arrangement for firearm with magazine well |
EP3997409A4 (en) * | 2019-07-08 | 2022-08-17 | Ilpo Palovaara | Safety device arrangement for firearm with magazine well |
US20220268544A1 (en) * | 2019-07-08 | 2022-08-25 | Ilpo PALOVAARA | Safety device arrangement for firearm with magazine well |
US11802746B2 (en) * | 2019-07-08 | 2023-10-31 | Ilpo PALOVAARA | Safety device arrangement for firearm with magazine well |
US11262147B2 (en) | 2019-08-23 | 2022-03-01 | AmmoBlock LLC | Firearm safety device |
US11493295B1 (en) | 2021-07-08 | 2022-11-08 | Charles L. Broadnax | Tamper-actuated fluid release firearm interlock |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |