WO1997026471A1

WO1997026471A1 - Selective release firearm security lock

Info

Publication number: WO1997026471A1
Application number: PCT/IL1997/000024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Boaz Kisreman; Moshe Einat
Original assignee: Boaz Kisreman; Moshe Einat
Priority date: 1996-01-17
Filing date: 1997-01-16
Publication date: 1997-07-24
Also published as: AU1397297A; IL116801A0

Abstract

A security lock system (10) for locking a firearm (12) within a storage device (14) until approached by the hand (16) of an authorized user employs a hand-mounted transmitter unit (18) to transmit a characteristic signal. A receiver unit (20) located within the storage device receives the signal which is then processed by a processor to identify the characteristic signal, the processor generating a release signal on identification of the information. When a signal corresponding to an authorized transmitter unit is detected within range, the processor actuates unlocking of a lock mechanism (22) to allow removal of the firearm (12). The transmitter unit (18) is preferably implemented as a passive transponder (58). The transponder responds to an interrogatory electromagnetic signal transmitted by a primary transmitter (66) mounted within the storage device (14).

Description

SELECTIVE RELEASE FIREARM SECURITY LOCK

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to security of firearms and, in particular, it concerns a security lock for firearm storage which selectively releases the firearm to an authorized user.

Law enforcement officers and other security personnel are often exposed to considerable risk that a firearm may be misappropriated and used against them. The risk is particularly acute in the case of handguns carried in a holster during riots or other supervision of antagonistic individuals or crowds at close quarters.

It is, of course, known to provide secure storage for firearms and other weapons. Typically, such storage entails locking the firearm within a cabinet, or otherwise securing it by use of a padlock. However, such techniques cannot be used in a situation in which instant access to the firearms is required. There is therefore a need for a security lock for firearm storage which would allow immediate access to the authorized user while preventing removal ofthe firearm by an unauthorized individual.

SUMMARY OF THR INVENTION

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided, a security lock system for locking a firearm within a storage device until approached by the hand of an authorized user, the system comprising: (a) a transmitter unit for transmitting a signal containing information characteristic of the transmitter unit, the transmitter unit being associated with the hand of the authorized user; (b) a receiver unit associated with the storage device, the receiver unit being responsive to the signal to generate a corresponding electric signal; (c) a processor associated with the receiver unit for processing the electric signal to identify the information, the processor generating a release signal on identification of the information; and (d) a lock mechanism mounted within the storage device, the- lock mechanism being operative to switch between a locked state in which it locks the firearm within the storage device and an unlocked state in which it allows removal of the firearm from the storage device, the lock mechanism being responsive to the release signal to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the processor generates the release signal for a predetermined period after identification of the information, and the lock mechanism is further responsive to cessation of the release signal to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the signal transmitted by the transmitter unit is an electromagnetic signal.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a primary transmitter, mounted within the storage device and associated with the processor, for transmitting an interrogatory electromagnetic signal of a given frequency, and wherein the transmitter unit is implemented as a passive transponder responsive to the given frequency to generate the characteristic signal.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a sensor located within the storage device, the sensor generating an output indicative of the presence of the firearm within the storage device, the system being responsive to the output to deactivate the primary transmitter while the firearm is not present within the storage device.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the signal transmitted by the transmitter unit is an ultrasound signal.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the transmitter unit is included within an accessory to be worn on the hand of the authorized user. According to a further feature of the present invention, the transmitter unit is included within an accessory to be worn on the wrist of the authorized user.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a memory device associated with the processor, the memory device storing reference information employed by the processor for identifying the characteristic information.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the memory device stores reference information for identifying information characteristic of each of a plurality of transmitter units.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the memory device includes a programmable memory, and the processor is responsive to an initialization input to reprogram at least a part of the programmable memory based on a signal received from the transmitter unit subsequent to the initialization input.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a manually operable initialization key for providing the initialization input, wherein the key is located within the storage device so as to be inaccessible when the firearm is within the storage device. According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a master transmitter unit for transmitting an initialization signal to the receiver unit so as to generate the initialization input.

According to a further feature of the present invention relating to a firearm having a trigger guard, the lock mechanism includes at least one displaceable catch for engaging the trigger guard.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the lock mechanism includes a pair of opposing jaws resiliently biased towards a closed position so as to allow insertion and removal of a part of the firearm between the jaws when the lock mechanism is in its unlocked state, and wherein the lock mechanism further includes a mechanism for demobilizing the pair of jaws to prevent removal ofthe part ofthe firearm in the locked state.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a manual override mechanism associated with the lock mechanism for releasing the firearm when the lock mechanism is in its locked state, the manual override mechanism being located within the storage device so as to be not readily accessible.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the firearm is a handgun and the storage device is a holster, the system allowing temporary anchoring of the holster to a relatively immovable object, the system also providing a bracket having a first portion for insertion within the holster and a second portion for extending from the holster for connection to the relatively immovable object, the first portion being shaped for engaging a portion of the handgun such that insertion of the handgun into the holster fastens the bracket against removal from the holster, the bracket remaining thus fastened until the lock mechanism is released by identification of the characteristic signal and the handgun is withdrawn from the holster.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a manual override mechanism associated with the lock mechanism for releasing the handgun when the lock mechanism is in its locked state, and wherein the bracket is shaped to interrupt operation of the manual override mechanism when the first portion ofthe bracket is inserted within the holster.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided: (a) a housing associated with the storage device for retaining the transmitter unit in a storage position; and (b) a switch associated with the processor, the switch being responsive to positioning of the transmitter unit in the storage position to deactivate at least one element ofthe system. ^" BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1C are a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a security lock system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for locking a firearm within a storage device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the operation of the system of Figures 1A-1C;

FIG. 3 A is an exploded view of a lock mechanism for use in the system of Figures 1A-1C;

FIG. 3B is a schematic top view of part of the locking mechanism of Figure 3 A in a locked state;

FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away side view of a second embodiment of a security lock system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for locking a firearm within a storage device;

FIG. 5 is a rear cross-sectional view through the system of Figure 4 taken at varying depths;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a lock mechanism of the system of Figure 4, shown in a locked state with a firearm inserted; FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the lock mechanism of Figure

6, shown in an unlocked state with a firearm inserted;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the lock mechanism of Figure 6, shown in an unlocked state with a firearm being removed;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the lock mechanism of Figure 6, illustrating the operation of a mechanical override release mechanism; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view ofthe lock mechanism of Figure 6, illustrating an additional feature for anchoring the firearm to an immovable object. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a security lock for firearm storage which selectively releases the firearm to an authorized user.

The principles and operation of security locks according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-3 illustrate a basic embodiment of a security lock system, generally designated 10, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for locking a firearm 12 within a storage device 14 for release when approached by the hand

16 of an authorized user.

Generally speaking, system 10 includes a hand- mounted transmitter unit

18 which transmits a characteristic signal. A receiver and processor unit 20 and a lock mechanism 22 are mounted within storage device 14. When transmitter unit 18 is brought sufficiently close to storage device 14, receiver and processor unit 20 receives and processes the transmitted signal to identify the characteristic signal of transmitter unit 18. Once the signal is identified, receiver and processor unit 20 actuates switching of lock mechanism 22 from a locked state in which it locks firearm 12 within storage device 14 to an unlocked state in which it allows removal of firearm 12 from storage device 14.

In use, system 10 is generally operative to lock firearm 12 within storage device 14, thereby preventing an unauthorized party from snatching the firearm.

However, when the authorized user reaches toward firearm 12 to withdraw it, hand-mounted transmitter 18 is brought into proximity with receiver and processor unit 20, thereby allowing identification of the characteristic transmitted signal and subsequent actuation of lock mechanism 22 to release the firearm. Thus, system 10 achieves a high level of personal security against unauthorized removal of a firearm while allowing instant access to the authorized user. The processor typically maintains lock mechanism 22 in its unlocked state for a predetermined period, or until the transmitter is removed from range, after which it returns lock mechanism 22 to its locked state.

Figures 3A and 3B show schematically a simple example of a structure for lock mechanism 22. Lock mechanism 22 as shown here employs an electric motor 24 with a pinion 26 to drive an asymmetric U-bolt 28 having a rack 30 along one side. Turning of motor 24 in one direction drives U-bolt 28 into full engagement with a guide bracket 32, as shown in Figure 3B, such that the short side of U-bolt 28 obstructs a recess in guide bracket 32. When the direction of motor 24 is reversed, U-bolt 28 is partially withdrawn so as to open the recess in guide bracket 32. This reversible bolting action may be used to lock around a part of firearm 12 such as, for example, a trigger guard.

Typically, power is supplied to some, or all, components of system 10 mounted within storage device 14 from a battery power source 34. Battery power source 34 may be of any conventional battery design or combination thereof, and either disposable or rechargeable.. Additionally, or alternatively, an external battery pack (not shown) may be provided to allow highly extended periods of continuous use without requiring battery replacement or recharging. The supply of power to transmitter unit 18 will be discussed further below.

It should be noted that, while the present invention is illustrated herein with reference to a handgun within a holster, it is also applicable to all types of firearms in a wide range of types of storage devices. Thus, for example, the invention may readily be implemented in a secure storage rack for rifles for mounting on a wall or in a patrol vehicle.

The range or degree of proximity at which transmitter unit 18 actuates release of the lock mechanism is typically defined by the power transmission and reception characteristics of the components. For a handgun in a holster, the system is preferably designed to release the handgun when the hand of the authorized user comes within about ten centimeters, and typically within about five centimeters, of the holster. This relatively small range prevents repeated unnecessary switching of the system as the user moves his. hands during a wide range of regular activities unrelated to drawing of his gun.

The phrase "hand-mounted" is used herein in the specification and claims to refer to a mounting of the transmitter unit such that it moves substantially together with movements ofthe hand. However, the exact point of attachment may vary from the fingers up to a position on the lower arm adjacent to the wrist. Typically, the transmitter unit is included within an accessory such as a ring or glove to be worn on the hand, a bracelet or watch to be worn on the wrist. It should be noted in this context that the phrase "worn on the wrist" is used herein to include objects attached at any position between the upper part of the hand and the lower forearm, both adjacent to the skin and mounted on clothing.

It is a particular feature of preferred embodiments of the present invention that the system responds to the proximity ofthe transmitter unit to the storage device by releasing the firearm within the period of time taken by a user to withdraw the firearm from the storage device. Preferably, the response time is less than about a fifth of a second, and typically in the range of about 50-100 milliseconds. This ensures that the speed of response of an authorized user drawing his firearm is limited only by his own reaction time, and is completely unaffected by the operation ofthe security system.

It should be noted that the communication between transmitter unit 18 and receiver and processor unit 20 may be of a wide range of different types. Possible types of communication link include, but are not limited to, electromagnetic systems such as radio-wave, infrared or optical based links, and ultrasound systems. The transmitter itself may be an active element powered by a miniature battery, or a passive element as will be described in more detail below.

Furthermore, the transmitter/receiver combination may be replaced by a number of alternative pairs of elements which allow selective identification of proximity or contact between a hand-mounted element and an element associated with storage device 14. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, a quantity of radioactive material and a suitable detector, a magnetic-key type system and a passive or active electronic-key system. In the case of an electronic-key system, an array of alternating contacts is preferably provided on an external surface of storage device 14 in a position which is normally contacted by the fingers of a user during drawing of the firearm. This allows an electronic-key element within a ring to make effective contact with detection circuitry at any position along the array. Examples of simple electronic-key systems include a precisely determined resistance, impedance, capacitance or other electrical property.

Turning to Figures 4-10, a preferred embodiment of a security lock system, generally designated 50, constructed and operative according to the teachings ofthe present invention, will now be described. Generally speaking, system 50 is similar to system 10 described above, serving to lock a firearm 52 within a storage device 54 for release when approached by the hand of an authorized user. Thus, system 50 also features a hand-mountable transmitter unit 58 (shown here in a storage position) which transmits a characteristic signal. A receiver unit 60, a processor unit 62 and a lock mechanism 64 are mounted within storage device 54. When transmitter unit 58 is brought sufficiently close to storage device 54, receiver unit 60 receives the transmitted signal, converting it into an electric signal. This electric signal is then processed by processor unit 62 to identify the characteristic signal of transmitter unit 58. Once the signal is identified, processor unit 62 actuates switching of lock mechanism 64 from a locked state in which it locks firearm 52 within storage device 54 to an unlocked state in which it allows removal of firearm 52 from storage device 54.

Turning now to the features of system 50 in more detail, transmitter unit 58 is preferably a passive transponder which is responsive to excitation by radio waves of a pre-determined frequency to generate a characteristic response signal. Typically, the response - signal is in the form of a series of pulses corresponding to a 64 bit binary code. This provides in excess of IO¹⁹ possible combinations, thereby providing ample scope for secure identification codes. An example of a suitable transponder is commercially available as product number E5530 from TEMIC (Germany). The matching decoder chip is commercially available as product number U2270B from the same source.

The transponder is referred to as "passive" in the sense that it does not require linkage to any external energy source in order to function. This feature is particular advantageous in the context of the present invention, enabling transmitter unit 58 to be reduced to a minimum size and weight, and simplifying battery replacement to a single compartment.

In order to activate the transponder of transmitter unit 58, system 50 features a primary transmitter 66, mounted within storage device 54 and connected to processor unit 62, which transmits pulses of radiation of the appropriate frequency to excite the transponder. These pulses act as an interrogatory electromagnetic signal, i.e., a signal which initiates a response from any transponder of a similar type which is sufficiently near to primary transmitter 66. Preferably, both receiver unit 60 and primary transmitter 66 share a common antenna 68, typically of circular shape, mounted on an outer surface of storage device 54.

As mentioned above, the system of the present invention when applied to handguns mounted in holsters preferably only responds to proximity of transmitter unit 58 up to a maximum range of about ten centimeters, and typically about five centimeters. In the present embodiment, the required range is set by appropriate balancing of the intensity of the interrogatory electromagnetic signal and the sensitivity of receiver unit 60. Turning now to the features of lock mechanism 64, these will be described with particular reference to Figures 6-10. Lock mechanism 64 includes a pair of opposing jaws 70 which are hinged together and resiliently biased towards a closed position by a spring 72. Jaws 70 are shaped so as to be forced apart as a part of firearm 52 is inserted or removed, closing around the firearm when it is fully inserted between jaws 70. Typically, a trigger guard 74 provides a particularly convenient location for jaws 70 to engage firearm 52. Figures 7 and 8 show firearm 52 with trigger guard 74 engaged between, and being removed from, jaws 70, respectively. Jaws 70 preferably feature rear abutment surfaces 76 which move together as the main part of the jaws are forced apart. Rear abutment surfaces 76 are seen most clearly in Figure 5.

Lock mechanism 64 also features a sliding block 78 having a ridge 80 selectively engagable between rear abutment surfaces 76. Sliding block 78 is slidably mounted so as to be movable between a non-engaged position (Figures 7 and 8) in which jaws 70 are free to open, and an engaged position (Figure 6) in which ridge 80 is engaged between rear abutment surfaces 76, thereby demobilizing jaws 70 so that firearm 52 cannot be removed.

Actuation of sliding block 78 between its non-engaged and engaged positions is achieved by an electrical drive element 82. Typically, electrical drive element 82 is an electric motor which produces linear sliding movement by a combination of an actuator plate 84 mounted on a threaded drive shaft 86. Alternatively, electrical drive element 82 may be implemented as a solenoid.

Linkage between actuator plate 84 and slide block 78 is preferably through one or more drive springs 88. The use of drive springs 88 serves a number of important functions. Firstly, the springs cushion electrical drive element 82 from sudden jamming at the end of its motion. Secondly, they allow operation of a manual override release mechanism as will be described below. And finally, in the event of an attempt to forcibly remove firearm 52 while

11

SUBSTΠTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) security lock system 50 is in its locked state, the effect of pulling against jaws 70 is to generate additional frictional forces between rear abutment surfaces 76. These frictional forces tend to trap ridge 80 in its locked position. The presence of drive springs 88 allows ridge 80 to remain trapped in its locked position, even if the release mechanism is subsequently actuated.

It is a particular feature of certain preferred embodiments of the present invention that a manual override mechanism 90 is provided. Manual override mechanism 90 enables release of the firearm 52 should any malfunction occur when lock mechanism 64 is in its locked state. Manual override mechanism 90 is typically a mechanical linkage which allows temporary withdrawal of slide block 78 to its unlocked position against the force of drive springs 88 while actuator plate 84 is in its raised position (see Figure 9). This frees jaws 70, thereby allowing firearm 52 to be withdrawn.

In order not to negate the effectiveness of security lock system 50, manual override mechanism 90 is preferably both concealed from view and non-trivial to operate. These features make it very difficult for a someone wishing to misappropriate the firearm to misuse the override mechanism.

One possible implementation of manual override mechanism 90 is seen most clearly in Figure 5. Here, a ring 92 for actuating manual override mechanism 90 is located on the back face of holster 54 which is adjacent to the wearer's body while in use. As a result, ring 92 is normally concealed from view, and cannot be grasped without lifting the lower end of the holster away from the body. Attached to ring 92 is a pull-cable 94 which is attached to slide block 78. Pull-cable 94 is locked by a clip 96. Thus, in order to operate manual override mechanism 90 so as to move slide block 78 to its unlocked position, the user must perform a three-step process: first, lifting the holster away from his body; then removing pull-cable 94 from clip 96; and then, pulling and holding ring 92 while removing firearm 52. It is another particular feature of certain preferred , embodiments of the present invention that system 50 provides a highly convenient device for temporarily anchoring the holster to a relatively immovable object. It is very common for a person carrying a handgun to take off the holster during a period that he is sitting at a desk, relieving himself, or performing various other routine activities. At such times, there is a risk of theft of, or tampering with, the handgun by an opportunist thief or an inquisitive child. Conventional solutions to this problem require inconvenient use of padlocks and the like, rendering the handgun inaccessible for rapid access in an emergency. In contrast, the present invention utilizes the basic functionality of system 50 to provide instantly releasable anchoring ofthe handgun locked within its holster.

In this context, the phrase "relatively immovable" is used to refer to any object which is sufficiently difficult or inconvenient to move that anchoring of a handgun thereto would render undetected removal of the handgun difficult. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, desks, storage cabinets and other items of furniture.

Figure 10 shows a preferred implementation of an anchoring device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, employing a bracket 96. Bracket 96 has a first portion 98 which is inserted into the holster (not shown) through a lateral opening provided for this purpose, and a second portion 100 which extends from the holster for connection to the relatively immovable object by a chain or any other conventional secure connection (represented by connector 101). First portion 98 is shaped for engaging a portion, typically trigger guard 74, of handgun 52. In this example, this is achieved by providing lateral projections 102 on first portion 98. The position of the lateral opening in the holster is such that, when handgun 52 is inserted into the holster, removal of first portion 98 is blocked by trigger guard 74 obstructing lateral projections 102. This fastens bracket 96 against removal from the holster. Since handgun 52 is itself locked within the holster by lock mechanism 64, the entire assembly is thus secured.

The use of the anchoring device is as follows. When the user wishes to secure his handgun, he first slightly removes handgun 52 from the holster to allow insertion of first portion 98 of bracket 96 through the lateral opening of the holster. With bracket 96 in place, connected to a relatively immovable object by connector 101, handgun 52 is returned to its fully inserted position within the holster. After the user's hand is removed, system 50 returns lock mechanism 64 to its locked state. Handgun 52 is then secured both against unauthorized removal from its holster and against removal of the entire holster. Removal of bracket 96 is achieved by the authorized user bringing his transmitter element into proximity to the holster. System 50 then releases lock mechanism 64, allowing handgun 64 to be partially withdrawn and bracket 96 to be removed. It should be appreciated that the use of bracket 96 in no way impairs the immediate readiness of the handgun for use. Since the entire locking effect is achieved through the normal locking action of system 50, the handgun may be drawn instantly by the hand of the authorized user wearing the hand-mounted transmitter unit. Where manual override mechanism 90 is provided, it should be disabled before the handgun is left anchored. In a simple case, the override mechanism may be manually disconnectable from within the holster. In a preferred embodiment, bracket 96 has further features for interrupting operation of manual override mechanism 90 when inserted within the holster. Specifically, in the example illustrated, bracket 96 features a third portion 104 which is also inserted through a lateral opening in the holster, positioned and shaped to engage a part of manual override mechanism 90 so as to obstruct its operation.

Turning now to features of processor unit 62, this typically includes a decoder chip matched to the type of transducer used in transmitter unit 58, a memory device for storing reference information corresponding to the characteristic information of at least one transducer, and circuitry for comparing received signals with the reference information. The processor is preferably also linked to a number of sensors as will be described below, and provides various control and warning features for system 50.

The memory device may store reference information for identifying information characteristic of a number of transmitter units, each corresponding to a different authorized user. This enables several different users, each provided with his own transmitter unit, to be able to use the firearm. Preferably, system 50 allows initialization by the user, or in some cases. by some other individual, to set which transmitter unit or units are recognized by system 50 to open lock mechanism 64. This is most conveniently achieved by providing a programmable memory device. Processor unit 62 preferably has an initialization mode in which it automatically reprograms at least a part ofthe memory device based on a signal received from a transmitter unit. The user then simply activates the initialization mode and then brings each of the transmitter units to be authorized, in turn, close to the storage device. After a preset interval, processor unit 62 reverts to its normal mode of operation in which the newly authorized transmitter units are operative to release the firearm. Processor unit 62 may be set either to add the new transmitter units to the list of authorized transmitters, or to cancel previous authorizations.

The initialization mode may be actuated by various techniques. In a first embodiment, a manually operable initialization key (not shown) is provided for starting the initialization mode. In this case, the key is located within the storage device so as to be inaccessible when the firearm is within the storage device. This ensures that only a holder of a previously authorized transmitter unit is able to perform a new initialization.

Alternatively, initialization may be started by processor unit 62 in response to identification of an initialization signal from a master transmitter unit (not shown). The master transmitter unit is typically identical in structure to transmitter unit 58, described above, but provided with a code known to processor unit 62 as an initialization signal. In this case, the capability for reprogramming can be centrally controlled, for example, by a supervisor responsible for the distribution of firearms.

Preferably, system 50 features a sensor 106 (Figure 4), located within storage device 54, for sensing the presence of firearm 52 within storage device 54. Sensor 106 may be of any type, for example, mechanical or photoelectric. The output of sensor 106 may be used by processor unit 62 to deactivate primary transmitter 66 while firearm 52 is not present within storage device 54. This serves to save battery power during a period when the firearm is removed. Typically, processor unit is also responsive to the output of sensor 106 to maintain lock mechanism 64 in an unlocked state while firearm 52 is removed. This also saves power loss through unnecessary locking and unlocking, as well as ensuring that the firearm can be returned fully into the storage device while primary transmitter 66 is deactivated.

System 50 preferably also features a housing 108, associated with storage device 54, for retaining transmitter unit 58 in a storage position when not in use. Housing 108 preferably features a switch 110 which is activated by positioning of the transmitter unit in its storage position to deactivate all, or part, of the system. Specifically, placing of transmitter unit 58 in its storage position preferably deactivates system 50 in an unlocked state such that it operates as a conventional, non-locking storage device or holster. Switch 110 may be either a mechanical switch or an electronic switch operated by elements incorporated within transmitter unit 58. Switch 110 is preferably only functional while transmitter unit 58 is within range to open the lock mechanism. This prevents misuse of switch 1 10 to release the firearm. System 50 is preferably powered by one or more battery 112. These may be disposable or rechargeable, and may be supplemented or replaced by an external battery pack, as described above.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the spirit and the scope ofthe present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A security lock system for locking a firearm within a storage device until approached by the hand of an authorized user, the system comprising:

(a) a transmitter unit for transmitting a signal containing information characteristic of said transmitter unit, said transmitter unit being associated with the hand ofthe authorized user;

(b) a receiver unit associated with the storage device, said receiver unit being responsive to said signal to generate a corresponding electric signal;

(c) a processor associated with the receiver unit for processing said electric signal to identify said information, said processor generating a release signal on identification of said information; and

(d) a lock mechanism mounted within the storage device, said lock mechanism being operative to switch between a locked state in which it locks the firearm within the storage device and an unlocked state in which it allows removal of the firearm from the storage device, said lock mechanism being responsive to said release signal to switch from said locked state to said unlocked state.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor generates said release signal for a predetermined period after identification of said information, and wherein said lock mechanism is further responsive to cessation of said release signal to switch from said unlocked state to said locked state.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said signal . transmitted by said transmitter unit is an electromagnetic signal.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a primary transmitter, mounted within the storage device and associated with said processor, for transmitting an interrogatory electromagnetic signal of a given frequency, and wherein said transmitter unit is implemented as a passive transponder responsive to said given frequency to generate said characteristic signal.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a sensor located within the storage device, said sensor generating an output indicative of the presence of the firearm within the storage device, the system being responsive to said output to deactivate said primary transmitter while the firearm is not present within the storage device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said signal transmitted by said transmitter unit is an ultrasound signal.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said transmitter unit is included within an accessory to be worn on the hand of the authorized user.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said transmitter unit is included within an accessory to be worn on the wrist ofthe authorized user.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a memory device associated with said processor, said memory device storing reference information employed by said processor for identifying said characteristic infomiation.

19

SUBSTTTUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said memory device stores reference information for identifying information characteristic of each of a plurality of transmitter units.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein said memory device includes a programmable memory, and wherein said processor is responsive to an initialization input to reprogram at least a part of said programmable memory based on a signal received from said transmitter unit subsequent to said initialization input.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a manually operable initialization key for providing said initialization input, wherein said key is located within the storage device so as to be inaccessible when the firearm is within the storage device.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising a master transmitter unit for transmitting an initialization signal to said receiver unit so as to generate said initialization input.

14. The system of claim 1 for use with a firearm having a trigger guard, wherein said lock mechanism includes at least one displaceable catch for engaging the trigger guard.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said lock mechanism includes a pair of opposing jaws resiliently biased towards a closed position so as to allow insertion and removal of a part of the firearm between said jaws when said lock mechanism is in its unlocked state, and wherein said lock mechanism further includes a mechanism for demobilizing said pair of jaws to prevent removal of said part ofthe firearm in said locked state.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a manual override mechanism associated with said lock mechanism for releasing the firearm when said lock mechanism is in its locked state, said manual override mechanism being located within the storage device so as to be not readily accessible.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the firearm is a handgun and the storage device is a holster, the system allowing temporary anchoring of the holster to a relatively immovable object, the system further comprising a bracket having a first portion for insertion within the holster and a second portion for extending from the holster for connection to the relatively immovable object, said first portion being shaped for engaging a portion of the handgun such that insertion of the handgun into the holster fastens said bracket against removal from the holster, said bracket remaining thus fastened until said lock mechanism is released by identification of said characteristic signal and the handgun is withdrawn from the holster.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a manual override mechanism associated with said lock mechanism for releasing the handgun when said lock mechanism is in its locked state, and wherein said bracket is shaped to interrupt operation of said manual override mechanism when said first portion of said bracket is inserted within the holster.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) a housing associated with the storage device for retaining said transmitter unit in a storage position; and

(b) a switch associated with said processor, said switch being responsive to positioning of said transmitter unit in said storage position to deactivate at least one element ofthe system.