Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus to allow users to monitor a firearm without interfering with the accessibility to the firearm. The firearm monitoring and notification apparatus mitigates common risks surrounding unauthorized access and tampering through deterrence and notification strategies.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/198,610 titled “Firearm Monitoring and Notification Apparatus” filed Jul. 29, 2015. The entire disclosures of the above-referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus providing active monitoring and notification of firearm safety status while mitigating increases time for an authorized user to access the firearm. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The field surrounding firearm safety has for years proposed variations of a similar formula for accessibility of firearms, particularly in a firearm owner&#39;s home where children are present. Firearm owners that are also parents are met with the problem of securing his or her firearm to mitigate the risk of children having access while still allowing rapid access for scenarios such as a home invader. 
         [0004]    In a life-threatening event such as a home invasion, rapid access to one&#39;s firearm may determine between life and death. When attempting to retrieve a firearm, the longer the time required to access to the firearm, the higher the potential for undesirable outcomes such as suffering physical harm at the hands of a home invader. An owner retrieving his or her firearm must arrive at the secured firearm, disengage a locking mechanism and in some cases remove the locking device from the firearm prior to use. When attempting to retrieve a firearm, an increase in time needed to access the firearm may result in an increase in the chance of undesirable outcome. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A commonly used solution of retaining a firearm and/or firing mechanism of a firearm uses a locking mechanism to secure the firearm from unauthorized access. However the locking of a firearm often causes increased access time to the firearm. Some locking mechanisms consist of a safe or vault. Other locking mechanisms include cable-locks secured in position after being threaded through the barrel of the firearm or a trigger lock preventing the actuation of the trigger. The problem with these solutions surrounds concerns of home defense and rapid accessibility to the firearm. The act of disengaging a locking mechanism increases the access time to the firearm and may increase the chances of an undesirable outcome. 
         [0006]    Some firearm retention solutions use a keyed locking mechanism to secure the firearm prior to use. Keyed connections are problematic as keys are often misplaced or can be discovered by unauthorized users, such as children. In a scenario where a firearm owner awakes to the sounds of a potential intruder in the middle of the night, the act of finding, orienting and inserting a key into a lock further compounds the problem of rapid access to a firearm for protection. 
         [0007]    Some existing solutions for the securing of firearms use combination locks. Combination locks of a mechanical or electronic type may mitigate the possibility of searching for a key when the necessity for the firearm arises. However, a combination lock requires memory recall and dexterity. High-stress situations, which induce a fight-or-flight response, are known to have negative effects on cognitive ability and dexterity. As cognitive ability and dexterity deteriorates, this directly affects one&#39;s ability to access a firearm through the entry of a combination. An additional complication surrounding combination locks, particularly of the electronic type, is the potential loss of electrical power supplied to the unit preventing access to a firearm. Loss of household power, disconnection of wired power or depletion of battery may prevent the user from accessing his or her firearm. 
         [0008]    Some existing solutions utilize biometric scanning technology, such as fingerprint scanning technology. However, such locking mechanisms share similar complications with electronic locks as the loss of power renders the biometric recognition system inoperable. Furthermore, in the event an authorized user of a firearm owner is incapacitated or cannot reach the locking mechanism, individuals such as a family member or friend cannot access the firearm unless his or her biometric data has been pre-programmed as an authorized user. 
         [0009]    A solution that many firearm owners have adopted due to the problems surrounding locking mechanisms is to not employ any safety solution or apparatus at all. This solution poses increased risk, particularly in households with children, of unauthorized use of a firearm. 
         [0010]    Some have concluded that the use of a locking mechanism hinders a firearm owner or authorized user to access the firearm, when rapid access is desired and have devised solutions in light of this finding. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,653,974, to Crook et al. (“Crook”), incorporated in its entirety by reference, discloses and claims a monitoring system that uses of an electronic system having an elongated flexible strap intended to pass through the trigger guard of the weapon and interface with an associated sensor to deter access by a non-authorized user. To remove the firearm, the sensor connection/strap connection must be interrupted to indicate removal of the firearm. The invention also discloses a keyed bypass system to allow an authorized user with a key-code to bypass systems described as the deployment sensor switch, base tamper switch and magnetic tamper switches. Even without a key-code to bypass these sensor devices, any user may still have full access to the firearm; however, this will set off an alarm notifying an authorized user of the removal of the firearm from the apparatus. This places the unit into an alarm state providing monitoring information or alarm notification. 
         [0011]    Where the Crook reference falls short surrounds the elongated flexible strap. Although a strap provides a level of access control and deters tampering by unauthorized users, the firearm is prone to tampering while still retained by the monitoring system. An unauthorized user may, without removal of the firearm from the monitoring system and without tripping a tamper-sensing alarm, actuate the trigger of the firearm and discharge the firearm. This causes a very dangerous and potentially lethal problem with little or no evidence of tampering until the firearm has been fired. An additional shortfall of the Crook reference surrounds the removal of the firearm from the monitoring system. Removing a firearm in a hasty manner from the monitoring system, as disclosed by Crook, may inadvertently discharge the firearm as the elongated flexible strap may actuate the trigger. 
         [0012]    The present disclosure provides a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus to allow users to monitor a firearm without interfering with the accessibility to the firearm. The firearm monitoring and notification apparatus mitigates common risks surrounding unauthorized access and tampering through deterrence and notification strategies. A mitigation strategy of such a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus surrounds delivering notification to an authorized user when a tampering event is detected. Furthermore, certain embodiments of the apparatus as disclosed mitigate accidental or unauthorized discharge by preventing the actuation of the trigger prior to the detection of a tampering event. Embodiments of the present disclosure describe an apparatus that allows rapid access to a firearm while monitoring for unauthorized access and tampering events. It will be appreciated that a tampering event surrounds the attempted access, removal, or movement of a firearm by an unauthorized user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1A —A certain embodiment demonstrating a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus exhibiting an assembly of a post and cap 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B —A certain embodiment demonstrating a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus exhibiting an assembly of a post and cap 
           [0015]      FIG. 2 —A certain embodiment of a firearm 
           [0016]      FIG. 3 —A certain embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus in conjunction with a firearm exhibiting little or no gap between the proximal end of the trigger and the trigger guard 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A —An embodiment of assembly of a post and cap wherein the post is integrated into a surface of the apparatus and an orifice in the cap interfaces with the post element 
           [0018]      FIG. 4B —An embodiment of the post element comprising an open circuit, further comprising of at least two independent conductive surfaces 
           [0019]      FIG. 5 —An embodiment of the invention demonstrating the use of the assembly of a post and cap in conjunction with a firearm 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A —A block diagram of an electrical system comprising the controlling system of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus 
           [0021]      FIG. 6B —An embodiment of the comparator circuit in relation to a cap element uninstalled to a post element 
           [0022]      FIG. 6C —An embodiment of the comparator circuit in relation to a cap element installed to a post element 
           [0023]      FIG. 7 —An embodiment of the invention demonstrating the use of the assembly of a post and cap and constraining features in conjunction with a firearm 
           [0024]      FIG. 8 —A block diagram of an electrical system comprising the controlling system of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus 
           [0025]      FIG. 9A —An embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus in conjunction with a firearm larger than the surface of the apparatus 
           [0026]      FIG. 9B —An embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus demonstrating scalability of the apparatus. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10A —A perspective view of an embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10B —Multiple views of an embodiment of a constraining element. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11 —A perspective view of an embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus with transparent cap. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12 —A perspective view of an embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13A —A perspective view of an embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus with a cap disengaged. 
           [0032]      FIG. 13B —A bottom view of an embodiment of a cap. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13C —A cross section view of a cap element and zoomed view of the engagement between a cap element and a post element. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13D —A cross section view of a cap element and zoomed view of the engagement between a cap element and a post element. 
           [0035]      FIG. 13E —A cross section view of a cap element and zoomed view of the engagement between a cap element and a post element. 
           [0036]      FIG. 14A —A bottom view of an embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus. 
           [0037]      FIG. 14B —A bottom view of an embodiment of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus with a component door removed. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15 —An embodiment of a method for the monitoring of a firearm and generating notifications. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    As seen in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , certain embodiments support access control through the use of post  102  and cap  103 . The post  102 , attached to a top surface  107  of the apparatus  101 , passes through an aperture  104  created by features of a firearm  101 . The aperture  104  comprises a space between a trigger  105  and a trigger guard  106  on the proximal or distal side of the trigger  105 . It will be appreciated that, in reference to a firearm  101 , as shown in in  FIG. 2  the proximal end when held by a user, is closest to the user while the distal end is the portion of the firearm oriented away from the user and toward an intended target. 
         [0040]    Certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus, seen in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , comprise a post  102  for the disposal through an aperture  104  between a proximal portion of a trigger  105  and a proximal portion of a trigger guard  106  of a firearm  101 . The presence of the post through the aperture  104  of the firearm  101  prevents the actuation of the trigger  105  prior to the removal of the firearm  101  from the post  102 . Furthermore, a cap  103  is engaged with a post  102 , blocking access to the trigger  105 . The cap  103 , blocks access to the trigger  105 , preventing actuation of the trigger  105  prior to the removal of the cap  103  from the post  102 . 
         [0041]    Certain firearms  101  (seen in  FIG. 3 ) as used in conjunction with certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  may not comprise an aperture between a proximal portion of a trigger  105  and a proximal portion of a trigger guard  106 . It will be appreciated that a post  102  may pass through an aperture  104  defined by a distal portion of the trigger guard  106  and the distal portion of the trigger  105 . In such embodiments, a cap  103  affixes to the post  102  to prevent access to the trigger  105  of the firearm  101 , preventing the accidental or unauthorized actuation of the trigger  105  prior to the removal of the cap  103 . 
         [0042]    Certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4A , of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus comprise a post  102  integrated into a top surface  107  of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  wherein the firearm  101  is placed on the top surface  107  such that the post  102  passes through the trigger guard  106  and preferably through an aperture  104  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The cap  103  is assembled to the post  102 , closing a circuit to enable electric monitoring systems. The electronic monitoring systems identify electrical circuit characteristics including, open or completed circuit status, resistance values and/or other electrical characteristics commonly associated electrical circuit monitoring. 
         [0043]    Certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  comprise a post  102  and cap  103  that interconnect to complete an electrical circuit. The variable resistance of the electrical circuit exhibits a change in voltage and/or resistance when the position of the cap  103  is changed with respect to the post  102 . In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B , the post  102  exhibits at least two electrically separate conductors  403 . The cap  103  has an orifice  402  having a perimeter comprising electrically conductive material. The orifice  402  is configured to mate with the post  102  such that the orifice  402  electrically bridges the conductors  403  and closes the electrical circuit. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the assembly between the electrically conductive orifice  402  and the electrically separate conductors  403 , comprises electrical characteristics with variable resistance, commonly referred to as a potentiometer, and the measured resistance at any given point across this circuit varies with the location of the cap  103  along the post  102 . 
         [0044]    Certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6A , of the present invention comprise a base platform  501 , a post  102 , a cap  103 , a processor  601 , a power supply  602 , a comparator  603  and a housing  704 . The housing  704 , in such embodiments, comprises a box-like form of width 7.62 cm (3 inches), height 5.08 cm (2 inches) and length at least equivalent to the dimension between the dorsal and ventral extents of a firearm  101 . In such embodiments, ancillary components comprising the processor  601 , and comparator  603  are contained within the housing  704 . The base platform  501  typically has a rectangular form with width at least equal to the distance between the ventral and dorsal extents of the firearm  101 . The base platform  501  typically has a rectangular form with length at least equal to the distance between the proximal to distal extents of the firearm  101 . The base platform  501  further comprises a thin platform typically of thickness of 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) or less. Such embodiments of the apparatus  100  provides a low profile allowing the discrete use of the invention in existing spaces, such as within a drawer of a dresser or nightstand. 
         [0045]    In certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus, seen in  FIG. 5 , a firearm  101  may be placed on a top surface  107  with a post  102  passing through an aperture within the trigger guard  106 —preferably the aperture  104  between the proximal side of the trigger  105  and the proximal potion of the trigger guard  106 . Once the firearm  101  rests on the top surface  107  of the apparatus  100 , as defined by the top surface of the platform  105 , the cap  103  is installed. The cap  103  is installed by mating the orifice  402 , configured to interface slidably along the longitudinal axis of the post  102 , completing a variable resistance electrical circuit  604 , seen in  FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 6C . The user slidably engages the post  102  with the cap  103  and positions the cap  103  in close proximity to or in direct contact with the firearm  101 , blocking access to the trigger  105 . When the variable resistance circuit  604  is completed, a processor  601  records a baseline position of the post  102  and cap  103  by measuring circuit resistance. The processor continuously measures the resistance of the circuit on predetermined intervals, and determines if there is a change in resistance by using a comparator  603 . If the assembly of a post  102  and cap  103  is disturbed from the originally installed position, the comparator  603  indicates such a change and the processor  601  records the event. The processor  601  may then provide an alarm or notification in response notifying the tampering of or removal of the firearm. These alarms or notifications may be executed through the use of auditory, visual or electronic communication through a notification system  605 . 
         [0046]    As seen in  FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 6C , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that sensing the position or movement of a cap  103  may include but is not limited to the use of a comparator  603  in the form of an electrical circuit, used in conjunction with a processor  601  as shown in  FIG. 6A . Other embodiments may exhibit circuits using variable resistors, hall effect sensors, piezokinetic, variable voltage or other strategies known to those in the art to provide an electrical signal. This electrical signal may indicate the status of a circuit. In certain embodiments, the processor  601  further comprises comparator functionality. The signals typically used in such systems are within a 0-12V DC range and more preferably within a 0-5V DC range. 
         [0047]    Certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  comprise a comparator circuit  603  as seen in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B . A cap  103  completes a comparator  603  in circuit form, comprising resistors and an operational amplifier. The comparator  603  detects change in circuit status—open versus closed—and resistance change to provide a voltage based signal the processor  601 . 
         [0048]    Certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus, as seen in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 7 , an firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 , comprising a base platform  501  with integrated post  102 , power supply  602 , processor  601  and comparator  603 , further comprises a user interface panel  703 . The user interface panel  703  further comprises a plurality of push-buttons  701  allowing for the preprogramming and user-input of a combination for positive identification of an authorized user. Certain embodiments further comprise a constraining element  702 , configured to contact or be in close proximity of the distal end of the firearm  101 . The constraining element  702  minimizes lateral movement of the firearm  101  mitigating risk of unintentional or unauthorized discharge of the firearm while retained by the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 . As shown, the constraining element  702  comprises a planar element extending orthogonally outward from the top surface  107  of the base-platform  501 . Such embodiments of a constraining element are slidably adjustable along the length of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 . Slidable adjustability allows the adjustment of the constraining element  702  in a proximal or distal direction until the constraining element  702  contacts or is in close proximity to the distal end of the firearm  101 . In embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 , the use of a constraining element  702  the may prevent the accidental or unauthorized actuation of a trigger  105  of a secured firearm  101  in configurations where a post  102  extends through an aperture  104  on the distal side of the trigger  105 , such as in use with a firearm as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0049]    Once again referencing  FIG. 7 , alternative embodiments of a constraining element  702  may comprise, but are not limited to, post-like elements, a multi-planar element extending away from the base-platform  501 , or other structures preventing or minimizing lateral movement of a firearm  101  retained by a firearm monitoring and notification firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 . It will be appreciated that a constraining element  702  may contact or be in close proximity to a distal facing surface of the firearm. The adjustment of the constraining element  702  to contact the distal end of the firearm  101  prevents the actuation of the trigger  105  including in a scenario where a post  102  extends through an aperture on the distal side of the trigger  105 . 
         [0050]    In certain embodiments of the invention as seen in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 7 , a user places a firearm  101  on a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  such that a post  102  extends through an aperture  104  of the firearm  101 . A cap  103  is then slidably mated with the post  102  in order to activate the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  monitoring capability. When a user wishes to remove the firearm  101 , the user may input the proper combination via the push-buttons  701  to disarm the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  prior to disturbing the cap  103 . The pre-entering of the proper combination prevents the processor  601  from entering an alarm mode. The alarm mode, as toggled by the processor  601 , activates an audible alarm and/or electronic notification through a notification system  605 . The notification system  605  alerts the owner and/or other authorized users of the firearm  101  to potential tampering or removal of the firearm  101 . Furthermore, an alarm state may also indicate the hasty removal of the firearm  101  by an authorized user, which may indicate the possibility of an emergency situation needing attention from authorities. 
         [0051]    As described herein, the alarm-state indicates the toggling of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  by a processor unit  601 , into a mode where notifications and alarms are provided. As seen in  FIG. 8 , such notifications and alarms include, but are not limited to: audible alarms, email messages, SMS (short message service), notifications to personal electronic devices, and notifications to local authorities and/or emergency responders. Furthermore, notifications may be sent or received through an application running on a remote computer or personal device, such as a smart-phone. Such communication between the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  and the application may be made through wireless communication protocols, such as cellular networks or wireless internet connectivity. 
         [0052]    Certain embodiments of the invention, as seen in  FIG. 8 , of a system surrounding a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 , further comprise a processor  601  in the form of a micro-controller, user interface  801 , an analog to digital converter  802 , a sensor suite  803 , a communications module  804  and audible alarm  805 . In such an embodiment, the comparator functionality is an embedded capability of the processor  601  to which all electrical signals feed through. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the processor may be an AVR® chip, a PIC® chip or other similarly capable processor. 
         [0053]    In certain embodiments, the housing  704 , as seen in  FIG. 7 , comprises a hollow form with a top surface  107 . The hollow form allows the installation and containment of all ancillary components, such as system components as shown in  FIG. 8 , within the volume of the housing  704  and interfacing with the post  102  and cap  103  integrated into the base platform  501 . 
         [0054]    In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 7 , a user places a firearm  101  onto a top surface  107  of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  with a lateral face of the firearm contacting the top surface  107  of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 . The top surface  107  further exhibits an integrated post  102  intended to pass through an aperture  104  defined by the proximal side of the trigger  105  and the proximal end of the trigger guard  106 . A constraining element  702  of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  is then configured to limit the lateral movement of the firearm  101 . In certain embodiments, the constraining element  702  is slidably adjustable while engaged with slots  705  in the top surface  107 , for the engagement and adjustment of the constraining element  702 . A constraining element  702  may be in close proximity to or in contact with one or more surfaces of the firearm  101  including dorsal, ventral or distal surfaces of the firearm  101 . A cap  103  is then installed in conjunction with the post  102 . The cap  103  is slid down the length of the post  102  until in close proximity or more preferably in contact with an exposed lateral surface of the firearm  101 . The cap  103  covers the trigger  105  and trigger guard  106  of the firearm  101  and completes the variable resistance circuit  604 , seen in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B . 
         [0055]    In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6A - FIG. 6C  and  FIG. 8 , the closing of a variable resistance circuit  604  electrical signal indicates the presence of the cap  103  over the post  102  of the invention and the position of the cap  103  in relation to the post  102  is recorded as a baseline through a processor  601 . The processor  601 , is connected to a power supply  602  and a plurality of ancillary components including, but not limited to, notification components such as communications modules  804 , audible alarms  805 , user interface  801  components and sensor components  803 . The processor  601  records the baseline position of the cap  103  and subsequently the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  enters an armed mode. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that such position information may also include position of a cap  103  in relation to sensor components  803  including physical sensors. These sensor components  803  are used to determine movement of the cap  103  from the baseline position, typically resting against the firearm  101 , as installed by the user when placing the firearm  101  on the top surface  107  of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 . When in an armed mode, any deviation from this baseline position may indicate the movement or removal of the cap  103 . If such an event is detected prior to positive identification of a user, the processor  601  enters an alarm mode and subsequently issuing notifications of audible, visual and/or electronic message. 
         [0056]    Certain embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 7 , comprise push-buttons  701  to allow an authorized user to input a code for positive identification allowing the processor to positively identify a user in order to bypass an alarm mode. When the processor receives input providing positive identification of an authorized user, the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  enters a standby mode, bypassing the armed mode and allowing the cap  103  and then firearm  101  removal without notifications or the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  entering the alarm mode. 
         [0057]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that user interface  801  related components, shown in  FIG. 8 , that allow the input of user-identifying information include, but are not limited to, push-buttons, biometric reading devices and/or other devices allowing the entry of identifying information preset by the user. 
         [0058]    It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that an firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 , as shown in  FIG. 9A , may be scaled as necessary in various embodiments to allow the use with a firearm  901  of various sizes including, but not limited to pistols, sub-compact firearms, shotguns, rifles and carbines. Some embodiments as demonstrated by  FIG. 9B  may comprise a larger firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  sized to the extents to the intended size of firearm  901 . It will be further appreciated that embodiments of the apparatus need not match the size of firearm for which a user may use in conjunction with it. 
         [0059]    Certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  as seen in  FIG. 10A  comprise a base platform  501 , an embodiment of a cap  103 , a housing  704 , push-buttons  701 , an audible alarm device  1130  and a constraining element  702 . The base platform  501  further comprises slots  705 . The constraining element  702  being slidably attached through the slots  705  allowing custom configuration by the user. The constraining element  702  can be configured such that the distal end of a firearm  101  secured by the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  is disposed at least partially within a recess  1105  of the constraining element  702 . In such embodiments, the audible alarm device  1130  comprises a buzzer. However, it will be appreciated that an audible alarm device  1130  may comprise a speaker, a buzzer or any other device known to those skilled in the art to generate an audible signal in association with an electrical signal. 
         [0060]    As seen in  FIG. 10B , certain embodiments of a constraining element  702  comprise a recess  710  having a recess height  715  of 3.5 cm (1.375 inches) and recess depth  720  of 2.86 cm (1.125 inches) and a recess width of 7.1 cm (2.8 inches). It will be appreciated that a constraining element  702  may comprise a plurality of recesses  710 . In certain embodiments a plurality of recesses  710  are separated by a recess partition  730 . 
         [0061]    Certain embodiments of an firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 , as shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , comprise an embodiment of a cap  103  further comprising a pin  1110  element, which is affixed to the cap  103 . The pin  1110  engages with an embodiment of a post  102  to secure a firearm  101 . It will be appreciated that the length of a post  102  and a pin  1110  need to extend beyond the top surface of the firearm  101  to allow the installation of the cap  103 . It will be further appreciated that the length of the post  102  and the length of the pin  1110  may be configured as desired if the total engaged length exceeds the distance between a top surface  107  of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  and the top of a trigger guard  106 . 
         [0062]    Certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 , seen in  FIG. 13A , comprise a cap  103  having a pin  1110 . The pin  1110 , further comprising a spring detent  1115 , mates with the post  102  through the insertion of the pin  1110  into a hole  1120  in the post  102 . The spring detent  1115  interfaces with a recess feature  1310  (seen in  FIG. 13E ) on the internal surface of the hole  1120 . Referencing  FIG. 13A  once again, a cap  103  may further comprise a shroud element  1117  intended to prevent lateral access to the trigger mechanism of a firearm being monitored by the firearm monitoring and notification. 
         [0063]    As seen in in  FIG. 13B-13E , certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification comprising a cap  103  having a pin  1110  further comprise a plurality of spring detents  1115  for the mating with a post  102  with a hole  1120 . In such embodiments, the hole  1120  has a radial recess  1310  with which the spring detents  1115  interface with to provide tensile resistance to retain the cap  103 . The pin  1110  further comprises a magnet feature at the distal end, which interacts with a hall effect sensor  1330  that is attached to the base of the hole  1120 . The proximity of the magnet  1320  to the hall effect sensor  1330  completes a connection to provide an electrical signal that is used by a processor to identify the presence of the cap  103 . In certain embodiments, the magnet  1320  can be pulled axially away from the hall effect sensor  1330  prior to the disengagement of the ball detents  1115  from the radial recess  1310 . Such embodiments indicate the potential removal of the cap  103  prior to the disengagement of the pin  1110  from the post  102 . The potential removal of the cap  103  may be used as basis to alert a user or initiate an audible alarm associated with a change in status of the magnet  1320  in relation to the hall effect sensor  1330  initiate an audible alarm. 
         [0064]    In such embodiments, the cap  103  has a pin  1110 , and the post  102  has a hole  1120 . The interface between the cap  103  and the post  102  relies on the mating of the pin  1110  with the hole  1120 . 
         [0065]    Certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus, as seen in  FIG. 11 , comprise a breakaway feature surrounding the interface between a cap  103  and a post  102 . A breakaway feature is configured to prevent the unauthorized or unintentional discharge of a firearm secured by the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus. It will be appreciated that an unauthorized or unintentional discharge may occur when a pin  1110  or post  102  is in contact with the distal side of a trigger  105  and the firearm is moved in a distal direction. In embodiments comprising a breakaway feature, the length of the post  102  and the pin  1110  are configured such that the pin  1110  contacts the distal side of the trigger  105 . In this configuration, if the firearm  101  is moved in the distal direction the pin  1110  disengages from the post  102  prior to actuation of the trigger  105 . It will be appreciated that a breakaway feature must disengage from the post  102  when a lateral force is applied to the pin  1110 . It will be further appreciated that this force cannot be in excess of the force required to actuate the trigger  105 . It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that a breakaway feature may comprise any attachment feature with a release force that is predetermined and repeatable. 
         [0066]    As seen in  FIG. 14A  and  FIG. 14B , certain embodiments of a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  comprise fasteners  1135  for the constraint of a constraining element  702 . The fasteners  1135  engaged through slots  705  on a bottom planar face of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  to engage and affix the constraining element  702 . The firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100  further comprises an electrical component door  1125  on the bottom planar surface of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 . Fasteners  1135  constrain the component door  1125  to the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus  100 . Concealed by the component door  1125 , is access to a housing  704  containing ancillary components. In certain embodiments, ancillary components comprise a power supply  602  and a circuit board  1400 , which comprises a processor  601 , a comparator  603  and a notification system  605 . It will be appreciated that a circuit board  1400  may comprise custom circuitry known to those skilled in he art or pre-manufactured circuitry as found with a Raspberry Pi® or Arduino®. It will be further appreciated that a circuit board  1400  may have integrated wireless communication protocol technology or plug-and-play wireless communication modules such as for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. 
         [0067]    In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 15 , a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus is used to secure a firearm using steps comprising, powering on the apparatus  1505 , which initiates the apparatus entering a stand-by mode  1510 . After entering standby mode  1515 , the apparatus continually checks for the installation of a cap  1520 . If a cap is not installed, the unit continues to monitor for the installation of a cap. A user may then place a firearm on the apparatus with a post extending through a portion of the trigger-guard. The user then installs a cap to the post. Once a cap is installed, the apparatus senses the installation of the cap and initiates an “armed mode  1525 .” Once the “armed mode” is initiated  1525 , the apparatus monitoring for movement of the cap or an entered combination  1530  and determines if cap movement is detected  1535 . If movement of the cap is not detected and a combination is not entered, the apparatus continues monitor for the movement of the cap or entry of a combination  1530 . When movement of the cap is detected, the apparatus determines if the cap is fully engaged or not fully engaged  1540 . If the cap has not been fully disengaged, the apparatus sends notification alerting the user to tampering with the firearm  1545 . If the cap has been fully disengaged, the apparatus sends notification alerting the user to the removal of the firearm  1550 . At this point a user may enter a combination in a predetermined length of time and the apparatus determines if it is the preprogrammed combination  1555 . If the preprogrammed combination is entered, the apparatus initiates the standby mode  1510 . If the preprogrammed combination is not entered in the predetermined period of time, the apparatus sends notification alerting the user of an incorrect combination entry  1560  and activates an audible alarm  1565  until the preprogrammed combination is entered. 
         [0068]    In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 15 , it will be appreciated that a user may enter a combination at any point after the step comprising the initiation of the armed mode  1525 . In such scenarios the apparatus detects if a combination is entered  1575 , and further determines if the combination entered is the preprogrammed combination  1555 . If the entered combination is not the preprogrammed combination the apparatus sends notification alerting the user of incorrect combination entry  1560 . If the combination entered is the preprogrammed combination, the apparatus initiates the standby mode  1510 . It will be further appreciated that if an incorrect combination is entered at any point after the apparatus initiates the armed mode, a notification may be sent to the user alerting them to an incorrect code being entered. 
         [0069]    In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the step comprising the activation of an audible alarm may further comprise the audible alarm terminating after a predetermined length of time. 
         [0070]    It will be further appreciated to those skilled in the art that the use of the firearm monitoring and notification apparatus comprising monitoring and notification systems is not limited to the monitoring and notification surrounding firearms. The technology as disclosed herein may be used for the monitoring and notification surrounding the access to any object for which an authorized user or owner desires to have such monitoring and notification. 
         [0071]    Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Further, “Providing” an article or apparatus, as used herein, refers broadly to making the article available or accessible for future actions to be performed on the article, and does not connote that the party providing the article has manufactured, produced, or supplied the article or that the party providing the article has ownership or control of the article. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.