Abstract:
A device for safely storing or displaying a firearm that alerts its owner if the device or firearm are disturbed by unauthorized individuals and also provides its owner with quick access to the firearm when necessary. The device comprises a covered support member with a recessed volume generally configured to fit at least a portion of a firearm, actuators that activate an alarm if the device is uncovered or the firearm is removed without authorization, and a concealed de-activator.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/453,359 filed Dec. 1, 1999. The disclosure of the aforementioned U.S. patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     (Not applicable.) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a firearm storage device with an alarm that prevents the unauthorized removal of the firearm while allowing the owner quick access to the firearm. 
     2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98. 
     As recent national headlines bear witness, American society pays a high price for poorly secured guns. Representatives of religious, civic, government, law enforcement and community organizations throughout the U.S. have stood up publicly to press for passage of gun-control laws in an effort to keep guns out of the hands of those not legally permitted to carry them, including new penalties on gun owners responsible for leaving guns accessible to children who use them to commit violent acts. 
     On Nov. 1, 1999, CNN reported that a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many parents who own guns keep them loaded or unlocked at home and substantially underestimate the risk of injury to their children. Researchers determined that an alarming number of families keep both pistols and rifles where young family members could find them. Furthermore, the majority of those studied kept at least one of these firearms, usually a handgun, either unlocked or loaded, and a significant proportion of them kept them both unlocked and loaded. Last year 500 children died and 25,000 were injured in what doctors called “preventable” accidents. 
     Furthermore, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provides some alarming statistics. Every day, 10 American children ages 18 and under are killed in handgun suicide, homicides and accidents, and many more are wounded. An estimated 400,000 youngsters carried handguns to school in 1987. Since at least 25 million American households keep handguns and 50% of all owners keep them loaded, it is highly likely that a youngster with a firearm obtained it from their own home without being detected by their parents. 
     Children and adolescents are inherently playful, active, curious and impulsive. Such healthy traits when mixed with guns can cause death. The proximity of juveniles notwithstanding, the undeniable danger associated with gun possession should concern all gun owners and compel them to secure their firearms. Furthermore, gun owners may be held legally liable for the consequences of their failure to institute protective measures. 
     Firearms are typically stored in locked cabinets or cases for safety purposes. However, collectors and dealers have a need to display their firearms in an openly viewable and appealing manner, such as on a stand. This presents a dilemma for collectors and dealers who wish to display their firearms, especially handguns, at exhibitions or trade shows in a less restrictive manner. They are typically restricted to either using a locked enclosure or displaying the handgun relatively unsecured. The former method is inconvenient and burdensome. The latter method is convenient but unsafe. 
     Alternatively, quick access is required where a firearm, especially a handgun, is kept for protective purposes. If a locked case is used to store the gun, time may be lost in unlocking the case and removing the gun, which could negate the protective advantage of possessing a firearm in the first place. In all situations where firearms are stored, it is desirable to provide an alarm to indicate that the gun has been moved by an unauthorized person or a child. 
     Furthermore, ease of operation is of great significance, since a device that provides adequate security and accessibility at the price of excessive inconvenience discourages people from using it. The dangerous consequences of an unauthorized use of a firearm necessitates that any device designed to provide for its accessibility and security be simple to engage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,608 issued to Orlewicz discloses a wall-mountable gun cabinet having a hinged door, the face of which is disguised as a decorative wall article. A lockable inner door provides some additional measure of security. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,021 issued to Ferraro discloses a case or safe with an electronic lock having a touch pad on which a code must be entered to gain access to the gun. An alarm sounds if the safe is removed from the surface on which it is mounted. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,838 issued to Cislo discloses a lockbox for handguns that is lockably attached to a bedframe. Access is gained by entering a code with a touchpad provided on the box. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,827 issued to Allen, et al. discloses a handgun display device having a flat upper plate for placing a handgun on and a lower base plate with force sensors embedded in between. Two variable resistors must be adjusted to set an upper and lower force threshold, and an alarm is triggered when the upper and lower force thresholds are breached. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,088 issued to Pierson discloses a portable alarm system for use in museums having spring-loaded plungers protruding out from two regions of a flat base member. The bottom plunger is depressed by the stand or table on which the base sits and the top plunger is depressed by the art work placed upon it. The two plungers are connected to switches that activate a tamper alarm if either plunger extends to full protrusion when the alarm is armed. 
     Despite these and other related attempts at balancing firearm security and accessibility, there remains a need for a complete, reliable and simple resolution to the problems of the inconvenient gun access and insecure open gun display. Furthermore, these and other related devices present no adequate solution to the problem of securely displaying or storing a gun in a reliable and uncomplicated device, while allowing it to be accessed easily and quickly by authorized persons. In many situations where guns are displayed, high-security enclosures are unnecessary. A security device that functions independently and allows the owner the option of adding additional security measures, when circumstances require such, is highly desirable. These unresolved problems and deficiencies are clearly felt in the art and are solved by present invention in the manner described below. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves the problem of creating a convenient and uncomplicated device for securing against the unauthorized removal of a firearm without limiting the accessibility of the firearm to its owner. It is also well-suited for protecting the firearm while on display, or in combination with any suitable enclosure, such as a locked case, drawer, or box. 
     The invention comprises a support member having a recessed volume, molded and contoured to the general shape of a firearm, and an alarm that activates if the firearm is removed from the recessed volume. The alarm may be initialized by an attached or remote actuator. In preferred embodiments, the alarm is initiated by placing the firearm on an actuator located in the recessed volume itself. The alarm may be audible or made to send a signal to a remote location or device, such as a pager, telephone, or alert a home security force. 
     In preferred embodiments, an indicator lamp illuminates if the alarm is activated and remains lit until a de-activator is triggered. The alarm may be cut short and reset by way of an electronic timer, to alert the owner to any unauthorized removal of the gun. In preferred embodiments, the de-activator for the alarm and indicator lamp, which is preferably the device reset/on-off switch, is concealed. 
     The de-activator may be concealed in many ways, inside or outside the support member. In alternative embodiments, the de-activator may be triggered by remote transmitter. The purpose in concealing the switch is to require special knowledge of its whereabouts and a special tool to gain access it. This can be accomplished in a variety of uncomplicated yet extremely effective ways. The de-activator switch may be concealed at the end of a thin tube extending within the support member, thus restricting its access to pin-like objects only. Alternatively, the entryway to the switch can be shaped to limit its accessibility to a specially-shaped key. Preferably, the de-activator switch comprises a reed switch which is concealed within the support member. The switch is actuated when a magnet is placed in close proximity. 
     Using the recessed volume helps make the device less likely to cause false alarms, and the generic mold can accommodate a wide variety of firearms. The recessed volume conforms to the general shape of a gun, that is, the recessed volume can be deep or shallow, curved or angular, depending on the width and shape of the part of the gun that would normally rest there. For example, if the device was to be used for handguns with revolving barrels, the recessed volume would be deepest at the point where the barrel would rest, shallow at the shaft, and somewhere in between for the handgrip. Since most firearms of the same type or caliber have the same basic shape, a generic recessed volume would satisfactorily accommodate most firearms of a particular type or caliber. For instance, a recessed volume molded for revolvers should accommodate most revolvers while a recessed volume molded for semi-automatic handguns should accommodate most semi-automatic handguns. However, other embodiments of the inventive device include recessed volumes molded to fit only a portion of the gun, or having a recessed volume molded to suit the characteristics of a particular make or model of gun. In addition, the recessed volume may accommodate more than one firearm. 
     The invention also provides a gun owner with quick access to the firearm. This is highly important if the firearm is to be kept in the home for protective purposes. An alternate embodiment of the inventive device provides even greater accessibility. In this embodiment, an aperture is added to the recessed volume that would allow the gun owner to quickly slip his or her hand around the handgrip of the handgun to enable the owner to bring the handgun to a ready position quicker in case of an emergency. In this capacity, the gun owner may want to deactivate the device while at home, and then activate it upon leaving the premises. 
     An alternative embodiment of the inventive device comprises a recessed volume molded to fit the entire gun excluding the handgrip, thus leaving the handgrip exposed for even quicker access. In this embodiment, the actuator could be manually triggered or located in the recessed area where the barrel of the gun would rest. Optimizing the location of components and mold of the recessed area, for purposes such as gaining quicker access to the firearm, is contemplated as being within the scope of the invention. 
     The device may be battery-powered, in which case a low battery indicator light may be added to the support member. The support member may be made from plastic or metal, while the recessed area may also be plastic or metal but may be covered with a felt, rubber or fabric. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a covering for the device. The cover may be made of plastic, or other suitable material, and partially attached, hinged or completely removable from the device. Preferably, the inventive device further comprises an opaque cover that conceals the identity of the contents of the inventive device, and a switch set to trigger the alarm or other alert when the cover is opened. The switch may be a magnetic switch but preferably, the switch is a proximity switch, such as a reed switch and magnet combination. When the cover is removed without deactivating the device, the magnet and reed switch are separated and the reed switch&#39;s contacts close, which triggers the alarm. The cover and support member can also be made so that the cover fits in a groove or snap-fits onto the support member. 
     This system serves to further discourage unauthorized use of a firearm prior to any physical disturbance of the firearm itself, and in particular, to further discourage a child from picking up the firearm. The alarm may be initialized by closing the cover and deactivated by a remote or attached actuator, or by any other means as discussed herein and known to those skilled in the art as being in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     One or more embodiments of the invention and of making and using the invention, as well as the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention, are described in detail below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side view taken along line  2 — 2  of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a side view taken along line  2 — 2  of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 with a handgun in the recessed volume; 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the first embodiment; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive device; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view taken along line  6 — 6  of the alternative embodiment of the inventive device illustrated in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view taken along line  7 — 7  of the alternative embodiment of the inventive device illustrated in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the inventive device; 
     FIG. 9 is a side view taken along line  9 — 9  of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a side view taken along line  9 — 9  of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 with its cover and a handgun depicted in the recessed volume; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the inventive device with its cover; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the inventive device; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the inventive device; and 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the inventive device with its cover. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following more detailed description of the invention is intended to be read in the light of, or in context with, the preceding summary and background descriptions. Unless otherwise apparent, or stated, directional references, such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “front” and “rear”, are intended to be relative to the orientation of a particular embodiment of the invention as shown in the first numbered view of that embodiment. 
     Although the present invention is not limited to handguns, but extensible to many other firearms, handguns are utilized in practicing the invention in the illustrated embodiments. The embodiments of the inventive device which accommodate handguns depicted and described herein are also used as a convenient vehicle for illustrating aspects, features, and characteristics of the invention. 
     FIGS. 1-4 depict a first embodiment of the inventive device  5 . Support member  10  comprises recessed volume  12  molded in the general size and shape of a handgun. An actuator or alarm trigger switch  14  is disposed in recessed volume  12  at a location that will contact the handgrip of firearm  13  placed in recessed volume  12 . Actuator  14  is depressed when firearm  13  is placed in the recessed volume  12 , which sets alarm  24 . Alarm  24  does not activate unless actuator  14  is released, which occurs if firearm  13  is removed from recessed volume  12 . Also, indicator lamp  16  illuminates to signal that firearm  13  has been removed and remains lit until device  5  is reset, via concealed de-activator switch  20 , located in support member  10 , accessible through opening  18 . Firearm  13  rests in recessed volume  12 . Recessed volume  12 , as shown by the dotted-dashed line in FIG. 3, accommodates gun barrel  32 , gun shaft  30  and handgrip  34  by being shaped to correspond to the shape of firearm  13 . 
     Opening  18  is actually the exterior end of a thin hollow tube  19  which extends from support member  10 . The de-activator switch  20  is at the interior end of tube  19 . The diameter and length of tube  19  is such that the de-activator switch  20  can only be triggered by inserting pin  22 , or an object of similar size and shape into opening  18 . When the system is activated and firearm  13  is removed from its resting position, actuator switch  14  is released, sounding audible alarm  24  and illuminating indicator lamp  16  on support member  10 . 
     Electronic timer  26  in support member  10  will keep alarm  24  ringing for a predetermined period of time after which alarm  24  shuts off and resets, even if firearm  13  is quickly put back in its resting position in recessed volume  12 , thus depressing actuator switch  14  once again. Alarm  24  may be set to make periodic short bursts of sound after the full alarm sound has been stopped by electronic timer  26 , until device  5  has been completely deactivated by switch  20 . Also, indicator lamp  16  stays lit as evidence that firearm  13  was removed from recessed volume  12  until de-activator switch  20  is triggered. Device  5  is powered by battery  28  located in support member  10 . 
     FIGS. 5-7 depict an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Inventive device  105  features aperture  136 , which provides the gun owner with even quicker access to handgrip  134 . Aperture  136  extends underneath handgrip  134 , thus providing enough space for the gun owner to wrap his or her hand around handgrip  134 , and reducing the amount of time to bring firearm  113  to a ready-to-fire position. Aperture  136  does not interfere with the stability of firearm  113  in recessed volume  112  because the remaining portions of recessed volume  112  are molded to fit firearm  113  securely. Furthermore, a portion of handgrip  134  is supported by recessed volume  112  at supporting ledge  138 . In this embodiment, actuator  114  is located in recessed volume  112  in the area where barrel  132  rests. Opening  118  and de-activator switch  120  are disposed in support member  110 . FIGS. 8-10 depict a third embodiment of the present invention. A support member  210  comprises recessed volume  212  molded in the general size and shape of a handgun. An actuator or alarm trigger switch  214  is disposed in recessed volume  212  at a location that will contact the handgrip of firearm  213  placed in recessed volume  212 . Actuator  214  is depressed when firearm  213  is placed in the recessed volume  212 , which sets alarm  224 . 
     Support member  210  further comprises cover  242 . Actuator  244  is a magnetic switch which closes in the presence of a magnetic field when cover  242  which comprises magnet  246  is placed on device  205 . Cover  242  rests on top of the support member  210  and in doing so, magnet  246  aligns with actuator  244  setting alarm  224 . Thereafter, removal of cover  242  breaks the magnetic seal which triggers alarm  224 . Indicator lamp  216  illuminates to signal that the alarm has activated and remains lit until device  205  is reset, via concealed de-activator switch  220 , located in support member  210 , accessible through opening  218 . 
     Cover  242  is generally configured to fit at least a portion of support member  210 , preferably covering the entire recessed volume  212 . Magnetic switch  244  also further secures device  205  and prevents cover  242  from being accidentally removed. Additional magnets on cover  242  and support member  210  may also be implemented in accordance with this invention. 
     In this embodiment, actuator  244  and actuator  214  are connected to alarm  224  in parallel so that either actuator  244  or actuator  214  can initiate the same alarm  224 . However, a separately connected alarm of the same or different type for each actuator is contemplated in accordance with this invention. For example, the alarms can be modified as discussed herein, so that unauthorized removal of the cover transmits a signal to a remote paging device, and unauthorized removal of the firearm underneath triggers an audible alarm. 
     As illustrated by the dotted-dashed line in FIG. 10, recessed volume  212  accommodates gun barrel  232 , gun shaft  230  and handgrip  234  by being molded in a manner that corresponds to the shape of firearm  213 . 
     FIG. 11 depicts a fourth alternative embodiment having aperture  336  which provides access to handgrip  334 , beneath cover  342 , and through the side of support member  310 . Aperture  336  provides quick access to the firearm while maintaining a high level of security for firearm  313 , among other things. 
     FIGS. 12-14 depict a fifth alternative embodiment in which actuator  414  is contacted by recessed volume  412  when firearm  413  is placed in recessed volume  412 . In this embodiment, actuator  414  is disposed under recessed volume  412  which is capable of contacting actuator  414  within support member  410 . Preferably, the entire recessed volume  412  is capable of vertical movement within support member  410 , although moving only a portion of recessed volume  412  is necessary for contacting actuator  414 . When not supporting firearm  413 , recessed volume  412  maintains an idle position that does not depress actuator  414 . Actuator  414  is depressed by the downward positional variation of recessed volume  412 , which is caused by the added weight of firearm  413  in recessed volume  412 . Actuator  414  is released and alarm  424  sounds when the weight of firearm  413  is removed from recessed volume  412 , thus returning recessed volume  412  to its idle position. Recessed volume  412  may be made of a springy foam or lightweight material, or a separated from support member  410  and supported by any conventional means that allows movement to contact actuator  414  in the manner described above. The operating force of actuator  414  is small enough to be actuated by lighter firearms and large enough to avoid causing false alarms. The operating force of actuator  414  may also be sufficient to push recessed volume  412  upward when firearm  413  is removed. Preferably, the operating force is approximately 200 grams. 
     De-activator  420  comprises a reed switch which is concealed within support member  410 . De-activator  420  is triggered by the presence of a magnetic field within a close proximity. Therefore, deactivating the system or disengaging alarm  424  may be accomplished by placing magnet  446  against the outer surface of support member  410  at a location directly opposing de-activator  420 . Magnet  446  and support member  410  may also include fasteners or a corresponding fastening means, such as Velcro strips, so that magnet  446  may be kept on the outer surface of support member  410 , at the proper location to keep device  405  deactivated, until activation of device  405  is desired. Removal of magnet  446  from its position thereafter activates the system. 
     While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is, of course, understood that various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Many such modifications are contemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the invention.