Firearm security apparatus

An apparatus for storing a firearm, particularly a long gun, in a secure manner but in which the firearm is readily available to an authorized person. The apparatus may be mounted on a vertical wall. A door assembly is pivotally connected to a main housing and can be locked in a closed position to secure the interior of the housing against unauthorized entry. Adjustable access inhibitor components allow the apparatus to be customized for use with a user-selected model of firearm without compromising security. Movable components within the housing interior hold the selected firearm in a desired position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of firearms security, more particularly to an apparatus for securely storing long rifles and shotguns, and specifically to a firearm security apparatus that allows an authorized person to access a secured firearm quickly in the event of an emergency.

Background Art

Firearms ownership is common in the United States of America, and is increasing in popularity in this and other nations. A vast majority of firearms owners are responsible and exercise care in the use and storage of their firearms. One desirable aspect of responsible firearms ownership is the secure storage of the firearm(s) against their access by unauthorized persons including thieves and children. However, another facet of firearms ownership is the right to use a firearm for self-defense, especially within the firearm owner's home or business. Thus, there is a need for a means and method for storing a firearm against unauthorized use, but in a manner permitting rapid access to the firearm when needed for personal defense (e.g., in the event of a criminal home invasion), or under other exigent circumstance, such as a house fire or natural disaster.

Presently, there exists in the art a variety of firearm racks, retainers, security locks, safes, lockboxes and other devices constructed for the purpose of securing and protecting one or more firearms. Many such devices are customized for use in securing and protecting handguns, but others are adapted specially to accommodate long guns. “Long guns” commonly (but not necessarily exclusively) refers to shotguns having a barrel length of at least eighteen inches, or rifles having a barrel length of at least sixteen inches. Conventional heavyweight safes offer optimum security, but typically are not opened quickly and are always bulky.

Some devices adapted to secure long guns are configured to support on the butt end of the firearm most of its weight, with some support on a point on the barrel, in order to distribute the mass of the firearm, as well as to permit reasonable access to the firearm. Means for securing or locking the firearm include trigger guard key lock assemblies, as well as barrel capture/locking mechanisms. In single-weapon racks and holders, a few known security devices may be customized to receive a single type or style of rifle or shotgun. However, many security firearm racks known in the art cannot accommodate mounting rails, scopes, lights and other accessories frequently attached to a long gun. Gun racks known in the art typically are wall-mounted or free standing, and occupy substantial space. Those long gun storage devices which do offer some adjustability nevertheless are restricted to a limited selection of models of rifle or shotgun.

Significant effort has been expended in the past to provide rapid-entry security devices for use with handguns. Relatively little effort has been made in this regard respecting long guns. Long guns nevertheless are suitable and sometimes preferable tools for use in home and personal defense. Thus, there remains an unmet need for an apparatus and method for safely and securely storing a long gun against unauthorized access, but which also permits an authorized user facile and rapid access to the weapon in an urgent time of need. The presently disclosed apparatus more fully satisfies, among others: (a) the need for a versatile long gun security apparatus that is adaptable/adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of types, styles and sizes of long guns, including firearms equipped with a telescope, lights, or other accessories; and (b) the need for a long gun security apparatus that is simply and rapidly used to access the weapon, and yet offers reasonably reliable protection against unauthorized access.

Against the foregoing background, the presently disclosed apparatus was invented.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

There is disclosed a versatile firearm secure storage apparatus and system. Problems with mounting, space requirements, limited model/type/size accommodations, accessibility, and other problems are addressed by embodiments of the present invention, and will be understood by those skilled in the art upon reading the following specification. The present apparatus is particularly well-suited to satisfy unmet needs for storing long guns, but its use is not strictly so limited.

In one embodiment of an apparatus according to this disclosure, a housing is provided, for example of sheet metal, which includes a plurality of components formed and assembled to be adjustable by way of various fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws, rivets, and dowels. The components are arranged in such a fashion so as to allow them according to their design to be moved and temporarily fastened in place, allowing for a firearm of choice to be placed securely inside the housing. A moveable lid or door assembly is included and featuring a locking mechanism to hold fast the door, after closure, to secure the firearm.

According to the firearm profile as it relates to the upper and lower access in the housing, a plurality of access inhibitors may be placed according to the design which inhibits access to the interior of the apparatus housing by closely following the contour or profile of the firearm, as yet permitted by the spacing allowed by the housing design. These access inhibitors may be fastened in place by screws, rivets or other typical or similar fasteners such that when the door assembly is closed, the access inhibitors may be captured by or engaged with the door in a manner such that they are supported by and gain structural integrity from the closed door or lid, especially after the locking mechanism is engaged.

Additionally, a forward adjustment support mechanism, preferably including movable clamp members, may be employed to allow for rifles or shotguns of varying width (as referenced from back to front) once mounted in place according to the use of the apparatus. A firearm to be accommodated and may be held in place by a gentle force applied by the forward adjustment support mechanism as it contacts the firearm and applies pressure holding the weapon securely between the rear wall of the housing and the interior of the door. The forward support mechanism can be reliably attached to the housing interior in any of at least two differing locations so to promote versatility of the apparatus to accommodate different types, styles and sizes of long guns, with or without scopes or other accessories attached.

There also is provided a trigger guard support assembly within the housing for engagement with the interior of the trigger guard of the long gun to provide additional support for the weapon and yet secure against accidental depression of the trigger. The trigger guard support assembly preferably may be reliably attached to the housing interior in any of at least two differing locations so to promote versatility of the apparatus to accommodate long guns having a variety of trigger guard configurations or dimensions. The trigger guard support assembly preferably includes an adjustable trigger guard support to adapt the assembly to differing firearms. The trigger guard support assembly preferably includes a trigger safety pin to safeguard against operation of the firearm trigger.

An object of the present invention is to provide a firearm security apparatus that is customizable or adjustable to receive, secure, and protect firearms having a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a firearm security apparatus that is customizable adjustable to receive, secure, and protect firearms with or without an accessory such as scope, mounted upon the firearm.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a firearm security apparatus that permits rapid authorized access to a firearm secured therein.

An advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is that it is relatively simple in fabrication and use.

Another advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is that it can be manufactured relatively affordably.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description, a preferred embodiment is described in sufficient detail so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be devised, and that logical, mechanical, material and various other assemblies may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description therefore is, therefore, to disclose the invention but not necessarily to limit its scope.

A large variety of rifle and shotgun models are available lawfully to the American home or business owner. Security methods and fixtures for long guns vary according to the broad range of profiles and periphery available for use on the many types and models of weapons. Maintaining security and accessibility of long rifles and shotguns in a universal format is currently not available in a manufactured product. The presently disclosed apparatus and method was created to achieve security and accessibility rapidly and quietly, including in dark conditions. The invention is adaptable to a large variety of rifles and shotguns, and increases the user's ability to respond to threats of home invasion or acts of hostility.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed apparatus demonstrate the usefulness and superiority of the present invention over the prior art. The present apparatus partially or completely avoids or ameliorates shortcomings of devices know in the art. For example, the present apparatus is not noisy or cumbersome when attempting to remove the rifle or shotgun from the secure mount. In extracting the weapon from the present apparatus, little time or effort is required. A long gun can be quietly retrieved from the present apparatus, facilitating the element of surprise.

The invention described herein is intended to overcome many of the current challenges in the securing and rapid deployment of the personal rifle or shotgun for home or business security, while also demonstrating nearly universal utility with the many different models and configurations of available long guns.

The apparatus according to this disclosure is intended primarily for use with long guns, but is not necessarily or strictly so limited. It is sufficiently versatile as to accommodate certain selected handguns as well.

There is provided an apparatus for securing a firearm. The apparatus is configured particularly to be mounted upon a vertical surface such as a wall or door, and preferably is so mounted. But the apparatus may be mounted on a horizontal surface, and indeed is mountable upon practically any generally planar surface regardless of its orientation in three-dimensional space. It may also be used in an unmounted condition, although such use may compromise some of its benefits and advantages.

The apparatus disclosed hereby preferably but not necessarily is fabricated primarily from metal, and most of its various elements and components are composed of machined or stamped metal alloy. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to any particular composition or mode of fabrication unless specifically so recited in the appended claims. Certain elements may desirably be fabricated from rolled sheet metal, or from suitable plastics or composites.

The security apparatus features a main housing partially defining a hollow interior, and a lid or door assembly swingably connected to the housing. The apparatus housing, particularly when the door assembly is closed, is of a convenient size for mounting at strategic and/or discrete locations within a home or business. For example, with the door assembly defining the front of the apparatus, the apparatus (when mounted on a vertical supporting surface) may have dimensions of between about 8.0 inches (20 cm) and about 15.0 inches (38 cm) in lateral width, and between about 8.0 inches (20 cm) and about 10 inches (25 cm) in height, and between about 3.5 inches (9.0 cm) and about 6.0 inches (15 cm) deep (front to back). All these dimensions are offered by way of example rather than limitation. The door assembly can be pivoted to a closed position thereby to generally enclose the housing interior. The housing has a back, which may be adapted to be mounted, as by screws or bolts, to a supporting surface such as an interior wall of a dwelling or business establishment. Thus the security apparatus preferably is securely bolted or screwed to a wall or door.

Within the housing interior is an upper adjustment support assembly adapted to hold a forward portion of a firearm. This support assembly preferably includes (a) a clamps track that is movably attachable to the housing back at any of a plurality of locations within the housing interior, and (b) two (at least) side clamp members upon the side clamps track, at least one of which is movably positionable upon the clamps track to adjust a clamp member separation distance between the side clamp members. The support assembly is devised to reliably yet releasably hold therein the forestock or barrel of a long gun. The side clamp members of the support assembly can be positioned so that the separation distance between the side clamp members is nearly equal to, or slightly greater than, the associated profile of the firearm, such that the portion of the firearm between these side members is supported by those members (optionally with a gentle clamping action). The support assembly thus holds the forward portion of the firearm in position within the security apparatus.

Also within the housing interior is a trigger guard support assembly. The trigger guard support assembly includes a trigger guard base member that is movably attachable to the back of the housing at any of a plurality of positions within the housing interior, and a trigger guard support extending from the trigger guard base. There preferably though optionally may be provided a track member on the back of the housing, upon which the trigger guard base member is slidably attached so as to be movable along the track, to be temporarily secured at a selected position along the track. The trigger guard support assembly is configured to bear much or nearly all the weight of a firearm when the security apparatus is mounted on a vertical supporting surface, with the firearm secured therein. The weight of the firearm is transmitted to the trigger guard support assembly via the forward portion of the firearm's trigger guard.

Combined reference is made toFIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1Ddepicting the firearm security apparatus100. The apparatus100features two main subassemblies, the main housing101(with its contents) and the door assembly102. Door assembly102is mechanically coupled to the housing101via one or more suitable heavy-duty hinges120(e.g., a single pin-and-knuckle “piano” hinge). The housing101has a mostly hollow interior defined partially by the housing back122, and a housing first wall123and a housing second wall124. The walls may be reinforced as needed in suitable ways familiar in the art. The door assembly102is pivotally connected to one of the housing walls (e.g., first wall123) and is movable between an open position (seen partially open inFIGS. 1A-1D) and a closed position in which the door assembly is approximately parallel to the back122. When the door assembly102is in the closed position, the interior of the housing101is enclosed on four sides by the back122, side walls123,124, and the door assembly. The top and bottom of the housing interior are defined by access inhibitors109,109′,114, and114′, to be described further. The first and second walls123,124extend forward from the back122, and may be integrally formed therewith, for example by forming the back and the walls from a single piece of sheet metal. The housing walls123,124preferably are parallel to each other, and each defines an approximately 90-degree angle with the back122. The hinge120preferably is securely connected to the interior side of the door assembly102and one of the walls123or124, such that when the door assembly102is in the closed position, the hinge120is within the housing interior and thus inaccessible from outside the housing.

Referring specifically toFIG. 1B, the housing back122is penetrated by a plurality of holes. At least two (preferably more) housing mounting holes, e.g., mounting holes128, are provided through the back122for securely (and at least semi-permanently) mounting the main housing101to a mounting surface, such as a building wall or heavy door, by means for example of lag bolts, or other bolts, heavy duty screws, etc.

The apparatus100includes a locking assembly comprising means for releasably locking the door assembly102in the closed position, and by which the door assembly102can be locked and unlocked in respect to the main housing. In the closed position, the door assembly is brought into contact with the wall (i.e.,124) that does not mount the hinge120. The means for releasably locking includes a moveable bolt or latch135on/in the door assembly102(e.g., on the inside of the door); the latch is of a generally conventional configuration, and in this means is controllably movable to and fro to engage and disengage with a suitable recess or catch defined on or in a housing wall (i.e., wall124), when the door assembly is in the closed position, generally according to convention in the art.

The engagement/disengagement of the latch135from its confronting wall recess or catch (e.g., strikeplate or socket), to permit the door assembly to swing to an open position, is regulated in the preferred embodiment by an electromechanical locking/unlocking control mechanism. The locking control mechanism may be, for example, a door lock key pad111on the outside of the door assembly102. The latch135and door lock key pad111may be assembled as a single electromechanical unit disposed on/though the door assembly. The door lock key pad111is, in one possible embodiment, an electrically operated (e.g., battery powered) locking control which accepts a predetermined key code (by a manual keypad interface) to allow silent access to the interior of the housing101when the door assembly102is in the closed position. Upon the user's entry of the proper key code on the pad111, the latch135is mechanically withdrawn to disengage it and allow the door assembly102quietly to open. Suitable electronic keypad and electrically operated latch units are available commercially from Zephyer Lock, LLC, under the brand name Zephyer®, as Model Nos. 2054, 2154, or 2254. An optional but preferable battery-powered LED key pad light110is provided on the outside of the door assembly102to facilitate operation of the keypad111and access to the apparatus100interior in conditions of near or total darkness. Alternatively, the locking control mechanism, such as the keypad, may be self-illuminating. When used, the keypad light110as is placed in proximity to the door lock key pad111. The keypad light110may be a commercially available infrared sensor light (with four LEDs) auto PIR (passive infrared) wireless keyhole motion detection light, such that the proximity and/or motion of a user's fingers automatically activates the LED light110to illuminate the keypad111for a period of time.

It is to be understood that the use of a keypad111in the locking/unlocking control mechanism is but an example of one preferred embodiment of a locking control means. The locking mechanism including a latch135(or any other suitable type of movable bolt or other means for locking) alternatively may be controlled and actuated using conventional metal keys, or other more sophisticated locking control means. Alternative locking actuation and control means include, for example, keycards, such as mechanical hole-punched cards, bar coded cards, magnetic stripe cards, Wiegand wire embedded cards, smart cards (embedded with a read/write electronic microchip), or radio-frequency identification (RFID) proximity cards. Very personalized locking control may be provided using biometric actuation and control means, including fingerprint detection, retinal scans, or voice identification actuation means.

FIG. 2is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the security apparatus100as it would appear in use, for example, as mounted upon a vertical supporting surface and with the door assembly102open 90°. An AR-15 rifle103is shown situated in the security apparatus100in accordance with a practice of the present invention. The AR-15 rifle103is shown by way of example only, and is intended to be representative of any number of models or varieties of firearms (particularly long guns) which may be situated in the same manner within the apparatus100. Nearly all rifles and shotguns have a trigger guard132and forestock133. As suggested byFIG. 2, the trigger guard132and forestock133are the portions of the long gun103which primarily releasably engage with the security apparatus100.

A preferred embodiment of the upper supporting assembly features a single clamps track108adjustably locatable within the housing, with a pair of side clamp members107,107′ movable thereon.FIGS. 1A-C,2and3illustrate that there is at least one, possibly a plurality, of clamps tracks108. When the back122of the security apparatus100is mounted upon a vertical surface, the clamps track(s)108preferably is approximately horizontal. As best seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, where there is a plurality of clamps tracks108, the tracks preferably are substantially parallel. In one embodiment, the housing back122is penetrated with an array of track mounting holes by which the one or more clamps tracks108are attachable in the housing interior, by means, in this example, of screws extending through the track mounting holes and into the housing interior. The clamps tracks108have defined therein corresponding track attachment apertures154(see alsoFIG. 7) which are alignable with the track attachment screws extending from the back122. Track attachment nuts156are threadably engagable with the track mounting screws and can be tightened against the clamps track108to secure the clamp track in a use position within the housing101. The track mounting holes in the housing back122preferably are arranged in rows, so that the vertical positions (FIG. 2) of the one or more clamps tracks108are selectively adjustable. Thus, the vertical position of a clamps track108(e.g., relative to the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ at the top and bottom of the housing) can be changed by detaching the clamps track from the back122by unscrewing the associated track mounting nuts156, relocating the clamps track to a different row of track mounting holes, aligning the track attachment apertures154(in the clamps track) with the different row of track mounting holes, and then re-attaching the clamps track108to the housing with track attachment screws and tightened track mounting nuts. The clamps track108accordingly is movably attachable at any of a plurality of positions selectively to adjust a clamps track assembly separation distance between the clamps track and at least one of the access inhibitors. A complete upper supporting assembly featuring a single clamps track108and a pair of side clamp members107,107′ is described further hereafter, with reference toFIG. 7.

Referring again toFIG. 1B, there is defined an array or series of regularly spaced trigger guard assembly mounting holes129. These mounting holes129offer one means by which a trigger guard support assembly104is movably attachable to the back122at any of a plurality of positions within the housing interior. The plurality of trigger guard assembly mounting holes129accept any of a plurality of screws (not shown) which extend forward into the housing interior, and by which a trigger guard support assembly104(seen inFIGS. 1A-C,2and3, and detailed inFIG. 6) preferably is movably positionable for use at different selected locations (up and down vertically, and/or right-to-left horizontally) within the housing101of the assembly100. By selectively disposing screws through the back122and through the trigger guard support assembly104, and releasably securing (e.g., with nuts or lock nuts on the screws) the trigger guard support assembly with the screws and nuts, the trigger guard support assembly104is movably attachable to the housing back122at any of a plurality of positions within the interior of the housing101.

Attention is invited toFIG. 1C, illustrating a preferred alternative means by which the trigger guard support assembly104may be movably attachable to the back122at any of a plurality of positions within the housing interior. The trigger guard support assembly104is depicted in detail inFIG. 6. There may be provided a support assembly track108′ substantially similar in form and function to a clamps track108upon which the side clamp members are movably disposed, as mentioned previously above. The support assembly track108′ is removably/adjustably attachable to the housing back with suitable apertures in the back and screw/nut combinations disposed through the track108′ and the back122. The support assembly track108′ preferably is securely (but removably) fastened in a horizontal alignment as seen inFIG. 1C. The trigger guard support assembly104, more specifically the trigger guard base member126, may be selectively movable along (i.e., to or fro, right or left, inFIG. 1C), and releasably connected to, the track108′. The slidable connection of the track108′ may be by any suitable means, such as one or more threaded pins through the support assembly104and engaged with the support assembly track108′; a screwed pin and slot engagement similar to that used to movably attach the side clamp members107to the clamps track108may be employed, to which reference is made toFIG. 7for additional instructive detail. By manually selectively tightening and loosening a threaded pin engagement, or other mode of releasable connection, between the trigger guard support assembly104and the track108′, the trigger guard support assembly can be released from secure connection at one location along the track108′, selectively moved along the track to a desired second location on the track, and then releasably re-secured in position at the second location. Such adjustability in the location of the trigger guard support assembly104upon the support assembly track108′ further promotes the versatility of the security apparatus100to receive and hold a wide variety of firearms.

FIG. 3shows the security apparatus100with the door102in the open position and a representative long gun103in situated therein. Reference toFIG. 3offers information regarding how a firearm103may be placed into the apparatus100for storage. The long gun is supported in part upon the trigger guard support assembly104, which includes a trigger guard base member126and a trigger guard support106. The long gun103rests directly on the trigger guard support106, which extends perpendicularly away from the trigger guard base member126that is movably, but reliably, attached to the housing back122. In a preferred embodiment, the trigger guard support106is securely fixed to the trigger guard base member126, and thus is immobile in relation to it. Also in a preferred embodiment, the trigger guard support assembly104includes a trigger safety pin105that is movable in relation to the trigger guard base member126. When the security apparatus100is used typically, an interior surface of the firearm's trigger guard132rests upon the trigger guard support106. A trigger safety pin105, which also extends in a direction perpendicular to trigger guard base member126, lands behind the trigger of the firearm103. The trigger safety pin105may come into contact with the back (i.e., lower in the figure) portion of the firearm's trigger guard, insuring that any vertical movement (particularly upward movement) of the weapon103while still within the security apparatus100will not actuate the firearm's trigger (as the trigger otherwise could be depressed by the trigger guard support106). Referring jointly toFIGS. 1B, 1C, and 3, it is observed that the trigger guard support assembly104preferably is oriented substantially vertically within the housing interior, with the trigger guard support106situated above the trigger safety pin105. In a preferred embodiment, the lower trigger safety pin105is selectively movable linearly up and down, thus allowing the trigger safety pin to be positionable (by the sliding of the carriage144bearing the pin105, seeFIG. 6) upon the trigger guard base member of the support assembly104. This movement of the trigger safety pin permits an adjustment of the trigger pin distance between the trigger guard support106and the trigger safety pin105. When a desired trigger pin distance has been selected by the user, the carriage144(FIG. 6) can be releasably secured in position to temporarily fix the trigger pin distance.

Referring toFIG. 3, the horizontal side clamp members107,107′ which are on a horizontal clamps track108in the upper portion of the housing101, are disposed one on either side of the gun103after the rifle or shotgun is centered in the apparatus100. At least one, preferably both, side members107,107′ are adjustably positionable (e.g., side-to-side), as by sliding engagement, with and upon the clamps track108. The side members107,107′ are adjusted in close proximity to the gun103(e.g., the forestock133) to hold it substantially vertical, and to support it against rotation around the trigger guard support106. Moreover, and as illustrated further with reference toFIG. 7, one or both side clamp members107,107′ preferably are rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the clamps track108, allowing the clamp member(s)107and/or107′ to pivot in position relative to the gun103(e.g., the forestock133), to better adapt the orientation of the clamp member(s) to the gun's profile.

After the desired firearm position is achieved in relation to the trigger guard support106, one or both side members107,107′ may be slidably moved to positions for holding the firearm103(normally by gently contacting opposite sides of the forestock133). The side clamp members107,107′ may be padded on their respective faces which contact the firearm103. Once placed into their selected firearm holding position(s), the side clamp members107,107′ may be selectively locked or tightened in place by means of screws or other hardware, as shall be described further.

Also seen inFIG. 3are the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ which serve to discourage or prevent access to the housing interior from the top or bottom, and yet which permit the security apparatus100to be adapted to receive firearms of differing shapes, contours, and sizes, and/or firearms equipped with an accessory such as a telescopic sight. In a preferred embodiment, upper access inhibitors109,109′ are provided at the top of the housing101, on either side of the firearm's upper portion (e.g., forestock133). Similarly, lower access inhibitors114,114′ preferably are provided at the bottom of the housing101, on either side of an intermediate or lower portion (e.g., the long gun's receiver, as seen inFIG. 3, or perhaps its butt stock). The access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ may have any of a variety of forms, but in the preferred embodiment comprise two pairs of very stiff yet mildly flexible plastic flaps. There is an upper pair of flaps109,109′ (one each on either side of the firearm103), and a lower pair of flaps114,114′, one each on either side of the firearm. In the preferred embodiment seen in the figures, two of the access inhibitor flaps109and114are securely attached to the first wall123near the top and bottom of the housing101, respectively. The other two flaps109′ and114′ are securely attached to the second wall124near the top and bottom of the housing101, respectively. Attachment of the flaps to the main housing101may be by means of screws, rivets, or the like.

More particularly, and referring especially toFIG. 3, there is a first access inhibitor109extending a first length from the first wall123toward the second wall124, and a second access inhibitor109′ associated with the first access inhibitor109and extending a second length from the second wall124toward the first wall123. The first and second access inhibitors109,109′ define a first gap115(labeled inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 4A) between their interior ends. There also is a third access inhibitor114extending a third length from the first wall123toward the second wall124, and a fourth access inhibitor114′ associated with the third access inhibitor114and extending a fourth length from the second wall124toward the first wall123. The third and fourth access inhibitors114,114′ define a second gap116(seeFIGS. 1A-C,1E,4A and4B) between their interior ends.

As mentioned, the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus100are comprised of thin (e.g., 0.0625 inch (2.0 mm)) sheets of moderately stiff, generally unbreakable, yet elastically bendable, polymer or plastic. The effective length (in a dimension perpendicular to a housing wall123or124) of each one of the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ is adjustable in either, or both, of two ways. First and most preferably, any access inhibitor, preferably being composed of plastic, may be cut or trimmed (e.g., while temporarily detached from the housing101) to shorten its length (i.e., lateral length side to side as seen inFIG. 1B). (Each flap preferably is attachable/detachable to/from its respective side wall (123,124) by means of a screwed connection or similar.) Thus a user may shorten the extent (length) of any one or more, or all, the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ by cutting a strip from its/their lateral inward edge(s), thereby to increase the lateral extent of the first and/or second gaps115,116when the inhibitors are secured to corresponding walls123,124. Thus, the lateral extent or size of either or both gaps115and116can be adjustably customized to the lateral profile of the firearm to be stored in the apparatus100. After evaluating the size relation between the firearm profile and the initial size of the gap115and/or116, the user selectively cuts away an inner portion of one or more of the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ to adapt the dimension of a gap115and/or116to the firearm profile.

Also, the plastic flaps additionally or alternatively are sufficiently flexible such that they can bend upward or downward a modest amount, if necessary, to accommodate the presence of a firearm103as seen inFIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, if needed, the lateral extent of a first gap115(or second gap116) can be increased by shortening the effective length (in the direction perpendicular to its associated housing wall) of either or both of its associated flaps109,109′ (or114,114′) by bending the flap(s) upward or downward. By way of example, a long gun103can be situated in the apparatus100by the mode of inserting the gun into the gaps115,116by bending the inside edges of access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ upward or downward as needed, causing the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ temporarily to be non-planar curved sheets, thereby to accommodate the width of the gun. Typically but not necessarily, the upper flaps109,109′ are resiliently bent upward, while the lower flaps114,114′ are bent downward. It may be preferable when possible to have all four flexible inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ bend outward away from the housing interior, which may enhance security against unauthorized access. With the gun in place, the elastic resiliency of the flaps109,109′,114,114′ may cause the inside edges of the flaps to rest gently against surfaces of the gun (FIGS. 2 and 3); preferably, the access inhibitor flaps are cut to a length such that only minimal bending thereof is needed to accommodate a selected firearm profile. When the gun is removed from the apparatus100, the flaps elastically rebound to their planar rest condition(s) perpendicular to the side walls (as seen, for example, inFIG. 1A). From the foregoing, it is seen that at least a first length of one of a first pair of access inhibitors (i.e. upper flap109or109′) is changeable to adjust a dimension of the first gap115, and at least a third length of one of the other pair of access inhibitors (114or114′) is changeable to adjust a dimension of the second gap116. Notwithstanding the modest flexibility of the inhibitors109,109′,114,114′, it is contemplated that the principle mode for changing the length(s) of the inhibitors is that of trimming or cutting them, thereby to adjust the dimension(s) of the gaps; the access inhibitors should be sufficiently stiff so as to form practical barriers to unauthorized entry into the apparatus interior while in use.

Accordingly, at least the first length of a first access inhibitor109as it extends from the first wall123is changeable (by cutting or bending) to adjust a dimension of the first gap115, and at least a third length, that is, the length of the third access inhibitor114as it extends from the first wall123, is changeable (by cutting or bending) to adjust a dimension of the second gap116. Additionally or alternatively, the length of a second access inhibitor109′ (e.g., as extending from a second wall124) is changeable (by cutting or bending) to adjust a dimension of the first gap115, and the length of a fourth access inhibitor114′ (as extending from a second wall124) is changeable (by cutting or bending) to adjust a dimension of the second gap116. A length of one or more of the access inhibitors thereby is changeable to adjust a dimension of either or both the gaps, e.g., so that a lateral dimension of a gap corresponds to, or is slightly less, than the lateral dimension of the portion of the firearm disposed into the gap115or116. According to the practice of the invention, when the apparatus is in use the gap lateral dimension preferably is smaller than, or at most about equal to, the lateral extent of the corresponding portion of the firearm filling the gap.

As best seen inFIGS. 1A, 1E, 4A, and 4B, the door assembly102preferably includes top and bottom flanges that extend perpendicularly from the top and bottom edges of the door assembly. It is readily understood that when the door assembly is in the fully closed position, these door flanges extend in the direction of the back122of the apparatus100. In one preferred embodiment of the security apparatus100the door assembly flanges and the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ overlap (without necessarily being in actual contact) when the door assembly102is in the closed position. Particularly when the inhibitors flaps109,109′,114,114′ are well-trimmed to be customized to a particular firearm, the closing of the door apparatus102brings the door flanges into a substantially parallel relation to the access inhibitors; in such circumstance, the inhibitors preferably are situated inside (i.e., slightly closer to the housing interior) the door assembly flanges. The flanges thus enhance apparatus security by discouraging tampering with the inhibitors flaps109,109′,114,114′ (for example by pulling them down/up away from the apparatus interior) when the door assembly102is in closed position on the housing101.

Alternative embodiments of the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ are within the scope of the invention. For example, in lieu of bendably flexible flaps, each access inhibitor may comprise an aligned series of individual, independently removable, rigid, substantially unbreakable access inhibitor tabs as seen in our U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/954,097 incorporated herein by reference. Such access inhibitor tabs are selectively arranged on either side of the firearm upper portion and the firearm lower portion, and are mechanically removably coupled along the top and bottom of the main housing assembly by means of screws or rivets or other associated hardware. The access inhibitors, especially the bendable flaps embodiments thereof, preferably are removable so that a new replacement set of inhibitors, having different effective lengths, can be attached to the housing to adapt the gaps115,116, to a different firearm.

Security of the apparatus interior also may be increased by optional but preferable door flaps117,117′ attached on the inside of the door assembly102(or on the insides of the door flanges) as seen by way of example inFIGS. 1A, 1D, 1E, and 4A. The door flaps117,117′ may be composed of material similar or even identical to that of the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′, e.g., a very stiff but elastically flexible plastic. The door flaps117,117′ serve a purpose similar to that of the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′, that is, to prevent unauthorized access to the housing interior. The door flaps117,117′ are attached to the inner side of the door assembly so to extend a short distance into the interior when the door assembly is closed. As seen inFIGS. 1A and 4A, the door flaps117,117′ extend from respective upper and lower flanges or edges of the door assembly102; when the door assembly is pivoted toward or to the closed position, the flaps117,117′ are brought nearly into alignment with the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′. The door flaps117,117′ may bend or flex, as needed, in response to their pressed contact with the firearm when the door assembly is closed. With the door assembly closed against the housing assembly, the door flaps117,117′ overlap with or nearby the access inhibitors109,109′,114,114′ to discourage intrusions into the top or bottom of the housing101.

Reference is made toFIGS. 4A and 4B. TheFIG. 4Ais an isometric view, andFIG. 4Ba bottom view, of an embodiment of the security apparatus100with the door assembly102in the open condition to show the situation and use of an optional support block assembly112. The support block assembly112is attached to the inside of the door102at a selected appropriate location. The support block assembly112optionally but preferably pushes gently against the body of a firearm that is within the apparatus housing101(FIG. 3). The support block assembly112moves with the door assembly102, such that when the door assembly is pivoted into the closed position, the support block assembly (which may be padded) moves into contact with a surface of the firearm, and thus gently but firmly presses the firearm against the inside of the back122of the housing101. In effect, therefore, the firearm103is gently clamped, front-to-back, between the support block assembly112(of the door assembly102) and the housing back.

Additionally or alternatively, an elastically compressible foam block or other resilient cushion member113may optionally be affixed (e.g., by adhesive or the like) to the interior of the door102. The cushion member113is so located and provided with such a thickness as to apply a conformal force against the body of the firearm when the door assembly is closed. Its location and thickness can be predetermined so to be customized to the particular firearm to be stowed in the security apparatus100. Thus, in like manner as the support block assembly112, the cushion member113in use holds the rifle or shotgun in proper position within the apparatus100with a mild clamping action after the door102is closed and locked.

Additional details regarding the optional support block assembly112are provided with reference to the isometric enlarged view ofFIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment, the support block assembly112is composed of a nonferrous metal or durable plastic body140which has a three-dimensionally asymmetrical shape, e.g., an oblong rectilinear box having a length dimension different from its width and also different from its height. The different three dimensions of the body140allow it to be placed on the interior of the door102(e.g.,FIG. 4A) to present a selectable assembly thickness (i.e., dimension perpendicular to the door), in order that the assembly112occupy the maximal measure of the gap between (1) the profile of the weapon being secured, and (2) the interior surface of the door102. A plurality of magnets141—preferably one magnet on each surface of the support block body140, and vary preferably there being provided a magnet141on at least three orthogonally different surfaces of the assembly—removably attach the support block assembly112at any selected location on the inside of a ferrous metal door102(or to a ferrous metal contact affixed to a composite or durable plastic door). Continued reference toFIG. 5shows that threaded knobs142are intended to adjustably occupy any remaining gap between the firearm and the door102. The knobs142, which preferably are padded on their tops, can be controllably screwed into and out of corresponding threaded taps in the block assembly body140. Manual manipulation of a knob142thereby can adjust its profile extension above the housing140, thereby to apply pressure to a specific portion of the stowed weapon to maintain firm pressure on the weapon after the door102is closed and locked. Because the support block assembly112can be oriented to present any of at least three effective thicknesses extending from the inside of the door102, and can be magnetically attached at nearly any selected location on the interior of the door, it does not interfere with the locking mechanism135, and yet allows for almost any standard thickness of weapon to be accommodated and clamped by adjusting the threaded knobs142as they are screwed in or out of the housing140to conform to the required weapon dimension.

Attention is invited toFIG. 6, providing an enlarged isometric view of the trigger guard support assembly104, viewed in isolation. The trigger guard support assembly104has a trigger guard base member126composed of machined aluminum, or other metal alloy, or a durable molded plastic, or a composite. In a possible embodiment, there is an adjusting groove148defined longitudinally in the front of the base member126. Defined through the back of the adjusting groove148and fully penetrating the trigger guard base member126are at least two trigger guard base member mounting holes149. Screws (preferably at least two, not shown) are passed through the trigger guard assembly mounting holes129(FIG. 1B) in the back122of the housing101to extend forward into the housing interior; the screws are aligned with and pass through the guard base member mounting holes149. Nuts (not shown) are conventionally threaded onto the screws and tightened to releasably yet securely attach the base member126to the inside back of the housing101. By selecting ones (e.g. one of the pairs) of trigger guard assembly mounting holes129in the housing back122, a user can choose a position (in the housing interior) for the trigger guard support assembly104that is best adapted to the profile, size, and shape of a firearm to be secured. Accordingly, the trigger guard base member126is movably attachable at any of a plurality of positions within the housing interior, thereby selectively to adjust a base member separation distance between the trigger guard base member126and at least one of the housing walls123or124. As previously explained, the trigger guard support assembly104may be adjustably positionable on the interior back122of the housing by other suitable means, including being slidably positionable and releasably securable along a base track member108, as seen inFIG. 1C, and substantially similar to the adjustable means described herein with reference to the clamps107,107′ and clamps track108.

By providing an extensive yet predetermined array of trigger guard assembly mounting holes129in the back of the housing, the versatility of the securing apparatus100is significantly increased because the location of the trigger guard support assembly104is selectable by the user. The trigger guard base member126can be moved up and down, and/or right to left, to place it in the most customized location within in the housing102, as best to accommodate the trigger guard location/configuration of the firearm of interest. Should the user desire to use the apparatus100to secure some other firearm, the nuts can be removed, and screws used with different ones of the trigger guard assembly mounting holes129and passed though the guard base member mounting holes149, to re-attach the trigger guard base member126at a different, more firearm model-specific, location within the housing101. Again, in a preferred embodiment, the trigger guard base member126(with its base member mounting holes149) can be repeatedly detached and relocated, laterally/horizontally and/or vertically, upon the pattern of trigger guard assembly mounting holes129, to optimize its location within the housing101relative to the trigger and trigger guard of the firearm of interest.

Continued reference toFIG. 6illustrates how in one preferred embodiment of the apparatus100, the trigger safety pin105is adjustably positionable upon the trigger guard base member126. The trigger safety pin105is securely fixed to, and extends forward (preferably generally perpendicularly) from, a carriage144. The carriage144is slidably engaged with the trigger guard base member126. The trigger safety pin105is a rigid metal or composite material member, generally immobile with respect to the carriage144. The trigger safety pin105preferably may be a machined aluminum dowel having a cylindrical shape, although it may also define a semi-cylinder, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape, and optionally may be padded where it contacts the inside of a firearm's trigger guard.

The position of the trigger safety pin105preferably is adjustable linearly relative to the base member126. The trigger guard base member126may have longitudinal carriage channels146defined in its sides. A sliding engagement between the carriage144and the trigger guard base member126connects the carriage to the base member to prevent them from being readily separated, and yet allows the carriage to be controllably moved longitudinally up and down on the base member126. One or more carriage set screws153pass through threaded holes in the carriage144so that their distal ends can be screwed into contact with the underlying side of the base member126. The carriage144has pins152or other protruding elements therein/there through (or thereon) which extend from the inside of the carriage and into the carriage channels146. (The left side of the carriage144is substantially the same (but in opposite orientation to) its right side seen inFIG. 6.) The pins or other members152correspond with the carriage channels, and hold the carriage144and base member126together while yet permitting the carriage to slide up and down (parallel) relative to the base member. After the carriage144has been moved to a desired location on the trigger guard base member126, its position can be temporarily established by screwably turning one or more set screws153or the like into securing contact with the side(s) of the trigger guard base member126. It seen therefore that the position of the carriage144, and thus of the trigger safety pin105, in relation to the base member126, is selectively adjustable by releasing the set screws153, sliding the carriage along the channels146to a desired location, and then re-setting the set screws. With the trigger safety pin105thus movably positionable upon the trigger guard base member126, a trigger pin distance between the trigger guard support106and a trigger safety pin105can be adjusted to adapt the configuration of the trigger guard support assembly104to the trigger guards of a wide variety of firearms.

FIG. 6also shows the trigger guard support106extending forward from the front of the trigger guard base member126. In a preferred embodiment, the trigger guard support106is fixed in position upon the trigger guard base member126. The trigger guard support106is a rigid metal or composite material member, generally immobile with respect to the trigger guard base member126. The trigger guard support106preferably may be a machined aluminum dowel having a cylindrical shape, although it may also define a semi-cylinder or other desired shape (see, e.g.,FIGS. 1B and 1C). As mentioned, when the trigger guard support assembly104is attached within the housing101and a gun103is disposed in the apparatus100, the trigger safety pin105serves to abut the inside of the gun's trigger guard or grip when the gun shifts upward within the housing. The position of the trigger safety pin105(upon base member126) in relation to the trigger guard support106is selected such that if a gun within the housing101shifts upward, the trigger safety pin105contacts the rear part of the gun's trigger guard (seeFIG. 3) before the trigger guard support106contacts the gun's trigger, thereby preventing accidental depression of the gun's trigger by the trigger guard support106. Thus the trigger pin distance between the trigger guard support106and the trigger safety pin105is adjustable to permit the trigger guard support assembly104to safely store a variety of firearms types.

Because the position of the trigger guard base member126also is movably attachable at any of a plurality of positions selectively to adjust the base member separation distance between the trigger guard base member126and at least one of the housing walls (123,124), the secondary adjustability of the trigger safety pin105upon the trigger guard base member results in a versatile apparatus100that can be adapted to receive and hold firearms having a wide variety of dimensions.

In an alternative embodiment of the trigger guard support assembly104, the trigger guard support106is movable in relation to the trigger guard base member126, with the trigger safety pin105being fixed to the trigger guard base member. A person of ordinary skill in the art notes (with combined reference toFIGS. 1B and 6) that the trigger pin distance can be adjusted by either having a movable trigger safety pin105, or a movable trigger guard support. However, it is preferred to have the trigger guard support106securely fixed to the trigger guard base member126, as the trigger guard support member bears much more of the weight of the firearm than does the safety pin105.

Reference is made toFIG. 7, an enlarged, partially exploded isometric view, in isolation, of a possible version of a forward or upper support assembly, including a clamps track108and a pair of side clamp members107,107′. It is understood that an apparatus may have a plurality of clamps tracks108fastened on the back122of the housing (as indicated, e.g., inFIG. 3), in which case a pair of side clamp members107,107′ can be temporarily and detachably connected to any selected one of the plurality of clamps tracks. Alternatively, a single clamps track108can be selectively positionable within the interior of the housing101.

The forward support assembly ofFIG. 7thus is by way of example, and it is to be understood that alternative configurations of the track108and the side members107,107′ can be devised within the scope of the invention; particularly, alternative means and modes for slidably engaging one or both side members to the track are within the capability of a person of ordinary skill. A preferred embodiment of the security apparatus100features a single clamps track assembly that includes a clamps track108movably attachable to the housing back122at any of a plurality of locations within the housing's interior, and two side clamp members107,107′ upon the clamps track108. At least one of the members107,107′ is movably positionable upon the clamps track108to adjust a clamp member separation distance between the two clamp members107and107′. The clamps track108is a rigid oblong member preferably fabricated from machined aluminum or other lightweight metal alloy or the like. The side clamps members107,107′ also may be composed of machined metal, or alternatively from some other suitable rigid material.

As best seen inFIG. 7, a T-channel158is centrally defined in the front of, and running the length (or a substantial portion of the length) of, the clamps track108. The T-channel158serves to receive components of the side clamps107to permit a sliding controlled engagement of at least one clamp member107with the track108. The T-channel158defines a broader lateral dimension at its bottom, and a narrower lateral dimension defining the mouth of the channel along the front (top, as seen in the figure) of the clamps track108. The broader dimension of the T-channel constitutes a locking socket169at the bottom of the channel, and into which the head of a clamp locking bolt is slidably disposed, as described further herein. A plurality of sinks or recesses159also are defined in the top of the clamps track108, in which are provided a plurality of track attachment apertures154penetrating through the track108. Screws may be disposed through the track attachment apertures154, and screwed into complementary nuts situated in the recesses159, to releasably attach the clamps track108to the back122of the main housing101. As mentioned, a pre-devised array of track mounting holes are defined in the back122of the main housing, and accept screws or bolts which extend into the housing interior.

The track mounting holes are deliberately arranged such that track mounting screws (preferably associated pairs of such screws) are manually alignable with corresponding ones (preferably pairs) of track attachment apertures154. The user selects which ones of the housing's track mounting holes to use, in order to adaptably situate and temporarily secure the track108at the optimal location within the interior of the housing101, so to customize the position of the track108to the configuration of the firearm to be stowed.

Once a clamps track is installed in the apparatus housing101, it can remain in position until a user desires to stow a different gun. Disengagement of the track mounting screws and nuts from the track108, and relocating them to different selected track mounting holes in the housing back122, permits the track to be relocated and then re-secured (with the screws and nuts) to customize the apparatus to receive and hold the different gun.

The position of at least one, and preferably the positions of two, of the side clamp members107,107′ in relation to the clamps track108are provided by the clamp member(s) being slidably movable along the track. Movably positionable side clamp members107,107′ permit a user to adjust the separation distance between and separating the two clamp members. Description herein of one side clamp member107and its associated subcomponents preferably serves to describe both clamp members107,107′. Still, it is understood that in alternative embodiments of the apparatus and system, only one of the side clamps is movable along the clamps track108, in which instance an immobile side clamp is rigidly secured on the track at a determined fixed location, and thus lacks subcomponents for allowing its adjustable mobility along the track. Having only one movable side clamp member movably positionable upon the clamps track108nevertheless permits a user to adjust a clamp member separation distance between two clamp members107,107′.

Both the clamp members107,107′ preferably are detachable from the clamp track108and slidable thereon. Referring especially still toFIG. 7, a clamp member107may include a clamp adjustment pin160threadably engagable with a locking bolt161. The adjustment pin160has an axial threaded bore into which the locking bolt can be screwed. The locking bolt161can be passed through a locking hole103in the bottom of the clamp member107. Locking bolt161has a head167whose lateral dimension exceeds the width of the mouth of the T-channel158in the track108, but is less than the width of the locking socket169portion of the T-channel. A knob165permits the screwed connection between the clamp adjustment pin160and the locking bolt161to be adjusted manually. The adjustable engagement between the clamp member107and the track108is provided by slidably situating the locking bolt head167into the locking socket169, inserting the locking bolt161through the locking hole103in the floor of the clamp member107, resting the clamp member upon the front of the track108, and then screwing the adjustment pin160over the locking bolt161. Turning the adjustment pin160(e.g., by means of the knob165) clockwise draws the bolt161into the pin, thus controllably tightening the pin against the floor of the clamp member107(as the bolt head167is held within the locking socket169), thereby pressing the clamp member107firmly against the tip of the track108. A screwed tightening of the adjustment pin160securely yet releasably locks the clamp member107in the selected position axially along the track108. The location of the clamp member107upon the track108can be changed by loosening the rotating the pin160. The clamp adjustment pin160is rotated clockwise to unscrew partially its engagement with the locking bolt161, to release the clamping action of the pin160and bolt161which presses the clamp member107against the track108. With the bottom of the clamp member released from tight contact with the track, the bolt head167is free to move along and within the T-channel locking socket169, and the clamp member107can slide along the front (upper surface inFIG. 7) of the track. The user may simply then slide the clamp member107to a desired new position along the track108(e.g., in gentle contact with a firearm). The adjustment pin160is again tightened (by screwing down around the locking bolt161) to pull the bolt head167upward and pushing the clamp member107downward to once again temporarily clamp the side member107into a secure position on the track108. The position of either or both the side clamp members107,107′ thereby can be repeatedly selectively changed and re-secured to adjust the separation distance between the clamp members to adapt the security apparatus100to a particular firearm.

Continued reference is made toFIG. 7. One or both side clamp members107,107′ preferably are rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the clamps track108, allowing the clamp member(s)107and/or107′ to pivot in position relative to the gun103(e.g., the forestock133), to better adapt the orientation of the clamp member(s) to the gun's profile. Once pivoted to a desired orientation, the angular position of the clamp members relative to the track108(and to the gun) can be temporarily fixed. A clamp member's axis of rotation in this regard is defined generally by the coaxes of the adjustment pin160and locking bolt161. The screwed engagement of the pin160with the bolt161may be temporarily loosened, releasing the clamping pressure of the member107against the track108, thereby allowing the member107to rotate about the axis defined by the pin and bolt, and relative to the track108. This allows the side clamp member107to pivot in position relative to a portion of the forearm in the apparatus100, so that the orientation of the clamp member is optimized for contact with the firearm. When the selected orientation of the clamp member107has been obtained by its rotation relative to the track108, its angular orientation in relation to the gun can be releasably secured by simply re-tightening the screed engagement of the pin106with the bolt161.FIG. 3depicts the clamp members107,107′, by way of example, as both having been pivoted and temporarily secured in a position generally parallel to the axis of the forestock133, and aligned with the clamps track108. It is to be understood that the angular position of either clamp member, relative to the longitudinal axis of the track108, can be adjusted as needed to best present the respective faces of the clamp members107,107′ to the corresponding opposite sides of the firearm.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described. The embodiments have provided for a mechanical housing101of such construction and materials to securely hold a variety of rifle or shotgun makes and models, and allow timely and discrete access to a weapon103secured therein.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described in this specification, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. For example, modification of the door to open in other directions or attach by means of differing hardware other than hinge may be applied since the purpose for the removable door or cover is to allow access and closure of same. Further, adding variations of materials and configurations in combination or alone which increase the ability of the aforementioned invention to accept variations in rifle or shotgun model configuration securely should be considered without limitation.