Abstract:
A firearm lock shroud for a firearm lock comprises first and second side members. The first side member is positioned adjacent the firearm lock. The second side member is positioned adjacent the firearm lock and spaced apart from the first side member. The first and second side members define a firearm receiving space therebetween for receiving a firearm. The first and second side members extend over an area to cover at least a trigger area of a firearm received in the firearm receiving space and locked by the firearm lock to prevent unauthorized access to the trigger area. The side members can optionally extend to cover a magazine area and/or a take-down pin area of the firearm.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This application relates to firearm storage, and in particular to a shroud that provides additional security to a locked firearm. 
     Providing secure storage for a firearm in a manner that allows it to be accessed quickly by an authorized user, yet prevents access by others, continues to pose a challenge. This is especially true for law enforcement officers. Officers often prefer to have their firearms, and especially rifles and shotguns, locked and stored in the passenger compartments of their vehicles. In this way, rifles and shotguns are readily available to the officers upon arriving at a scene, which provides advantages over needing to retrieve them from a rear trunk or cargo area. But the passenger compartments of law enforcement vehicles are also used to transport prisoners. Prisoners may need to be left unattended in a law enforcement vehicle, in close proximity to one or more locked firearms, while officers respond to a situation. Vehicle-mounted firearm racks with locks for securing firearms are known. But some firearms are susceptible to damage, tampering or other unauthorized activity, even while locked in a rack. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described below are implementations of a firearm shroud that addresses potential problems with conventional firearm locks. 
     According to a first implementation, a firearm lock shroud for a firearm lock comprises a first side member and a second side member. The first side member is positionable adjacent the firearm lock. The second side member is positionable adjacent the firearm lock and spaced apart from the first side member. The first and second side members define a firearm receiving space therebetween for receiving a firearm. The first and second side members extend over an area to cover at least a trigger area of a firearm received in the firearm receiving space and locked by the firearm lock to prevent unauthorized access to the trigger area. 
     In some implementations, the first and second side members extend to cover a take-down pin area of the firearm received in the firearm receiving space to prevent unauthorized access to a take-down pin for the firearm. 
     In some implementations, the first and second side members extend to cover a magazine area of the firearm received in the firearm receiving space to prevent unauthorized access to a magazine for the firearm. 
     In some implementations, the firearm lock shroud comprises a bracket connected to the first side member and to the second side member, and the bracket defines mounting holes and/or a mounting surface for mounting the firearm lock. In some implementations, the bracket defines rear and upper surfaces when the firearm lock shroud is in an installed position. 
     In some implementations, the shroud is adjustably positionable in at least a vertical direction by fasteners adjustably coupling the shroud to a stationary track. 
     In some implementations, the firearm lock shroud comprises an anti-lift bracket that extends from one end positioned at the first side member, over the firearm lock and to a second end positioned at the second side member. 
     In some implementations, the firearm lock shroud comprises an anti-lift bracket tab adjustably coupled to the anti-lift bracket, wherein the anti-lift bracket tab is adjustably positionable to contact a firearm with the firearm lock in the locked position around a firearm within the firearm receiving space. 
     In some implementations, the firearm lock shroud comprises at least one spacer member mounted to an inner surface of at least one of the first side member or the second side member. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a firearm lock assembly for two firearms and having a firearm lock shroud for one of the two firearms. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an exemplary firearm that can be stored and locked within the firearm lock assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 1C  is a side elevation of the firearm in the firearm lock assembly (with the second firearm removed for clarity). 
         FIG. 1D  is a magnified view of a portion of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1C . 
         FIG. 1E  is a top plan view of the approximate portion of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1D . 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the firearm lock assembly of  FIG. 1A  with the two firearms omitted for clarity. 
         FIGS. 3-6  are perspective, side elevation, front elevation and top plan views, respectively, of the firearm lock shroud. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a first side member of the firearm lock shroud. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a second side member of the firearm lock shroud. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the first and second side members assembled together. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an upper bracket of the firearm lock shroud. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an anti-lift bracket base of the firearm lock shroud. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an anti-lift bracket tab of the firearm lock shroud. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a butt holder bracket. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a rail floor bracket. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second butt holder bracket. 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  are perspective and side elevation views of a second lock bracket. 
         FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C  are perspective, top plan and side elevation views of a first butt holder. 
         FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C  are perspective, top plan and side elevation views of a second butt holder. 
         FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C  are side elevation, top plan and end elevation views of a spacer. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a filler plate. 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of a firearm lock assembly having a modified firearm lock shroud. 
         FIGS. 21-24  are perspective, side elevation, front elevation and top plan views, respectively, of the firearm lock shroud of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a first side member of the firearm lock shroud of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a second side member of the firearm lock shroud of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an upper bracket of the firearm lock shroud of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a bracket support of the firearm lock shroud of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 29  is a side elevation view of the second side member of  FIG. 26  with a firearm lock, upper bracket and bracket support installed. 
         FIG. 30  is a top plan view of the second side member and other components of  FIG. 29 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described below are embodiments of a firearm lock shroud and associated vehicle firearm lock assembly typically used in a vehicle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , in a first vehicle fire arm lock assembly  100 , a rifle R is secured in an upright position with a lock  110 . The lock  110  contacts or extends around the rifle R in the region of its forearm. A new guard or shroud  120  is positioned adjacent the lock and configured to prevent tampering with the rifle R, including when the rifle R is in its stored and locked position as shown. In the illustrated implementation, the shroud  120  extends along the rifle R to cover one or more its trigger T, takedown pin P and magazine M ( FIG. 1B ). The shroud  120  extends along both sides of the rifle R, as well as in the area between the lock  110  and a rail  140  to which the shroud and lock are adjustably coupled, as described below in greater detail. The lock  110  is sometimes referred to as a Universal Lock. 
     A butt of the rifle R is received in a butt holder  130 . The butt holder  130  is supported by a butt holder bracket  132 , which is also adjustably coupled to the rail  140 . As also shown in  FIG. 1 , there is a shotgun S secured in an upright position by a second lock  150 , which is attached by a second lock bracket  152  to the rail  140 . A butt of the shotgun S is received in a second butt holder  160 , which is supported by a second butt holder bracket  162 . The rail  140  can have one or more tracks to receive fasteners for adjustably coupling components. 
     Referring again to the shroud  120  for the rifle R, there is an anti-lift bracket base  122  and an anti-lift bracket tab  124  that is coupled to the anti-lift bracket base  122 . The anti-lift bracket base  122  and anti-lift bracket tab  124  are adjustably positioned to contact or cooperate with the rifle R, such as to eliminate excess play when the rifle R is positioned as shown in  FIG. 1A  with the lock  110  in the locked position. Specifically, the anti-lift bracket base and anti-lift bracket tab can be moved laterally to contact the rifle R or otherwise prevent it from being lifted, manipulated and/or rotated. 
     In a specific implementation, the anti-lift bracket tab  124  can be positioned so that it is received in a groove G or recess of the firearm R. A side elevation view of the rifle R received and locked in the shroud  120  is shown in  FIG. 1C .  FIG. 1D  is a magnified view of a portion of  FIG. 1C  in elevation showing the anti-lift bracket tab  124  positioned above the lock  110  and to extend into a groove G in the forearm area of the rifle R.  FIG. 1E  shows a top plan view of approximately the same portion as  FIG. 1D . As can be seen from the close fit between the anti-lift bracket tab  124  and the groove G, the rifle R cannot be displaced vertically relative to the lock  110  by any appreciable distance, and thus is more secure from tampering efforts. 
     Any suitable recess on the rifle R can serve as the groove G. In the illustrated implementation, the groove G is one of a series of grooves formed in an accessories rail with which the firearm R is typically equipped ( FIGS. 1C and 1D ). In other implementations, the shroud and lock assembly can be configured oppositely, i.e., the assembly can have a groove or recess configured to receive a corresponding protrusion on the firearm R. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle firearm lock assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 , except that the rifle R and the shotgun S have been omitted for clarity.  FIGS. 3-11  are additional views of the shroud and its components. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-11 , the shroud  120  has a first side member  126  and an opposite second side member  128  spaced apart from the side member  126 . In the illustrated implementations, there is an upper bracket  134  that serves to space the side members  126 ,  128  apart from each other by a desired dimension, e.g., a space sized to receive a selected rifle or other firearm. The side members  126 ,  128  can be coupled to the upper bracket  134  with fasteners  146 . At least some of the fasteners  146  can be tamper-resistant fasteners, which are defined herein to include fasteners having an uncommon or proprietary head configuration. 
     The shroud  120  can have optional spacers  136  mounted along one or more internal surfaces to help guide the rifle into position when it is being inserted into the shroud and to protect the rifle from damage, e.g., such as scratches and/or other damage. In the illustrated implementations, the side member  126  has a bent outward tab  138 , and the side member  128  has a bent inward tab  144 . The tabs  138 ,  144  define an opening into which the rifle R is inserted. The tabs and other structure defining the leading edges of the opening can be modified to suit the particular requirements of the location of the vehicle firearm lock assembly and/or the rifle R, such as where the assembly is mounted and what other structural elements may be present, as well as other circumstances. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B , the side members  126 ,  128  can be formed from separate components that are joined together. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the side member  128  can be formed with a back flange  180  and a base flange  182  that extend approximately perpendicular to the side member&#39;s major inner and outer surfaces at the leading edge of the side member  128 , and adjacent the bent inward tab  144 , there can be a curved edge  184  extending from an area of the base flange  182  to the bent inward tab  144 . In addition, the side member  128  can be formed with a notch  186 . 
     The side member  126  can be formed with a base flange  170  extending approximately perpendicular to the major inner and outer surfaces of the side member  126 . The side member  126  can have a recessed edge  172  adjacent an upper end of the bent outward tab  138 . The recessed edge  172  can join a notch  174  as shown. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the upper bracket  134  that is shaped to fit between the side members  126 ,  128  can have a back flange  190 , an angled flange  192 , an upper flange  194 , a mounting flange  196  and a perpendicular mounting flange  198 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , various types of firearm locks, including the lock  110 , can be secured to the upper bracket  134  at the mounting flange  196  and/or the mounting flange  198 , e.g., using fasteners, including tamper-resistant fasteners as discussed above. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the anti-lift bracket base  122 , and  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the associated anti-lift bracket tab  124 . As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the anti-lift bracket base  122  is positioned to surround the firearm lock  110  on three of its sides and to be attached to the side member  126  and side member  128  with fasteners. As also described above, the anti-lift bracket tab  124  is adjustably coupled to the anti-lift bracket base  122  such that it can be positioned to contact the rifle R and to prevent the rifle R from being lifted when it is in the secured and locked positioned within the firearm lock  110  as best shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the butt holder bracket  132 .  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a rail floor bracket  142 , also shown in  FIG. 2 , with which the rail  140  can be secured, such as to a floor of the vehicle.  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second butt holder bracket  162 .  FIGS. 15A and 15B  are perspective and side views of a second lock bracket  152  by which the second lock  150  is secured to the rail  140 . The rail  140  has a series of slots along with the various components can be adjustably positioned to allow for secure attachment and convenient reconfiguration according to the particular operating requirements. 
       FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C  are perspective, plan and side elevation views, respectively, of the butt holder  130 .  FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C  are perspective, top plan and side elevation views, respectively, of the second butt holder  160 . 
       FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C  are side elevation, top plan and end elevation views, respectively, of the spacer  136 . The spacer may be constructed of a plastic or other similar material that is smooth, has low friction and tends not to damage firearms. In a specific implementation, the spacer is made of DELRIN or a similar material. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a filler plate  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , one or more filler plates can be used to adjust the fit of the spacer  136  so that it makes contact with the firearm as desired when the firearm is received in the shroud. In some implementations, a filler plate is used to prevent undesired side-to-side motion of the firearm while it is stored in the shroud. 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another vehicle firearm lock assembly  300  that is similar to the vehicle firearm lock assembly  100  except that a lock  310  of a different type and a corresponding different shroud  320  are shown. The components that are identical to those already described are shown with the same reference numeral. The lock  310  is referred to as a Rail Lock and is typically configured to interact with a rail of the firearm  9  or other recess or protruding feature) in order to lock the firearm securely in place. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-26, 29 and 30 , the shroud  320  has a side member  326  and a side member  328  spaced apart from the side member  326 . As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the side member  328  has an opening  342 , and the side member  326  has a corresponding opening  340 . The opening  340  or the opening  342  can be used as a manual lock override access opening, e.g., in the case of a lost key or a damaged lock. 
     There is an upper bracket  334  to which the side member  326  and the side member  328  are attached. The upper bracket  334  has a back flange  390 , an angled flange  392 , an upper flange  394 , a mounting flange  396  and a mounting flange  398 , as also shown in  FIGS. 21-24 . At its upper end, the lock  310  is mounted to the upper bracket  334  ( FIGS. 28-30 ), such as with tamper-proof fasteners. At its lower end, the lock  310  is mounted to a bracket support  350 , which is in turn mounted to the upper bracket  334 , such as with tamper-proof fasteners. Referring to  FIG. 28 , the bracket support  350  has a mounting flange  400 , a connecting flange  402  and a second mounting flange  404 . As best shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the bracket support  350  is mounted to the upper bracket  334  to position the lock  310  as shown. In an alternative implementation, the upper bracket and bracket support are formed as a single piece. 
     The various structural components of the vehicle firearm lock assembly  100 ,  300 , including the shroud  120 ,  320  can be made of any suitable materials, including, e.g., aircraft grade aluminum. 
     The shroud  120 ,  320  can be adapted for use with various firearms. In the illustrated implementation, the firearm is a M4 carbine or similar firearm, but the shroud can be adapted for use with other long arms, including other rifles as well as shot guns. 
     In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.