Abstract:
A rapid-access gun safe includes a portable enclosing structure and a communication module. The portable enclosing structure encloses a firearm. The portable enclosing structure includes a fixed portion and a collapsing wall. The collapsing wall provides rapid access to the firearm. The communication module is coupled to the fixed portion of the enclosing structure. The communication module facilitates incoming and outgoing electronic communication of at least one access signal from a device external to the rapid-access gun safe.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/469,359, filed on May 11, 2012. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/914,819, filed on Dec. 11, 2013. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to safes, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing a portable, low-cost, customizable firearm safe that provides quick, quiet and ready access to a firearm based upon sensing user specific electronic, pattern, or biometric information. The present invention further relates to an alert system whereby a firearm safe automatically generates and reports an attempted access event based upon a detection of a condition at the safe such as an access attempt, movement or audio detection, or detecting changes in a specific force of the safe. This allows the present invention to incorporate lower-cost materials due to the enhanced intelligent security of the system. 
     A firearm is a weapon that launches one or more projectiles at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. Firearms may include handguns, rifles, shotguns, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, pistols, and revolvers. Firearms are used by various types of individuals and organizations for a wide variety of purposes. For example, a firearm may be used as a hunting tool. Further a firearm may be used as a defensive or offensive tool for military and law enforcement personnel. In some instances, a firearm is kept by a homeowner for home protection against an intruder. 
     Firearms are inherently dangerous and therefore require special care and handling to prevent unintended injury. Where firearms and children are present within the same home, firearm safety is especially important to prevent unintended consequences of children accessing and playing with firearms. A common practice is to store an unloaded firearm at a first location that is apart from a second location where ammunition for the firearm is stored. This practice is undesirable for several reasons. For example, this practice requires that the ammunition be retrieved and loaded into the firearm prior to using the firearm for home defense. In an emergency situation, this practice results in significant delay by requiring the user to retrieve and load the firearm. Further, this practice does not prevent access to the firearm, and therefore the firearm may be loaded by anyone having their own ammunition, or who has recovered ammunition from the storage location. Further still, great care must be taken to ensure that all ammunition is removed from the firearm following use or loading. 
     Another practice is place a trigger lock on a loaded firearm. For purposes of child safety, this practice generally requires that the key for the trigger lock be located apart from the loaded firearm. As with the previously mentioned practice, this practice also requires an additional step for readying the firearm for use. In particular, a user must retrieve the key and unlock the trigger lock prior to using the firearm. In an emergency situation, there may be insufficient time or access to the key, thereby rendering the firearm useless in the situation. Further, a child may locate the key and unlock the trigger lock without notice to the parent or firearm owner. Further still, this practice requires that great care be taken to put the trigger lock back onto the firearm after use. In conventional safes intended to secure weapons in homes, the safe itself is either 1) constructed of heavy and expensive materials (usually metals) to make the safe non-portable and secure, or 2) fastened to a surface to restrict portability. This is due to the lack of intelligence which requires purely physical resistance to secure the weapons. 
     Thus, although systems and methods currently exist for providing limited access to a firearm within a home, challenges still exist. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates generally to safes, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing a dynamic, customizable gun safe that provides quick and ready access to a firearm based upon an access parameter. 
     Embodiments of a rapid-access gun safe are described. In one embodiment, the rapid-access gun safe includes a portable enclosing structure and a communication module. The portable enclosing structure encloses a firearm. The portable enclosing structure includes a fixed portion and a collapsing wall. The collapsing wall provides rapid access to the firearm. The communication module is coupled to the fixed portion of the enclosing structure. The communication module facilitates incoming and outgoing electronic communication of at least one access signal from a device external to the rapid-access gun safe. 
     Embodiments of a device are also described. In one embodiment, the device includes a base, a back plate, a cap, a collapsible wall, a location beacon, and an access control module. The back plate includes a lower portion coupled to the base. The cap is coupled to an upper portion of the back plate. The collapsible wall forms and enclosed space between the cap and the base and substantially surrounded by the back plate and the collapsible wall. The location beacon relays the location of the device. The access control module stores at least one authorization parameter and locks down the device upon detection of a lock-down condition. 
     Embodiments of a firearm security system are also described. In one embodiment, the firearm security system includes a first firearm security structure, a remote device, and a communication module. The first firearm security structure substantially encloses a firearm. The first firearm security structure includes a fixed portion and collapsing wall. The collapsing wall provides access to the firearm. The remote device is in communication with the first firearm security structure to form a network. The communication module is coupled to the first firearm security structure. The communication module receives and sends electronic communication to and from the remote device. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  shows a flow chart of a representative system that provides a suitable operating environment in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. 
         FIG. 2  shows a flow chart of a representative networking system that provides a suitable environment in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a firearm safe in a closed configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a firearm safe in a partially opened configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a firearm safe in an opened configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a firearm safe in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shown in parts A and B is a perspective view of a firearm safe in opened and closed configurations in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a flow diagram of a computer executable software program method for limiting access to a firearm safe in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9 , shown in parts A and B, shows an isolated base of a firearm safe of the present invention having a firearm stand for holding a handgun in a ready position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10 , shown in parts A-C, shows an isolated base of a fire arm safe of the present invention having a firearm stand for holding a rifle or shotgun in a ready position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a schematic drawing of one embodiment of a gun safe in communication with a network device. 
         FIG. 12  shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a gun safe with an interface in communication with a network device. 
         FIG. 13  shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a network of gun safes with a network device. 
         FIG. 14  shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a network of gun safes with a central device and a remote device. 
         FIG. 15  shows three diagrams of one embodiment of a gun safe with a stored firearm. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may take many other forms and shapes, hence the following disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may be utilized to provide limited or selective access to the contents of a safe. In particular, various embodiments of the present invention may be utilized to provide access to a firearm within a firearm safe in response to the firearm safe receiving and recognizing previously registered user-identifying electronic, biometric, or other data. Further, various embodiments of the present invention include firearm safes having fire arm adapters whereby to assist in storing the firearm(s) within the firearm safe in an accessible, ready position. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2 , and the corresponding discussion, provide a general description of a suitable operating environment in which embodiments of the invention may be implemented. One skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the invention may be practiced by one or more computing devices and in a variety of system configurations, including in a networked configuration. However, while the methods and processes of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in association with a system comprising a general purpose computer, embodiments of the present invention include utilization of the methods and processes in a variety of environments, including embedded systems with general purpose processing units, digital/media signal processors (DSP/MSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), stand alone electronic devices, and other such electronic environments. 
     Embodiments of the present invention embrace one or more computer readable media, wherein each medium may be configured to include or includes thereon data or computer executable instructions for manipulating data. The computer executable instructions include data structures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules that may be accessed by a processing system, such as one associated with a general-purpose computer capable of performing various different functions or one associated with a special-purpose computer capable of performing a limited number of functions. Computer executable instructions cause the processing system to perform a particular function or group of functions and are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, a particular sequence of the executable instructions provides an example of corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps. Examples of computer readable media include random-access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or any other device or component that is capable of providing data or executable instructions that may be accessed by a processing system. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a representative system for implementing embodiments of the invention includes computer device  10 , which may be a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, computer device  10  may be a personal computer, a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”) or other hand-held device, a workstation, a minicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, a multi-processor system, a network computer, a processor-based consumer electronic device, a smart phone, a position identifier, a ball collector, or the like. 
     Computer device  10  may include a system bus  12 , which may be configured to connect various components thereof and enables data to be exchanged between two or more components. System bus  12  may include one of a variety of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus that uses any of a variety of bus architectures. Typical components connected by system bus  12  include processing system  14  and memory  16 . Other components may include one or more mass storage device interfaces  18 , input interfaces  20 , output interfaces  22 , and/or network interfaces  24 , each of which will be discussed below. 
     Processing system  14  includes one or more processors, such as a central processor and optionally one or more other processors designed to perform a particular function or task. It is typically processing system  14  that executes the instructions provided on computer readable media, such as on memory  16 , a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, thumb drives, solid state memory, a universal serial bus or from a communication connection, which may also be viewed as a computer readable medium. 
     Memory  16  includes one or more computer readable media that may be configured to include or includes thereon data or instructions for manipulating data, and may be accessed by processing system  14  through system bus  12 . Memory  16  may include, for example, ROM  28 , used to permanently store information, and/or RAM  30 , used to temporarily store information. ROM  28  may include a basic input/output system (“BIOS”) having one or more routines that are used to establish communication, such as during start-up of computer device  10 . RAM  30  may include one or more program modules, such as one or more operating systems, application programs, and/or program data. 
     One or more mass storage device interfaces  18  may be used to connect one or more mass storage devices  26  to system bus  12 . The mass storage devices  26  may be incorporated into or may be peripheral to computer device  10  and allow computer device  10  to retain large amounts of data. Optionally, one or more of the mass storage devices  26  may be removable from computer device  10 . Examples of mass storage devices include hard disk drives, magnetic disk drives, thumb drive tape drives and optical disk drives. A mass storage device  26  may read from and/or write to a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or another computer readable medium. Mass storage devices  26  and their corresponding computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data and/or executable instructions that may include one or more program modules such as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, or program data. Such executable instructions are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods disclosed herein. 
     One or more input interfaces  20  may be employed to enable a user to enter data and/or instructions to computer device  10  through one or more corresponding input devices  32 . Examples of such input devices include a keyboard and alternate input devices, such as a mouse, trackball, light pen, stylus, capacitive or resistive touch screens, or other pointing device, a microphone, a joystick, a game pad, a satellite dish, a scanner, a camcorder, a digital camera, and the like. Similarly, examples of input interfaces  20  that may be used to connect the input devices  32  to the system bus  12  include a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, a universal serial bus (“USB”), an integrated circuit, a firewire (IEEE 1394), or another interface. For example, in some embodiments input interface  20  includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is designed for a particular application. In a further embodiment, the ASIC is embedded and connects existing circuit building blocks. 
     One or more output interfaces  22  may be employed to connect one or more corresponding output devices  34  to system bus  12 . Examples of output devices include a monitor or display screen, indicator lights, a speaker, a printer, a multi-functional peripheral, and the like. A particular output device  34  may be integrated with or peripheral to computer device  10 . Examples of output interfaces include a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallel port, a signal antenna such as a radio-frequency antenna, and the like. 
     One or more network interfaces  24  enable computer device  10  to exchange information with one or more other local or remote computer devices, illustrated as computer devices  36 , via a network  38  that may include hardwired and/or wireless links Examples of network interfaces include a network adapter for connection to a local area network (“LAN”) or a modem, wireless link, or other adapter for connection to a wide area network (“WAN”), such as the Internet. The network interface  24  may be incorporated with or peripheral to computer device  10 . In a networked system, accessible program modules or portions thereof may be stored in a remote memory storage device. Furthermore, in a networked system computer device  10  may participate in a distributed computing environment, where functions or tasks are performed by a plurality of networked computer devices. 
     Thus, while those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in a variety of different environments with many types of system configurations,  FIG. 2  provides a representative networked system configuration that may be used in association with embodiments of the present invention. The representative system of  FIG. 2  includes a computer device, illustrated as client  40 , which is connected to one or more other computer devices (illustrated as client  42  and client  44 ) and one or more peripheral devices (illustrated as multifunctional peripheral (MFP) MFP  46 ) across network  38 . While  FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment that includes a client  40 , two additional clients, client  42  and client  44 , one peripheral device, MFP  46 , and optionally a server  48 , connected to network  38 , alternative embodiments include more or fewer clients, more than one peripheral device, no peripheral devices, no server  48 , and/or more than one server  48  connected to network  38 . Other embodiments of the present invention include local, networked, or peer-to-peer environments where one or more computer devices may be connected to one or more local or remote peripheral devices. Moreover, embodiments in accordance with the present invention also embrace a single electronic consumer device, wireless networked environments, and/or wide area networked environments, such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the devices may include biometric scanners, input keys, touch screens, RF or other signal based inputs, as well as mechanical locks and access systems. Some embodiments incorporate multiple input systems while others incorporate a single system. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 3-6 , a safe  100  is provided having an interior space  104  to which limited access is provided. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a safe  100  having collapsible walls  110  which retract or move in response to receiving a pre-registered access parameter or other pre-registered information from an authorized user. As used herein, the term “access parameter” is understood to include any event, action, motion, or information detected or sensed by safe  100 . Access parameters may include user-specific electronic, pattern, biometric or other identifying information, a change in a specific force of safe, contact with the safe by an authorized or unauthorized user, an audible signal, a password sequence, a pattern sequence, or other information which may indicate an attempt to access the safe. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the term “access parameter” may include any single parameter or combination of multiple parameters which may be used to detect or identify an attempt to access or move the safe, or any portion of the safe. 
     In some instances, safe  100  comprises a biometric sensor  102  which is positioned on safe  100  in an accessible location, for example on a top surface or cap  120  of safe  100 . Upon recognition of a pre-registered identifying parameter, collapsible walls  110  rotate to an open position thereby providing access to an interior space of safe  100 . In some embodiments, collapsible walls  110  rotate silently and quickly to provide instantaneous and quiet access to the interior space of safe  100 . The specific mechanisms by which collapsible walls  110  operates will be discussed in further detail below. 
     In some embodiments, safe  100  comprises a back plate  130  which provides an immobile enclosure or back wall of safe  100 . Back plate  130  may include any size and/or dimensions as may be desirable to accommodate a length and width of an object to be stored within safe  100 . In some embodiments, back plate  130  comprises side flanges  132  which extend outwardly to provide a channel  134 . Channel  134  is sized and configured to compatibly receive cap  120  and base  140 , as shown. In particular, in some embodiments cap  120  comprises side brackets  122  which interface with side flanges  132 , and are coupled thereto via fasteners  134 . Similarly, base  140  comprises side brackets  142  which are inserted within channel  134  and coupled to side flanges  132  via fasteners  134 . Once secured, back plate  130 , cap  120 , and base  140  provide a body of safe  100 . 
     Cap  120  may include any size, shape, dimensions and/or configuration to compatibly seat within channel  134  of back plate  130 . In some embodiments, cap  120  comprises a pie or wedge-shape having a point  124  on which is mounted a pin  126  or socket (not shown) for forming a pivot point connection with collapsible walls  110 . Accordingly, point  124  and pin  126  extend outwardly from side brackets  122  to a position which is approximately centered over support surface  106  of base  140 . Further, collapsible wall  110  comprise a socket  112  or pin (not shown) to compatibly receive pin  126  in a pivotal manner. 
     Cap  120  further comprises a sensor  102  which is positioned on cap  120  so as to be easily accessible to an authorized user for input of an access parameter. In some instances, cap  120  further comprises a motor and various drive gears (not shown) which are provided to move collapsible walls  110  from a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 3 , to an opened position, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In other embodiments, cap  120  comprises a lock mechanism (not shown) which secures collapsible walls  110  in a closed position prior to sensor  102  receiving and recognizing an access parameter of an authorized user. In some embodiments, collapsible walls  110  are manually opened by an authorized user after being unlocked in response to receiving a pre-registered access parameter. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention comprise collapsible walls which are operated via an electrical motor in response to receiving an authorized access parameter. In other embodiments, a safe is provided having collapsible wall which are operated via gravity. For example, a safe may include a collapsible wall which is held in closed position via a locking mechanism. Upon receiving an authorized access parameter, the locking mechanism releases the collapsible wall thereby allowing the collapsible wall to fall to an opened position under the force of gravity. The safe may further include pneumatic pistons or friction contacts whereby to control the rate at which the collapsible wall is permitted to open under the force of gravity, as may be desired. 
     Sensor  102  may be configured to receive and recognize any input parameter useful in identifying an authorized user. For example, in some embodiments sensor  102  is configured to receive and recognize a fingerprint of an authorized user. In other embodiments, sensor  102  is configured to receive and recognize the voice of an authorized user. Sensor  102  may further be configured to receive and recognize a retinal scan of an authorized user. 
     In some instances, biometric sensor  102  is configured to recognize a pre-registered biometric perimeter of an authorized user. For example, an authorized user may access and initiate a training protocol with sensor  102 , whereby the authorized user teaches sensor  102  to recognize and identify a specific biometric parameter of the authorized user. In some embodiments, a training protocol for sensor  102  is initiated by entering a password code or other code sequence using a keypad  104  or touch screen (not shown). The authorized user registers their access parameter with sensor  102 , whereupon the parameter is stored within sensor  102  for subsequent comparison upon receiving an input parameter. Upon receiving a parameter, the parameter is compared to the pre-registered parameter to determine an authorization to the interior space  104  of safe  100 . Where the received parameter matches the pre-registered parameter, the locking mechanism of cap  120  is released thereby providing access to interior space  104 . However, where the received parameter does not match the pre-registered parameter, the locking mechanism of cap  120  is not released, thereby preventing access to interior  104  of safe  100 . 
     Safe  100  may further be accessed by entering a password or other code which has been established and pre-registered by an authorized user. For example, safe  100  may include a touch screen whereby a user may pre-register a numeric password or pattern sequence to identify the authorized user to safe  100 . Upon correctly entering the password or pattern sequence, the locking mechanism of cap  120  is released, thereby granting access to interior space  104 . The safe  100  may also include an antenna for detection of a signal, such as an RF signal, identifying the user or initiating a prompt for the user to input a personal access parameter. 
     In some embodiments, safe  100  further comprises an accelerometer which measures or detects changes in a specific force, or g-force of safe  100 . As such, safe  100  may detect contacted by an authorized or unauthorized user. For example, in some embodiments an accelerometer detects contact between a person and any surface of safe  100 . In other embodiments, an accelerometer detects contact between a person and a specified surface of safe  100 , such as sensor  102  or collapsible wall  110 . An accelerometer may further detect movement of safe  100 . For example, an accelerometer may detect when an attempt is made to move or lift safe  100 . In some instances, safe  100  includes an integrated biometric sensor and accelerometer. 
     In some embodiments, safe  100  further comprises one or more mounting brackets to facilitate mounting of safe  100  to a desired surface or at a desired location. For example, safe  100  may include a mounting bracket for securing safe  100  to a wall, a cabinet, a shelf, a trunk space of an automobile, or a mantle. Safe  100  may further include various settings or mounting holes for attaching a mounting bracket to safe  100  in a desired location and/or orientation. 
     Base  140  forms a bottom enclosure for safe  100  and comprises a shape and dimensions as may be desired and which is compatible for use with cap  120  and collapsible walls  110 . For example, in some embodiments the base  140  comprises a circular shape having a support surface  106  to accommodate collapsible walls  110 . In other embodiments, the base  140  comprises a square or rectangular shape, wherein cap  120  and collapsible walls  110  are similarly or compatibly shaped. Base  140 , cap  120  and collapsible walls  110  may include any size, shape and/or dimensions as may be desirable. 
     Base  140  provides a bottom enclosure for safe  100  and defines a bottom boundary of interior space  104 . In some embodiments, the base  140  further comprises a lip or flange  144  which forms a perimeter of base  110 . Flange  144  extends upwardly from base  140  to define the perimeter of support surface  166 . Flange  144  is generally configured such that collapsible walls  110  are positioned within or interior to flange  144  and adjacent support surface  106 . Thus, flange  144  prevents access to interior space  104  via any space between collapsible walls  110  and support surface  106 , when in a closed position. 
     Collapsible wall  110  may include any size, shape and/or configuration compatible with the teachings of the present invention. In general, a collapsible wall comprises a top surface, a bottom rim and a wall surface extending therebetween. Thus, the support surface  106 , the back plate  130 , the cap  120 , and the top surfaces and wall surfaces of collapsible wall  110  define the interior space  106  of safe  100 . 
     In some embodiments, collapsible wall  110  comprises a single wall that is positioned to block an opening to interior space  106 . Thus, upon receiving a pre-registered biometric parameter, the single wall is retracted or otherwise removed from obstructing the opening to the interior space  106 , thereby providing access to the contents stored within interior space  106 . For example, in some embodiments collapsible wall  110  comprises a single trap door that is released and thereby falls open to provide access to interior space  106 . In other embodiments, collapsible wall  110  comprises a multi-segmented wall that, when release by a locking mechanism, folds along the individual segments and collapses to provide access to interior space  106 . 
     Collapsible wall  110  may further include a single, pie-shaped wall segment that is pivotally suspended from cap  120 , wherein a bottom rim of the wall  110  is positioned adjacent to support surface  104  of base  140 . Collapsible wall  110  is rotated about pivot point  126  of cap  120  to provide access to interior space  106 . In some embodiments, collapsible wall  110  is pivoted and/or rotated about pivot point  126  such that collapsible wall  110  is partially nested within channel  134  of back plate  130 . 
     Collapsible wall  110  may further include a plurality of collapsible wall sections  110   a  and  110 b. Sections  110   a  and  110   b  are pivotally suspended from cap  120  via pivot point  126 . In some embodiments, section  110   a  is sized to compatibly nest within the concave interior of section  110   b . Thus, upon being released from a locking mechanism of cap  120 , section  110   a  is rotated and nested within section  110   b , and sections  110   a  and  110   b  are rotated and nested within channel  134  of back plate  130 . Collapsible wall  110  may further include a plurality of individual sections which are similarly configured and arranged, as may be desirable. 
     Some embodiments of safe  100  comprise a system whereby the overall height of safe  100  may be adjusted to accommodate storage of a firearm within interior space  104 . For example, in some embodiments back plate  130  is removed from cap  120  and base  140  and replaced with a back plate having a different, desired height. Further, collapsible walls  110  are removed and replace with collapsible walls having a height which is compatible with the replacement back plate. The replacement back plate and collapsible walls may increase or decrease the overall height of safe  100 . As such, safe  100  may be configured to store a hand gun or a shotgun dependent upon the dimensions of back plate  130  and collapsible walls  110 . 
     Safe  100  may include any material or combination of materials which are designed to provide a level of security intended for safe  100 . For example, in some embodiments safe  100  comprises a metallic material, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, cobalt, and/or combinations or alloys thereof In other embodiments, safe  100  comprises a rigid, nonmetallic material, such as Kevlar, high density polyethylene, carbon fiber, and/or polycarbonate. The material of safe  100  may further be selected to reduce the overall weight of safe  100 , thereby providing a portable safe device. 
     In some embodiments, safe  100  further comprises a computer executable software program whereby unauthorized attempts to access interior space  104  are communicated to an authorized user, or other designated contact. For example, in some embodiments sensor or accelerometer  102  comprises circuitry for communicating with a computer device or smart device of an authorized user to alert the authorized user of the unauthorized attempt or contact with safe  100 . Safe  100  may thus be configured to send a text message, an email message, or call a phone number associated with the authorized user. The authorized user is thus apprised of the unauthorized attempt and may take action, as necessary. 
     In some instances, safe  100  comprises a computer executable software program whereby any contact or access attempts to safe  100  (authorized or unauthorized) are communicated to an authorized user, or other designated contact, such as a law enforcement personnel. In other instances, safe  100  comprises hardware and software which links the safe&#39;s activity into a home security system of the authorized user. Any attempts to access safe  100 , either through general contact with safe  100  or sensor  102 , are sent to the home security system as “contact data.” The home security system may then issue an alert in accordance with the configuration of the home security system. For example, in some instances the home security system initiates an audible and/or visual alert in response to receiving contact data from safe  100 . In other instances, the home security system automatically contacts a law enforcement agency or personnel in response to receiving contact data from safe  100 . The home security system may further initiate a lockdown sequence of the authorized user&#39;s home or other location where safe  100  is located. The home security system may further initiate video monitoring in response to receiving contact data from safe  100 . In some instances, a home security system may initiate a pre-recorded audio track or sound in response to receiving contact data from safe  100 . For example, the home security system may initiate playback of a recording of a shotgun chambering a round. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a firearm safe  150  is shown. In some embodiments, a firearm safe  150  is provided having a cabinet  152  which forms a body of the safe. As with the previous embodiments, cabinet  152  may comprise any material which is compatible with the teachings of the present invention. For example, the material may include low-cost, light weight metals, plastic, composites, proprietary materials, such as Kevlar, etc. Cabinet  152  comprises an interior cavity  154  in which is housed a collapsible wall  160 . In one embodiment, the cabinet  152  is configured to open in such a way as to retain or reduce the amount of space it occupies as it opens. In other words, the device does not get larger, like a traditional lid or case, as it opens. This allows the cabinet  152  to be stored in potentially tight confines and to open without obstructing the user&#39;s access to the firearm or catching on the surroundings. In some embodiments, collapsible wall  160  is connected to cabinet  152  in a pivotal manner such that collapsible wall  160  may pivot around a pivot point  170  between an open position (as shown in  FIG. 7A ) and a closed position (as shown in  FIG. 7B ). For example, in some embodiments cabinet  152  comprises a pair of stators  172  which supports collapsible wall  160  via pivot point  170 . In some instances, collapsible wall  160  further comprises an axle  162  which is threaded through a rim or sidewall  164  of collapsible wall  160  and stators  172 . Accordingly, collapsible wall  160  is configured to rotate about pivot point  170  to permit or limit access to interior cavity  154 . 
     In some embodiments, stator  172 , pivot point  170  and sidewall  164  of collapsible wall  160  are configured such that when collapsible wall  160  is rotated about pivot point  170 , sidewall  164  is partially positioned within interior cavity  154  thereby preventing access to interior cavity  154 , as shown in  FIG. 7B . Accordingly, the diameter of sidewall  164  is less than the diameter of the opening  156  of cabinet  152 . Thus, sidewall  164  provides an overlapping protective measure for safe  150  when inserted within opening  156 . 
     In some embodiments, sidewall  164  surrounds a perimeter of collapsible wall  160  thereby defining a support surface  106  and storage space  168 . Support surface  106  may further include a firearm stand (not shown) or other support whereby to retain firearm  310  in a zero gravity, or ready position. Alternatively, the firearm stand may be attached to a portion of cabinet  152 . For example, a firearm stand may be attached to an inner wall surface of interior cavity  154 . Firearms  310  may also be temporarily coupled to axle  162  in a ready position. 
     Some aspects of the present invention further comprise mounting brackets  180  which are attached to cabinet  152  to permit firearm safe  150  to be temporarily or permanently secured to a desired location. For example, in some embodiments mounting brackets  180  are provided to facilitating mounting of firearm safe  150  within a trunk of an automobile. Mounting brackets  180  may also be provided to permit mounting of firearm safe  150  within a closet, a nightstand, or under a bed. In some embodiments, mounting brackets  180  are interchangeable, such that a user may select a mounting bracket style and configuration to facilitate mounting of safe  150  at a desired location and orientation. For those embodiments which include an accelerometer, safe  100  or  150  may be securely stored without the need of a mounting bracket due to the automated generation of an alert in response to an attempted access or contact with the safe. 
     As previously discussed, firearm safes of the present invention may comprise lightweight materials, such as non-metallic polymers or composite materials. As such, the safe may be easily transported as desired. For example, a user may remove the firearm safe from their home for storage in their automobile. The user may further remove the firearm safe from their automobile for storage in a hotel room. Thus, unlike conventional safes, the firearm safes of the present invention are highly portable while providing user specific, rapid access to the contents of the safe. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a computer executable software program method is shown for authorizing or preventing access to a firearm safe of the present invention. In some embodiments, a sensor receives an access parameter or input  200 . An access parameter may be received by touching the sensor or otherwise attempting to activate the sensor in any manner in an attempt to gain access to the safe. An access parameter may further be received by contacting any portion of the safe which changes a specific force of the safe, as detected by an accelerometer of the safe. The sensor then analyzes the access parameter to determine if the parameter matches a pre-registered access parameter  202 . For example, the sensor may compare the received parameter to a library of stored, pre-registered access parameters. Where the access parameter comprises contact with a surface of the safe, the sensor may simply recognize the access parameter as contact with the safe. 
     Analysis of the received access parameter input will determine a permission level or authorization for access to the safe. Where the access parameter input matches a pre-registered access parameter, the locking mechanism of the safe is released thereby providing access to the user  204 . In some embodiments, a positive match between the received access parameter input and the pre-registered access parameter further initiates contact between the safe and a law enforcement agency or personnel  206 . Contact between the safe and a law enforcement agency assumes that the authorized access to the safe was in response to an emergency for which assistance from a law enforcement agency is desired. Thus, the sensor or safe may be configured to automatically contact a law enforcement agency thereby allowing the authorized user to confront the emergency situation without needing to personally contact law enforcement. 
     Where the access parameter input does not match a pre-registered access parameter, the locking mechanism of the safe is not released. Rather, in some embodiments contact between the sensor or safe and an authorized user is initiated  208 . For example, the safe may send a text message, an email message, or contact the authorized user by phone to indicate that an unauthorized attempt was made to access the safe. The user may then contact law enforcement and/or personally check the status of the safe. 
     In other embodiments, the safe or sensor further initiates contact with law enforcement. Contact between the safe and law enforcement assumes that the unauthorized attempt to access to the safe is part of a crime for which assistance from law enforcement is desired. Contact between the safe and law enforcement may further assume that the unauthorized attempt to access the safe was by an unsupervised child, for which assistance from law enforcement is desired. 
     In some embodiments, an unauthorized attempt to access the safe further results in capture and storage of the access parameter input for later retrieval and analysis. For example, where an unauthorized user attempts to scan their fingerprint via biometric sensor  102 , the image of the unauthorized user&#39;s fingerprint is stored by sensor  102  for later analysis. In some instances, the stored biometric data is automatically sent to law enforcement to assist the law enforcement personnel in responding to the alert. The safe may further emit an audible and/or visual alert in response to an unauthorized attempt to access the safe. 
     Some aspects of the present invention further provide a firearm safe system having a collapsible wall for storing a firearm, the safe comprising a sensor and comprising a computer-executable program having computer-executable instructions for 1) receiving an access parameter; 2) determining a permission of the access parameter; 3) providing access to a pre-registered access parameter; 4) denying access to an unauthorized access parameter; 5) contacting at least one of an authorized user and a law enforcement personnel in response to receiving an unauthorized access parameter; and 6) contacting the law enforcement personnel in response to receiving a pre-registered access parameter. 
     In some embodiments, support surface  106  of safe  100  further comprises a firearm stand  300  for holding a firearm  320  in a ready position within the interior space  106 , as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . Firearm stand  300  may include any features, structures and surfaces to support and hold firearm  320  in a ready position. In some embodiments, formable ballistics gel is used to hold the ends of a weapon in the desired position. This would also provide the benefit of containing a potential misfire from the firearm as well as providing structural support for the firearm within the safe  100 . As used herein, the term “ready position” suggests an orientation of a firearm that allows a user to quickly and easily grab, aim and fire the firearm, while requiring minimal user adjustment. For example, firearm stand  300  comprises a retaining mechanism  302  which suspends the firearm in a ready position within the air. For example, retaining mechanism may include a post which inserts within the barrel of firearm  320  to suspend the handle of firearm  320  in the air. As such, a user need only grasp the handle of firearm  320  and remove the gun from post  302 . Following use of firearm  320 , the firearm  320  is replaced onto post  302  to resume it ready position. 
     Retaining mechanism  302  may include any structure, configuration and size necessary to facilitate mounting of a firearm within safe  100  in a ready position. For example, retaining mechanism  302  may include a stirrup having an opening or catch for receiving a supporting a portion of the firearm. The retaining mechanism  302  may further include a hook, a clip, a catch, a sleeve, a cleat, an aperture, a moldable material, or any combination thereof which is capable of holding the firearm in a desired position. Retaining mechanism  302  may further be attached to any surface or surfaces of safe  100  which are needed to hold firearm  320  in a desired position. Retaining mechanism  302  may further comprise a separate device or structure which is temporarily or permanently coupled to support surface  106 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9A-9C , a firearm stand  400  is shown for use with a rifle or other long firearm  340 . A ready position for a rifle requires that the barrel of the firearm  340  be approximately  45  degrees to support surface  106 . Storing a rifle in a ready position with the system shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  would require that base  140  be excessively large to accommodate for the length of firearm  340 . Accordingly, in some embodiments firearm stand  400  comprises a pivoting post  402  which pivots between a stored position, shown in  FIG. 9A , and a ready position, shown in  FIGS. 9B and 9C . As collapsible walls  110  are released or retracted, post  402  moves to the ready position, as shown in  FIG. 9B . The user may then easily and quickly remove firearm  340  from post  402 , as shown in  FIG. 9C . Following use of firearm  340 , the firearm  340  is replaced onto post  302  and moved into the stored position, as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
       FIG. 11  shows a schematic drawing  500  of one embodiment of a gun safe  100  in communication with a network device  506 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gun safe  100  includes a communication structure  504 . In the illustrated embodiment, the communication structure  504  is an antenna. In some embodiments, the communication structure  504  may be another structure capable of sending and receiving communications. For example, the communication structure  504  may be capable of sending and receiving communications in the form of radio wave, RFID, WiFi, near-field, far-field, Bluetooth, infrared, or other types of communication. In some embodiments, the devices may communication using a primary communication type (i.e. WiFi) with a secondary or backup communication type (i.e. SIM or cellular network) available in the case of a loss of the primary. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the network device  506  includes a communication structure  508 . In some embodiments, the communication structure  508  of the network device  506  is configured to send and receive the same communication types as those handled by the communication structure  504  of the gun safe  100 . In other embodiments, the communication structure  508  of the network device  506  may be capable of handling more than one communication type. 
     In one embodiment, the network device  506  is a smart device. In another embodiment, the network device  506  is a central processing device. In some embodiments, the network device  506  is dedicated to communication with the gun safe  100 . In other embodiments, the network device  506  is a general use device set up to communication with the gun safe  100 . For example, the network device  506  may be a smart phone, a personal computer, or a mobile or web app accessible to an external device. In some embodiments, the network device  506  may facilitate remote configuration of settings and control of the gun safe  100 . 
     The illustrated embodiment also includes wired connection  510 . In some embodiments, the gun safe  100  may communicate with the network device  506  via a wired or hard connection  510 . In some embodiments, the gun safe  100  and the network device  506  may omit the wireless communication structures  504  and  508  and communicate solely via the wired connection  510 . In another embodiment, the wired connection  510  is redundant to the communication structures  504  and  508 . For example, the devices  100  and  506  may communicate primarily via wireless and rely on the wired connection  510  when wireless communication is unavailable or insufficient and vice versa. In another embodiment, certain information is communicated via the wired connection  510  while other information is communicated via the communication structures  504  and  508 . Other embodiments may include fewer or more manners and structures to accommodate fewer or more avenues for communication to provide more or less redundancy. 
       FIG. 12  shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a gun safe  100  with an interface  512  in communication with a network device  506 . The gun safe  100  and the network device  506  are in communication as discussed above with relation to  FIG. 11 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gun safe  100  includes an interface  512 . The interface  512  is a portion of the safe  100  that facilitates entry of a passcode or other identifying information to allow access to the safe  100 . For example, the interface  512  may be a fingerprint scanner or other biometric reader or recognition system. The interface  512  may be a keypad to recognize a series of numbers or pattern of key presses. The interface  512  may be a touch screen or camera to recognize a gesture or allow for input of other identifying information such as a biometric. In another embodiment, the interface  512  may include a signal identifier to transmit and/or receive a signal input or query/response. The interface  512  may include other systems for receiving identifying information or a combination of a plurality of systems. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the interface  512  may facilitate local storage of access parameters. The interface  512  may then compare an input with the access parameters to allow a corresponding level of access to the gun safe  100 . In some embodiments, the access parameters may be arranged in levels of access for a single safe  100 . For example, the owner may assign a certain input access to the whole safe  100  while another input only gains access to a portion of the safe  100 . This aspect of the invention is discussed in more detail below. 
     In another embodiment, the interface  512  may communicate with the network device  506  to verify an input against access parameters stored at the network device  506 . The gun safe  100  may also include audio and video components  514  and  516 . In some embodiments, the audio and video components  514  and  516  of the safe  100  facilitate recording of audio and video and at the safe  100 . In another embodiment, the audio and video components  514  and  516  facilitate playing of audio and/or video pre-recordings or streaming of audio and/or video from the network device  506  or home security or audio/visual systems. In the illustrated embodiment, the network device  506  includes and audio module  518  and a video module  520 . The audio and video modules  518  and  520  facilitate audio and video monitoring of audio and video recorded at the safe  100  and communicated to the network device  506 . In some embodiments, the network device  506  stores the audio and video information recorded at the safe  100 . In other embodiments, the network device  506  streams the audio and video from the safe  100  on demand or in response to a stream condition. For example, the user may specify that the network device  506  record the audio and visual information in response to detection of a tamper condition at the safe  100 . The user may specify that the network device  506  record the audio and video in response to the audio reaching a certain dB level or in response to an input at the safe  100  or other qualifying condition. In another embodiment, the network device  506  may facilitate control of the audio and video modules  518  and  520 . For example, the user may use the network device  506  to control the angle and direction of a camera of the video module  520 . A user may also select a daytime or nighttime setting. The user may activate a low-light or motion detection setting. Other modes or settings may be incorporated. Additionally, these modes may initiate automatically upon detection of a given setting or condition. 
     In one embodiment, the network device  506  facilitates a playback of a recorded audio and/or video file at the safe  100 . In another embodiment, the network device  506  facilitates a user communicating his or her voice and/or image from the network device  506  to the gun safe  100 . For example, if the user noticed on the network device  506  that her child was playing with the safe, the user might speak into the network device  506  to communicate her voice over the audio component  514  of the gun safe  100  to warn her child not to tamper with the safe  100 . Other functionality may be achieved through video and audio communication between the gun safe  100  and the network device  506 . In some embodiments, the safe  100  may initiate a lockdown state. In one embodiment, the user may initiate the lockdown state from the network device  506 . In another embodiment, the safe  100  may initiate the lockdown state in response to a condition detected at the safe  100 . For example, a maximum number of failed attempts to access the safe  100  may cause the safe to lockdown. The user may lockdown the safe  100  to lockdown because she noticed that her child has begun to play with or around the safe. The lockdown state may be characterized by a delay between opportunities to input the correct access parameter. The lockdown state may require a specific code or detection of a specific unlock signal. The lockdown state may include communication to emergency services. The lockdown may include other types of actions. 
       FIG. 13  shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a network  600  of gun safes  100 (A-C) and  602  with a network device  506 . The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of gun safe  100 (A-C) and  602  in a network  600 . As described above, the network  600  may include wireless or wired communication. In the illustrated embodiment, the safes  100 (A-C) and  602  are connected to the network device  506  and to one another. In some embodiments, the each of the safes  100 (A-C) are in communication with each other. In some embodiments each of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602  are individually connected only to the network device  506 . In some embodiments, multiple safes  100 (A-C) and  602  may be added and removed from the network  600 . In some embodiments, the network device  506  detects the removal and introduction of a safe into and out of a communication range of the network  600 . In some embodiments, if a safe is introduced into the network  600 , the network device  506  detects the introduced safe and configures the safe for operation within the network  600 . For example, the network device  506  may transmit the access parameters to the introduced safe. The network device  506  may also place the introduced safe in independent communication with one or more safes currently within the network  600 . 
     In some embodiments, the network device  506  acts as a bridge to connect all of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602 . In one embodiment, the network device  506  may send out lockdown commands to one or more of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602  upon detection of a condition at one or more of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602  which has detected a lockdown condition. In another embodiment, the network device  506  may monitor video and/or audio at one or more of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602 . In some embodiments, the network device  506  may play a sound at one of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602  in response to detection of a tamper condition at another of the safes to distract or confuse the individual tampering with the safe. In another embodiment, the network device  506  may play a warning sound at all of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602  in response to detection of a tampering at one or more of the safes. 
     In some embodiments, the network device  506  may maintain a hierarchy of access parameters for each of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602 . For example, the network device  506  may maintain an access parameter which grants full access to each of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602 . Another access parameter may grant full access to some of the safes  100 (A-C) and  602  and partial access to the others. Another access parameter may grant full access to a single safe. In some embodiments, a given access parameter may require input of multiple inputs to grant access. For example, an access parameter may require presentation of an RFID signal in conjunction with a sequence or biometric. Other arrangements of access parameters and levels of access may be incorporated. 
     The illustrated embodiment includes a portable gun safe  602 . In one embodiment, the portable gun safe  602  is a version of the gun safe  100  which is configured to be placed inside the gun safe  100  and removed for transport to a firing range or other location for use of the firearm without exposing the firearm during transit. In one embodiment, the portable gun safe  602  is made of a composite material and facilitates both storage of the firearm and transportation of the firearm. In one embodiment, the portable gun safe  602  includes a communication module (not shown). The communication module may be powered internally or require an external power source. In one embodiment, the communication module communicates with a smart device  604  to allow a user to access the portable gun safe  602 . In some embodiments, the smart device  604  is physically connected to the portable gun safe  602 . In other embodiments, the smart device  604  and the portable gun safe  602  communicate wirelessly. In one embodiment, the portable gun safe  602  benefits from the security of the safe  100  while docked or stored within the safe  100 . In another embodiment, the portable gun safe  602  may be docked in a smart dock (not shown) to provide power, accessibility, and additional security described above as associated with the gun safe  100 . The portable gun safe  602  may be removed from the gun safe  100  or smart dock and connected to a smart device  604  via wireless communication or via a wired connection  606 . In some embodiments, the portable gun safe  602  includes an internal communication module but in some embodiments, the portable gun safe  602  has no internal communication module; the smart device  604  then functions as the interface device  512  to act as a communication module for the portable gun safe  602 . In some embodiments, the portable gun safe  602  allows access to the firearm upon appropriate input of an access parameter at the smart device  604 . In some embodiments, the smart device  604  functions as a tracking module for the portable gun safe  602 . While the portable gun safe  602  is described as portable, this does not suggest that the gun safes  100  are not portable. 
       FIG. 14  shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a network  700  of gun safes  100  and  602  with a central device  702  and a remote device  704 . In the illustrated embodiment, the central device  702  is a dedicated bridge to act as a communication hub for the network  700 . The central device  702  may connect to a local WiFi or other network or generate an independent network. The central device  702  may include an independent power source to provide power in the event of a power outage. In some embodiments, the central device  702  is an integrated home security system. The illustrated embodiment also includes a remote device  704 . In some embodiments, the remote device  704  is a smart device in communication with the central device  702 . In another embodiment, the remote device  704  may also be in independent contact with each of the safes  100  and  602 . In some embodiments, the central device  702  may push communications to the remote device  704 . For example, the central device  702  may alert the remote device  704  or an access attempt (successful or failed), a tamper detection, removal or addition of a safe from or into the network  700  or other event within the network  700 . Other functionality and interaction may be incorporated with the remote device  704 . In the embodiments described herein, the remote device  704 , the central device  702 , and the network device  506  may constitute separate or singular components. 
       FIG. 15  shows three diagrams (A, B, and C) of one embodiment of a gun safe  100  with a stored firearm  810 . In the illustrated embodiment, diagram A depicts the gun safe  100  with the collapsible wall sections  802  in a closed position. In one embodiment, the wall sections  802  interlock to form a relatively strong and tamper-resistant barrier for protection and storage of a firearm  810 . In one embodiment, the upper portion of the wall sections  802  is held in the closed position by a locking mechanism located in the cap  804 . The cap  804  may also include the interface  512 . The lower portion of the wall sections  802  is secured within the base  808 . The nested configuration of the wall sections  802  allows for integrity of the entire set of collapsible wall sections  802  to be secure as the individual wall sections  802  bind together. 
     Diagram B depicts one embodiment in which the wall sections  802  collapse down in a nesting manner to provide access to the stored firearm  810 . In some embodiments, the wall sections  802  collapse in a downward direction into the base  808 . In some embodiments, the wall sections  802  may be retracted into the cap  804 . In some embodiments, the wall sections  802  collapse under a mechanical force. For example, the mechanical force may be provided by a spring, magnet, pneumatic, or other system capable of exerting force. In other embodiments, the wall sections  802  collapse under the force of gravity. In another embodiment, the wall sections  802  collapse under a mechanical force in combination with or aided by the force of gravity. 
     Diagram C depicts one embodiment in which the wall sections  802  have been completely collapsed into the base  808 . The firearm  810  is now completely accessible to the user. In some embodiments, the firearm  810  is held in a ready or zero-gravity position which allows the user a wide angle from which to access the firearm  810 . In some embodiments, the firearm  810  is mounted within the safe  100  at an upper point near the cap  804 . In another embodiment, the firearm  810  is mounted within the safe  100  near a middle or breach portion of the firearm  810 . In another embodiment, the firearm  810  is mounted within the safe  100  near the butt of the firearm  810 . In the illustrated embodiment, the firearm  810  is mounted within the safe  100  with the barrel upwards and the trigger turned inward into the safe  100 . Other embodiments facilitate mounting the firearm  810  in a variety of different orientations. For example, the firearm  810  may be mounted barrel downward with the trigger facing outward from the safe  100 . The firearm  810  may also be oriented so that the barrel points upward with the trigger turned outward. Alternatively, the barrel may point downward with the trigger turned inward. Some embodiments facilitate multiple orientations of the firearm  810 . While particular aspects of the safe  100  are illustrated and described with reference to  FIG. 14  and the previous figures, some embodiments may include fewer or more components and less or more functionality. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
     It should also be noted that at least some of the operations described herein may be implemented using software instructions stored on a computer useable storage medium for execution by a processor. As an example, an embodiment of a computer program product includes a computer useable storage medium to store a computer readable program that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform operations, including an operation receive, store, verify, and reject or accept an input access parameter. In one embodiment, operations to interact with the gun safe may be carried out via a web portal, smart device, central device, network device, or dedicated interface using software instructions. In a further embodiment, operations are included in managing a network of two or more devices described herein. Embodiments of the invention can take a form containing both hardware and software elements. 
     Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can take the form of a device accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     Input/output or I/O devices for input of an access parameter (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, touch interfaces, antennas, user-specific electronic or biometric readers, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. Additionally, network adapters also may be coupled to the system to enable components of the network to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote devices or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters.