Patent Publication Number: US-8966803-B2

Title: Firearm safety

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. national stage filing of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2009/004283 filed on Jun. 15, 2009. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates in general to firearms and in particular to apparatuses and methods serving for preventing an unjustified, unauthorized use of firearms and/or for allowing an authorized use thereof. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Approaches serving for preventing an unauthorized use of firearms are known. Depending on whether or not there is an authorization to use a weapon, individual or several components inside the firearm are changed into positions, which allow a shot to be fired or prevent it from being fired, i.e. the firearm is unlocked or locked. 
     Furthermore, a firearm usable in dependence from an authorization is usually unlocked when a person holding the firearm is authorized to use the firearm. The person cannot fire a shot with the firearm without authorization. 
     OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     It is an object of this invention to provide measures and means, which increase the safety when firearms are used on the basis of an authorization. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides an apparatus, a firearm, a method and systems according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. 
     In particular, the present invention provides a safety apparatus, which is provided for a firearm. The safety apparatus comprises an release/locking device and a state changing device. 
     According to embodiments, the release/locking device is adapted to be changed into a first state for a shot release and into a second state, which prevents a shot release. States, which allow a shot release comprise e.g. a state where the trigger of the weapon is blocked up to a state, in which the percussion cap cannot be ignited, e.g. by blocking the firing pin or by preventing the firing pin from being actuated (e.g. by the hammer of the firearm or by external forces exerted violently or accidentally, e.g. when the firearm is dropped). Without intending a limitation to a conventional firearm locking, it can be said that such states result in an unlocked firearm, while states, which prevent a shot release lead to a locked firearm. 
     In such embodiments, the state changing device is adapted to only change the release/locking device from the first state into the second state in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release when there is no authorization information. Firearm internal processes for a shot release comprise, e.g., the (also only initial) actuation or contact of the trigger, processes proceeding in the firearm when the trigger is actuated (e.g. movement of the trigger bar, electric and/or electronic signals for controlling the firearm, e.g. for target acquisition, activating motors, actuators, etc., serving for firing a shot, loading ammunition, etc., cocking the hammer, etc.). 
     The authorization information provides an authorization to use the firearm and in particular for a shot release. The authorization information can be provided e.g. in the form of a signal, individual or several data or by means of other information-carrying means. The authorization information can be transmitted to the safety apparatus, e.g. by the device for checking the authorization of the firearm and/or an external apparatus or system. Only when such a process is triggered or initiated and no authorization information is available, the state changing device changes the release/locking device from the first state for a shot release into a second state which prevents a shot release. 
     The safety apparatus can also comprise a state maintaining device adapted to maintain the release/locking device in the second state in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release when authorization information is available. This can be a firearm internal process for a shot release the same as that to which the state changing device responds, or it can be another firearm internal process for a shot release. When the or another firearm internal process for a shot release is available and authorization information is also available, the state maintaining device serves for maintaining the release/locking device in the first state for a shot release or for preventing that this state is not abandoned at least until a shot has been fired. The state maintaining device can be provided in addition to or in place of devices of the firearm as such, for example, which maintain the firearm in the unlocked operating state. 
     A release/locking device and a state changing device are also provided in further embodiments. Here, too, the release/locking device is adapted to be changed into a first state for a shot release and into a second state, which prevents a shot release. However, the here provided state changing device is adapted to only change the release/locking device from the second state into the first state in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release when authorization information is available. In other words, when a firearm internal process for a shot release is triggered or initiated and authorization information is also available, the state changing device changes the release/locking device from the second state, which prevents a shot release, into the first state for a shot release. It is here possible that the release/locking device is already in the second state or can be changed into the second state before the state changing device changes the release/locking device into the first state. 
     In addition, the safety apparatus can comprise a state maintaining device adapted to maintain the release/locking device in the second state in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release when there is no authorization information. This can also be a firearm internal process for a shot release the same as that to which the state changing device responds, or it can be another firearm internal process for a shot release. When the or another firearm internal process for a shot release is available and in the absence of authorization information, the state maintaining device serves for maintaining the release/locking device in the second state, which prevents a shot release, or for preventing that this state is not abandoned at least until there is, e.g., an authorization to use the firearm, in particular for firing a shot. The state maintaining device can be provided in addition to, or in place of, devices of the firearm as such, for example, which maintain the firearm in the unlocked operating state. 
     In general, the safety apparatus can comprise an actuation device designed depending on the embodiments of the safety apparatus. 
     In embodiments, in which the state changing device is adapted to only change the release/locking device from the first state into the second state in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release when there is no authorization information, the actuation device can be adapted to change the release/locking device from the second state into the first state in response to the initiation of the or a firearm internal process for a shot release, preferably before the state changing device interferes. 
     In embodiments, in which the state changing device is adapted to only change the release/locking device from the second state into the first state in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release when authorization information is available, the actuation device can be adapted to change the release/locking device from the first state into the second state in response to the initiation of the or a firearm internal process for a shot release, here also preferably before the state changing device interferes. 
     The actuation device and the state changing device can be provided as separate devices, can have jointly used components and have components of their own or can be designed as a device, which serves as an actuation device and a state changing device, and/or provides its functions in a structurally uniform and integrated fashion. 
     The actuation device can be adapted to change the state of the release/locking device in a first time period. 
     It is also possible that the state changing device is adapted to change the state of the release/locking device in a second time period. If available, it may be provided that the state maintaining device maintains the release/locking device in the respective state in the or a second time period. The time periods in which the state changing device and/or the state maintaining device operate, can at least partially overlap or can be substantially identical. 
     The first and second time periods (and also further time periods mentioned below) can be time periods of a motion sequence in the firearm, e.g. movements of a trigger bar of the weapon, adapted to be effected by the trigger of the firearm. Further examples are movements of the trigger, movements of the firing pin, processes serving for conveying a cartridge from the magazine into the cartridge chamber, etc. 
     The indication “in” a time period includes that the respective process (e.g. changing the release/locking device from the first state into the second one) takes a time, which is shorter than that of the associated time period or takes the substantially entire duration of the time period. 
     The second time period preferably follows directly the first time period. In further designs, an intermediate time period can be present between the first and second time periods. In such an intermediate time period, e.g. electric, electronic and/or mechanical processes may take place, which are correlated with the operation/use of the weapon, for example. In such an intermediate segment, a cartridge could be conveyed into the cartridge chamber where it is positioned and/or a check-up can be performed as to whether or not there is an authorization to use the weapon. Furthermore, control operations, processes for target acquisition, etc., may take place. 
     It is provided that in such an intermediate segment, the release/locking device remains or is maintained in its respective state. This can be achieved by means of the actuation device, for example, when it does not change its state or does not change it in such a way that the respective state of the release/locking device is abandoned. This can also be achieved—by way of alternative or supplement—by the state maintaining device. 
     The actuation device and/or the state changing device can be adapted to be used to return the release/locking device to the respective initial state when its state was changed. This can be done in a third time period. The third time period can directly follow the second one or start at a distance of time from it. 
     The release/locking device can comprise a firing pin for the firearm. As to the first state of the release/locking device, the firing pin can be in a first position, which prevents a shot release, and as to the second state of the release/locking device it can be in a second position for a shot release. For example, the firing pin can be rotatable, tiltable and/or (longitudinally/transversely) slidable depending on the design of the firearm to adopt the first position and a second position. 
     The release/locking device can comprise a stop adapted to limit a firing pin movement for a shot release when it is in its first position. 
     The release/locking device can comprise a transmission element, which preferably includes a resilient material. The transmission element is intended to protect the release/locking device, the firing pin and/or other components of the weapon from damage when a non-authorized person tries to fire a shot, in particular by at least partially receiving or absorbing forces, which would effect an actuation of the firing pin. The transmission element can be adapted to serve for transmitting forces, in particular of the hammer, for initiating a shot to be fired when the user is authorized to use the weapon. 
     In the first state of the release/locking device, the transmission element can be adapted to be relatively (e.g. with respect to another component of the release/locking device) movable therein and in the second state of the release/locking device it can be adapted to be fixed therein at least to such an extent that a shot can be fired (e.g. by coupling with a component of the release/locking device or by substantially limiting movements of the transmission element). 
     In further embodiments, it is provided that the transmission element is relatively movable with respect to the firing pin in the first state of the release/locking device while the transmission element can be adapted to actuate the firing pin in the second state of the release/locking device. 
     In particular, it is possible that, when the transmission element is movable, no shot is fired, e.g. since the transmission element “absorbs” or compensates for forces, momentums and/or movements, which would otherwise trigger a shot. When the transmission element is fixed or movements of the transmission element of the release/locking device are substantially limited, a shot can be fired by transmitting e.g. forces, momentums and/or movements, which initiate a shot, by the transmission element. 
     For example, it is possible that the transmission element is movable relative to the firing pin in the first state of the release/locking device and that it cannot act on it, or cannot act on it so as to initiate a shot. In the second state of the release/locking device, the transmission element cooperates with the firing pin or can be adapted to at least cooperate in such a way that a shot can be fired. 
     The engagement of the transmission element and the firing pin can be of mechanical, hydraulic and/or pneumatic nature. Such an engagement is also referred to below as a direct engagement. By way of alternative or supplement, an electric and/or electronic control can be used, which effects the actuation by using one or several controllable actuators, for example. Such a coupling is also referred to below as an indirect engagement, which can be wired, and/or wireless. 
     For engagement, the actuation device can be designed with a trigger bar of the firearm and can be actuated by means of the trigger bar. 
     The actuation device can comprise a control element adapted to be moved by a link motion, which is attached to the trigger bar, or can be connected therewith, for example, wherein the link motion is actuated in response to an actuation of the trigger of the firearm. 
     The actuation device can be in direct (e.g. mechanical, hydraulic and/or pneumatic) and/or indirect (e.g. electric and/or electronic) engagement with the release/locking device as a whole or with one component thereof, e.g. with the firing pin. 
     The state maintaining device can comprise at least one component having two states, which can be adapted depending on existing or lacking authorization information. This is in particular understood to mean that the state maintaining device has or adopts a first state, when there is no authorization information, and has or adopts a second state when there is authorization information. In the first state, the state maintaining device can be adopted to be in direct and/or indirect engagement with the release/locking device, for example, whereas the state maintaining device can be adapted to directly and/or indirectly cooperate with the release/locking device in/at its second state. The two states of the state maintaining device can be achieved e.g. by using a bistable element, a piezoelectric actuator, a switchable catch or hook, etc. 
     In further variants, the state maintaining device can (also) comprise at least one component adapted to be magnetized depending on available or lacking authorization information. This component can comprise e.g. at least one controllable electromagnet adapted to be activated in response to authorization information and/or at least one element having a magnetic polarization adapted to be changed in controlled fashion depending on the authorization information and/or at least one element adapted to be magnetized and demagnetized, as desired, e.g. a soft magnetic element. 
     The state maintaining device can comprise a holding element adapted to cooperate e.g. with the release/locking device, preferably with the firing pin. For example, the holding element can be held by the component with two states and/or by the magnetizable component in response to authorization information in a holding position, which at least partially prevents that the state of the release/locking device is maintained. Without authorization information, the holding element preferably is adapted to not cooperate with the release/locking device or is adapted to not cooperate with it in a way, which permits, or at least does not prevent, the change in the state of the release/locking device. 
     The state changing device can comprise at least one element producing restoring forces and/or momentums for the release/locking device, preferably at least one of the following components: a spring, a bimetal, a magnetic actuator, a motor-driven actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an element where the magnetic poles can be reversed. In the case of a spring, it can be tensioned e.g. in response to the or a firearm internal process for a shot release, wherein the spring is released again to return the release/locking device into its respective initial state. A bimetal, actuator, e.g. a magnetizable element, can be activated (or deactivated), when there is no authorization signal, for example, to provide the energy, which returns the release/locking device into its respective initial state. 
     By way of supplement or alternative, the state changing device can be designed to change, after a shot is fired, the safety apparatus (back) into a state, in which no shot can be fired or the firearm is locked. This can be force-controlled, for example, wherein processes, which take place in the firearm after a shot is fired (e.g. movements of the firing pin), can effect a reset of the safety apparatus. In particular, the state changing device can be designed so as to return the release/locking device into the initial state in response to movements, which take place in the firearm after a shot is fired. 
     The state changing device can comprise e.g. a guide structure (e.g. recess with guide surface(s) and/or protruding guide surface(s)) formed in and/or at a stationary part of the firearm (e.g. handle), adapted to directly and/or indirectly cooperate with the holding element and/or the actuation element. For example, the cooperation can be such that, after firing a shot, one or more components of the firearm (e.g. firing pin) also move the guide structure and/or the state maintaining device and/or the actuation device. A relative movement of the guide structure and state maintaining device and/or actuation device with respect to one another, which occurs in this connection, can produce forces and/or momentums, which act (directly or indirectly) on the holding element and/or the actuation element, for example, and move them such that the release/locking device is returned to its respective initial state. 
     The state changing device can be in direct or indirect engagement with the actuation device and/or can be directly and/or indirectly coupled thereto. 
     The safety apparatus can comprise a control device for generating authorization information. The control device can be designed to detect whether there is an authorization to use the firearm and to then generate, or not generate, authorization information. The control device can receive information on an authorization regarding the use of the weapon by a separate authorization detection or checking apparatus adapted to be arranged in the firearm as such or can be provided as an external apparatus. 
     Furthermore, the safety apparatus can have an energy supply to supply energy to the release/locking device, the state maintaining device, the state changing device and/or the control device, for example. The energy supply can be disposed in the handle (comprising one or more batteries and/or accumulators, for example), adjacent to the magazine in the handle or adjacent to the barrel. The energy supply can also partially be designed in portable fashion (by the user of a weapon) and transmit energy to the firearm by means of inductive and/or capacitive transmission, for example. 
     A receiving apparatus can also be provided to receive information, which gives an authorization to use the firearm in particular for firing a shot. Such information can be provided e.g. by means of electric, magnetic, optical and/or radio transmission (e.g. RF signals, Bluetooth, wireless LAN, GSM/UMTS, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, etc.). 
     In addition, a so-called failsafe device can be provided, which, when the functioning of the safety apparatus and/or the firearm is at least partially deficient, is adapted to change the release/locking device into a failsafe state, in which the firing of a shot is basically allowed. Failsafe devices comprise means serving for preventing that with an at least partially deficient operation of the safety apparatus and also of the firearm as such the firearm can be used and in particular a shot can be fired. For this purpose, the release/locking device is changed into what is called a failsafe state. Depending on the embodiment, failsafe states comprise “bridging” or deactivating the release/locking device or achieving and/or maintaining a state for the release/locking device such that it does not exercise the function of preventing a shot release. Such embodiments can be advantageous e.g. for police weapons, army firearms, etc., to be able to basically fire a shot in the case of a failure and in particular in emergency situations. 
     The present invention also provides a firearm having a safety apparatus according to the invention. 
     The firearm can comprise a trigger, a trigger bar cooperating with the trigger and the release/locking device, and a hammer cooperating with the trigger bar. In the case of firearms where the release of a shot comprises at least partially non-mechanical processes (e.g. control signals), it is provided that the corresponding non-mechanical components cooperate with the release/locking device and/or the hammer in a comparable way. 
     The link motion of the safety apparatus, if available, and the trigger bar can be in engagement with each other. The link motion, if available, can be mounted on the trigger bar or be actuated by it. 
     Preferably, the energy supply of the safety apparatus can be arranged at least partially in the firearm (e.g. in the handle) and/or can be connected therewith. 
     The control device of the safety apparatus can be arranged at least partially in or at the barrel and/or in the handle of the firearm. 
     The present invention additionally provides a method for locking a firearm depending on an authorization to use the firearm. The above, supplementary information on the safety apparatuses according to the invention apply correspondingly to methods according to the invention and are thus not repeated herein. 
     In an embodiment of the method, the firearm is only changed into a state in response to an initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release when there is no authorization to use the firearm. 
     In such embodiments, a state of the firearm for a shot release can be maintained in response to an initiation of the or a firearm internal process for a shot release when there is an authorization to use the firearm. 
     It is also possible that, in response to an initiation of the or a firearm internal process for a shot release, the firearm is initially changed into a state for a shot release. 
     In further embodiments of the method, the firearm is only changed into a state for a shot release in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release when there is an authorization to use the firearm. 
     In these embodiments, a state of the firearm, which prevents a shot release, can be maintained in response to the initiation of the or a firearm internal process which takes place within the firearm and for a shot release when there is no authorization to use the firearm. 
     It is also possible to initially bring the firearm into the operating state, which prevents a shot release in response to the initiation of the or a firearm internal process for a shot release. 
     It is preferably only checked in response to an initiation of the or a firearm internal process for a shot release whether there is an authorization to use the firearm. 
     The evaluation of whether there is an authorization to use the firearm, can be carried out internal the firearm. For example, the firearm can comprise devices to determine and/or receive information, which indicates whether the firearm can be used and, in particular, a shot a can be fired. 
     In addition or as option, the evaluation as to whether there is an authorization to use the firearm can be carried out external the firearm and the evaluation result can be provided to the firearm. Carrying out the authorization internal the firearm and external the firearm can result in enhanced safety and better protection against the non-allowed/non-desired use of the firearm. 
     Further, information indicating an authorization to handle the firearm can be determined or generated, wherein depending thereon the firearm is changed into an operative state or a state, in which the firearm is not ready for operation. Such embodiments allow, for example, to initially check (e.g. when the weapon is taken out of a weapon cabinet or when it is gripped) whether a user is basically authorized to use the firearm and/or whether the firearm can be used in a certain area (e.g. shooting stand) and/or whether a shot may be fired into a certain area (e.g. area between shooter and target) or whether it may not be fired (e.g. in direction to a beater). If this is the case, the firearm can be “unlocked” so that upon a subsequent evaluation as to whether there is an authorization to fire a shot, a shot can be fired. Even when there is an authorization to fire a shot, no shot can be fired without authorization to handle the firearm. 
     It can be checked in such embodiments whether there is a certain type of authorization to handle the firearm, and authorization type information, which indicates the evaluation result, is provided to the firearm. This permits e.g. to classify persons in different groups of users, authorization classes, etc., and to define allowed and/or non-allowed spatial areas and/or periods of time for using firearms, allowed and/or non-allowed spatial areas where shots can be fired or cannot be fired. 
     In further variants it is checked whether the authorization type information indicates that firing a shot is to be basically allowed when at least one of the steps provided in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release cannot be carried out on account of a failure within the firearm. These embodiments can be used, for example, to be able to use e.g. police weapons or army firearms even when the firearm, components thereof, in particular a safety apparatus according to the invention, and/or devices used with the firearm (e.g. external means for checking the authorization) at least partially fail to function properly. 
     The present invention also provides a system, which comprises a firearm according to the invention and a firearm external authorization evaluation unit. When there is an authorization to use and/or handle the firearm, the firearm external authorization evaluation unit is adapted to generate an enabling signal and transmit it to the firearm, wherein the safety apparatus according to the invention is adapted to change or maintain the state of the release/locking device, in which a shot release is allowed, only when the enabling signal is received. 
     The present invention also provides a system, which comprises a firearm according to the invention and a firearm external shooting area detection unit. The shooting area detection unit outside the firearm is adapted to determine whether a current firing of a shot results in a shot at least in a certain area. 
     The shooting area detection unit preferably generates an enabling signal when a current firing of a shot results in a shot in a first determined area. 
     In such variants, it is provided that the safety apparatus only allows a shot to be fired when an enabling signal is present. 
     In addition or as option, the shooting area detection unit can produce a locking signal when a current firing of a shot results in a second determined area. 
     In such variants, it is provided that the safety apparatus only permits the firing of a shot in the absence of a blocking signal. 
     The above systems can be combined into a system arrangement according to the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the below description, reference is made to the following drawings, which show 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  schematically illustrations of a firearm according to the invention, 
         FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  schematically illustrations of a safety apparatus according to the invention, 
         FIG. 4  a schematically illustration of a further embodiment of the safety apparatus, 
         FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  schematically illustrations of a safety apparatus according to the invention comprising an release/locking device in an initial state, 
         FIG. 6  a schematically illustration of a safety apparatus according to the invention comprising the release/blocking device in an initial state, 
         FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b  and  7   c  schematically illustrations of the safety apparatus of  FIG. 5 , wherein the release/locking device is in a state for a shot release, 
         FIG. 8  a schematically illustration of the safety apparatus of  FIG. 6 , wherein the release/locking device is in a state for a shot release, 
         FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  schematically illustrations of the safety apparatus of  FIG. 5  according to the invention, wherein the safety apparatus is in a state for a shot release in the presence of an authorization to use the firearm, 
         FIG. 10  a schematically illustration of the safety apparatus of  FIG. 6 , wherein the release/locking device is in a state for a shot release in the presence of an authorization to use the firearm, 
         FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  schematically illustrations in partial views, of the release/locking device in a state preventing a shot release in the presence of an authorization to use the firearm, 
         FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  schematically illustrations of the safety apparatus of  FIG. 5  according to the invention, wherein the release/locking device is in a state preventing a shot release in the absence of an authorization to use the firearm, 
         FIG. 13  a schematically illustration of the safety apparatus of  FIG. 6 , wherein the release/locking device is in a state preventing a shot release in the absence of an authorization to use the firearm, 
         FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  schematically illustrations, in partial views, of the release/locking device in a state for a shot release in the absence of an authorization to use the firearm, 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  show schematic partial views of a further design of the safety apparatus, 
         FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b  show diagrams of a further design of the safety apparatus according to the invention, which comprises the release/locking device in an initial state, 
         FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b  show diagrams of the safety apparatus of  FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b , which comprises the release/locking device in a state for a shot release when there is an authorization to use the firearm, and 
         FIGS. 19   a  and  19   b  show diagrams of the safety apparatus of  FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b  in a state, which prevents a shot, release when there is no authorization to use the firearm. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show schematically a firearm  2 , which includes an integrated safety apparatus. Such a safety apparatus is described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 16 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the firearm  2  without handle plates. The firearm  2  comprises a handle  4  where a magazine  8  is arranged in its handle part  6 . In the firearm  2  as shown, the handle  4  extends from the right-hand lower end of the handle part  6 , according to the figures, to the left-hand upper end at the muzzle opening, as illustrated.  FIGS. 1 and 2  also show a trigger guard  10 , a trigger  12 , a hammer  14  and a slide  16 . A barrel  18  and a separately designed cartridge chamber  20  are arranged in the handle piece  6 , as shown in the figures. 
     An energy supply  22  for the safety apparatus can be accommodated in the handle  4 , e.g. in the handle part  6 , in the form of batteries or accumulators, for example. 
     In order to control the safety apparatus, a control device (not shown) is provided adapted to be integrated into the safety apparatus or can be provided as a separate component with respect thereto. In the latter case, the control device can be arranged e.g. in the handle  4  adjacent to the safety apparatus, in the handle part  6  or in a part  24  of the handle  4  adjacent to the upper front end of the trigger guard  10 . 
     The energy supply  22  and the control device can be basically arranged at any place in the firearm  2 , for example, where respective space is available (anyway) or where respective space can be provided by a corresponding design of the handle  4 . The control device is preferably arranged at the smallest (possible) distance from the safety apparatus, for example, to minimize the effort to connect the control device and the safety apparatus. This can also apply to the energy supply  22 . However, the aspects of the weight distribution in the firearm  2  can also be relevant for the arrangement of the energy supply  22  and/or of the control device, wherein an arrangement in the handle part  6  can be advantageous, for example. 
     In place of an energy supply  22  integrated in the firearm  2 , an external energy supply (not shown) can be used (in addition or as option), which external energy supply can be adapted to, for example, transmit energy to the safety apparatus by means of capacitive and/or inductive coupling. Such an external energy supply can be attached to the hand or arm of the user of the weapon, for example. Such embodiments can increase safety in so far as only the presence of an external energy supply can enable a use of the firearm, namely when only the external energy supply or the external energy supply together with an energy supply  22  integrated in the firearm  2  allows an operation of the safety apparatus. 
       FIG. 3  shows schematical illustrations of an embodiment of a safety apparatus where, upon actuation of the trigger, the release/locking device is initially changed into a first state for a shot release and then, depending on whether or not there is an authorization to use a firearm, the release/locking device is kept in the first state or changed into a second state, which prevents a shot release or does prevent a shot release. 
     The safety apparatus comprises an release/locking device, which is referred to by  26  on the whole and which includes a firing pin  28 , a transmission element  30  and a stop  32 . The firing pin  28  can be moved in directions according to arrow  34  (in the longitudinal direction) to fire a cartridge disposed in the cartridge chamber  20 . For an engagement with ammunition disposed in the cartridge chamber  20 , the firing pin  28  has a striker pin or igniter  38 , which extends away from its main body  36  in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the firing pin  28  can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, as indicated by arrow  40 . Rotary motions of the firing pin  28  can be effected by forces and/or momentums acting on or lugs  42  and  44 , which are formed on the main body  32 . According to the illustration, the firing pin  28  has two ridges  42  and  44 . In further embodiments, only one ridge or three or more ridges can be used to rotate the firing pin  28 . In place of a structure, which extends away from the main body  36  and serves for receiving forces and/or momentums effecting rotations of the firing pin  28 , the main body  36  can have one or more recesses, with which elements effecting rotations can engage. 
     At its end adjacent to the stop  32 , the main body  36  has a first form closure structure  46 . When the firing pin  28  is positioned correspondingly, the first form closure structure  46  can be inserted in a complementarily shaped recess  48  in the stop  32 ; this is shown in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b , for example. When the firing pin  28  is positioned in such a way, it can be moved in the longitudinal direction to allow a shot to be fired and to cooperate with ammunition disposed in the cartridge chamber  20 . When the firing pin  28  is not positioned or rotated such that the first form closure structure  46  can be inserted in the recess  48 , the cooperation of the first form closure structure  46  and of the stop  32  prevents a movement of the firing pin  28  such that the igniter  38  cannot enter into engagement with the ammunition in the cartridge chamber  20 . This is illustrated in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b , for example. 
     A movement of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction, for a shot release, is effected by the hammer  14  when it actuates the firing pin  28 . The illustrated embodiments use the transmission element  30 , via which the firing pin  28  can be actuated (indirectly). In further variants, the transmission element  30  may be not used, wherein the hammer  14  can then cooperate directly with the firing pin  28 . At its end adjacent to the transmission element  30 , the main body  36  of the firing pin  28  has a second form closure structure  50 . 
     In the position of the firing pin  28 , in which the first form closure structure  46  cooperates, or can cooperate, with the stop  32  and prevents, or at least limits, movements of the firing pin  28  in its longitudinal direction, the second form closure structure  50  can engage a recess  52  provided at the transmission element  30 . In this position, relative movements between transmission element  30  and firing pin  28  are possible. In the position of the firing pin  28 , in which the first form closure structure  46  can engage the recess  48 , the second form closure structure  50  and the transmission element  32  are opposite to each other such that the second form closure structure  50  cannot engage the recess  52 . 
     Further, an actuation device  54 , which has a control element  56  and an actuation element  58 , is shown. The control element  56  and the actuation element  58  provide a cam mechanism or cam gear, wherein the actuation element  58  acts as driving member and the control element  56  acts as driven member. The control element  56  is in engagement with a link motion  60 , e.g. by means of a pin  62  formed at the control element  56 . As shown, the link motion  60  can be integrally formed with a trigger bar  64  of the weapon  2 . In further variants, the link motion  60  can be provided as a separate component adapted to be subsequently arranged at the trigger bar  64 , e.g. when the weapon is assembled. Indirect engagements are also possible. 
     The safety apparatus also comprises a state maintaining device  66  having an electromagnet  68  and a holding element  70 , which is in engagement with the firing pin  28 . The holding element  70  can be supported in a floating manner in an optional guide  72  by means of a spring  74 . This support can compensate for manufacturing tolerances and e.g. changes caused by wear or abrasion. A floating support can (also) be achieved by positioning the electromagnet  68  in a biasing manner by means of a spring  76  (according to the illustrations of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  upwards) towards the guide  72 . In such embodiments, the electromagnet  68  can engage the opposite surface  78  of the guide  72  and can thus hold the holding element  70  in a desired position, as described below. 
       FIG. 4  shows an embodiment having a state maintaining device  66 , wherein the holding element  70  is used without guide  72  and the electromagnet cooperating with a spring  76  is arranged in a biased fashion towards the holding element  70 . In such an embodiment, the electromagnet  68  can directly engage the holding element  70  and hold it in a desired position. 
     In further variants, the state maintaining device  66  can comprise at least one component adapted to adopt two defined states, such as a bistable element, a piezoelectric actuator, a pawl or hook, magnetic components having a changeable magnetic polarization and/or an element adapted to be magnetized and demagnetized. In the states adapted to be adopted by the state maintaining device  66 , one is provided to maintain the firing pin  28  in a desired position whereas the other state of the state maintaining device  66  enables a movement of the firing pin  28  and/or does not fix it in a position. 
     The safety apparatus also comprises a state changing device  78 , which comprises a spring  80  that is in engagement with the actuation device  54 , in particular cooperates with the actuation element  58 . A task of the state changing device  78  is to move the firing pin  28  out of the position, in which it can be maintained by the state maintaining device  66 , in particular such that the firing pin  28  adopts another predefined position. In further embodiments, the state changing device  78  can comprise any components, by which it is possible to produce forces and/or momentums adapted to act on the firing pin  28  directly (i.e. in direct engagement with the firing pin  28 ) or indirectly (e.g. via the state maintaining device  66 ). Examples are here bimetals, magnetic actuators, motor-driven actuators, piezoelectric actuators, elements where the magnetic poles can be reversed, and the like. In an also provided variant, the holding and state changing devices can be integrally formed, wherein the firing pin  28  can be held in a predefined position and/or can be brought out of it, e.g. by means of an element producing forces and/or momentums. 
     The state changing device  78  can comprise the spring  74  and/or the spring  76 —in addition or alternative to spring  80 . In such embodiments, spring  74  and/or spring  76  also serve(s) for resetting the firing pin  28 , along with the floating support in the state maintaining device. 
     The actuation element  58  has a recess  82  cooperating with the ridge  42 . The holding element  66  has a recess  84 , which is in engagement with the ridge  46 . As a result of the movements of the actuation element  58 , as indicated by arrow  86 , and the movements of the holding element  70 , as indicated by arrow  88 , the firing pin  28  can be held in rotating and positioned fashion. According to the drawings, it is provided that an upward movement of the actuation element  58  in  FIG. 3   b  can effect a counterclockwise rotation of the firing pin  28  and an upward movement of the holding element  70  in  FIG. 3   b  can effect a clockwise rotation of the firing pin  28 . It is also provided that a counterclockwise rotation of the firing pin  28  results in a downward movement of the holding element  70  in  FIG. 3   b , while a clockwise rotation of the firing pin  28  moves the actuation element  58  according to the diagram of  FIG. 3   b  downwards. 
     According to the illustration, upward movements of the actuation element  58  are achieved by means of a cam contour  90  formed on the control element  56 , which contour can engage the end  92  of the actuation element  58 , which is in the lower part according to the illustration. In the shown embodiments, the control element  56  and/or the cam contour  98  is not always in engagement with the actuation element  58 . It is rather provided that such an engagement is substantially available when the actuation element  58  shall be moved by means of the control element  56 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7  and  8  as well as  14 , states and courses are now described adapted to be provided for the embodiments as shown, irrespective of whether or not a user of the firearm  2  is authorized to use it, i.e. is allowed to fire a shot with it or not. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show a state of the safety apparatus and components of the firearm  2 , that cooperate therewith before the trigger  12  is actuated. In this state, the release/locking device is a so-called first state, in which the firearm  2  is locked, i.e. no shot can be fired. In the first state of the release/locking device, the firing pin  28  has a first position, in which it cannot be moved in the longitudinal direction or cannot be moved to such an extent that a shot can be fired. 
     In the first position of the firing pin  28 , the latter is positioned such that the first form closure structure  46  cannot be inserted in the recess  48 , but that movements of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction are prevented by an engagement of the first form closure structure  46  and the stop  32 . In the first position, the first form closure structure  46  can be spaced from the stop  32 , as shown. Although this allows minor movements of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction, it prevents the firing pin  28  from moving to such an extent that a shot can be fired. In further embodiments, the first form closure structure  46  and the stop  32  contact, and therefore the firing pin  28  substantially cannot be moved in the longitudinal direction. In the first position of the firing pin  28 , its second form closure structure  50  is positioned in such an alignment that it can be inserted in the recess  52  of the transmission element  30 . It is thus possible to move the transmission element  30  towards the main body  36  of the firing pin  28  so that the second form closure structure  50  can at least partially be inserted in the recess  52  of the transmission element  30 . In this first state of the release/locking device and/or this first position of the firing pin  28 , it is thus not possible to fire a shot when forces act on the firing pin  28 , e.g., when the firearm  2  is dropped or, when in the case of an misuse of the firearm  2 , external forces are exerted on the transmission element  30  or the hammer  14 . 
     In the first state of the release/locking device, the actuation element  58  and the holding element  70  are held (biased) by the spring(s)  74 / 76 / 80  in the positions as shown. In addition, there is no engagement between the actuation element  58  and the control element  56  in the first state of the release/locking device. 
     When, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the trigger  12  is actuated, the trigger bar  64  is moved. This is indicated in  FIG. 7   a  by arrows  94  and  96 . The movement of the trigger bar  64  effects, by means of the link motion  60  and the pin  62  guided therein, a movement of the control element  56  such that it enters into engagement with the actuation element  58  and moves it upwards against the force of the spring(s)  74 / 76 / 80  as shown in the diagram. The movement of the actuation element  58 , in turn, effects a counterclockwise rotation of the firing pin  28 , wherein the engagement between the firing pin  28  and the holding element  70  moves it downwards according to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  and  FIG. 8 . This is indicated in  FIGS. 7   b  and  8  by arrows  98 ,  100  and  102 . 
     These motion sequences effect that the firing pin  28  is changed into a second position, in which the first form closure structure  46  is positioned in alignment with the recess  48  and thus can be inserted therein. Movements of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction are thus possible. In addition, the second form closure structure  50  is here positioned relative to the transmission element  30  such that the second form closure structure  50  cannot engage the recess  52  of the transmission element  30 . This is also illustrated in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b . Movements of the transmission element  30  in the longitudinal direction result in a movement of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction due to the engagement between the transmission element  30  and the second form closure structure  50  (wherein the engagement exists or can be established by the movement of the transmission element  30 ). This second state of the release/locking device and/or this second position of the firing pin  28  would basically enable a shot to be fired by a movement of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction. When the weapon is used according to the rules, this is not (yet) the case because the hammer  14  is in its cocked position (see  FIG. 7   a , for example). 
     The period of time, in which the trigger bar  64  carries out, on account of the actuation of the trigger  12 , a movement effecting that the release/locking device adopts the second state and the firing pin  28  adopts the second position, covers the first time period mentioned above. 
     The first time period is followed (directly or at a distance of time) by a second time period. The further states and courses now depend on whether there is authorization information (hereinafter in the exemplary form of an authorization signal specifying that the weapon can be used to fire a shot. In order to evaluate whether or not such an authorization is available, a control device accommodated in the weapon can be used, which control device in the case of an authorization generates an authorization signal while no authorization signal is produced without an authorization. Information on an authorization to use a weapon can be provided by means of a user-wearable transponder, radio sender, finger print sensor provided at the weapon, and the like. 
     The authorization can basically be evaluated at any time. However, since the decision of whether or not an actuation of the trigger  12  may actually lead to the firing of a shot is made when the release/locking device  26  is in its second state, the evaluation of the authorization can only be carried out shortly beforehand. This has, e.g., the advantage that the authorization can only be checked very shortly before the hammer  14  is triggered. Thus, if the authorization is no longer available in the period between the initial actuation of the trigger  12  and the time, at which the release/locking device  26  adopts its second state, the firing of a shot is prevented. 
     In the case of an authorization to use the firearm  2 , reference is now made to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 . When an authorization is present and the authorization signal is produced, the electromagnet  68  is energized to generate a magnetic field, which holds the holding element  70  in the position shown in  FIGS. 9   b  and  10 . The firing pin  28  is thus also kept in its second position. This can be referred to as an “unlocked” operating state of the firearm  2 . 
     The movements of the trigger bar  64 , which occur in this connection, result, by means of the link motion  60 , to a movement of the control element  56 , which movement leads away from the actuation element  58 . The actuation element  58  is held in the position shown in the lower diagram of  FIG. 6  by the firing pin  28 , which is held in its second position. The movement of the trigger bar  60  can also result in a further biasing of the hammer  14 . When the hammer  14  is triggered and forced against the transmission element  30 , it and, on account of its engagement with the firing pin  28 , the pin are also moved in a longitudinal direction. This results in a cooperation of the igniter  38  with a cartridge disposed in the cartridge chamber  20 , and the cartridge is fired. 
     Then, the firing pin  28  and the transmission element  30  as well as the hammer  14 , trigger bar  64  and trigger  12  return to their initial positions. It is pointed out that the state maintaining device  66  may only be activated until the first form closure structure  46  is inserted in the recess  48  (at least) to such an extent that a longitudinal movement of the firing pin  28  cannot be prevented any more. However, it is also possible to maintain the state maintaining device  66  activated for a prolonged period of time, e.g. until one, several or all elements comprising firing pin  28 , transmission element  30 , hammer  14 , trigger bar  64  and trigger  12  have returned to their initial positions. In both cases, compared to known approaches, the state maintaining device  66  is only activated for a short time and therefore the energy demand required for the activation can be minimized. As a result, it is also possible to use an energy supply  22  having a comparatively small size/capacity. 
     For cases without authorization to use the firearm  2 , reference is now made to  FIGS. 12 ,  13  and  14 . If no authorization is present and no authorization signal is produced, the state maintaining device  66  is not activated and/or the electromagnet  64  is not energized. As already described, the movement of the trigger bar  64  now effects a movement of the control element  56  away from the actuation element  58 . This makes it possible that the spring(s)  72 / 74 / 80  move the actuation element  58  according to  FIGS. 12   b  and  13  downwards. This movement of the actuation element  58  returns the firing pin into its first position and thus changes the release/locking device into its first state again. Here, the holding element  70  is also moved upwards again. This is indicated in  FIGS. 12   b  and  13  by arrows  104 ,  106  and  108 . In this “locked” state of the firearm, the firing pin  28  cannot be moved to fire a shot, as explained above. When the hammer  14  is triggered and strikes the transmission element  30 , it is moved towards the main body  36  of the firing pin  28  and the second form closure structure  50  is (partially) inserted in recess  52 . The force exerted by the hammer  14  thus only moves the transmission element  30 , but does not lead to a movement of the firing pin  28  to fire a shot or does not lead to a movement where a shot is not fired. This is also illustrated in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b . By a corresponding design of the second form closure structure  50  and/or the recess  52 , it is possible to prevent, or at least partially minimize, a force of the hammer  14  from acting on the firing pin  28 . Preferably, the transmission element  30  is at least partially made of a resiliently deformable material adapted to absorb forces generated by the hammer  14 . Then, the hammer  14 , the trigger bar  64  and/or trigger  12  return to their initial positions. The release/locking device  26 , the actuation device  54  and the state maintaining device  66  can have already adopted their initial positions due to the lacking authorization signal, e.g. before the hammer  14  strikes the transmission element  30 . 
     The time passing until the hammer  14  strikes the transmission element  30  covers the above second time period for both the “unlocked” and “locked” operating states of the weapon. A third time period may follow where the hammer  14 , the trigger bar  64  and the trigger  12  return to their initial positions. Depending on whether or not there is an authorization signal, the components of the safety apparatus can also adopt their initial positions in the third time period or already in the second time period. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show a further embodiment of a state changing device. This variant can also be referred to as a force-controlled state changing device because here the reset of the safety apparatus and in particular of the state maintaining device  66  is (automatically) also effected by movements in the firearm  2  after firing a shot. In the variant as shown, a state maintaining device  66  is used, in which the holding element  70  is guided in the guide  72  and is supported by means of spring  74  (see e.g.  FIGS. 5   b ,  7   b ,  9   b ). In place of such a state maintaining device  66 , it is also possible to use a state maintaining device  66  where the holding element  70  can cooperate without guide  72  directly with the electromagnet  68  and the electromagnet  68  is supported by means of spring  76 . 
     In the handle  14 , a recess  110  is formed, with which the illustrated lower end of the guide  72  of the holding element  70  can engage.  FIG. 15  shows an “unlocked” state of the firearm  2  before a shot is fired, wherein the state maintaining device  66  maintains the firing pin  28  in the position corresponding for this purpose. In particular, the holding element  70  is held via its guide  72  by the electromagnet  76  in the position, which is in the lower part according to the drawing, as is also the case in  FIG. 7   b . In this state, as shown, the lower end of the guide  72  can be arranged at the left-hand end of the recess  110 , where an abutment surface  112  can be provided as movement limitation. 
     After a shot is fired, the firing pin  28  moves to the right according to the drawing. Here, the firing bolt  28  takes along the state maintaining device  66 , in particular by the engagement with the holding element  70 . As a result, the guide  72  is also moved to the left according to the diagram and is separated from the electromagnet by a guide surface  114  of the recess  110 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . This movement of the guide  72 , which is supported by the force of spring  74 , where appropriate, moves the holding element  70  in such a way (upwards according to the diagram) that the firing pin  28  is moved (back) into its initial position. The safety apparatus returns to its first state and the firearm  2  is locked. 
     When a state maintaining device  66  is used without a guide  72 , the lower end of the holding element  70 , which is opposite to the electromagnet  68 , can engage recess  110  and can be guided therein, in particular by the guide surface  114 . 
     In further embodiments, a force-controlled reset (in addition or as alternative to the above embodiment) can be made by means of the actuation device  54  and in particular by means of the actuation element  58 . In such variants, it is provided, for example, that the actuation element  58  can cooperate with the recess  110  and its guide surface  114  or a similarly acting guide structure, as described above for the holding element  70  and/or its guide  72 . It is also possible to use as a guide structure instead of a recess a structure protruding (from handle  4 , for example) e.g. in the form of a protruding radial cam surface. Combinations of recesses and protruding shapes are also possible as a guide structure. 
     Also such force-controlled embodiments, the embodiments of the state changing device  66 , which are described above with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 14 , can be used, for example, to provide an additional reset, which supports the force-controlled reset and/or effects a reset when the force-controlled reset fails. It is also possible to provide a force-controlled reset as a supplement and/or safety of the embodiments of the state changing device  66 , which are described above with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 14 . 
     In further embodiments of the safety apparatus, the release/locking device is changed, depending on whether or not an authorization to use a firearm is present, into a first state for a shot release or is kept in the second state, which prevents a shot release or does not allow a shot to be fired, when the trigger is actuated. 
     The now described safety apparatuses comprise a release/locking device, a state changing device and an actuation device as well as, in some embodiments, a state maintaining device. These devices can differ as regards their design and function from the above release/locking, state changing, actuation and state maintaining devices. 
       FIGS. 17 to 19  show schematic views of an embodiment of a safety apparatus, wherein, preferably upon actuation of the trigger, the release/locking device is initially kept in a first state, which prevents a shot release, and then, when the trigger is actuated depending on whether or not an authorization to use a firearm is present, the release/locking device is changed into a second state for a shot release or is kept in the first state. 
     The above observations also apply to this embodiment, unless otherwise specified. For the purpose of completeness, however, some explanations are repeated without this intending to be a limitation. 
     The safety apparatus comprises a release/locking device, which is referred to by  26  on the whole and which includes a firing pin  28 , a transmission element  30  and a stop  32 . The firing pin  28  can be moved in directions according to arrow  34  (in the longitudinal direction) to fire a cartridge disposed in the cartridge chamber  20 . For an engagement with ammunition disposed in the cartridge chamber  20 , the firing pin  28  has a striker pin or igniter  38 , which extends away from its main body  36  in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the firing pin  28  can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, as indicated by arrow  40 . Rotary motions of the firing pin  28  can be effected by forces and/or momentums acting on ridges or lugs  42  and  44 , which are formed on the main body  32 . According to the diagram, the firing pin  28  has two ridges  42  and  44 . In further embodiments, only one ridge or three or more ridges can be used to rotate the firing pin  28 . In place of a structure, which extends away from the main body  36  and serves for receiving forces and/or momentums effecting rotations of the firing pin  28 , the main body  36  can have one or more recesses, with which elements effecting rotations can engage. 
     At its end adjacent to the stop  32 , the main body  36  has a first form closure structure  46 . When the firing pin  28  is positioned correspondingly, the first form closure structure  46  can be inserted in a complementarily shaped recess  48  in the stop  32 ; this is shown in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b , for example. When the firing pin  28  is positioned in such a way, it can be moved in the longitudinal direction to allow a shot to be fired and to cooperate with ammunition disposed in the cartridge chamber  20 . When the firing pin  28  is not positioned or rotated such that the first form closure structure  46  can be inserted in the recess  48 , the cooperation of the first form closure structure  46  and of the stop  32  prevents a movement of the firing pin  28  such that the igniter  38  cannot enter into engagement with the ammunition in the cartridge chamber  20 . This is illustrated in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b , for example. 
     A movement of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction, for a shot release, is effected by the hammer  14  when it actuates the firing pin  28 . The designs as shown use the transmission element  30 , via which the firing pin  28  can be actuated (indirectly). In further variants, the transmission element  30  may be not used, wherein the hammer  14  can then cooperate directly with the firing pin  28 . At its end adjacent to the transmission element  30 , the main body  36  of the firing pin  28  has a second form closure structure  50 . 
     G37 
     In the position of the firing pin  28 , in which the first form closure structure  46  cooperates or can cooperate with the stop  32  and prevents, or at least limits, movements of the firing pin  28  in its longitudinal direction, the second form closure structure  50  can mesh engage a recess  52  provided at the transmission element  30 . In this position, relative movements between transmission element  30  and firing pin  28  are possible. In the position of the firing pin  28 , in which the first form closure structure  46  can engage the recess  48 , the second form closure structure  50  and the transmission element  32  are opposite such that the second form closure structure  50  cannot mesh with the recess  52 . 
     Further, an actuation device  54 , which has a control element  56  and an actuation element  58 , is shown. The actuation element  58  is supported in a guide  116  by means of a spring  118 . In further embodiments, the actuation element  58  can be provided without the guide  116  and directly cooperate with the control element  56 . The control element  56  and/or the guide  116  and the actuation element  58  provide a cam mechanism or cam gear, wherein the actuation element  58  and/or the guide  116  acts as driving member and the control element  56  acts as driven member. The control element  56  is in engagement with a link motion  60 , e.g. by means of a pin  62  formed at the control element  56 . As shown, the link motion  60  can be integrally formed with a trigger bar  64  of the weapon  2 . In further variants, the link motion  60  can be provided as a separate component adapted to be subsequently arranged at the trigger bar  64 , e.g. when the weapon is assembled. Indirect engagements are also possible. 
     The safety apparatus also comprises a state maintaining device  66  having an electromagnet  68  and a holding element  70 , which is in engagement with the firing pin  28 . A floating support of the electromagnet  68  is achieved by means of a spring  76 , which supports in a biased manner the electromagnet  68  (downwards according to the diagrams) towards the holding element  70 . 
     In further variants, the state maintaining device  66  can comprise at least one component adapted to adopt two defined states, such as a bistable element, a piezoelectric actuator, a pawl or hook, magnetic components having a changeable magnetic polarization and/or an element adapted to be magnetized and demagnetized. Of the states adapted to be adopted by the state maintaining device  66 , one is provided to maintain the firing pin  28  in a desired position whereas the other state of the state maintaining device  66  enables a movement of the firing pin  28  and/or does not fix it in a position. 
     The safety apparatus also comprises a state changing device  78 , which includes a spring  80  that is in engagement with the holding element  70 . A task of the state changing device  78  is to move the firing pin  28  into the position, in which it can be maintained by the state maintaining device  66 . In further embodiments, the state changing device  78  can comprise any components, by which it is possible to produce forces and/or momentums adapted to act on the firing pin  28  directly (i.e. in direct engagement with the firing pin  28 ) or indirectly (e.g. via the state maintaining device  66 ). Examples are here bimetals, magnetic actuators, motor-driven actuators, piezoelectric actuators, elements where the magnetic poles can be reversed, and the like. In an also provided variant, the holding and state changing devices can be integrally formed, wherein the firing pin  28  can be held in a predefined position and/or can be moved out of it, e.g. by means of an element producing forces and/or momentums. 
     The actuation element  58  has a recess  82  cooperating with the ridge  42 . The holding element  66  has a recess  84 , which is in engagement with the ridge  46 . As a result of the movements of the actuation element  58 , as indicated by arrow  86 , and movements of the holding element  70 , as indicated by arrow  88 , the firing pin  28  can be held in rotating and positioned fashion. According to the drawings, it is provided that an upward movement of the actuation element  58  can effect a counterclockwise rotation of the firing pin  28  and an upward movement of the holding element  70  in  FIG. 3   b  can effect a clockwise rotation of the firing pin  28 . It is also provided that a counterclockwise rotation of the firing pin  28  results in a downward movement of the holding element  70  in  FIG. 3   b , while a clockwise rotation of the firing pin  28  moves the actuation element  58  downwards. 
     According to the illustration, upward movements of the actuation element  58  are achieved by means of a cam contour  90  formed on the control element  56 , which contour can engage the end  120  of the guide  58 , which is in the lower part according to the illustration (or directly with the lower end  92  of the actuation element  58 ). In the embodiments shown, the control element  56  and/or the cam contour  98  is not always in engagement with the actuation element  58 . It is rather provided that such an engagement is substantially available when the actuation element  58  shall be moved by means of the control element  56 . 
     States and courses are now described adapted to be provided for the embodiments as shown, irrespective of whether or not a user of the firearm  2  is authorized to use it, i.e. is allowed to fire a shot with it or not. 
       FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b  show a state of the safety apparatus and components of the firearm  2 , which cooperate therewith before the trigger  12 , is actuated. In this state, the release/locking device is in a so-called first state, in which the firearm  2  is locked, i.e. no shot can be fired. In the first state of the release/locking device, the firing pin  28  has a first position, in which it cannot be moved in the longitudinal direction or cannot be moved to such an extent that a shot can be fired. 
     In the first position of the firing pin  28 , the latter is positioned such that the first form closure structure  46  cannot be inserted in the recess  48 , but that movements of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction are prevented by an engagement of the first form closure structure  46  and the stop  32 . In the first position, the first form closure structure  46  can be spaced from the stop  32 , as shown. Although this allows minor movements of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction, it prevents the firing pin  28  from moving to such an extent that a shot can be fired. In further embodiments, the first form closure structure  46  and the stop  32  contact, and therefore the firing pin  28  substantially cannot be moved in the longitudinal direction. In the first position of the firing pin  28 , its second form closure structure  50  is positioned in such an alignment that it can be inserted in the recess  52  of the transmission element  30 . It is thus possible to move the transmission element  30  towards the main body  36  of the firing pin  28  so that the second form closure structure  50  can at least partially be inserted in the recess  52  of the transmission element  30 . In this first state of the release/locking device and/or this first position of the firing pin  28 , it is thus not possible to fire a shot when forces act on the firing pin  28 , e.g. when the firearm  2  is dropped or when, in the case of an misuse of the firearm  2 , external forces are exerted on the transmission element  30  or the hammer  14 . 
     In the first state of the release/locking device, the actuation element  58  and the holding element  70  are held (biased) by the springs in the positions as shown. In addition, there is no engagement between the guide  116  and the control element  56  in the first state of the release/locking device. 
     These positions and in particular the position of the holding element  70  are secured because the electromagnet  68  secures the holding element  70  in the position as shown. 
     When the trigger  12  is actuated, the trigger bar  64  is moved. The movement of the trigger bar  64  effects, by means of the link motion  60  and the pin  62  guided therein, a movement of the control element  56  such that it enters into engagement with the guide  116  and moves it upwards as shown in the diagram. 
     When there is an authorization to use the firearm, the electromagnet  68  is deactivated. This allows a downward movement of the holding element  70  according to the diagram. Since the holding element  70  is no longer held by the electromagnet  68 , and thus the firing pin can be rotated counterclockwise, an upward movement of the actuation element  58  is also possible according to the illustration. Hence, the upward movement of the guide  116  can be transmitted to the actuation element  58  by spring  118 , and the actuation element  58  moves upwards. The movement of the actuation element  58 , in turn, effects a counterclockwise rotation of the firing pin  28 , wherein the engagement between the firing pin  28  and the holding element  70  effects a downward movement. This is illustrated in  FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b . After a shot is fired, the state changing device  78 ,  80  brings the holding element  70  upwards again, and therefore the firing pin is returned into the position, in which no shot can be fired. 
     These motion sequences effect that the firing pin  28  is changed into a second position, in which the first form closure structure  46  is positioned in alignment with the recess  48  and thus can be inserted therein. Movements of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction are thus possible. In addition, the second form closure structure  50  is here positioned relative to the transmission element  30  such that the second form closure structure  50  cannot engage the recess  52  of the transmission element  30 . Movements of the transmission element  30  in the longitudinal direction result in a movement of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction due to the engagement between the transmission element  30  and the second form closure structure  50  (wherein the engagement exists or can be established by the movement of the transmission element  30 ). This second state of the release/locking device and/or this second position of the firing pin  28  would basically enable a shot to be fired as a result of a movement of the firing pin  28  in the longitudinal direction. 
     When there is no authorization to use the firearm, the electromagnet  68  remains activated. This prevents, according to the illustration, a downward movement of the holding element  70 . Since the holding element  70  is continued to be held by the electromagnet  68  and thus the firing pin cannot be rotated, no movement of the actuation element  58  is possible. Hence, the upward movement of the guide  116  results in a compression of the spring  118 , and the guide  116  moves relative to the actuation element  58 , which is not moved as such. This is illustrated in  FIGS. 19   a  and  19   b.    
     In further embodiments and variants of the safety apparatus and also in the above described embodiments, it is intended to provide the control device with information on whether there is an authorization to handle the firearm. The control device per se can determine such information and/or receive it from an external device. In all cases, information on a handling authorization can also specify whether a person is authorized to use the firearm and in particular to fire a shot. Furthermore, it can (also) be stated whether a person authorized to handle/use the firearm belongs to a special circle. Examples of special circles are police, army or in particular groups of persons, for which the functioning of a firearm is to be ensured to a high degree, even if the safety apparatus and/or other firearm components, which cooperate therewith, do not function perfectly. For example, when there is a failure of the energy supply and/or the control device, it is possible that the firearm cannot be used, i.e. no shot can be fired. In order to indicate whether a person belongs to a certain circle, it can be evaluated whether an authorization assigned to the person belongs to a certain type or provides other information on whether the person belongs to a special circle. When the person who wants to use the firearm belongs, or does not belong, to the special circle, the control device is informed about this by means of an authorization type information, for example. When the person belongs to the special circle, the control device can effect that the firearm can fire a shot even if the safety apparatus and/or other firearm components, which cooperate therewith, do not function perfectly. A failsafe device can be used for this purpose. It is designed at least partially as a separate component and/or at least partially comprised by the control device or provided by the latter (e.g. functionally). The failsafe device can effect, for example, that in the case of a failure the release/locking device is changed into a state for a shot release, in which it is held, i.e. the first state according to the present description. Depending on the embodiment, this can be achieved by means of the state changing device or the state maintaining device. For this, it may be necessary to operate the state changing device and/or the state maintaining device, e.g. by means of actuators, motors, etc., such that the first state of the release/locking device can be adopted or maintained. Energy for such an operation of the state changing device and/or the state maintaining device can also be provided, by way of alternative or supplement, by a firearm internal process for a shot release when it is found in this connection that there is already a failure or a failure is imminent, adapted to or could prevent a shot release even if an authorization is available. For example, movements of the trigger, the trigger bar, the hammer, etc., can be used for this purpose. 
     Systems are described below, which, external to the firearm, control, in particular allow or prevent, the use of a firearm and in particular the firing of a shot in certain areas. The following explanations are made on the basis of a shooting stand as a non-limiting example for an area, in which further areas can be defined where shots may be fired or where this is not the case. Further examples comprise school grounds and other public facilities where the use of a firearm shall be prevented, areas, in which or into which the firing of shots shall be prevented, such as areas during a hunt where chasers (can) be, etc. 
     In an embodiment, a firearm is enabled for use when it is located at a shooting stand. Enabling means in particular that the safety apparatus of the firearm is ready for operation, i.e. can allow a shot to be fired or prevent a shot release depending on a user&#39;s authorization. Here, the basis is e.g. the area of the entire shooting stand or at least a certain part of the shooting stand where the firearm must be located to be enabled. Such an area is e.g. the area, in which a shooter should be to fire a shot to a target. The position of the firearm within the shooting stand can be determined by means of sensors, position detection systems, etc., in the shooting stand, GPS or comparable systems, radio-based or mobile radio-based (e.g. GSM, UMTS) position determination methods (e.g. triangulation) (e.g. GSM, UMTS), etc., optionally in connection with components arranged at or in the firearm. 
     It is also provided that the firearm is enabled and/or that the safety apparatus is informed that when an authorization is available a shot can be fired when the shot shall be fired in or into a certain area, e.g. to a target. On the other hand, the firearm cannot be enabled and/or an operation of the safety apparatus is prevented or not allowed when a shot shall be fired to an area not determined for this purpose, e.g. not to the target, but to areas, in which persons (may) stay. For this purpose, the position and orientation of the firearm can be detected, for example, to determine whether or not a shot shall be fired into an area intended for this purpose. The position and orientation of the firearm can be determined e.g. by means of sensors, position detection systems, etc., in the shooting stand, GPS or comparable systems, radio-based or mobile radio-based (e.g. GSM, UMTS) position determination methods (e.g. triangulation) (e.g. GSM, UMTS), etc., optionally in connection with components arranged at or in the firearm. This can (also) be done using a device, which is assigned to the target and which communicates with corresponding devices at and/or in the firearm in wireless, optical, etc. fashion. 
     The safety can be further increased by checking whether persons or something else at which no shots shall be fired stay in an area provided for firing shots. This can be done e.g. by sensors, which detect movements, obstacles, subjects, persons, etc. in the area provided for firing shots. If it is found that the area provided for firing shots contains something, which does not belong there, the firearm shall not be enabled and/or an operation of the safety apparatus shall be prevented or not allowed. 
     There may usually be situations where persons stay in areas, in which and/or into which shots may be fired. In order to prevent that shots are fired at such persons, it is possible to detect the position of a person in areas intended for firing shots and to prevent the firing of shots where necessary. In addition, devices can be provided, which detect whether a person stays in the field of fire. Such a device can comprise e.g. sensors, position detection systems, etc., GPS-based means or means based on comparable systems, radio-based or mobile radio-based (e.g. GSM, UMTS) position determination methods (e.g. triangulation) (e.g. GSM, UMTS), etc., and optionally cooperate with components arranged at or in the firearm. It is also possible to use devices, which communicate, with corresponding devices at and/or in the firearm in a wireless, optical, etc., fashion. Such devices can be integrated into clothing, jackets, helmets, safety jackets (as worn e.g. by chasers during a hunt), shoes and/or other items adapted to be worn by persons.