Patent Publication Number: US-2013229098-A1

Title: Modular Rapid Access Illuminated Drawer Safe With Dual Access Methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Non-provisional filing for Provisional Application No. 61/449,636 filed Mar. 5, 2011 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
     N/A 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Present Invention 
     The present invention pertains to a safe. 
     More particularly, the invention is a modular drawer safe allowing the user to safely store varying sizes or loaded ready-to-use firearms or other valuables in a secure manner while maintaining the ability to access said items in a quick and easy manner. 
     In a further respect, the present invention pertains to a modular drawer safe designed to be located near a homeowner in the bedroom while offering self-illumination points for convenient and easy access both during the day while also being able to be used and located without the need for ambient lighting. 
     In another respect, the invention pertains to a modular drawer safe using a biometric reader linked to the locking mechanism and an automatically opening drawer compartment that can be easily opened at times of high duress to gain access to the loaded, ready-to-use firearm when most needed. 
     In a further respect, the invention pertains to a modular drawer safe designed in a modular fashion, thereby allowing multiple units to be secured to each other to securely store firearms and valuables of various sizes, all while maintaining the ability of being accessed quickly. 
     (2) Description of the Prior Art 
     Secure storage devices, commonly known as safes, are well known. A safe is used to store firearms as well as items of value, such as jewelry, money and/or precious metals. The type of items desired for secure storage most often dictates the size, durability and design of the safe used. The most common design of a conventional safe of a square or vertically rectangular shape and composed of a metal or other durable material. They are typically bulky, heavy and of extremely sturdy construction. 
     Regarding the size and weight of a conventional safe, the smaller safes used to store smaller valuables and hand guns are typically not comparatively heavy. If unsecured, an intruder or unauthorized individual can easily steal the safe from the home or business premises. 
     Accordingly, it would be highly desired to provide an improved system and method for securing a safe. The implementation of a securing method to a building structure reduces the ability of the removal of the safe by unauthorized individuals. 
     Regarding the methods of securing content implemented by conventional safes, most rely on a key or number combination as the means of access. These methods, while offering moderate security, do not permit rapid access. Further, during a sudden home break-in or business robbery, the emotional duress experienced by the home or business owner can severely diminish his or her ability to find and use a key or remember a key combination. When a safe is used to store a firearm by a home or business owner for personal protection, the lack of immediate accessibility can have dangerous and life-threatening consequences. 
     Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved method and apparatus for safely storing a loaded ready-to-use firearm. The implementation of a biometric locking mechanism preserves the security function of the safe while allowing the home or business owner immediate access with minimal motor skills and no cognitive memory requirements to gain access. 
     Further regarding conventional safes used to store firearms, home and business owners often own multiple firearms of varying sizes and uses. These can range from the small pocket-sized handgun up to long guns exceeding four feet in length. Conventional handgun safes, by their design, are sized to only hold and secure small items of value or handguns. Larger safes can accommodate a greater variety but the interior design is not conducive to quickly retrieving the desired handgun or long gun. 
     Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved method and apparatus for storing any variety of handguns, long guns or items of value. The implementation of a modular drawer safe storage system would allow the home or business owner the ability to own properly sized safes for each intended purpose and maintain the ability to stack and secure such safes in a modular manner. 
     Further regarding the accessibility of a conventional safe, it lacks external self-illumination points to ensure access in low-light or no-light conditions. When used for home or business protection, if no light source is present or adequate, a home or business owner loses the ability to quickly locate the safe for access. As mentioned above, the lack of immediate accessibility can have dangerous and life-threatening consequences. 
     Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved method and apparatus for locating and accessing a safe used to store a loaded ready-to-use firearm. The implementation of a safe with self-illuminated points would allow the home or business owner to more easily locate the safe regardless of ambient light conditions. 
     Therefore, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved system and method for storing a firearm. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for safely storing a loaded ready-to-use firearm. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for locating a firearm storage unit in the dark. 
     Still a further object of the invention is to provide a self-contained firearm storage apparatus including a drawer method of storage for more flexible storage and use methods. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a drawer storage using a motive force to slide the drawer from the closed to open position. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a firearm safe that can be located using tactile and visual methods. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a firearm safe offering a lower height than most gun safes allowing it to stored under a bed or nightstand. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a firearm safe in varying lengths that can be stacked and organized in a secure modular fashion while maintaining all individual benefits. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of the preferred embodiment of the modular rapid-access illuminated drawer safe with dual access methods therein constructed according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the present invention with the drawer compartment in the open position illustrating additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the present invention with the drawer compartment in the open position illustrating additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the present invention absent the drawer compartment illustrating additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the present invention absent the main housing illustrating additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the present invention as a cutaway exposing the locking mechanism, illustrating additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is an expanded view of a section of the present invention, absent the main housing and drawer compartment, to further illustrate the control panel and accessibility features of the present invention or its variants as well as additional construction details and mode of operation thereof. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the present invention with the drawer compartment in the open position illustrating additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a variation of the present invention with the drawer compartment in the open position, illustrating an example of its storage abilities as well as additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a variation of the present invention with the drawer compartment in the open position, illustrating an example of its storage abilities as well as additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a variation of the present invention with the drawer compartment in the open position, illustrating an example of its storage abilities as well as additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 12  is an expanded view of a cross-section of the present invention to further illustrate the unique interlocking and securing features of the present invention when used alone or as components in a modular configuration as well as additional construction details and mode of operation thereof. 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of two preferred embodiments (one in plurality) of the present invention illustrating its stacking and storing ability when used as components in a modular configuration as well as additional construction details and mode of operation thereof; 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of three preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrating its stacking and storing ability when used as components in a modular configuration as well as additional construction details and mode of operation thereof and 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of three preferred embodiments (two in plurality) of the present invention illustrating its illustrating its stacking and storing ability when used as components in a modular configuration as well as additional construction details and mode of operation thereof. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention is a modular drawer safe possessing a rectangular shaped main housing with a rectangular opening accepting a drawer compartment secured to a self-powered slidable drawer assembly. The drawer compartment contains most of the operational components of the drawer safe, including control panel with all electronic components, storage elements and display screen, as well as the biometric access system featuring an illumination ring around the biometric reader providing constant low-level light, effectively aiding the user in quickly locating the drawer safe during low-light or no-light situations. Supplemental illumination lighting present at points at the upper sides of the interior of the drawer compartment further aids a user in the acquisition of firearms within the drawer compartment during low-light or no-light situations. The drawer compartment also contains the deadbolt system the drawer safe relies on to secure the drawer compartment within the main housing in a secure, yet quickly accessible manner. 
     The present invention is designed to allow flexibility dependent upon its manufactured length. One preferred embodiment of the present invention is manufactured of a size used to house smaller firearms such as handguns and revolvers, as well as valuables such as currency, jewelry or smaller items of value. Another variation of the present invention is manufactured of a size used to house medium-sized firearms such as tactical shotguns with additional ammunition as well as smaller firearms such as handguns and revolvers, as well as valuables such as currency, jewelry or small to medium-sized items of value. A third variation of the present invention is manufactured of a size used to house large-sized firearms such as long-guns, rifles, assault rifles and full-sized shot guns. Due to it&#39;s larger size it can also accommodate medium-sized firearms such as tactical shotguns with additional ammunition as well as smaller firearms such as handguns and revolvers, as well as valuables such as currency, jewelry or small to large-sized items of value. All variations of the present invention possess a plurality of upper indentions and lower protrusions from them main housing for use to secure to permanent surfaces or to secure as a component when used in a modular configuration. These indentions and protrusions are precisely sized and positioned in a manner to allow the varying sizes of drawer safes to fit together as explained herein. In this manner, a user can effectively stack a plurality of the drawer safes while maintaining an overall structural integrity and symmetry. Further, each individual component maintains its full accessibility and usability, separate from the other components. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Reference is made to the illustrations of various components and features present in the preferred embodiments of the modular rapid-access illuminated drawer safe with dual access methods therein constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail as shown in the illustrations provided, and in particular to  FIGS. 1  thru  3 , there is shown a modular drawer safe generally indicated by reference number  11  constructed of a main housing  13  composed of exterior sides (front, left, right, rear, top &amp; bottom). The drawer safe  11  illustrated possesses a rectangular shape and is constructed of a durable metal or dense composite material much like most traditional safes currently manufactured. A rectangular opening  15  in the face of the front exterior side accepts a drawer compartment  19  secured to a self-powered slidable drawer assembly  23 . Lower protrusions  17 B in the bottom side of the main housing  13  act as the points of securing individual drawer safes  11  or as the male mating point  17 B of the stacking and securing function when used in plurality as a modular configuration. Upper indentions  17 A in the top side of the drawer safe act as the female mating point  17 A of the stacking and securing function when used in plurality as a modular configuration. 
     The drawer compartment  19  is composed of the same durable materials used to fabricate the main housing  13  and contains most of the operational components of the drawer safe  11 , including control panel  31  with all electronic components, storage elements and display screen  31 D, as well as the biometric access system  31 A featuring a multicolored illumination ring  31 B around the biometric reader  31 A providing constant low-level light, effectively aiding the user in quickly locating the drawer safe during low-light or no-light situations. Supplemental illumination lighting  21  present at points at the upper sides of the interior of the drawer compartment  19  further aids a user in the acquisition of firearms within the drawer compartment  19  during low-light or no-light situations. The drawer compartment  19  also contains the deadbolt system  19  the drawer safe  11  relies on to secure the drawer compartment  19  within the main housing  13  in a secure, yet quickly accessible manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3  thru  5  for more detail on the drawer slide assembly  23 . The fixed portion  23 A of the drawer slide is mounted to the main housing  13  and contains a spring or pneumatically driven motive force  23 B which acts to push the extension portion  23 C of the drawer slide from the retracted to extended position. The extension portion  23 C of the drawer slide assembly  23  is mounted to the drawer compartment  19 . The fixed drawer slide  23 A and the extension drawer slide  23 C are designed to interlock, in a secure yet slide-able manner, thereby effectively joining the drawer compartment  19  to the main housing  13 . Thus, the force originating from either a spring or pneumatic system  23 B becomes the motive force which slides the drawer compartment  19  outward from the main housing  13  from the closed to open position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4  &amp;  6  for more detail on the deadbolt locking system  29 . In this preferred embodiment, there are four deadbolt rods  29 A, although the concept would equally apply to designs with fewer or greater deadbolt rods  29 A. These deadbolt rods  29 A are linked to a central locking mechanism  29 B with an electrically powered solenoid unit  29 B. The solenoid unit  29 B is linked to the biometric reader  31 A to receive a specific signal when an authorized user&#39;s fingerprint is scanned. When this occurs the proper signal is sent, triggering the solenoid  29 B to retract the deadbolt rods  29 A from the extended position. This action allows the drawer compartment  19  to slide outward of its own with motive force applied from the drawer assembly  23 , to the open position. The drawer compartment  19  is closed manually by the user. As the drawer compartment  19  reaches the closed position, a switch is tripped, signaling the solenoid  29 B to slide the deadbolt rods  29 A from retracted position, outwards into the deadbolt receptor holes  29 C of the main housing  13 , thereby securing the drawer compartment  19  within the main housing  13 , and preventing unauthorized access within. 
     If there is a complete power-failure or biometric, solenoid or system failure, an alternative access fail-safe is provided. The deadbolt locking system  29  has a traditional key lock  31 G and manual knob turn system  31 F. The user may insert a provided deadbolt key into the key hole  31 G and turn the knob  31 F to manually disengage the deadbolt rods  29 A from the rod receptor holes  29 C, in turn allowing the drawer compartment  19  to slide outward of its own motive force. If there is a power or solenoid  29 B failure the user would manually turn the knob  31 F on closing of the drawer compartment  19  to slide the deadbolt rods  29 A from retracted position, outwards into the rod receptor holes  29 C of the main housing  13 , thereby securing the drawer compartment  19  within the main housing  13 , and preventing unauthorized access within. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2 &amp; 5  for more detail on the supplemental illumination points  21  located in the upper sides of the interior of the drawer compartment  19  which further aid a user in the acquisition of firearms  25  within the drawer compartment  19  during low-light or no-light situations. In this preferred embodiment, there are four pairs of illumination points  21 , although the concept would equally apply to designs with fewer or greater illumination points  21 . Each illumination point  21  has two LED (or alternative low-energy lighting source) bulbs. One is a red low-level illumination bulb while the other is a brighter white illumination bulb. The low-level red bulbs are triggered on when the drawer compartment  19  slides from the closed to open position and provides enough lighting for the user to see the contents of the drawer compartment  19  without causing temporary-blindness in the darkness when ones eyesight has become accustomed to the lack of ambient lighting. Once in the open position, a user may switch on the brighter white illumination bulbs by way of lighting buttons  31 C on the control panel  31  if more light is needed or desired. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  for more detail on the control panel  31 . A control panel  31  is integrated within the face of the drawer compartment  19  and houses a biometric reader  31 A capable of scanning, storing and matching as many as fifty (50) fingerprints. This biometric reader  31 A is connected to a powered locking mechanism  29 . An authorized user stores his fingerprint into the memory of the biometric reader  31 A by scanning said fingerprint. This biometric data is stored internally within the control panel  31  for later comparison against any attempted access. When a user scans his finger it is compared with any previously scanned and authorized fingerprints. If an acceptable match is made the fingerprint scanner  31 A will send a signal, by way of a circuit board, to the deadbolt solenoid  29 B, thereby retracting the deadbolt securing rods  29 A and allowing the drawer compartment  19  to slide into the open position. 
     A multicolored illumination ring  31 B is situated around the biometric reader  31 A. When the drawer safe  11  is not in use this low-level lighting glows with a soft blue hue. When there is little to no ambient lighting this illumination ring  31 B acts as a beacon, guiding its user to the drawer safe  11  and the biometric reader  31 A in a quick and efficient manner. If the user successfully scans an authorized fingerprint the illumination ring  31 B provides a visual confirmation of access by changing from blue to green. This coincides with the disengaging of the deadbolt locking mechanism  29  as described previously. Alternatively, if a successful match is not made, the illumination ring  31 B provides a visual denial of access by changing from blue to red. In a life-threatening situation this rapid visual feedback is crucial, allowing the user to try repositioning his finger or try another finger that had been previously scanned. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8  for more detail on the power source for the present invention. An internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery ( 33  not shown) is located in the control panel  31  and powers all control panel functions, the deadbolt locking system  29 , multicolored illumination ring  31 B and the supplemental illumination points  21 . Line voltage (AC) by way of power cord  35  as brought in through the rear side of the main housing  13 . This line voltage is converted to DC and provides a continuous trickle charge to the internal battery ( 33  not shown) ensures its constant state of full capacity for normal use and to ensure maximum duration of operational functionality if there is AC power  35  failure. When a plurality of drawer safes  11  are used as components in a modular configuration, a female plug access  37  located on the rear side of the main housing  13  allows all modular component safes to be daisy-chain connected, thus only requiring a single receptacle to provide power to all components. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 9  thru  11  for more detail on the storage flexibility dependent upon the length of the main housing  13  and drawer compartments  19 .  FIG. 9  illustrates one preferred embodiment as a small drawer safe  11 A manufactured of a size used to house smaller firearms  25  such as handguns and revolvers  25 A, as well as valuables such as currency, jewelry or smaller items of value. As shown, the small drawer safe  11 A possesses four (4) upper indentions  17 A and four (4) lower protrusions  17 B for use to secure to permanent surfaces or to secure as a component when used in a modular configuration.  FIG. 10  illustrates one preferred embodiment as a medium drawer safe  11 B manufactured of a size used to house medium-sized firearms such as tactical shotguns  25 B with additional ammunition  25 D as well as smaller firearms such as handguns and revolvers  25 A, as well as valuables such as currency, jewelry or small to medium-sized items of value. As shown, this embodiment of drawer safe possesses eight (8) upper indentions  17 A and eight (8) lower protrusions  17 B for use to secure to permanent surfaces or to secure as a component when used in a modular configuration. These features  17 A &amp;  17 B are sized and positioned in a manner to allow the varying sizes of drawer safes  11  to fit together as explained.  FIG. 11  illustrates one preferred embodiment as a large drawer safe  11 C manufactured of a size used to house large-sized firearms such as long-guns, rifles, assault rifles  25 C and full-sized shot guns ( 25 C not shown). Due to it&#39;s larger size it can also accommodate medium-sized firearms such as tactical shotguns  25 B with additional ammunition  25 D as well as smaller firearms such as handguns and revolvers  25 A, as well as valuables such as currency, jewelry or small to large-sized items of value. As shown, this embodiment of drawer safe possesses twelve (12) upper indentions  17 A and twelve (12) lower protrusions  17 B for use to secure to permanent surfaces or to secure as a component when used in a modular configuration. These features  17 A &amp;  17 B are sized and positioned in a manner to allow the varying sizes of drawer safes  11  to fit together as explained. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 12  for more detail on the securing and modular stacking functionality  17  of the present invention. This cross section illustrates the right portion of one drawer safe  11  with the lower right portion illustrated of a second drawer safe  11  resting on top of the first. The lower protrusion  17 B of the top unit fits within the upper indentation  17 A of the lower unit. The bottom of the drawer safe  11  has a plurality of protrusions  17 B each with a hole in its middle. When used as a single drawer safe  11  or as the base component in a modular configuration, these lower protrusions  17 B are used to secure the drawer safe  11  to the floor or other permanent structure. The drawer safe  11  is properly secured using a lag screw or bolt  17 D through the hole in the middle of the protrusion  17 B, into the permanent structure. The composition and depth of the permanent structure will determine if a lag bolt or lag screw  17 D is used. When the drawer safe  11  is to be an upper component in a modular configuration, the lower protrusion  17 A acts as the male fitting that rests within the female upper indentation  17 A located in the top side of the main housing  13  of a lower component in a modular system. An elevator bolt  17 C is entered up through the upper indentation  17 A of the bottom component and up through the lower protrusion  17 B of the top component, being secured with a nut. In this manner, a user can effectively stack a plurality of the drawer safes  11  while maintaining an overall structural integrity and symmetry. Further, each individual component maintains its full accessibility and usability, separate from the other components. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13  thru  15  for examples of a plurality of the present invention acting as components in a modular configuration. The preferred embodiments from  FIGS. 9  thru  11  are used in these illustrations.  FIG. 13  illustrates a combination of two (2) small drawer safes  11 A (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) and one (1) medium drawer safe  11 B (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). In such a configuration, the first tier is composed of one (1) medium drawer safe  11 B which would be secured to the permanent structure. The second tier is composed of two (2) small drawer safes  11 A secured side by side, to the first tier safe by joining the lower protrusion  17 B of their main housing  13  to the upper indentations  17 A of the medium safe main housing  11 B.  FIG. 14  illustrates a combination of one (1) small drawer safe  11 A (as shown in  FIG. 9 ), one (1) medium drawer safe  11 B (as shown in  FIG. 10 ), and one (1) large drawer safe  11 C (as shown in  FIG. 11 ). In such a configuration, the first tier is composed of one (1) large drawer safe  11 C which would be secured to the permanent structure. The second tier is composed of one (1) small drawer safe  11 A and one (1) medium drawer safe  11 B secured side by side to the first tier safe by joining the lower protrusions  17 B of their main housing  13  to the upper indentations  17 A of the first tier safe main housing  13 .  FIG. 15  illustrates a combination of four (4) small drawer safes  11 A (as shown in  FIG. 9 ), one medium drawer safe  11 B (as shown in  FIG. 10 ), and two (2) large drawer safes  11 C (as shown in  FIG. 11 ). In such a configuration, the first tier is composed of one (1) large drawer safe  11 C which would be secured to the permanent structure. The second tier is composed of one (1) small drawer safe  11 A and one (1) medium drawer safe  11 B secured side by side to the first tier safe by joining the lower protrusions  17 B of their main housing  13  to the upper indentations  17 A of the first tier safe  11 . The third tier is composed of three (3) small drawer safes  11 A, secured in a similar manner as previously described to the second tier drawer safes  11 . The fourth tier is composed of one (1) large drawer safe  11 C, secured in a similar manner as previously described to the third tier drawer safes  11 . 
     The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it is an improved method and apparatus for safely storing a loaded ready-to-use firearm. The implementation of a biometric locking mechanism preserves the security function of the safe while allowing the home or business owner immediate access with minimal motor skills and no cognitive memory requirements to gain access. The implementation of a drawer storage system in a horizontal manner allows more flexibility in sizing of the units as well as what contents can be successfully stored within the drawer compartment. The horizontal positioning also provides a very low overall height, thus allowing the present invention to be stored under a bed, nightstand or dresser and in proximity to the homeowner at night. When used in a home or business protection scenario, having a drawer compartment using a motive force to slide the drawer compartment outwards shortens the users response time from opening to possessing the ready-to-use firearm for defensive use. The implementation of an illumination ring around the biometric device ensure the user can quickly find the drawer safe and its opening mechanism even in no-light or low-light conditions. Further, the supplements illumination points within the drawer compartment ensure the user can quickly obtain the ready-to-use firearm therein. The ability of the present invention to be stacked and secured in plurality and in varying sizes in a modular configuration gives the user much expanded flexibility and usability. 
     While the foregoing written description of the present invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the present invention.