Patent Publication Number: US-9429389-B1

Title: Multifunctional cases with locking mechanisms

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/031,041, filed on Jul. 30, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to multifunctional cases with locking mechanisms (e.g., compression locking mechanisms). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Firearm (e.g., guns, rifles, etc.) cases protect firearms from physical damage, moisture, and unauthorized users. A typical gun case is formed of a rigid exterior material and a padded interior section for protecting the gun. The gun case includes external clips or latches that must be unlatched to open the case and then latched to close upper and lower sections of the gun case. The external clips or latches may not be sufficiently strong to prevent an unauthorized user from opening the gun case and the clips or latches require additional time and effort in opening or closing the case. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein is a multifunctional case that can be used for protecting and preventing unauthorized use of different types and sizes of objects, weapons, firearms, or other items. In one embodiment, the multifunctional case includes a first shell and a second shell that is coupled to the first shell. A locking mechanism is coupled to the first shell. An external handle (e.g., handle that is external to the multifunctional case) is coupled to the locking mechanism and causes the locking mechanism to lock and unlock the first and second shells of the multifunctional case based on movement of the handle. The multifunctional case is securely locked and unlocked with no external clips or latches. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a shell of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a shell of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a method for operating a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a multifunctional case with different types of firearms in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of shells of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism and a retractable tow handle in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of shells of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a view of shells of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein is a multifunctional case that can be used for protecting and preventing unauthorized use of different types of fire arms, weapons, bows, knives, etc. In one embodiment, the multifunctional case includes a first shell and a second shell that is coupled to the first shell. A locking mechanism is coupled to the first shell. An external handle (e.g., handle that is external to the multifunctional case) is coupled to the locking mechanism and causes the locking mechanism to lock and unlock the first and second shells of the multifunctional case based on movement of the handle. The multifunctional case is securely locked and unlocked with no external clips or latches. 
     In the following description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. The multifunctional case may be used for protecting different types of weapons (e.g., firearms, bows, knives, etc) and preventing the unauthorized use of these weapons. The case may also be used for storing and protecting camping or hunting gear. The multifunctional case  100  includes a locking mechanism  110  that is coupled to an external handle  102  and integrated with the handle via handle rods (not shown). A user can unlock upper and lower shells of the multifunctional case by moving the handle and causing the locking mechanism  110  to disengage. The user can then open the shells (e.g., upper and lower shells) of the case. An optional biometric unit  120  may receive a biometric input (e.g., fingerprint(s), retinal scan, etc.) from the user and then allow the locking mechanism to be unlocked if the biometric input matches a previously stored biometric input of an authorized user. Otherwise, if the biometric input does not match a previously stored biometric input, then the locking mechanism  110  remains locked. In another embodiment, a lock  140  (e.g., a haspless lock, a hidden shackle padlock, a rotary dial lock) may be integrated with the multifunctional case as an additional form of protection. The rotary dial lock may be inside the case with only the rotary dial being exposed for a user to access while the case is closed. The multifunctional case is rigid and resistant to many forces such as being forcibly opened by an unauthorized user and weather elements (e.g., water, snow, wind). The exterior of the multifunctional case may include rigid plastic, polymer, or metallic materials (e.g., aluminum) depending on a particular application. The interior of the case may including padding (e.g., foam padding). The interior of the case optionally includes adjustable clip rails  130  within the case for securing one or more objects, weapons, or gear within the case. The case includes no external clips or latches in contrast to conventional firearm cases. The case may optionally include a haspless lock or integrated rotary dial lock for additional security. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. The multifunctional case  200  includes a shell  210  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) and a shell  250  (e.g., upper or top shell) that are coupled with a hinge  212  (e.g., piano hinge). A handle  214  is mechanically coupled to handle rods  216 , which are coupled to bushings  230 ,  231 ,  232  (e.g., set screw bushings) and springs  220  and  221 . The springs are enclosed in boxes  218  and  219 . A locking mechanism  240  (e.g., angle locking mechanism) moves based on movement of the handle towards a rear of the case near the hinge or away from a front of the case near the handle. The locking mechanism  240  engages with the locking brackets  241 - 243  to lock the shells  210  and  250  or the locking mechanism  240  disengages from the locking brackets  241 - 243  to unlock the shells  210  and  250  based on the movement of the handle  214 . The shell  210  also includes a clip side rail  246  and an adjustable width clip rail  247  for securing different types and sizes of objects, weapons, firearms, or gear within the case. The handle in combination with the locking mechanism locks and unlocks the case such that the case does not need any external clips or latches. In another embodiment, the case also includes no padlocks or key locking devices for securely locking the case. The shells  210  and  250  are illustrated as having a hexagonal shape in general. In other embodiments, these shells may individually or in combination have any kind of geometrical shape including a polygon, a rectangular, a square, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, an octagon, etc. In one example, a lower shell includes a square or rectangular shape while an upper shell includes an octagonal shape or has radial symmetry. In another example, a lower shell has a partial octagonal shape while an upper shell has a square shape or has radial symmetry. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a shell of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment. The shell  350  (e.g., upper or top shell) includes similar components in comparison to the shell  250  of  FIG. 2 . The shell includes a hinge  212  (e.g., piano hinge) for being coupled with a shell  410  of  FIG. 4 . Locking bracket(s)  360  engage with an angle locking mechanism  440  of shell  410 . The locking bracket(s) may be any type or shape for engaging with the angle locking mechanism  440 . The shell  350  includes a foam padding  370 . A lower portion of the shell  350  can have angles  390  and  392  or other angles such as right angles for forming a rectangular shell  350 . The shell  350  includes a width  370  (e.g., 20-30 inches), a width  372  (e.g., 8-16 inches), widths  374 ,  376  (e.g., 3-5 inches), widths  378 ,  380  (e.g., 1-3 inches), and a height  382  (e.g., 0.5-1 inch) depending on a desired size of the multifunctional case. The shell  350  may also include adjustable weapon or firearm securement clip rails for securing different types and sizes of weapons, firearms, or other items (e.g., compound bow, hunting scope, flashlight, sleeping bag, thermal blanket, first aid kit, etc.) within the case. In alternative embodiments, the dimensions of the shell  350  are significantly smaller for smaller firearms (e.g., a hand gun). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a shell of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment. The shell  410  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) includes similar components in comparison to the shell  210  of  FIG. 2 . The shell includes a hinge  412  (e.g., piano hinge) for being coupled with the shell  350  of  FIG. 3 . Locking bracket(s)  360  engage with an angle locking mechanism  440  of shell  410 . A handle  414  is mechanically coupled to handle rods  416 , which are coupled to bushings  430 ,  431 ,  432  (e.g., set screw bushings), couplers  442 , optional ball bearing rod guides  444 , and spring  419 . The spring is enclosed in the box  418 , which is attached to the shell  410  with carriage bolts  434  and  436 . The shell  410  may include additional springs, boxes, locking brackets, bushings, couplers, and handle rods that are not shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     A locking mechanism  440  (e.g., angle locking mechanism) moves based on movement of the handle towards a rear region  450  of the case near the hinge or away from a front region  452  of the case near the ball bearing rod guides and couplers. The locking mechanism  440  engages with the locking bracket(s)  360  to lock the shells  410  and  350  or the locking mechanism disengages from the locking bracket(s) to unlock the shells based on the movement of the handle  414 . The shell  410  also includes adjustable securement clips  446  for securing different types and sizes of objects, weapons, firearms, items, etc. within the case. A lower portion of the shell  350  can have obtuse angles as shown or other angles such as right angles for forming a rectangular shell  350 . The shell  410  includes a width  482  (e.g., 8-16 inches), widths  484 ,  486  (e.g., 3-5 inches), widths  488 ,  490  (e.g., 1-3 inches), and a height  492  (e.g., 0.2-1 inch) depending on a desired size of a case. In alternative embodiments, the dimensions of the shell  410  are significantly smaller for smaller firearms (e.g., a hand gun). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a method for operating a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. At block  502 , the method includes securing one or more objects, weapons, firearms, etc. inside a lower shell or upper shell of the multifunctional case. Adjustable width clip rails may be utilized for securing the one or more objects, weapons, firearms or other items in the case. At block  504 , the method includes pushing a handle of the lower shell towards a rear region of the multifunctional case that is near a hinge of the case, which causes a locking mechanism to move from a first position to a second position. At block  506 , an upper shell is moved by being tilted into a position above and aligned with the lower shell. At block  508 , the handle is released or moved away from the rear region of the multifunctional case (or moved towards a front region of the case). At block  510 , the locking mechanism of the lower shell moves from the second position to the first position and becomes engaged with locking bracket(s) of the upper shell in response to the handle being released or moved away from the rear region of the multifunctional case. The lower and upper shells of the firearm case are now locked together with no external clips or latches. In another embodiment, the firearm case also includes no padlocks, or key locking devices. Alternatively, the multifunctional case may include a padlock or key locking device such as the lock  140  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIGS. 2, 6, and 7  collectively illustrate different positions of the handle and locking mechanism.  FIG. 2  illustrates an open position in which a user can place one or more firearms, ammunition, or other items in the shell  210 . The handle  214  is in the first position (e.g., released position). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. The multifunctional case  600  includes a shell  610  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) and a shell  650  (e.g., upper or top shell) that are coupled with a hinge  612 . A handle  614  is mechanically coupled to handle rods  616 , which are coupled to bushings  630 ,  631  (e.g., set screw bushings) and a spring  620 . The spring is enclosed in box  618 . A locking mechanism  640  (e.g., angle locking mechanism) moves based on movement of the handle towards a rear region  622  of the case or away from the rear region  622  of the case.  FIG. 6  illustrates the handle  614  in a second position with the spring  620  being compressed. The locking mechanism  640  engages with the locking bracket  642  to lock the shells  610  and  650  or the locking mechanism  640  disengages from the locking bracket  642  to unlock the shells  610  and  650  based on the movement of the handle  614 . The shell  610  also includes a clip side rail and an adjustable width clip rail for securing different types and sizes of objects, weapons, firearms, or other items within the case. The case may include additional springs, boxes, locking brackets, bushings, couplers, and handle rods that are not shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. The multifunctional case  700  includes a shell  710  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) and a shell  750  (e.g., upper or top shell) that are coupled with a hinge (not shown). A handle  714  is mechanically coupled to handle rods  716 , which are coupled to bushings  730 ,  731  (e.g., set screw bushings) and a spring  720 . The spring is enclosed in box  718 . A locking mechanism  740  (e.g., angle locking mechanism) moves based on movement of the handle and locking mechanism towards a rear region  744  of the case or away from the rear region  744  of the case.  FIG. 7  illustrates the handle  714  in a first position (e.g., released position) with the spring  720  being uncompressed. The locking mechanism  740  engages with the locking bracket  742  to lock the shells  710  and  750  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The shell  710  also includes a clip side rail and an adjustable width clip rail for securing different types and sizes of firearms within the firearm case. The firearm may include additional springs, boxes, locking brackets, bushings, couplers, and handle rods that are not shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a multifunctional case having different types of firearms in accordance with one embodiment. The multifunctional case  800  includes a shell  810  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) and a shell  850  (e.g., upper or top shell) that are coupled with a hinge (not shown). The shell  810  includes a locking mechanism  840  and different types of clip rails for securing firearm  812 , scope  814 , and ammunition  820  to the shell  810 . The shell  850  includes different types of clip rails for securing firearms  830 ,  840 , and ammunition  832  to the shell  850 . Other types of items (e.g., flashlight, sleeping bag, etc.) can also be secured to either shell. The shell  810  also includes a locking mechanism  840 , handle rods  841 - 844 , and a handle  870  for locking or unlocking the multifunctional case. 
     The shells of a multifunctional case described and illustrated in the present application generally have a hexagonal shape. In other embodiments, these shells may individually or in combination have any kind of geometrical shape including a polygon, a rectangular, a square, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, an octagon, etc. In certain embodiments, these shells overlap each other when in a closed position. In other embodiments, these shells have no overlap or minimal overlap when in a closed position. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of shells of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment. A shell  901  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) includes similar components in comparison to the shell  210  of  FIG. 2 . The shell includes a hinge  910  (e.g., piano hinge, hinge shaft, hinge rod) for being coupled with a shell  902  (e.g., upper or top shell). An inner locking mechanism  908  can be engaged based on movement of the handle  905  to lock the shells together or disengaged for opening the case  900  and separating the shells. A handle  905  is mechanically coupled to handle rods  916 , which are coupled to set screws  912 , and springs  900 . The springs may be enclosed in a box, which is attached to the shell  901 . The set screws  912  secure a lower portion of the inner locking mechanism  908  to handle rods  916  and an upper portion of the inner locking mechanism  908  is engaged in a top locked position  914  when the shells are locked. The top locked position  914  is shaped like a wedge or crevice in  FIG. 9  but can have any shape or size for locking with an upper portion of the inner locking mechanism  908 . 
     Rear stands including an upper rear stand  906  and a lower rear stand  913  are coupled to a rear region  930  of the shells near the hinge  910 . The rear stands provide a level support for when the case is positioned with a rear region  930  in a lower position and a front region  932  in an upper region such that the rear stands can be placed on a flat surface (e.g., ground) and supporting the case in an upright position. A lock housing  903  forms a housing for optional lock  904 . The case can be transported on wheels  907  which are coupled to wheel shaft  911 . The shells may include additional springs, boxes, locking brackets, bushings, couplers, and handle rods that are not shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of a multifunctional case having a locking mechanism and a retractable tow handle in accordance with one embodiment. The multifunctional case  1000  includes a shell  1002  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) and a shell  1001  (e.g., upper or top shell) that are coupled with a hinge. A retractable tow handle  1003  is mechanically coupled to spring clips  1011  which are coupled to springs  1010 . A removable tow housing forms a housing for a sliding door  1009 , the springs, spring clips, and retractable tow handle. A sliding door  1009  provides access for optionally storing one or more objects or items in a compartment of the tow housing or for accessing the springs  1010 . A removable wheel housing  1005  is coupled to the shell  1002 . The removable wheel housing  1005  forms a housing for wheels  1006  and wheel shaft  1012 . The removable wheel housing  1005  can be removed from the bottom shell  1002  if desired. Top support gussets  1013  provide structural support for the shell  1001 . A lock housing  1008  and lock  1007  are coupled or integrated with the upper or top shell  1001 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of shells of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment. A shell  1108  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) includes similar components in comparison to the shell  901  of  FIG. 9 . The shell includes a hinge  1116  (e.g., piano hinge, hinge shaft, hinge rod) for being coupled with a shell  1107  (e.g., upper or top shell). An inner locking mechanism  1101  can be engaged based on movement of the handle  1102  and the inner locking mechanism towards a rear region  1140  to lock the shells together or disengaged for opening the case  1100  and separating the shells. A handle  1102  is mechanically coupled to handle rods  1118 , which are coupled to set screws  1113 , and springs  1109 . The springs may be enclosed in a box, which is attached to the shell  1108 . The set screws  1113  secure a lower portion of the inner locking mechanism  1101  to handle rods  1118  and an upper portion of the inner locking mechanism  1101  is engaged in a top locking position  1117  when the shells are locked. The top locking position  1117  is shaped like a wedge or crevice in  FIG. 11  but can have any shape or size for locking with an upper portion of the inner locking mechanism  1101 . 
     Rear stands  1104  including top rear stands  1104  and bottom rear stands  1114  are coupled to a rear region  1140  of the shells near the hinge  1116 . A lock housing  1111  forms a housing for optional lock  1112 . The case can be transported on wheels  1103  which are coupled to wheel shaft (axle)  1110 . Top support gussets  1115  provide structural support for the top shell  1107 . The shells may include additional springs, boxes, locking brackets, bushings, couplers, and handle rods that are not shown in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a view of shells of a multifunctional case in accordance with one embodiment. A shell  1208  (e.g., lower or bottom shell) includes similar components in comparison to the shell  901  of  FIG. 9  and the shell  1108  of  FIG. 11 . The shell includes a hinge (e.g., piano hinge, hinge shaft, hinge rod) for being coupled with a shell  1207  (e.g., upper or top shell). An inner locking mechanism can be engaged based on movement of the handle  1202  to lock the shells together or disengaged for opening the case  1200  and separating the shells. A handle  1202  is mechanically coupled to handle rods, which are coupled to set screws, and springs. Mounting screws  1206  couple a support for the springs to the shell  1208 . The shell  1208  includes a seal cavity  1205  and the shell  1207  includes a seal flange  1209  for providing a weather proof seal for the shells when engaged and locked together. A retractable tow handle  1201  is mechanically coupled to spring clips  1240  which are coupled to springs  1203 . Support gussets including top support gussets  1210  and bottom support gussets  1213  provide structural support for the shells  1207  and  1208 , respectively. 
     Rear stands including top rear stand  1204  and bottom rear stand  1215  are coupled to one side of the shells near the hinge. A lock housing  1211  forms a housing for optional lock  1212 . The shells may include additional springs, boxes, locking brackets, bushings, couplers, and handle rods that are not shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.