Patent Abstract:
A device for controlling access to a firearm having a muzzle. The device includes a shaft that may be rigid or flexible and a slotted cylinder arranged for retaining the shaft thereto. The cylinder may also be flexible in an embodiment of the invention. The device includes a plurality of components that cooperatively ensure that any form of tampering is resisted so that the firearm remains secure. The device includes a lock housing and a lock foundation, wherein the lock housing is arranged to receive a key. The cylinder and shaft are removably attachable to the lock foundation. The cylinder-shaft combination is arranged for insertion into the muzzle. A gear engaged with the shaft causes movement of the shaft into the cylinder. A collet includes one or more radially displaceable tabs arranged for insertion in slots of the cylinder when the shaft moves through the collet into the cylinder.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to devices for gun safety. In particular, the present invention relates to devices that prevent unauthorized use of a gun. 
         [0003]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention is an advancement over the gun safety device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,687 that was issued on Dec. 23, 1997. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,687 is incorporated herein by reference. Improvements have been made to enhance the functionality of the device. Those improvements include the elimination of some components of the original device, the modification of some components of the original device and the addition of new components. The versions of the invention described herein improve overall safety certainty, strengthen structural integrity, improve anti-tampering properties and reduce manufacturing costs. The invention also accommodates those firearms that include manufactured indentations, flats and cuts, including those made in the muzzle vicinity of the firearm&#39;s slide. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Two versions of the present gun safety device are described herein. A first version of the invention is inserted into the muzzle of a gun and has a rigid shaft like the original device. It includes a non-bendable slotted cylinder and a corresponding, non-articulating and one piece shaft within its housing. A second version of the invention is inserted into the muzzle of a gun and has a flexible shaft. It includes a flexible slotted cylinder and a corresponding articulating shaft within its housing. Most, but not all, improvements are to specific components: improving their function, strengthening them and their anti-tamper properties and making them easier and cheaper to produce. A few new components are added. A few components have been eliminated. This device is designed to further self-defend itself and resist tampering and defeat by commonly available means including; brute force, crushing, cutting, drilling, grinding and reverse installation. A goal of the device of the present invention is to damage or destroy, both itself and the firearm, before it is compromised. 
         [0006]    The following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims will further describe the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the firearm safety device of the present invention in a barrel of a gun. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention without the gun barrel. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional side view of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the firearm safety device of the present invention in a barrel of a gun. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention without the gun barrel. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional side view of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    A first gun safety device  2030  of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1-5  is a type of locking mechanism that can be used to prevent firearm operation by preventing ammunition from being chambered and by blocking a barrel  41  of a firearm  40 . 
         [0018]    The device  2030  includes a proximal end  11  (near the firearm trigger) and a distal end  12  (near the end of the barrel  41 ). A key structure  2010  including key  2010   a  renders the device  2030  enabled and disabled via a lock  2020 . The lock  2020  type shown is a wafer-tumbler lock mechanism, however any suitable type of lock may be used. The lock  2020  includes a tumbler  2023  and one or more pins  2025 , preferably made of steel or other suitable high strength noncorrosive metal, or a rigid plastic. The pins  2025  occupy parallel axial holes  2021   a  drilled in an interior surface  2021   b  of a lock housing  2021 . The lock housing  2021  is joined with a lock foundation  2090 . The lock housing  2021  may optionally include a modification to enable removable attachment of a lanyard  2021   c , for example. The modification may be a cave-like structure machined into the lock housing  2021 , drilling and press fitting a shallow U-shaped component into the body of the housing  2021  or by other means. 
         [0019]    A lock stop  2023   a  anchors the tumbler  2023  within the lock housing  2021  and prevents the tumbler  2023  from rotating within the lock housing  2021 . The pins  2025  are freely rotatable in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. The number of pins  2025  and related axial holes  2021   a  employed may vary, as determined by the circumference of the lock housing  2021  and complete circumferential protection of internal components housed within the lock housing  2021 . There may be four or more such pins  2025 . An additional set of rotating pins  2025   a  are included circumferentially around the pins  2025  to protect the cavity where muzzle  43  is enshrouded and to enhance anti-tampering. 
         [0020]    The lock housing  2021  and the lock foundation  2090  are secured together with one or more foundation access screws  2027  counterbored into the lock foundation  2090  where they are not accessible; that is, they are hidden, so as to provide an added barrier against tampering. To gain access to internal components of the device  2030  while the device  2030  is disengaged from the firearm  40 , the foundation access screws  2027  must be removed and then the lock housing  2021  disengaged from the foundation  2090 . The use of the combination of the lock housing  2021  with the foundation  2090  and its foundation access screws  2027  ensures that a miscreant has no obvious starting point for defeating the device  2030 . These hidden screws, which may be made of a material with high structural integrity, such as stainless steel, and their shafts may be covered with small, superimposed and bi-directionally rotating bushings to further enhance internal anti-tampering. 
         [0021]    A lock cam  2024  is provided which rotates upon rotation of key  2010   a  during locking and unlocking procedures. Key  2010   a  may be of a standard type (as shown), designed to be removed to allow the device  2030  to be maintained in a locked or unlocked position without the insertion of a key. Alternatively, the key structure  2010  may be a safety type (as shown), designed to be kept in place within the lock housing  2021  so that a user of the invention may maintain the device  2030  in a locked position, while also being able to quickly unlock the device  2030  without re-insertion of the key  2010   a.    
         [0022]    In a locking mode of operation, the device  2030  is locked by the insertion of the key  2010   a  through slotted disk  2022  and support disk  2022   a  and into lock cam  2024  which freely rotates during key rotation. Initially, slotted cylinder  2140  is inserted through the muzzle  43  of the firearm  40 . The slotted cylinder  2140  is designed to be of a length sufficient to extend from the given firearm&#39;s muzzle  43  through bore  44  of the barrel  41  and into the chamber aligned with the barrel  41 . Dimensions may be altered to suit each given type of firearm without departing from the scope of the invention. The slotted cylinder  2140  is configured such that its distal end (nearest to the end of the barrel  41 ) is threaded and arranged for removable attachment to the lock foundation  2090  by screwing into matching threading within the lock foundation  2090 . The slotted cylinder  2140  is formed of a rigid, non-corrodible and non-bendable material, such as rigid aluminum tubing or a stainless steel, that when covered will not damage the barrel  41  or bore  44 . The slotted cylinder  2140  and shaft  2110  may be swapped in that they may be removed and replaced with shorter or longer components and/or dimensions to be customizable to the dimensions of a particular firearm. 
         [0023]    Upon clockwise rotation of lock cam  2024 , annulus  2050  rotates in a clockwise direction. Spring-loaded wedges  2051 , which are placed on the inner surface of the annulus  2050 , force the annulus  2050  over a bi-directional slip gear  2070  during lock cam  2024  rotation. The gear  2070  may be of a modified ratchet configuration. The annulus  2050  is rotationally fixed within lock cam  2024  and is fastened in place by a small post  2024   a  between the annulus  2050 , the lock cam  2024  and large bidirectionally rotating bushing  2100 . Gear  2070  may be machined from a single piece or consist of separate parts fastened together. Distal disk  2060  and proximal disk  2061  freely rotate and increase self-defense capability and provide increased internal lateral support and bolster anti-tampering against crushing. 
         [0024]    The aforementioned components  2020 ,  2022 ,  2022   a ,  2023 ,  2024 ,  2025 ,  2050 ,  2051 ,  2024   a ,  2060 ,  2061 ,  2070 ,  2080  and  2085  are held within the lock housing  2021  by the lock foundation  2090 . The lock housing  2021  and the lock foundation  2090  are preferably manufactured to accept and to shelter the muzzle  43  and the region of the firearm  40  in the vicinity of the muzzle  43 . A cushion  2090   a  is placed upon the exposed area of lock foundation  2090  as well as the proximal  11  region of the lock housing  2021 . The cushion  2090   a  is relatively soft, compressible, substantially porous but not entirely, hydrophobic and may be bonded or applied in place. The cushion  2090   a  is replaceable and covers the union of lock foundation  2090  and muzzle  43  when the device  2030  is in use to protect the finish of the firearm  40  and prevent any slippage at the union. The cushion  2090   a  fully lines the interior of the cavity that accepts the muzzle  43  and shelters the muzzle  43  like a glove. The configuration of the ‘shelter’ may take two forms; first a “generic” form that will accept any firearm having outside muzzle vicinity dimensions are less than the internal dimensions of the cavity and second a “model specific” form that conforms to and will only accept a specific model of firearm. The cross sectional shape of the lock housing  2021  that serves firearms with components of circular cross section, may also be round but is not limited thereto. For example, the cross sectional shape of the lock housing  2021  that serves firearms with non-round shapes, such as in the area of the muzzle, may be of a corresponding non-round shape. The cushion  2090   a  is configured such that it may hide the foundation screws  2027  as well as the union between the lock housing  2021  and the lock foundation  2090 . The cushion  2090   a  may extend over the entire length of the slotted cylinder  2140  such as in the form of a sleeve  2090   b . In total, this cushion  2090   a  and sleeve  2090   b  configuration, unlike its original counterpart device, protects the lock housing  2021  the entire length of the slotted cylinder  2140  and the entire internal length of the bore of the barrel  44  and chamber  42 . 
         [0025]    Although one particular muzzle design is shown, it is to be understood that various muzzle designs may utilize the instant invention. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the invention that the particular shape of lock housing  2021  and lock foundation  2090  may be altered as needed to conform to any given muzzle design without straying from the instant invention&#39;s feature of sheltering the muzzle  43 . Mounted on the proximal end of the slotted cylinder  2140  is a chamber plug  2170  which is freely rotatable about the proximal end  11  and serves to fully occupy the remainder of the firearm&#39;s chamber. The chamber plug  2170  enjoys bi-directional rotational freedom of movement, serves to fully occupy the firearm&#39;s chamber as an anti-tamper means. The chamber plug  2170  is retained in position with a chamber plug clip  2170   a  that is flat and semi-circular. The chamber plug clip  2170   a  is located in a perpendicular cut  2170   b  into and half way through the slotted cylinder  2140 . This press fitted clip  2170   a , which is removable and replaceable, fastens and holds the chamber plug  2170  in place. Sleeve  2090   b  further described herein retains the chamber plug clip  2170   a  in place. An alternative chamber plug retention configuration provides a chamber plug shaft residing within a foundation of the chamber plug, which is externally threaded and is mated and screwed into corresponding threading upon and within the proximal terminus of the slotted cylinder  2140 . 
         [0026]    Gear  2070  is rotatable in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Through the center of gear  2070  is a threaded axial hole  2071 . The threaded axial hole  2071  is in mating relation to a threaded distal region  2112  of the shaft  2110 . During locking mode, gear  2070  rotates clockwise and pulls the threaded distal region  2112  of the shaft  2110  through the threaded axial hole  2071  of the gear  2070 . Bushing  2100  rotates bidirectionally and is enlarged relative to an original component of the prior device such that it internally protects the entire cavity  2021   b  of the device  2030  and all of the components within the lock housing  2021 , cooperating with and bolstering the protective cage-like structure of the collection of pins  2025  and  2025   a  and disks  2022 ,  2022   a ,  2060  and  2061 . It is made of a very hard and non-corrodible material such as stainless steel, for example. The benefit of this configuration is a much stronger and tamper resistant shaft  2110  with much more cross sectional material along its entire length. This makes the device  2030  more resistant to tampering with brute force. The clockwise rotation of key structure  2010  or key  2010   a  causes shaft  2110  to retract within the cylinder  2140  towards lock housing  2021 . 
         [0027]    The shaft  2110  of the device  2030  possesses a displacement region  2110   a  at its proximal terminus which is distally oriented, and may be either conical, pyramidal, cylindrical with a convex terminus, wedge shaped or round shaped. It possesses an indentation at its proximal terminus that avails the shaft  2110  to manipulation with a tool. Its terminus is drawn distally toward the end of the barrel with clockwise turning of key structure  2010  and key  2010   a . The displacement region  2110   a  on the shaft  2110  penetrates a collet  2150  that possesses a plurality of distally located arms  2150   a  that are oriented proximally, each with a radially proximal and displaceable tab  2150   b  that correspond to similarly shaped slots in the superimposing slotted cylinder  2140 . This collet  2150  resembles a small bushing, with a plurality of near longitudinal cuts beginning on its proximal terminus and proceeding distally. On its proximal and dorsal surface are radially oriented tabs  2150   b . Material between these tabs  2150   b  may be removed or cut out. The tabs  2150   b  may be chamfered on their distal margins to accommodate firearm forcing cones. The displacement region  2110   a  on the shaft  2110  radially forces the tabs  2150   b  outwardly until secure contact with the firearms cartridge case rim is made. This collet  2150  may consist of one or more components and possesses a proximally oriented pivotal ability at its distal terminus. This component  2150  may be fastened in place by a wedge configuration or by mutual threading within the interior of the proximal end of the slotted cylinder  2140 . This component may consist of a steel with elastic-like properties. This collet  2150  may possess a circular spring-like component  2160  located circumferentially over the arms  2150   a , that is a backup mechanism to assure complete tab retraction. Diametrically and circumferentially opposed sets of cams  150  and  160  located at whorls of the original device improved hereby have been eliminated. 
         [0028]    It is noted that the cushion  2090   a  and the sleeve  2090   b  in combination all are located at or near the crown  45  of the firearm  40  and may be bolstered by additional layers of material of the sleeve  2090   b . It is important to protect the crown  45  as it largely determines the accuracy of the firearm. It is located at the very end of the barrel, where the rifling ends. It is where the exiting bullet has its last physical contact with the barrel and its rifling, as it goes on its way. The cushion  2090   a  and the sleeve  2090   b  in the vicinity of crown  45  increase the protection of this region of the firearm  40 . It also stabilizes the mating between the device  2030  and the firearm by eliminating gaps, looseness and slippage between the device  2030  and the firearm  40  in this important region. Shim  2085  may also be used to eliminate operational looseness and reduce the risk of mechanical binding within the lock housing  2021  and among its components. 
         [0029]    Tabs  2150   b  wedge themselves against the inner surface of the firearm chamber and proximal of the firearm forcing cone until no further movement of shaft  2110  is possible. At this point, spring loaded-wedge  2051  on annulus  2050  slips on gear  2070 . This slippage is audible to the user of the locking device  2030  in the form of a clicking noise. The clicking indicates to the user that the locking procedure is complete. This slip-gear arrangement protects both the firearm  40  and the device  2030  from damage during activation or de-activation of the device as it eliminates excessive torque from damaging the internal components of the device  2030  as well as the interior surfaces of the firearm  40 . A fastening, removable and replaceable wedge  2145  is arranged to pass through both the slotted cylinder  2140  and the shaft  2110  simultaneously. The wedge  2145  may be press fitted in place. The wedge  2145  enables synchronous movement between the slotted cylinder  2140  and the shaft  2100 . It also prevents mechanical binding of the cylinder  2140 , the shaft  2110  or both to the tabs  2150   b  on the collet  2150 . A similar wedge may also be used to fasten distally the collet  2150  in place within the proximity of the slotted cylinder  2140 . 
         [0030]    Once the device  2030  is engaged in the firearm  40 , it remains in place in a locked position upon removal of key structure  2010  or key  2010   a . In an unlocking mode of operation, the device  2030  is unlocked by the re-insertion of key structure  2010  or key  2010   a  through slotted disk  2022  and support disk  2022   a  application of a counter-clockwise rotation. Upon counter-clockwise rotation of lock cam  2024 , annulus  2050  rotates in a counter-clockwise direction over gear  2070 . The gear  2070  rotates counter-clockwise and pushes the threaded distal region  2112  of shaft  2110  through the threaded axial hole  2071  of the gear  2070 . Thus, the counter-clockwise rotation of key structure  2010  or key  2010   a  causes shaft  2110  to expand into cylinder  2140  away from lock housing  2021 . 
         [0031]    Upon linear movement of shaft  2110  away from lock housing  2021 , the displacement region  2110   a , which may be a flange of the shaft  2110 , migrates proximally until the tabs  2150   b  located on dorsal and proximal surfaces of the collet  2150  fully retract back into the slotted cylinder  2140  at the urging of the elastic or spring-like properties of the metal employed in making the tabs  2150   b  and/or at the urging of the spring  2160 . Adjoining the proximal terminus of the shaft  2110  is a compression spring  2120  configuration that provides enough distally oriented resistance so as no further axial movement of the shaft  2110  is possible. At this point, wedge  2051  on annulus  2050  slips on gear  2070 . As during locking, this slippage is audible to the user of the locking device  2030  in the form of a clicking noise. Here, the clicking indicates to the user that the unlocking procedure is complete. Accordingly, the device  2030  is free to be pulled out of the firearm chamber  42  and barrel  41  by the user. Again, this arrangement protects against damage to the device  2030  and the firearm  40  during operation. 
         [0032]    An additional element in accordance with this invention is a pyric disk  2080 . The pyric disk  2080  is freely rotatable and is located between lock foundation  2090  and proximal disk  2061 . The pyric disk  2080  may be comprised of one or more such disks and the location of pyric disk  2080  is chosen to be near the gear  2070 , most suitably the section including the threaded distal region  2112  of shaft  2110 . The pyric disk  2080  is manufactured of a solder-like material that will melt when exposed to extreme heat as well as friction-related heat generated by cutting with a saw, drilling and grinding. The solder-like material should be a metal that has a melting point at least as high as the temperature commonly attained by blow-torches. The effect is to cause shaft  2110  and other internal components to be seized in place. Gaps between the shaft  2110  and other adjacent components enables molten material of melted pyric disk  2080  to migrate throughout the invention. This design, which allows molten material to migrate into the firearm, may be utilized to further dissuade unauthorized users from tampering with a firearm utilizing such an alternative design of the instant invention. It should be clear that such an alternative design is well within the scope of the present invention. Thus, pyric disk  2080  is designed as a mechanism to protect against tampering via devices such as an acetylene torch. 
         [0033]    A compression spring  2120  is shown at the proximal end of shaft  2110  and is distally located adjacent to the chamber plug  2170 . Compression spring  2120  places a constant axial force on the shaft  2110  in the direction towards the distal end  12 . This force is countered by the presence of the lock mechanism  2020 . In the event of tampering which severs the lock housing  2010  or the lock mechanism  2020  from the remainder of the device  2030 , spring  2120  will maintain the tabs  2150   b  on the collet  2150  in a wedged position. 
         [0034]    A second gun safety device  3030  of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 6-10  is a type of locking mechanism that can also be used to prevent firearm operation by preventing ammunition from being chambered and by blocking the barrel  41  of the firearm  40 . Those components of the gun safety device  3030  that correspond to the same components of the first gun safety device  30  will be identified with similar element numbers. The device  3030  includes a lock foundation  3090 , a flexible slotted cylinder  3140  and a flexible shaft  3110 . It may also include a chamber plug  3170  of a distinct configuration, among other components. 
         [0035]    The device  3030  includes a proximal end  11  (near the firearm trigger) and a distal end  12  (near the end of the barrel  41 ). A key structure  3010  including key  3010   a  renders the device  3030  enabled and disabled via a lock  3020 . The lock  3020  type shown is a wafer-tumbler lock mechanism, however any suitable type of lock may be used. The lock  3020  includes a tumbler  3023  and one or more pins  3025 , preferably made of steel or other suitable high strength noncorrosive metal, or a rigid plastic. The pins  3025  occupy parallel axial holes  3021   a  drilled in interior surface  3021   b  of a lock housing  3021 . The lock housing  3021  is joined with the lock foundation  3090 . The lock housing  3021  may optionally include a modification to enable removable attachment of a lanyard  3021   c , for example. The modification may be a cave-like structure machined into the lock housing  3021 , drilling and press fitting a shallow U-shaped component into the body of the housing  3021  or by another means. 
         [0036]    A lock stop  3023   a  anchors the tumbler  3023  within the lock housing  3021  and prevents the tumbler  3023  from rotating within the lock housing  3021 . The pins  3025  are freely rotatable in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. The number of pins  3025  and related axial holes  3021   a  employed may vary, as determined by the circumference of the lock housing  3021  and complete circumferential protection of internal components housed within the lock housing  3021 . There may be four or more such pins  3025 . An additional set of rotating pins  3025   a  are included circumferentially around the pins  3025  to protect the cavity where the muzzle  43  is enshrouded and to enhance anti-tampering. 
         [0037]    The lock housing  3021  and the lock foundation  3090  are secured together with one or more foundation access screws  3027  counterbored into the lock foundation  3090  where they are not accessible; that is, they are hidden, so as to provide an added barrier against tampering. To gain access to internal components of the device  3030  while the device  3030  is disengaged from the firearm  40 , the foundation access screws  3027  must be removed and then the lock housing  3021  disengaged from the lock foundation  3090 . The use of the combination of the lock housing  3021  with the foundation  3090  and its foundation access screws  3027  ensures that a miscreant has no obvious starting point for defeating the device  3030 . These hidden screws  3027 , which may be made of a material with high structural integrity, such as stainless steel, and their shafts may be covered with small, superimposed and bi-directionally rotating bushings to further enhance internal anti-tampering. 
         [0038]    Slotted cylinder  3140  is configured such that its distal end (nearest to the end of the firearm barrel) is threaded and arranged for removable attachment to the lock foundation  3090  by screwing it into matching threading within the lock foundation  3090 . Alternatively, the lock foundation  3090  is machined or otherwise modified to include an internal retention receptacle that is cone shaped and oriented proximally toward the chamber plug  3170 . A similar hollow retention component that is complementary, cone shaped and slightly smaller than retention receptacle, but with the same shape and depth of it may be used. The retention component possesses barbs, raised edges or knurling on its exterior surface to grasp and secure flexible slotted cylinder  3140  in place. Both are press fitted and or bonded or otherwise affixed in the lock foundation retention receptacle. The cylinder  3140  is formed of a flexible material, such as a non-metallic material. It may be a plastic tubing, for example, including, but not limited to, Nylon, polyolefin, fluoropolymer or other high-performance material. It may also be made of a composite material including but not limited to carbon fiber, high modulus graphite and high modulus boron/graphite. The low friction tubing may alternatively be braided steel tubing, segmented steel tubing or a small outside diameter hydraulic hose. All may be covered by a heat shrink plastic tubing  3090   b  over their entire length upon the slotted cylinder  3140 . The covering materials are selected to be soft enough to not damage the internal surfaces of a firearm&#39;s barrel and chamber; yet strong enough to protect the shaft  3110 . This configuration will simultaneously protect the entire lengths of the slotted cylinder  3140  and the shaft  3110 , the bore  44  of the barrel  41  and the chamber  42 . Due to the flexibility and low friction texture of its external surface established by using low friction materials, the security device  3030  can be withdrawn from a firearm more quickly. 
         [0039]    A lock cam  3024  is provided which rotates upon rotation of key  3010   a  during locking and unlocking procedures. Key  3010   a  may be of a standard type (as shown), designed to be removed to allow the device  3030  to be maintained in a locked or unlocked position without the insertion of a key. Alternatively, key structure  3010  may be a safety type (as shown), designed to be kept in place within the lock housing  3021  so that a user of the invention may maintain the device  3030  in a locked position, while also being able to quickly unlock the device  3030  without re-insertion of the key. 
         [0040]    In a locking mode of operation, the device  3030  is locked by the insertion of the key  3010   a  through slotted disk  3022  and support disk  3022   a  and into lock cam  3024 , which freely rotates during key rotation. Initially, slotted cylinder  3140  is inserted through the muzzle  43  of the firearm  40 . The slotted cylinder  3140  is designed to be of a length sufficient to extend from the given firearm&#39;s muzzle  43  through the bore  44  of the barrel  41  and into the chamber  42  aligned with the barrel  41 . Dimensions may be altered to suit each given type of firearm without departing from the scope of the invention. The slotted cylinder  3140 , when covered, will not damage the barrel  41  or the bore  44 . The slotted cylinder  3140  and the shaft  3110  may be swappable in that they may be removed and replaced with shorter or longer components dependent upon the particular dimensions of the firearm with which the device  3030  is to be used. 
         [0041]    Upon clockwise rotation of lock cam  3024 , annulus  3050  rotates in a clockwise direction. Spring-loaded wedges  3051 , which are placed on the inner surface of the annulus  3050 , force the annulus  3050  over a bi-directional slip gear  3070  during rotation of the lock cam  3024 . The gear  3070  may be of a modified ratchet configuration. The annulus  3050  is rotationally fixed within lock cam  3024  and is fastened in place by a small post  3024   a  between the annulus  3050 , the lock cam  3024  and large bidirectionally rotating bushing  3100 . Gear  3070  may be machined from a single piece or consist of separate parts fastened together. Distal disk  3060  and proximal disk  3061  freely rotate and increase self-defense capability and provide increased internal lateral support and bolster anti-tampering against crushing. 
         [0042]    The aforementioned components  3020 ,  3022 ,  3022   a ,  3023 ,  3024 ,  3024   a ,  3025 ,  3050 ,  3051 ,  3060 ,  3061 ,  3070 ,  3080  and  3085  are held within the lock housing  3021  by the lock foundation  3090 . The lock housing  3021  and the lock foundation  3090  are preferably manufactured to accept and to shelter the muzzle  43  and the region of the firearm  40  in the vicinity of the muzzle  43 . A cushion  3090   a  is placed upon the exposed area of the lock foundation  3090  as well as the proximal region of the lock housing  3021 . The cushion  3090   a  is relatively soft, compressible, almost porous, hydrophobic and may be glued on or sprayed in place. The cushion  3090   a  is replaceable and covers the union of lock foundation  3090  and muzzle  43  when the device  3030  is in use to protect the finish of the firearm  40  and prevent any slippage at the union. The cushion  3090   a  fully lines the interior of the cavity that accepts the muzzle  43  like a glove. The configuration of the ‘shelter’ may take two forms; first a “generic” form that will accept any firearm having outside muzzle vicinity dimensions are less than the internal dimensions of the cavity and second a “model specific” form that conforms to and will accept a specific model of firearm. The cross sectional shape of the lock housing  3021  that serves firearms with components of circular cross section, may also be round but is not limited thereto. For example, the cross sectional shape of the lock housing  3021  that serves firearms with non-round shapes, such as in the area of the muzzle, may be of a corresponding non-round shape. The cushion  3090   a  is configured such that it may hide the foundation screw  3027  as well as the union between the lock housing  3021  and the lock foundation  3090 . The cushion  3090   a  may extend over the entire length of the flexible slotted cylinder  3140  such as in the form of a sleeve. In total, this cushion  3090   a  and sleeve  3090   b  configuration, unlike its original counterpart device, protects the lock housing  3021  the entire length of the slotted cylinder  3140  and the entire internal length of the bore  44  and the chamber  42 . 
         [0043]    Although one particular muzzle design is shown, it is to be understood that various muzzle designs may utilize the instant invention. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the invention that the particular shape of lock housing  3021  and lock foundation  3090  may be altered as needed to conform to any given muzzle design without straying from the instant invention&#39;s feature of sheltering the muzzle  43 . Mounted on the proximal end of the slotted cylinder  3140  is the chamber plug  3170 , which is freely rotatable about the proximal end and serves to fully occupy the remainder of the firearm&#39;s chamber  42 . The chamber plug  3170  enjoys bi-directional rotational freedom of movement, serves to fully occupy the firearm&#39;s chamber as an anti-tamper means. The chamber plug  3170  is retained in position with a chamber plug clip  3170   a  that is flat and semi-circular. The chamber plug clip  3170   a  is located in a perpendicular cut  3170   b  into and half way through the slotted cylinder  3140 . This press fitted clip  3170   a , which is removable and replaceable, fastens and holds the chamber plug  3170  in place. Sleeve  3090   b  further described herein retains the chamber plug clip  3170   a  in place. Alternatively, the chamber plug  3170  may be distinct from the chamber plug  2170  of the first device  2030  in that it may be fastened in place within a chamber plug foundation by crimping with a crimping component. In this alternative, the chamber plug  3170  includes a shaft thereon that mates within a matching plug foundation component. The foundation component includes a fastening system that receives and houses the shaft. The shaft has barbed and or raised edges or knurling on its exterior surface to grasp and secure with the internal surface of the flexible slotted cylinder  3140  and are located within the proximal terminus of the flexible slotted cylinder  3140  then crimped into place. The crimping component fastens the chamber plug foundation component with the chamber plug  3170  within and flexible slotted cylinder  3140  in place simultaneously. The crimping component is removable and may be a replaceable band or other fastening means. An alternative plug retainer may have a chamber plug shaft residing within the chamber plug foundation, which is externally threaded and is mated and screwed into mutual threading upon and within the proximal terminus of the slotted cylinder  3110 . 
         [0044]    Gear  3070  is rotatable in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Through the center of gear  3070  is a threaded axial hole  3071 . The threaded axial hole  3071  is in mating relation to a threaded distal region  3112  of shaft  3110 . During locking mode, gear  3070  rotates clockwise and pulls the threaded distal region  3112  of the shaft  3110  through the threaded axial hole  3071  of the gear  3070 . Bushing  3100  rotates bidirectionally and is enlarged relative to an original component of the prior device such that it internally protects the entire cavity of the device  3030  and all of the components within the lock housing  3021 , cooperating with and bolstering the protective cage-like structure of the collection of pins  3025  and  3025   a  and disks  3022 ,  3022   a ,  3060  and  3061 . It is made of a very hard and non-corrodible material such as stainless steel, for example. The clockwise rotation of key structure  3010  or key  3010   a  causes shaft  3110  to retract within the cylinder  3140  towards lock housing  3021 . 
         [0045]    The shaft  3110  of the device  3030  is an articulating shaft made up of a plurality of interconnected components ( 3110   a ,  3110   b  and  3110   c ). The distal end of shaft section  3110   a  is threaded to retain the above mentioned slip gear  3070 . The proximal end of shaft section  3110   c  terminates with displacement region  3110   d  engaged with the chamber plug  3170  via spring  3120 . The distal end of shaft section  3110   b  and the distal end of shaft section  3110   c  each includes a machined port  3110   f  with proximal and transverse slots that may extend across the diameter of the component in both 0 and 180 degree and 90 and/or 270 degree orientations. These transverse slots that extend proximally as part of this machined port  3110   f  may be inwardly sloped, providing a pivot means of the articulating shaft  3110 . Each of the proximal end of shaft section  3110   a  and the proximal end of shaft section  3110   b  include a terminus  3110   g  that is shaped to fit in the machined port  3110   f  of the adjacent shaft section  3110   b  and  3110   c . That shape of the terminus  3110   g  may be wedge shaped, a spherical terminus or a post-like with a globular terminus, for example. The termini of the two options occupy and are enslaved within the machined ports  3110   f  and are configured by their shape to flex within their machined ports  3110   f . The machined ports  3110   f  of shaft sections  3110   b  and  3110   c  act as female ports for receiving the termini  3110   g  of shaft sections  3110   a  and  3110   b , respectively, and are configured to allow for articulated movement of each shaft section so that the shaft  3110  is flexible. Depending on the firearm and the length of its barrel, there may be more than two such components fastened together. The most proximal component of the flexible shaft section  3110   c  cooperates with the above mentioned chamber plug configuration and cooperates with a compression spring  3120  as an anti-tamper means. This multi-component shaft  3110  is manufactured of a very hard and non-corrodible material, such as a stainless steel. Directionality of articulation of the shaft  3110  may either be bidirectional and or multidirectional. The benefit of this configuration is a much more flexible, physically strong and tamper resistant shaft  3110  with much more cross sectional material within its components and along its entire length. This makes the device  3030  more resistant to tampering with brute force. 
         [0046]    The shaft  3110  of the device  3030  possesses the displacement region  3110   d  at its proximal terminus which is distally oriented, and may be either conical, pyramidal, cylindrical with a convex terminus, wedge shaped or round shaped. It possesses an indentation  3110   e  at its proximal terminus that avails the shaft  3110  to manipulation with a tool. Its terminus is drawn distally toward the end of the barrel  41  with clockwise turning of key structure  3010  and key  3010   a . The displacement region  3110   d  on the shaft  3110  penetrates a collet  3150  that possesses a plurality of distally located arms  3150   a , that are oriented proximally, each with a radially displaceable and proximally located tab  3150   b  that corresponds to similarly shaped slots in the superimposing slotted cylinder  3140 . This displacement region  3110   d  resembles a small bushing, with a plurality of near longitudinal cuts beginning on its proximal terminus and proceeding distally. Tabs  3150   b  are radially oriented on its proximal and dorsal surfaces. Material between these tabs  3150   b  may be removed or cut out. The tabs  3150   b  may be chamfered on their distal margins to accommodate firearm forcing cones. The displacement region  3110   d  on the shaft  3110  radially forces the tabs  3150   b  outwardly until secure contact with the firearm&#39;s cartridge case rim is made. This collet  3150  may be made of one or more components and possesses a proximally oriented pivotal ability at its distal terminus. The collet  3150  may be fastened in place by a wedge configuration, a crimping means or by mutual threading within the interior of the proximal end of the slotted cylinder  3140 . The collet  3150  may possess elastic-like properties as well as a circular spring-like component  3160  located circumferentially over the arms  3150   a , that is a backup mechanism to assure complete retraction of tabs  3150   b . Diametrically and circumferentially opposed sets of cams  150  and  160  located at whorls of the original device improved hereby have been eliminated. 
         [0047]    It is noted that the cushion  3090   a  and the sleeve  3090   b  in combination all are located at or near crown  45  of the firearm  40  and may be bolstered by additional layers of material used to make the sleeve  3090   b . It is important to protect the crown as it largely determines the accuracy of the firearm. It is located at the very end of the barrel, where the rifling ends. It is where the exiting bullet has its last physical contact with the barrel and its rifling, as it goes on its way. The cushion  3090   a  and the sleeve  3090   b  in the crown&#39;s vicinity increase the protection of this region of the firearm  40 . It also stabilizes the device  40  by eliminating gaps, looseness and slippage between the device  3030  and the firearm  40  in this important region. Shim  3085  may also be used to eliminate operational looseness and reduce the risk of mechanical binding within the lock housing  3021  and among its components. 
         [0048]    Tabs  3150   b  wedge themselves against inner surface of the firearm chamber  42  proximal of the firearm forcing cone until no further movement of shaft  3110  is possible. At this point, spring loaded-wedge  3051  on annulus  3050  slips on gear  3070 . This slippage is audible to the user of the locking device  3030  in the form of a clicking noise. The clicking indicates to the user that the locking procedure is complete. This slip-gear arrangement protects both the firearm  40  and the device  3030  from damage during activation or de-activation of the device as it eliminates excessive torque from damaging the internal components of the device  3030  as well as the interior surfaces of the firearm  40 . A fastening, removable and replaceable wedge  3145  is arranged to pass through both the slotted cylinder  3140  and the shaft  3110  simultaneously. The wedge  3145  may be press fitted or otherwise fastened in place. The wedge  3145  enables synchronous movement between the slotted cylinder  3140  and the shaft  3110 . It also prevents mechanical binding of the cylinder  3140 , the shaft  3110  or both to the tabs  3150   b  on the collet  3150 . Additionally, optionally, a second wedge may be used distally to fasten the collet  3150  in place within the proximity of the slotted cylinder  3140 . 
         [0049]    Once the device  3030  is engaged in the firearm  40 , it remains in place in a locked position upon removal of key structure  3010  or key  3010   a . In an unlocking mode of operation, the device  3030  is unlocked by the re-insertion of key structure  3010  or key  3010   a  through slotted disk  3022  and support disk  3022   a  application of a counter-clockwise rotation. Upon counter-clockwise rotation of lock cam  3024 , annulus  3050  rotates in a counter-clockwise direction over gear  3070 . Gear  3070  rotates and pushes the threaded distal region  3112  of shaft  3110  through the threaded axial hole  3071  of the gear  3070 . Thus, the counter-clockwise rotation of key structure  3010  or key  3010   a  causes shaft  3110  to expand into cylinder  3140  away from the lock housing  3021 . 
         [0050]    Upon linear movement of shaft  3110  away from lock housing  3021 , the displacement region  3110   d  on the shaft  3110  migrates proximally until the tabs  3150   b  on dorsal and distal surfaces of the collet  3150  fully retract back into slotted cylinder  3140  at the urging of the elastic or spring-like properties of the material employed to make the collet  3150  and/or at the urging of the spring  3160 . Adjoining the proximal terminus of the shaft  3110  is a compression spring  3120  that is configured to provide enough distally oriented resistance so that no further movement of the shaft  3110  axially is possible. At this point, spring-loaded wedge  3051  on annulus  3050  slips on gear  3070 . As during locking, this slippage is audible to the user of the locking device  3030  in the form of a clicking noise. Here, the clicking indicates to the user that the unlocking procedure is complete. Accordingly, the device  3030  is free to be pulled out of the firearm chamber  42  and barrel  41  by the user. Again, this arrangement protects against damage to the device  3030  and the firearm  40  during operation. 
         [0051]    An additional element in accordance with this invention is a pyric disk  3080 . The pyric disk  3080  is freely rotatable and is located between lock foundation  3090  and proximal disk  3061 . The pyric disk  3080  may be comprised of one or more such disks and the location of pyric disk  3080  is chosen to be near the gear  3070 , most suitably the section including the threaded distal region  3112  of shaft  3110  on shaft component  3110   a . The pyric disk  3080  is manufactured of a solder-like material that will melt when exposed to extreme heat as well as friction-related heat generated by cutting with a saw, drilling and grinding. The solder-like material should be a metal that has a melting point at least as high as the temperature commonly attained by blow-torches. The effect is to cause shaft  3110  and other internal components to be seized in place. Gaps between the shaft  3110  and other adjacent components enables molten material of melted pyric disk  3080  to migrate throughout the invention. This design, which allows molten material to migrate into the firearm, may be utilized to further dissuade unauthorized users from tampering with a firearm utilizing such an alternative design of the instant invention. It should be clear that such an alternative design is well within the scope of the present invention. Thus, pyric disk  3080  is designed as a mechanism to protect against tampering via devices such as an acetylene torch. 
         [0052]    A compression spring  3120  is shown at the proximal end of shaft section  3110   c  and distal to the chamber plug  3170 . Compression spring  3120  places a constant axial force on the shaft  3110  in the direction towards the distal end  12  of the firearm  40 . This force is countered by the presence of the lock housing  3010  and the lock mechanism  3020 . In the event of tampering which severs the lock mechanism  3020  from the remainder of the device  3020 , spring  3120  will maintain tabs  3150   b  on the collet  3150  in a wedged position. 
         [0053]    Although the present invention has been described with respect to two specific embodiments, it is to be understood that it is not limited thereto and all equivalents are considered covered by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5