Abstract:
The present invention provides for a gun vault that can safely transfer a firearm within the public area that is easy to carry and can secure easily and quickly to various surfaces or objects. The gun vault comprises a first component, illustrated as a gun vault top half connected to a second component, illustrated herein as a gun vault bottom half, which when coupled together provides an interior constructed and arranged to store internal functional hardware as well as one or more firearms, such as a handgun and magazine clip. The gun vault further includes a removable and variably positionable handle, which allows for the gun vault to be secured to objects or surfaces, such as a seat of a car or some type of fixed pole, quickly and easily. To prevent unauthorized access, the gun vault may further include a locking assembly.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    In accordance with 37 C.F.R 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), 120, 121, and/or 365(c) as a continuation-in-part to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/863,131, filed Aug. 7, 2013, entitled, “GUN VAULT WITH RETRACTABLE HANDLE”, the contents of the above referenced application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a firearm storage device; and more particularly, to a firearm vault having a retractable handle for storing and securing a gun therein. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The manufacturing, distribution, and purchasing of firearms remain popular in the United States. Although it may be impossible to determine the actual number of guns purchased, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that it recorded more than 16.8 million background checks for gun purchases in 2012. This number does not account for firearms previously obtained or for firearms owned by law enforcement or military individuals. While the distribution and selling of firearms has provided controversy, many individuals who own firearms seek to use them responsibly. As such, firearm safety is a paramount concern among firearm owners and gun enthusiasts. As a result of this concern, numerous safety mechanisms, such as gun vaults, exist in the market. Typical firearm vaults on the market today are designed to lock away firearms from theft and accidental discharge. For example, a safe can easily weigh several hundred pounds, making the safe immovable for a thief. However, these large safes are not practical for safely moving a gun in the public. For example, when travelling within the airport, individuals owning guns, and even some public safety officers, are required to safely store their guns once they pass the security gates. Moreover, individuals often store their guns in the glove compartments when travelling in a car. Such action may be unsafe and can result in theft of the gun should someone break into the automobile. 
         [0004]    Therefore, what is needed in the art is a gun vault that can be used to safely transfer a firearm within the public area that is easy to carry and can secure easily and quickly to various surfaces or objects. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides for a gun vault that can safely transfer a firearm within the public area that is easy to carry and can secure easily and quickly to various surfaces or objects. The gun vault comprises a first component, illustrated as a gun vault top half  12  connected to a second component, illustrated herein as a gun vault bottom half  14  which, when coupled together, provides an interior  16  constructed and arranged to store internal functional hardware as well as one or more firearms such as a handgun and magazine clip. The gun vault further includes a removable and variably positionable handle, which allows for the gun vault to be secured to objects or surfaces, such as a seat of a car or some type of fixed pole, quickly and easily. To prevent unauthorized access, the gun vault may further include a locking assembly. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to teach a device, system and method for firearm storage. 
         [0007]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach a device for securing a firearm. 
         [0008]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to teach a safe and secure handgun vault apparatus for a loaded handgun. 
         [0009]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach an easy to carry handgun vault apparatus for a loaded handgun, which has a removable handle. 
         [0010]    It is a still further objective of the invention to teach an easy to carry handgun vault apparatus for a loaded handgun, which has a variably positionable handle that can easily and quickly be secured to various surfaces or objects. 
         [0011]    Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the closed position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the closed position, illustrating the adjustable handle in a retracted position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the closed position with the handle partially extended; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the open position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a back perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the open position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle, illustrating the handle in a retracted position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle, illustrating the handle in a retracted position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a partial exploded view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a partial front perspective view of the bottom portion of the gun vault; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the gun vault, illustrated with the handle removed; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the bottom portion of the gun vault with portions of a handle inserted therein, illustrated with the locking assembly removed for clarity; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the gun vault in an open position showing the handle locking assembly and the gun vault locking assembly without its respective cover; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a partially exploded perspective view of the gun vault having an alternative embodiment of a locking assembly; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of a hinge plate support structure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of an illustrative example of a hinge plate with bar; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is an illustrative example of a left bottom half extension member; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is an illustrative example of a right bottom half extension member; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is an illustrative example of a removable and positionable handle; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of an illustrative example of an elongated handle bracket; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a bottom perspective view of an illustrative example of the elongated handle bracket; 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is an illustrative example of a spring pin assembly cover; 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is an illustrative example of a lock assembly; 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is an illustrative example of a lock assembly cam; 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is an illustrative example of a slide of a lock assembly; 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is an illustrative example of a locking assembly receiving bracket; 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is an illustrative example of a guide bracket of a lock assembly; 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is an illustrative example of a lock assembly cover; 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is an illustrative example of an insert; 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an alternative and partially flexible handle construction. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0043]    The present invention provides a portable system and method for firearm storage, and more particularly a safe and secure handgun vault apparatus for a loaded or unloaded handgun that allows an authorized user to safely and securely transfer or store a gun in different locations. Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , a firearm storage device, referred to generally as a gun vault with adjustable handle  10 , is shown. The gun vault with adjustable handle  10  will be shown and described for use with a handgun; however, the gun vault with adjustable handle  10  may be adapted to be used to transport and store other items without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0044]    The gun vault with adjustable handle  10  contains a first component, illustrated as a gun vault top half  12  connected to a second component, illustrated herein as a gun vault bottom half  14 , which when coupled together provides an interior  16  constructed and arranged to store internal functional hardware as well as one or more firearms such as a handgun and magazine clip. Preferably the gun vault top half  12  and the gun vault bottom half  14  are hingedly coupled together via a hinge assembly, illustrated as a concealed hinge, having a hinge plate  18  with rod  20  and hinge plate support structure  22  (see  FIG. 15B ), to allow the gun vault top half  12  to traverse between a fully open position, i.e. having an orientation that is at or about 180 degrees, preferably at or about 90 degrees, from the gun vault bottom half  14 , fully closed position, i.e. having an orientation that rests on top of the gun vault bottom half  14  or positions in between. Although a concealed hinge is illustrated, such embodiment is not intended to be limiting as use of a standard hinge can be incorporated as well. 
         [0045]    As shown at  FIGS. 4 and 15B , a first end  24  of the hinge plate  18  secures to a portion of the gun vault top half  12 . The hinge plate  18  further contains a curved surface  26  creating a concave area  28  sized to traverse a portion of a wall of the gun vault bottom half  14  and a second end  30  which secures to a portion of the gun vault bottom half  14 . The hinge assembly may be secured to the gun vault top half  12  or the gun vault bottom half  14  via a securing mechanism known to one of skill in the art including using known hardware such as screws, or more permanent means such as through the use of welding or applying chemical fastening substances. 
         [0046]    The gun vault top half  12  comprises a first surface  32  which defines the outer top surface of the gun vault  10  and a second surface  34  which defines part of the boundary of the inner portion  16  and can be used to couple one or more components of hardware designed to provide functionality, such as a locking mechanism to the gun vault  10 . A plurality of sidewalls  36 ,  38 ,  40  and  42  extend downwardly away from the surface  32  and interact with portions of the gun vault bottom half  14  to provide an enclosure. Both the gun vault top half  12  and the gun vault bottom half  14  may be made of any materials known to one of skill in the art, including plastics, metals, such as steel, or combinations thereof. 
         [0047]    The gun vault bottom half  14  comprises a first surface  44  which defines the outer bottom surface of the gun vault  10  and a second surface  46  which defines part of the boundary of the inner portion  16  and can be used to couple one or more components of hardware designed to provide functionality, such as a locking mechanism to the gun vault  10 . A plurality of sidewalls  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54  extend upwardly away from the surface  46  when the bottom half first surface  44  is resting on a surface such as a floor or table. A left bottom half extension  56  and right bottom half extension  58 , see  FIGS. 16 and 17 , are secured to portions of the sidewalls  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54  through mechanical fasteners such as screws or other mechanisms, including for example, spot welding or chemical fastening substances, and form a lip  60  which runs along the perimeter of the gun vault bottom half  14 . In the closed position, the sidewalls  36 ,  38 ,  40  and  42  secure over the lip ensuring a complete overlapping enclosure. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 18 , the gun vault with adjustable handle  10  includes a handle  62  which provide both a handle for allowing a user to grip and hold the gun vault  10 , and to provide a mechanism to secure the gun vault  10  to a surface or structure. Accordingly, the handle  62  contains a first elongated member  64 , a second elongated member  66  in a substantially parallel orientation with the first elongated member  64  and second elongated member  66  separated and connected by a base  68  which also functions as a grip for carrying the gun vault  10 . As shown, base  68  contains curved surface  70  to provide generally U-shaped configuration; however such shape is illustrative only as the handle may assume other shapes. The handle  62  is designed to slidably engage with the gun vault bottom half  14 , or alternatively with the gun vault top half  12 . The slidable engagement provides for a handle that not only is removable, but can be variably positioned depending on the object or surface for which attachment may be desired. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a front perspective view of the bottom portion  14  of the gun vault  10  is illustrated with the adjustable handle removed. The bottom portion  14  contains a plurality of openings  72  and  74  sized and shaped to receive both the first elongated member  64  and second elongated member  66  when inserted therein. Both openings  72  and  74  extend through the bottom portion  14 , see  FIG. 11 , to provide access to the interior  16 , see  FIG. 12 , illustrating the first and second elongated members inserted into the gun vault with the locking mechanism for the handle omitted for clarity. The openings  72  and  74  are separated by a space that corresponds to the distance  76  (see  FIG. 18 ) between the first elongated member  64  and second elongated member  66  and by a raised lip  78  having substantially the same orientation of the base  68 . The lip  78  includes a curved surface  79  having a degree of curvature the same as, or similar to the degree of curvature corresponding to the base curved surface  70  of the handle  62 . The raised lip  78  provides a stop surface and allows the handle  62  to assume a flush orientation with the bottom portion  14  (see  FIG. 2 ) when the handle  62  is fully inserted within the openings  72  and  74 . 
         [0050]    Secured to portions of the gun vault bottom half second surface  46  is one or more elongated handle brackets  80 , see  FIGS. 4 ,  19  and  20 . The elongated brackets  80  have a first end  82 , a second end  84 , a main body  86 , and a plurality of sidewalls  88  and  90  which position or raise the main body  86  above a surface. The elongated brackets  80  are designed to create an inner channel covering the first elongated member  64  or the second elongated member  66  of the handle when inserted therein. As such, each of the sidewalls  88  and  90  are set back from the first end  82  to provide an overhand, which is secured via fastening members such as screws or bonded such as through welding to a portion of a raised surface  92  within the gun vault bottom half second surface  46 . 
         [0051]    One end  94  of the walls  88  and  90  contains an angled or curved surface  96 , which corresponds to an angled, or curved surface  96  associated with the raised surface  92 . Sidewall  88  contains a plurality of tabs  98  which are sized and shaped to engage with a plurality of slots  100 , see  FIG. 11 , located within the gun vault bottom half second surface  46 . Sidewall  90  contains an elongated surface  102  secured, via fastening members such as screws or bonded such as through welding to a portion of a raised surface  92  to the gun vault bottom half second surface  46 . A back wall  99  extends downwardly from the main body  86  and can be inserted into a second slotted opening  103  within the gun vault bottom half second surface  46  thereby forming a complete enclosure. 
         [0052]    Opening  106 , seen on  FIG. 19 , is sized and shaped to receive a handle member locking member, illustrated herein as a spring pin assembly  108 . The spring pin assembly includes a spring pin assembly cover  110 , see  FIGS. 4 ,  13  and  21 , a coil spring pin having a pin  112  with spring  114  secured to a bracket  116 . Once the handle  62  is inserted into openings  72  and  74 , depending on the positioning, at least one opening of the plurality of openings  118  located on the first elongated member aligns with the opening  106 . Insertion of the pin  112  maintains the first elongated member  64  and therefore the handle  62  in the locked position. Since the gun vault  10  contains a second spring pin assembly  108  positioned on the opposite side, the second elongated member  66  is locked in the same position. The plurality of openings  118  allows the handle to slide to assume a plurality of positions, see  FIGS. 1-3 , which allows the gun vault  10  to be locked to a surface or object assuming different sizes and/or shapes. Once the pin  112  is placed in position and the top portion  12  is closed, it is nearly impossible to change the positioning of the handle without applying a force sufficient to break the handle. The pin  112  may contain a half ring  118  to aid in removal or placement. 
         [0053]    The gun vault  10  preferably contains a locking assembly  120 , see  FIGS. 4 and 14  that allows the user to place the gun vault  10  in the closed position and prevent others from traversing to the open position. The locking assembly  120  is similar in function to traditional cam style locks. However, the locking assembly  120  provides for a three way locking mechanism. While a three point mechanism using flat surfaces for moving locking members in/out is illustrated, alternative mechanisms such as a two point locking mechanism using rods with rotational mechanisms to engage the locking members, or other mechanisms known to one of skill in the art may be used as well. The locking assembly  120  includes a base; illustrated herein as a tumbler lock  122 , which has a cylindrical body  124  that is inserted within the gun vault upper portion  12 , see  FIGS. 1  and  22 . Insertion of a key into a key receiving receptacle  126  and rotating results in a cylindrical pin  127  rotating as well. The cylindrical pin  127  is coupled to a cam surface  128  (see  FIGS. 5 and 23 ) via an opening  130 . As shown, the cam surface  128  contains three irregularly shaped slide channels  132 ,  134 , and  136 . Each channel couples to independent slides  138 ,  140 , and  142  via screws  144 ,  146 , and  148  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 24 , an illustrative slide  138  is shown. Each of the slides is identical, and therefore only slide  138  is described. However, such features are applicable to the other slides  140  and  142 . The slide  138  secures to the screw  144  via opening  150  placed at a first end  152  of an elongated main body  154 . An extension member  158  extends outwardly at the opposite end  156  and is arranged in a generally perpendicular orientation to the elongated main body  154 . The extension member  158  contains a hooked portion  160  sized and shaped to engage a slotted region  162  of a locking assembly receiving bracket  164 , see  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  25 . The locking assembly receiving bracket  164  is secured to the walls of the lower portion  14  through tab  161  (which secures to a slotted region of the lower portion  14 , not shown) and securing of wings  163  and  165 . As such, there are three locking bracket assemblies  164  corresponding to each of the slides  138 ,  140 , and  142 . 
         [0055]    Each of the slides  138 ,  140 , and  142  are held in by guide bracket  166  and U-shaped bracket  168 , see  FIGS. 5 ,  13  and  26 . A plurality of guide arms  170  on the guide bracket  166  prevents the slides  138 ,  140 , and  142  from moving too far in a vertical direction. As such, as the pin  127  is turned (either clockwise or counterclockwise), slides  138 ,  140 , and  142  move to provide a push/pull movement of the terminal end  171  of the hooked portion  160 . The pushing/pulling movement results in the movement of the terminal end  170  of the hooked portion  160  into (locked position) or out of (unlocked position) the slotted regions  162  of each locking assembly bracket  164 . Providing three locking points (two opposing locking points and a third locking point adjacent to the two opposing locking points) provides additional safety features for the gun vault  10 , as prying apart the upper portion  12  and the lower portion  14  is difficult. In addition, the use of the elongated hinge provides an added safety feature, making entry into the gun vault  10  without a key nearly impossible unless the gun vault  10  is destroyed. A cover  172  covers the locking assembly  120 , hiding all the internal components, see  FIGS. 4 and 27 . 
         [0056]    Finally, to prevent the firearm from moving within the internal area  16 , the gun vault  10  may further include gun securing member. The gun securing member may include a band or bracket to lock the gun in place. Alternatively or in addition to, the gun vault  10  may include an insert, such as a foam material insert  174 , see  FIG. 28 , sized and shaped to fit within the area defined by elongated handle brackets  80  and the raised surface  92  for which the firearm can safely and securely rest there upon without moving. The insert may be made of a material that can prevent penetration and/or passage of a bullet there through. The gun vault  10  may include two inserts, above and below the gun. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 29 , an alternative embodiment of the handle member is illustrated. In this embodiment the handle  62  contains a first elongated member  64 , a second elongated member  66  in a substantially parallel orientation with the first elongated member  64  and second elongated member  66  separated and connected by a flexible base  69  which also functions as a grip for carrying the gun vault  10 . As shown, the flexible base  69  is constructed from a flexible member such as a steel cable to provide generally U-shaped configuration; however such shape is illustrative only as the handle may assume other shapes. It should be noted that while the flexible base is illustrated herein as a steel cable other materials suitable for providing flexibility and sufficient resistance to cutting or breaking by force may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. The handle  62  is designed to slidably engage with the gun vault bottom half  14 , or alternatively with the gun vault top half  12 . The slidable engagement provides for a handle that not only is removable, but can be variably positioned depending on the object or surface for which attachment may be desired. 
         [0058]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0059]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0060]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.