Patent Description:
Preventing the unauthorised use of firearms is a significant concern for firearm owners. Firearm owners may secure their equipment in safes so that they cannot be accessed, including by storing firearms and ammunition separately. Firearm owners may use locking devices to lock the trigger of the firearm in place to prevent firearm discharge.

One known firearm obstructer is disclosed in <CIT> in the name of LARRY ROSS. The firearm obstructer comprises a base that cooperates with the firearm's extractor, a pliable and expandable portion attached to the base for expanding to create an interference fit with the firearm's bore, and a compression shaft that, when rotated, will force the expandable portion outwardly to create the interference fit.

<CIT> discloses a firearm locking mechanism and <CIT> discloses a firearm security device.

It is an aim of example embodiments to improve the ease of use and/or the security, or at least provide an alternative to, the existing devices.

Accordingly, there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended independent claims. Other features will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a firearm obstructer suitable for use in obstructing a passage between a chamber and a muzzle of a firearm, the firearm obstructer comprises: an arm, and a body having a tapered region, wherein the arm is arranged to move relative to the tapered region to transition the firearm obstructer between locking and unlocking configurations, wherein in the locking configuration the firearm obstructer is arranged to engage with the passage to hold the firearm obstructer in place in the passage, and wherein the firearm obstructer so positioned provides an obstruction in the passage, and wherein in the unlocking configuration the firearm obstructer is removable from the passage; and further comprising a locking member, wherein the locking member is connected to the arm so as to cause the relative movement between the arm and the tapered region, and wherein rotation of the locking member causes relative movement of the arm and the tapered region, and wherein rotation of the locking member in one direction causes relative movement of the arm and the tapered region to transition the firearm obstructer to the locking configuration, whereas rotation of the locking member in an opposite direction allows the firearm obstructer to transition to the unlocking configuration; and the firearm obstructer further comprising an advancer, wherein the advancer connects the arm to the locking member, and wherein the connection between the arm and the advancer is arranged to break in response to the predetermined amount of force being applied to the connection so as to separate the advancer from the arm.

Here, "firearm" may refer to a firearm having a barrel with an internal bore that is 'rifled'/grooved or smooth.

The firearm obstructer of the first aspect may transition between locking and unlocking configurations by the movement of an arm relative to a tapered region of the firearm obstructer. The firearm obstructer therefore does not require a compression shaft for placing an expandable portion under compression, as required by the existing device disclosed in <CIT>.

The firearm obstructer may have a first end portion and a second end portion. The axial direction may be from the first end portion to the second end portion and the radial direction may be perpendicular to the axial direction. The arm may be arranged to move relative to the tapered region, in the axial direction, to transition the firearm obstructer between the locking and unlocking configuration.

The arm may be arranged to extend radially outward when transitioning from the unlocking to the locking configuration.

The first end portion may be a wide portion and the second end portion may be a narrow portion of the firearm obstructer. The narrow portion may comprise the body and the arm. In use, the narrow portion may be inserted into the passage and the wide portion may be positioned outside of the passage. The wide portion may prevent the firearm obstructer from being inserted completely into the passage.

The wide portion positioned outside of the passage may enable a firearm user to easily identify the presence of the firearm obstructer in the passage. The wide portion suitably prevents the firearm obstructer being accidentally dropped or positioned too far down the passage such that it cannot easily be retrieved. In addition, the wide portion may provide a convenient point to grasp the firearm obstructer such that it may be removed from the passage when in the unlocking configuration.

In use, the narrow portion may be inserted into a barrel of the firearm.

In use, the narrow portion may be inserted into the breech-end of the barrel of the firearm.

The wide portion may be connected to the narrow portion by a frangible connection arranged to break in response to a predetermined amount of force being applied to the wide portion, and separate the wide portion from the narrow portion such that, in use, the narrow portion may remain within the passage. The wide portion may be a cap. The wide portion may be connected to the narrow portion by adhesive.

The wide portion may separate from the narrow portion in the event that a predetermined amount of force is applied to the wide portion. A predetermined amount of force may for example be applied by an unauthorised person attempting to pull or pry the firearm obstructer out of the passage when the firearm obstructer is in the locking configuration. The wide portion is thus designed to break away from the narrow portion at the frangible connection such that the narrow portion may be left within the passage in the locking configuration, where it will be difficult to dislodge by the unauthorised person. Therefore, the frangible connection between the wide portion and the narrow portions provides a security measure for preventing unauthorised removal of the firearm obstructer.

The firearm obstructer comprises a locking member, wherein rotation of the locking member may cause relative movement of the arm and the tapered region.

The firearm obstructer is able to transition between unlocking and locking configurations by rotation of the locking member.

Rotation of the locking member in one direction causes relative movement of the arm and the tapered region to transition the firearm obstructer to the locking configuration. Rotation of the locking member in an opposite direction allows the firearm obstructer to transition to the unlocking configuration.

The locking member may cooperate with a key such that rotation of the key rotates the locking member. The locking member may cooperate with a key such that rotation of the locking member is only possible with the key.

The locking member may comprise a threaded shaft.

The body and the arm may have an internal aperture for receiving the threaded shaft.

The locking member is connected to the arm so as to cause the relative movement between the arm and the tapered region. The connection between the locking member and the arm is arranged to break in response to a predetermined amount of force being applied to the connection so as to separate the locking member from the arm.

The locking member may be connected to the arm by one or more shear pins.

The connection between the locking member and the arm is arranged to break in response to a predetermined amount of force, for example above a shearing threshold, being applied to the connection. The force may be applied as a result of an unauthorised user applying an axial force to the firearm obstructer in an attempt to dislodge the firearm obstructer from the passage when the firearm obstructer is in the locking configuration. Therefore, the connection between the locking member and the arm provides a security measure that prevents unauthorised removal of the firearm obstructer.

The firearm obstructer further comprises an advancer. The advancer may be connected to the arm by one or more shear pins.

The advancer may be connected to the threaded shaft.

The firearm obstructer may comprise a coupling portion from which the arm extends. In this example, the arm and coupling portion may be integrally formed, for example by comprising the same piece of material. The arm and/or coupling portion may comprise a resilient, flexible material such that extension of the arm in the radial direction takes place by elastic flexion of the arm. The arm and/or coupling portion may bend resiliently from a portion away from the free end of the arm.

The firearm obstructer may comprise a plurality of arms extending from the coupling portion. The arms may be on opposite sides of the coupling portion, or may be distributed around the radial extent of the coupling portion. The arms may be evenly distributed around the coupling portion. The arms may be carried by a base/ring. The arms may comprise a sleeve separated by a plurality of slits/cut-outs. The arms may be in the form of a collet.

The coupling portion may have a circular cross-section. The plurality of arms may extend around the circumference of the coupling portion.

The plurality of arms may define an internal aperture for receiving at least part of the tapered region. As the arms move over the tapered region, the tapered region may urge the plurality of arms outward to form the locking configuration.

The body may comprise a first body having the tapered region and a second body, wherein during normal use the second body and the first body remain at a fixed position relative to one another.

The first body may have an end portion defining an aperture sized to receive the second body. In response to a predetermined amount of force being applied to the second body, the second body may be arranged to be driven into the aperture such that the second body is at least partially retained within the aperture of the first body.

The end portion may be in the form of a collet, and wherein when the second body is driven into the aperture of the collet, the collet expands outwardly to form a locking configuration.

In the locking configuration, the outer surface of the collet may be arranged to engage the passage of the firearm to hold the firearm obstructer in position with the passage and wherein the firearm obstructer so positioned provides an obstruction in the passage.

An outer surface of the second body may be tapered, such that as the second body is driven further into the aperture of the collet, the collect expands further outwardly to form a tighter locking configuration.

The firearm obstructer may further comprise an outer casing arranged to at least partially encase the arm and the body of the firearm obstructer. The outer casing may encase the narrow portion of the firearm obstructer. Advantageously, the outer casing provides further enhancement to the locking configuration.

The outer casing may be formed of a pliant material. The outer casing advantageously may provide protection to the inner surface of the passage. The outer casing protects the passage, thereby preventing the firearm being damaged as a result of the firearm obstructer engaging with the passage.

The outer casing may be formed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The outer casing may be formed of aluminium or brass.

The outer casing may be a flexible non-metallic sleeve. The outer casing may be formed of rubber, a rubber composite material or other composite material.

The outer casing may be arranged to deform and expand in response to heat. The outer casing may be formed of any material capable of expanding outwards, such as in response to heat. Advantageously, the outer casing being able to deform and expand with a relatively high rate of thermal expansion in response to heat means that the firearm obstructer may form a tighter engagement with the passage in the event that heat is applied to the firearm.

The firearm obstructer may further comprise a container arranged to contain an adhesive material. The adhesive material may be of a fast setting nature that may also expand upon setting when in contact with air. The container may be arranged to rupture in response to a predetermined amount of force being applied to the container such that the adhesive contained within the container is released so as to adhesively bond the firearm obstructer in position. The container of adhesive material may provide a further security measure to prevent unauthorised use of the firearm.

The firearm obstructer may be suitable for use with a rifle, considering its external dimensions.

The firearm obstructer may be suitable for use with a shotgun, considering its external dimensions.

The firearm obstructer may be suitable for use with a handgun, considering its external dimensions.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method of operating a firearm obstructer according to the first aspect above, the method comprising: positioning the firearm obstructer within the passage between the chamber and the muzzle of the firearm while in the unlocking configuration; and moving the arm relative to the tapered region to transition the firearm obstructer from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration.

The method may further comprise moving the arm relative to the tapered region to transition the firearm obstructer from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration. The method may further comprise removing the firearm obstructer from the passage.

Referring to <FIG> there is shown an example firearm obstructer indicated generally by the reference numeral <NUM>. The firearm obstructer <NUM> comprises an arm <NUM>, and a body <NUM> having a tapered region <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is arranged to move relative to the tapered region <NUM> to transition the firearm obstructer <NUM> between locking and unlocking configurations.

The firearm obstructer <NUM> is positioned in the passage <NUM> between the chamber and the muzzle of a firearm and in this particular example is positioned in the breech-end of the barrel <NUM> of the firearm. Firearm obstructers <NUM> according to other example embodiments may be positioned in the chamber or the muzzle of the firearm, with corresponding changes to dimensions but the same mode of operation. It is, however, generally expected that the firearm obstructer <NUM> will be positioned in the breech-end of the barrel <NUM> of the firearm, so as to prevent a projectile being loaded into and subsequently discharged from the firearm.

The firearm obstructer <NUM> is shown in the unlocking configuration, in which the firearm obstructer <NUM> is removable from the passage <NUM>. In the locking configuration, the firearm obstructer <NUM> engages with the passage <NUM> to hold the firearm obstructer <NUM> in place in the passage. In this way, the firearm obstructer <NUM> obstructs the passage <NUM> between the chamber and the muzzle of the firearm, thereby preventing the discharge of the firearm.

An operation of the example firearm obstructer <NUM> shown in <FIG> will now be explained with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

In operation, the firearm obstructer <NUM> is positioned in the passage <NUM> between the chamber and the muzzle of the firearm. The firearm obstructer <NUM> is initially in the unlocking configuration as shown in <FIG>.

The user transitions the firearm obstructer <NUM> to the locking configuration by moving the arm <NUM> relative to the tapered region <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown the firearm obstructer <NUM> transitioning to the locking configuration. Here, the arm <NUM> has moved towards the body <NUM> in the axial direction as compared to the unlocking configuration shown in <FIG>. The movement towards the body <NUM> moves the arm <NUM> over the tapered region <NUM> which moves the arm <NUM> outwards in the radial direction. The radial outward movement of the arm <NUM> places the arm <NUM> in engagement with the passage <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown the firearm obstructer <NUM> in the locking configuration. Here, the arm <NUM> has moved further axially towards the body <NUM> as compared to <FIG>. As a result, the arm <NUM> has been moved further radially outwards and into further engagement with the passage <NUM>. In this way, the firearm obstructer <NUM> obstructs the passage <NUM> between the chamber and the muzzle of the firearm, thereby preventing the discharge of the firearm, and as described in greater detail below is held in place so that unauthorised removal is prevented.

Referring again to <FIG>, the firearm obstructer <NUM> has a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>. The axial direction is from the first end portion <NUM> to the second end portion <NUM> and the radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction. The arm <NUM> is arranged to move relative to the tapered region <NUM> in the axial direction to transition the firearm obstructer <NUM> between the locking and unlocking configurations.

The first end portion <NUM> is a wide portion <NUM>. The second end portion <NUM> is a narrow portion <NUM>. The wide portion <NUM> is wider than the diameter of the passage <NUM>. In use, the narrow portion <NUM> is inserted into the passage <NUM> of the firearm and the wide portion <NUM> is positioned outside of the passage <NUM> of the firearm. The wide portion <NUM> is in the form of an end cap <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown an example end cap <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> is in the form of a disc and has a central aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may be used to enable a key to access a lock of the firearm obstructer <NUM>. The lock is discussed in greater detail below.

Referring again to <FIG>, the narrow portion <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM> is connected to the wide portion <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM> is connected to an end cap <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> is fixedly attached to the rest of the narrow portion <NUM> such as by being bolted to the rest of the narrow portion <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> acts to prevent access to the internal components of the firearm obstructer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown an example end cap <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> is in the form of a disc and has two apertures <NUM> through which bolts may be received for fastening the end cap <NUM> to the rest of the narrow portion <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the wide portion <NUM> is connected to the narrow portion <NUM> by a frangible connection arranged to break in response to a predetermined amount of force being applied to the wide portion <NUM>. This means that if a force equal to or in excess of the predetermined amount of force is applied to the wide portion <NUM>, the frangible connection breaks.

As a result of the frangible connection breaking, the wide portion <NUM> is separated from narrow portion <NUM>. The predetermined amount of force may be selected to be sufficiently high to prevent accidental removal of the wide portion <NUM>. In addition, the predetermined amount of force may be selected such that the connection between the wide portion <NUM> and the narrow portion <NUM> breaks before sufficient force is applied to the firearm obstructer <NUM> to remove it from the passage <NUM> when in the locking configuration.

The frangible connection may be provided by using an adhesive to bond the wide portion <NUM> to the narrow portion <NUM>.

This arrangement means that if, in use, an unauthorised user pulls on the wide portion <NUM>, in an attempt to pull the firearm obstructer <NUM> out of the passage <NUM>, the wide portion <NUM> will separate from the narrow portion <NUM>. The narrow portion <NUM> will remain within the passage <NUM> meaning that there is no part of the firearm obstructer <NUM> extending out of the passage <NUM> that could be used to attempt to pull or pry the firearm obstructer <NUM> out of the passage <NUM>.

The mechanism by which relative movement of the tapered region <NUM> and the arm <NUM> transitions the firearm obstructer <NUM> between the locking and unlocking configurations will now be described with reference to <FIG>.

The tapered region <NUM> of the body <NUM> is tapered in the axial direction such that the width of the tapered region <NUM> increases in the direction from the second end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM> to the first end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>. The body <NUM> is generally cone-shaped and has an internal aperture running from one end to the other.

At least part of the tapered region <NUM> is received within an internal aperture defined by the arms <NUM>.

In operation, as the arm <NUM> moves relative to the tapered region <NUM>, the arm <NUM> moves over the tapered region <NUM> and is in contact with the tapered region <NUM>. If the arm <NUM> moves axially towards the first end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM> then the arm <NUM> is urged outwardly in the radial direction due to the direction of taper of the tapered region <NUM>. By contrast, if the arm <NUM> moves axially towards the second end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM> the arm <NUM> moves radially inwards.

The firearm obstructer <NUM> further comprises a locking member indicated generally by the reference numeral <NUM>. The movement of the arm <NUM> relative to the tapered region <NUM> is caused by the locking member <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> is rotatable, and this rotation of the locking member <NUM> causes the arm <NUM> to move relative to the tapered region <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> comprises a lock <NUM> and a threaded shaft <NUM>. The threaded shaft <NUM> is arranged to extend from the first end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM> towards the second end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>. The threaded shaft <NUM> is received within the internal aperture of the arm <NUM> and the body <NUM>. <FIG> only shows a simplified form of the lock, but the skilled person will appreciate that a multi-pin lock could be used in place of the simplified lock <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The lock <NUM> is configured to receive a key (not shown). The locking member <NUM> may cooperate with the key such that rotation of the key rotates the locking member <NUM>. In order to ensure that an ideal operational locking force is provided, the key may be angled and incorporate a torque limiter. The torque limiter may be pre-set at manufacture.

The threaded shaft <NUM> has a threaded region <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> further comprises an advancer <NUM> that is connected to the threaded region <NUM> of the threaded shaft <NUM> and is connected to the arm <NUM>. The advancer <NUM> acts to connect the arm <NUM> to the locking member <NUM> such that rotation of the locking member <NUM> effects movement of the arm <NUM> relative to the tapered region <NUM>.

In use, the firearm obstructer <NUM> is positioned in the passage <NUM> while in the unlocking configuration.

The key is inserted into the lock <NUM> and rotated.

Rotation of the key in the lock <NUM> causes the threaded shaft <NUM> to rotate.

Rotation of the threaded shaft <NUM> draws the advancer <NUM> along the threaded shaft <NUM>. With this motion, the arm <NUM> impinges on and moves over the tapered region <NUM>, and the arm <NUM> moves radially outwardly.

If the key is rotated clockwise, for example, the threaded shaft <NUM> is caused to rotate, and this rotation causes the advancer <NUM> to move along the threaded shaft <NUM> in a direction towards to the first end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>. The movement of the advancer <NUM> causes the arm <NUM> to move over the tapered region <NUM> in a direction towards the first end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>. The tapered region <NUM> widens in the direction towards the first end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>. Continued rotation of the key in this direction causes the arm <NUM> to move radially outwards into engagement with the passage <NUM> in which the firearm obstructer <NUM> is located. By selecting the amount of key rotation, the amount of pressure between the arms <NUM> and the material of the passage <NUM> (e.g. the barrel of the firearm) can be controlled.

To transition back to the unlocking configuration, the key is rotated counter-clockwise, for example, and the advancer <NUM> moves away from the first end <NUM> and towards the second end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>. The movement of the advancer <NUM> causes the arm <NUM> to move in a direction towards the second end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>. The tapered region <NUM> narrows in the direction towards the second end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>. Continued rotation in this sense causes the arm <NUM> to be moved from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration, so that the firearm obstructer <NUM> can be removed from the passage <NUM>.

In both cases the key is removed from the firearm obstructer <NUM> after rotation is completed, preventing further rotation of the firearm obstructer <NUM>.

The firearm obstructer <NUM> comprises a coupling portion <NUM> from which the arm <NUM> extends. The coupling portion <NUM> is integrally formed with the arm <NUM> in the example of <FIG>. The coupling portion <NUM> may be considered as an extension of, or more generally a part of the arm <NUM>.

In this example, there is a plurality of arms <NUM>. Two of the arms <NUM> are visible in <FIG>. The present invention is not limited to any particular number of arms <NUM> in the firearm obstructer <NUM>. The skilled person will appreciate that the firearm obstructer <NUM> may have one arm <NUM>, two arms <NUM>, or three or more arms <NUM>. The arms <NUM> may comprise a sleeve separated by a plurality of slits/cut-outs. The particular number of arms <NUM> can be selected as desired.

The arms <NUM> and/or coupling portion <NUM> comprise a resilient, flexible material such that extension of the arms <NUM> in the radial direction takes place by elastic flexion of the arms <NUM>. The arms <NUM> and/or coupling portion <NUM> may bend resiliently from a portion away from the free end of the arm <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown one example arrangement of the arms <NUM> and coupling portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the plurality of arms <NUM> extend from the coupling portion <NUM> in the axial direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the coupling portion <NUM> has an annular cross-section.

Referring to <FIG>, the plurality of arms <NUM> extend around the circumference of the coupling portion <NUM>. There are sixteen such arms <NUM> shown in <FIG> but the present invention is not limited to any particular number of arms <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the coupling portion <NUM> and arms <NUM> define an internal aperture. The arms <NUM> and coupling portion <NUM> of Figures 4a-4d therefore effectively form a lantern-ring.

Referring to <FIG>, the end portions <NUM> of the arms <NUM> are tapered in the axial direction such that the tips <NUM> of the arms <NUM> are the narrowest points of the arms <NUM>. The tapered surface <NUM> of the arms <NUM> face the tapered region <NUM> (<FIG>).

Referring again to <FIG>, the advancer <NUM> is connected to the arm <NUM> by one or more shear pins <NUM>. The shear pins <NUM> connect the advancer <NUM> to the coupling portion <NUM>. The shear pins <NUM> are arranged to break in response to a predetermined amount of shear force being applied to the connection. The shear pins <NUM> breaking results in the locking member <NUM> being separated from the arm <NUM> because, in this example, the advancer <NUM> is no longer connected to the coupling <NUM>. As a result, rotation of the locking member <NUM> is not able to cause movement of the arm <NUM>.

Significantly, the connection between the locking member <NUM> and the arm <NUM> is arranged to break in response to a predetermined amount of shear force being applied to the connection. The shear force may be applied as a result of an unauthorised user applying a percussive force to the firearm obstructer <NUM> in an attempt to dislodge the firearm obstructer <NUM> from the passage <NUM> when the firearm obstructer <NUM> is in the locking configuration. Therefore, the breakable connection between the locking member <NUM> and the arm <NUM> provides a security measure that prevents unauthorised removal of the firearm obstructer <NUM>.

The body <NUM> comprises a first body <NUM> having the tapered region <NUM> and a second body <NUM>.

The first body <NUM> has an end portion <NUM> that defines an aperture sized to receive the second body <NUM>. During normal use, the second body <NUM> is separated from and not directly contacting the first body <NUM>. The second body <NUM> normally remains at a fixed distance relative to the first body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the end portion <NUM> of the first body <NUM> is in the form of a collet <NUM>. The collet <NUM> forms a collar around the aperture of the first body <NUM>. The collet <NUM> has a plurality of arms <NUM> positioned around the circumference of the aperture and separated by slits <NUM>. The plurality of arms <NUM> are tapered in the axial direction. The taper extends in the same direction as the tapered region <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the second body <NUM> has a first region <NUM> and a tapered region <NUM>. The first region <NUM> and the tapered region <NUM> both have an internal aperture.

During normal use, the second body <NUM> and the first body <NUM> remain at a fixed position relative to one another.

In response to a predetermined amount of force being applied to the second body <NUM>, the second body <NUM> is arranged to be driven into the aperture of the collet <NUM> such that the second body <NUM> is at least partially retained within the aperture of the collet <NUM>. The second body <NUM> being driven into the first body <NUM> acts to expand the collet <NUM> outwardly in the radial direction to form a locking configuration. In this locking configuration, the collet <NUM> engages the passage <NUM> to hold the firearm obstructer <NUM> in position with the passage <NUM>. The firearm obstructer <NUM> so positioned provides an obstruction in the passage <NUM>.

The outer surface of the second body <NUM> is tapered due to tapered region <NUM>. As the second body <NUM> is driven further into the aperture of the collet <NUM>, the collet <NUM> expands further outwardly to form a tighter locking configuration.

The firearm obstructer <NUM> further comprises an outer casing <NUM> arranged to at least partially encase the arm <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM>. In this example, the outer casing <NUM> entirely encases the narrow portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM>.

The outer casing <NUM> is formed of a pliant material so as to provide protection to the inner surface of the passage <NUM>. The outer casing <NUM> protects the passage <NUM>, thereby preventing the firearm from being damaged as a result of the firearm obstructer <NUM> engaging with the passage <NUM>.

The outer casing <NUM> provides further enhancement to the locking configuration. In particular, and as shown in <FIG>, in the locking configuration, the outer casing <NUM> forms a 'bow-wave' of material <NUM> at the ends of the arms <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This 'bow-wave' effect provides additional resistance against an attempted removal of the firearm obstructer <NUM> by force.

The outer casing <NUM> is a flexible non-metallic sleeve. The outer casing <NUM> is formed of rubber or a composite material.

The outer casing <NUM> is constructed from a material that is arranged to deform and expand in response to heat. As a result the firearm obstructer <NUM> may form a tighter engagement with the passage <NUM> in the event that heat is applied to the firearm.

An operation whereby an unauthorised user attempts to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> from the passage <NUM> by force when in the locking configuration will now be explained with reference to <FIG>. The firearm obstructer <NUM> of <FIG> is the same as the firearm obstructer <NUM> of <FIG>. The same reference numerals have been used for convenience.

In this example, the unauthorised user is attempting to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> via the breech end of the barrel in which the firearm obstructer <NUM> is positioned.

Initially, the unauthorised user may attempt to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> by pulling or prying the wide portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown an arrangement of the firearm obstructer <NUM> as a result of an unauthorised user attempting to pull or pry the firearm obstructer <NUM> out of the passage <NUM>. Here it is shown that the wide portion <NUM> has separated from the narrow portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM>. This is because the connection between the wide portion <NUM> and the narrow portion <NUM> is arranged to break in response to a predetermined amount of force as explained previously.

As a result of the wide portion <NUM> separating from the narrow portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM>, it will be difficult for the unauthorised user to attempt to pull the firearm obstructer <NUM> out of the passage <NUM> because the narrow portion <NUM> is disposed inside the passage <NUM>. Instead, the unauthorised user may attempt to apply an axial force to the firearm obstructer <NUM> in an attempt to dislodge the firearm obstructer <NUM> from the passage <NUM>. An example application of a axial, percussive, force to the first end <NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM> is shown by the directional arrows included in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the application of the axial force results in the shear pins <NUM> breaking. This separates the locking member from the arm <NUM>, and as such, the locking member <NUM> is unable to cause movement of the arm <NUM> to transition the arm <NUM> out of the locking configuration. In addition, the axial force results in the second body <NUM> being drive into the aperture of the collet <NUM> such that the collet <NUM> expands outwardly to engage the passage <NUM>. The collet <NUM> engaging the passage <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. This essentially forms a second locking configuration for the firearm obstructer <NUM> such that the firearm obstructer <NUM> is held in an even securer position with the passage <NUM>.

Another operation whereby an unauthorised user attempts to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> from the passage <NUM> by force when in the locking configuration will now be explained with reference to <FIG>. The firearm obstructer <NUM> of <FIG> is the same as the firearm obstructer <NUM> of <FIG>. The same reference numerals have been used for convenience.

In this example, the unauthorised user is attempting to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> via the muzzle end of the barrel. The firearm obstructer <NUM> is positioned in the breech end of the barrel. The unauthorised user may place an object in the muzzle end of the barrel and use this object to apply a force to the firearm obstructer <NUM> in an attempt to dislodge the firearm obstructer <NUM>. The application of the force, for example a percussive force, is indicated by the directional arrows in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the application of the percussive force results in the shear pins <NUM> breaking. This separates the locking member <NUM> from the arm <NUM>, and as such, the locking member <NUM> is unable to cause movement of the arm <NUM> to transition the arm <NUM> out of the locking configuration.

As shown in <FIG>, the application of further axial force after the shear pins <NUM> break results in the arm <NUM> being driven further towards the body <NUM> in the axial direction. This results in the arm <NUM> moving further outwards in the radial direction so as to form a tighter engagement with the passage <NUM>. As a result, the firearm obstructer <NUM> is held in an even securer position with the passage <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the firearm obstructer <NUM> of the first aspect may prevent unauthorised attempts to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> from one or both ends of the firearm (e.g. breech-end and/or muzzle end).

It will further be appreciated that both operations explained above in which an unauthorised user attempts to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> will result in the firearm being essentially non-operational as the firearm obstructer <NUM> is held in a tight engagement with the passage <NUM>. Further attempts to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> from the passage <NUM> by applying a axial force to either end of the firearm obstructer <NUM> will only result in the firearm obstructer <NUM> being driven into even tighter engagement with the passage <NUM>.

The firearm obstructer <NUM> may further comprise a container (not shown) arranged to contain an adhesive material. The container is arranged to rupture in response to a predetermined amount of force being applied to the container such that the adhesive contained within the container is released so as to adhesively bond the firearm obstructer <NUM> in position. The container of adhesive material provides a further security measure to prevent unauthorised use of the firearm.

The firearm obstructer <NUM> may have a length that is similar to that of a typical projectile/ammunition round for the firearm that the firearm obstructer <NUM> is intended to be used with. For example, in the case of a <NUM>-bore shotgun, the typical overall length of the firearm obstructer <NUM> would be approximately <NUM>. In the case of a contemporary current military or police firearm ammunition round, the typical overall length would be between <NUM> and <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the length of the firearm obstructer <NUM> will be dependent on the firearm for which the firearm obstructer <NUM> is intended to be used with. The firearm obstructer <NUM> may have a length less than or equal to <NUM>.

The narrow portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM> may have a diameter that is similar to that of a typical projectile/ammunition round for the firearm that the firearm obstructer <NUM> is intended to be used with. It will be appreciated that the diameter of the narrow portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM> will be dependent on the firearm for which the firearm obstructer <NUM> is intended to be used with. For example, in the case of a <NUM>-bore shotgun, the typical diameter of the narrow portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM> when in the locking configuration would be approximately <NUM>. The narrow portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM> may have a diameter of less than or equal to <NUM> when in the locking configuration.

The wide portion <NUM> of the firearm obstructer <NUM> may have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a typical projectile/ammunition round that the firearm obstructer <NUM> is intended to be used with. The diameter of the wide portion <NUM> may be minimally sufficient to prevent the device from totally entering the breech of the firearm, for example. In one example case where the firearm is a <NUM>-bore shotgun, the diameter of the wide portion <NUM>, the diameter is approximately <NUM> greater than the diameter of the narrow portion <NUM> when the narrow portion <NUM> is in the locking configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a method according to the second aspect for operating the firearm obstructer <NUM>.

In step S101, the firearm obstructer <NUM> is positioned within the passage <NUM> between the chamber and the muzzle of the firearm while in the unlocking configuration.

In step S102, the arm <NUM> is moved relative to the tapered region <NUM> to transition the firearm obstructer <NUM> from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration. As a result, of step <NUM>, the firearm obstructer <NUM> is securely positioned within the passage <NUM> such that the firearm obstructer <NUM> obstructs the passage <NUM>.

In step S103, in order to remove the firearm obstructer <NUM> from the passage <NUM>, the arm <NUM> is moved relative to the tapered region <NUM> to transition the firearm obstructer <NUM> from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration.

In step S104, the firearm obstructer <NUM> is removed from the passage <NUM>.

The described and illustrated embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as "preferable", "preferably", "preferred" or "more preferred" in the description suggest that a feature so described may be desirable, it may nevertheless not be necessary and embodiments lacking such a feature may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used to preface a feature there is no intention to limit the claim to only one such feature unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claim 1:
A firearm obstructer (<NUM>) suitable for use in obstructing a passage between a chamber and a muzzle of a firearm, the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) comprising: an arm (<NUM>), and a body (<NUM>) having a tapered region (<NUM>),
wherein the arm (<NUM>) is arranged to move relative to the tapered region (<NUM>) to transition the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) between locking and unlocking configurations,
wherein in the locking configuration the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) is arranged to engage with the passage to hold the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) in place in the passage, and wherein the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) so positioned provides an obstruction in the passage, and
wherein in the unlocking configuration the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) is removable from the passage; and
further comprising a locking member (<NUM>), wherein the locking member (<NUM>) is connected to the arm (<NUM>) so as to cause the relative movement between the arm (<NUM>) and the tapered region (<NUM>), and wherein rotation of the locking member (<NUM>) causes relative movement of the arm (<NUM>) and the tapered region (<NUM>), and wherein rotation of the locking member (<NUM>) in one direction causes relative movement of the arm (<NUM>) and the tapered region (<NUM>) to transition the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) to the locking configuration, whereas rotation of the locking member (<NUM>) in an opposite direction allows the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) to transition to the unlocking configuration; and
the firearm obstructer (<NUM>) further comprising an advancer (<NUM>), wherein the advancer (<NUM>) connects the arm (<NUM>) to the locking member (<NUM>), and wherein the connection between the arm (<NUM>) and the advancer (<NUM>) is arranged to break in response to the predetermined amount of force being applied to the connection so as to separate the advancer (<NUM>) from the arm (<NUM>).