US20110247950A1 - Firearm Lock and Rapid Actuation Unit - Google Patents
Firearm Lock and Rapid Actuation Unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110247950A1 US20110247950A1 US12/962,242 US96224210A US2011247950A1 US 20110247950 A1 US20110247950 A1 US 20110247950A1 US 96224210 A US96224210 A US 96224210A US 2011247950 A1 US2011247950 A1 US 2011247950A1
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- fsra
- housing
- lid
- firearm
- carrier
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41C—SMALLARMS, e.g. PISTOLS, RIFLES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- F41C33/00—Means for wearing or carrying smallarms
- F41C33/06—Containers for carrying smallarms, e.g. safety boxes, gun cases
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to firearm safes and more particularly to a firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit.
- Firearm safety is a paramount concern among firearm owners and gun enthusiasts. As a result of this concern, there is a plethora of gun safes on the market, many equipped with high technology locking devices. Firearm owners largely fall into one of two categories with a substantial overlap between the two categories. In the first category, firearm owners are interested in the firearm from a functional/aesthetic perspective. In the second category, the firearm owners are interested in the firearm as a protection tool for protecting their domiciles. Firearm safes 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. At the same time, safes with electronic code entry panels or mechanical safe combinations make the contents of the safe essentially unreachable for a common thief.
- a firearm owner that has obtained the firearm for the purpose of protecting his/her domicile would need to reach the firearm quickly and safely. For example in a middle of a night, upon hearing an intruder approaching a bedroom, the owner may not have time to get out of bed, approach the safe, which may be in another room, key in the combination in the dark, open the safe, retrieve the firearm and point it at the direction of the intruder. However, placing the firearm in a drawer near the bed would not provide the safety that would be required by the owner against accidental or unauthorized use of the firearm, e.g., by a minor.
- a firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit includes a housing, and an activation mechanism mounted to the housing and configured to generate an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. Also, the FSRA includes a lid operably connected to the housing and configured to be placed in a closed position and an open position, the lid being moved from the closed position to the open position in response to generation of the activation signal, the lid inhibits access to an interior of the housing in the closed position.
- the FSRA includes a carrier movable with respect to the housing and configured to be placed in a first position and a second position, the carrier being moved from the first position to the second position in response to generation of the activation signal, the carrier is disposed within the housing when in the first position and when the lid is in the closed position.
- FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a firearm safe and rapid actuation unit (FSRA), in a closed position.
- FSRA firearm safe and rapid actuation unit
- FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the FSRA of FIG. 1A , in an actuated position according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of various components shown with the cover broken away from the FSRA of FIG. 1C .
- FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of various components broken away from the FSRA of FIG. 1C .
- FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of various components broken away from the FSRA embodiment depicted in FIG. 1C .
- FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of various components of a transport mechanism broken away from the FSRA of FIG. 1C .
- FIGS. 5A , 5 B, 5 C, and 5 D depict a perspective view of various components positioned within the FSRA of FIG. 1C .
- FIG. 6 depicts a driver schematic for activating an actuator in the FSRA of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 7 depicts a lead-acid linear charge management circuit for charging a lead-acid battery used as an electrical power source for the FSRA of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 8 depicts a regulator for down-converting to a voltage used by various electronic components of the FSRA of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a FSRA, in a closed position according to another embodiment with the lid removed, showing various internal components.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic view of various components of the FSRA of FIG. 9 in a closed position.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the components of the FSRA of FIG. 10 in an actuated position.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of various components of the FSRA of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fingerprint reader and actuator assembly that can be used with the FSRAs of FIGS. 1 and 9 .
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of various components of the fingerprint reader and actuator assembly of FIG. 13 broken away.
- the FSRA includes a gear-driven actuation mechanism for moving a carrier holding a firearm out of a housing from a position wherein the carrier is within the housing.
- a gearless actuation mechanism is disclosed for projecting a carrier out of a housing from a position wherein the carrier is within the housing.
- different electronic actuation mechanisms are disclosed which can be used with either of the two embodiments.
- FIG. 1A a perspective view of an FSRA 100 is depicted in a closed position.
- the FSRA 100 can be used as a safe for safekeeping a firearm 45 (see FIG. 1B ).
- Material of the FSRA 100 can be chosen to inhibit destructibility.
- the components can be selected to provide a significant obstacle to unauthorized access to the inside of the FSRA 100 .
- the FSRA 100 includes a housing 102 , a lid 104 pivotably attached to the housing 102 , and a carrier 106 .
- the FSRA 100 also includes a fingerprint reader assembly 116 , indicator lamps 114 , an actuation mechanism 200 (see FIG. 3 ), a transport mechanism 250 (see FIG. 4 ), and other internal components (see FIG. 2 ), discussed.
- the housing 102 and the lid 104 form a continuous outline of a rectangular box, and the carrier 106 completely within the interior defined by the housing 102 and the lid 104 .
- the carrier 106 is intended to receive a firearm 45 .
- the housing 102 and lid 104 can be designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing shape suitable for decoration.
- FSRA 100 may include additional functionality and assume a common shape for that functionality, e.g. an alarm clock. In any event, the lid 104 in its unactuated position prevents access to the firearm 45 .
- the FSRA 100 is depicted in an actuated position.
- the lid 104 is depicted in a position which is pivoted upward from the housing 102 .
- a carrier 106 is depicted in a projected position outward from the housing 102 .
- the firearm 45 is depicted resting within the carrier 106 , readily accessible to the owner or another authorized user of the firearm 45 .
- the carrier 106 is a rigid box or container that has an open end facilitating access to its interior.
- the carrier 106 includes a flexible member 108 , a cover 109 , side walls 110 , and a base 112 .
- the flexible member 108 is coupled to a bottom portion of the cover 109 and is substantially enclosed by the side walls 110 and the base 112 .
- the carrier 106 is slidably disposed within the housing 102 and, as shown in FIG. 1B , is configured to carry and firmly hold the firearm 45 .
- the carrier 106 is configured to slide outward and upward, as will be discussed in detail below.
- a space is provided between the flexible member 108 and the base 112 which provides the proper cavity for the firearm 45 .
- a layer of nylon or other hard material is provided on the top surface of the base 112 . This layer is provided to prevent damage and to the firearm 45 .
- the flexible member 108 is made from a material, e.g., stiff foam, that is configured to protect the firearm 45 from damage while securely pressing down on the firearm 45 to prevent any rattling of the firearm 45 inside the FSRA 100 .
- the semicircle opening of the flexible member 108 is provided to protect knuckles of a user's hand as well as guide the person's hand around the handle of the firearm 45 described in further detail below.
- Flanges 113 formed at the longitudinal end of the base 112 provide a longitudinal travel limit of the firearm 45 . Accordingly, the firearm 45 is securely held within the space formed by the flexible member 108 , the base 112 , and the flanges 113 , regardless of whether in the actuated or unactuated position.
- Indicator lights 114 provide status information of the FSRA 100 .
- Light emitting diodes LED of different colors can be used for the indicator lights 114 .
- a red light can be used to indicate the FSRA 100 is in an actuated position (i.e., the configuration depicted in FIG. 1B )
- a green light can be used to indicate the FSRA 100 is in a closed position ready to be actuated (i.e., the position depicted in FIG. 1A )
- an amber light can be used to indicate a fault condition exists with the FSRA 100 , e.g., an undercharged battery, which will be discussed in more detail further below.
- Any one of the three indicator lights 114 can be used to provide additional information.
- the green LED 114 can be flashing to indicate that the FSRA 100 is in a state of charging.
- diagnostic status information can be conveyed by a combination of blinking LEDs 114 .
- blinking green and amber LEDs can be used to indicate an electrical short within one of the components. It will be appreciated that other lighting technologies such as incandescent lights can also be used as the indicator lights 114 .
- a fingerprint reader assembly 116 is attached to the front side of the housing 102 .
- the fingerprint reader assembly 116 includes a cover 117 and a fingerprint reader 118 .
- the fingerprint reader 118 includes a lens (described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14 ) designed to receive a tip segment of a thumb or any other human finger, not shown.
- the cover 117 is configured to surround the lens such that a person can place one of his/her fingers (or thumbs) inside the cover 117 and against the lens of the fingerprint reader 118 while holding an open palm toward the FSRA 100 .
- the cover 117 is shaped to be used as an anchor for the finger (or the thumb) and the hand while the FSRA 100 is in the process of activation.
- cover 117 can be used as a registration (i.e. positioning) mechanism for a finger (or thumb) for fast and accurate registration and recognition of the fingerprint.
- the inside of cover 117 can be formed in shape of a funnel to guide a user to insert his or her finger (or thumb) inside the cover 117 .
- the lid 104 also includes a button assembly 120 which is positioned centrally on the lid 104 .
- the button assembly 120 includes a fastener 121 and a spring-loaded button 122 .
- the spring-loaded button 122 is biased upward and away from the lid 104 , and is secured to the lid 104 with the fastener 121 .
- the button assembly 120 can be positioned at a different location on the FSRA 100 , e.g., the sides.
- the button assembly 120 and the fingerprint reader assembly 116 generally form an activation mechanism for sensing a predetermined condition, e.g., scanning a fingerprint pattern, generating information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and comparing the information to previously stored information representative of a fingerprint pattern of an authorized user.
- FIG. 2 a partially-exploded, perspective view of various additional, interior components of the FSRA 100 is depicted.
- a rail 152 Depicted in FIG. 2 are a rail 152 , a base 154 , and a rack 156 .
- the rail 152 is attached to the housing 102 and provides a sliding surface for the base 112 of the carrier 106 .
- the rack 156 causes rotation of a pinion 208 (shown in FIG. 3 ) which is engaged to the rack 156 .
- the base 154 separates the aforementioned components of the FSRA 100 from the electronic components discussed in further detail below.
- the actuation mechanism 200 includes a bracket 202 , a fastener 204 , pins 206 , a gear 210 and a shaft 212 .
- the bracket 202 connects and supports the pinion 208 , the shaft 212 , and the gear 210 by the fastener 204 .
- the pins 206 connect the shaft 212 to the pinion 208 and the gear 210 .
- the actuation mechanism 200 also includes a bracket 222 .
- the bracket 222 is provided to support a gear 214 which interfaces with a gear 218 .
- the bracket 222 is mounted to the lid 104 by fasteners (not shown).
- the gear 214 is rigidly coupled to the bracket 222 .
- rotation of the bracket 222 causes rotation of the gear 214 which is part of transport mechanism.
- the transport mechanism 250 also includes gears 216 and 218 .
- the gear 218 is rigidly coupled to the gear 216 which interfaces with the gear 210 .
- the components are configured to translate rotational movement of the lid 104 into rotational movement of the pinion 208 which is further configured to translate into linear motion of the rack 156 and with it the carrier 106 .
- a keyed lock 224 is also depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the keyed lock 224 is positioned on the side of the housing 102 .
- an electronic control actuates the FSRA 100 to the position depicted in FIG. 1B based on recognizing a fingerprint pattern.
- the FSRA 100 can also be actuated (into the position depicted in FIG. 1B ) by inserting an appropriate key into the keyed lock 224 and turning the lock.
- FIG. 4 Also depicted in FIG. 4 is a heel 254 positioned at both sides of the bracket 222 (also see FIG. 5B ).
- the heels 254 provides a positive stop for the rotational movement of the bracket 222 according to an arc denoted by “A-A” ( FIG. 4 ) and arc denoted by “C-C” ( FIG. 5B ). Therefore, the heels 254 are configured to strike the bottom of the housing 102 or the base 154 in order to limit the rotational movements of the bracket 222 .
- the heels 254 may be accommodated with bumpers (not shown) in order to cushion the contact between the heels 254 and the housing 102 or the base 154 .
- a bracket 255 provides two slots 256 and 258 for programming the FSRA 100 , e.g., providing information representative of fingerprints patterns of authorized users of the FSRA 100 .
- FIGS. 5A-5D additional actuation components of the FSRA 100 are depicted.
- an activation device 300 e.g., a solenoid
- the activation device 300 is coupled to a lever 306 .
- the keyed lock 224 also interfaces with the lever 306 by an arm-fastener 304 .
- a shaft 308 protrudes inward into the housing 102 and is configured to provide a bearing structure for the bracket 222 .
- a latch 310 is coupled to the lever 306 by an arm 309 .
- the latch 310 is configured to be inserted into a latch-holder 311 (shown in FIG. 5D ) of the lid 104 .
- the latch holder 311 includes an opening 312 configured to receive the latch 310 .
- the lid 104 is in the locked position ( FIG. 1A ).
- the lid 104 is allowed to move into the actuation position ( FIG. 1B ).
- the latch 310 is pulled out of the latch-holder 311 of the lid 104 by energizing the activation device 300 or by turning the keyed lock 224 with an appropriate key.
- the lever 306 is designed to slide back-and-forth in the direction denoted by arrows “B-B”.
- the activation device 300 includes a spring (not shown) which forces the lever 306 and the latch 310 to the left (e.g., with respect to FIG. 5D ).
- the activation device 300 is energized the latch 310 is moved to the right (e.g., with respect to FIG. 5D ).
- the latch 310 includes a sloped portion 313 , a flat portion 314 , and a hook portion 316 .
- the sloped portion 313 of the latch 310 makes contact with the opening 312 of the latch holder 311 and generates a force in opposition to the force generated by the spring of the activation device 300 which causes the latch 310 and the lever 306 to be pushed toward the activation device 300 .
- This movement continues until the hook portion 316 reaches the opening 312 at which point the latch 310 slides into the opening 312 where the flat portion 314 rests against the opening 312 .
- the hook portion 316 prevents accidental unlatching of the latch 310 from the opening 312 .
- a charged device 320 is provided between the bracket 222 and an anchor 322 .
- the anchor 322 is securely attached to the housing 102 .
- a bracket interface 324 provides structural support between the shaft 308 and the bracket 222 .
- the charged device 320 In the unactuated position ( FIG. 1A ), the charged device 320 is in a charged stated with potential energy. Therefore, the charged device 320 is configured to rotate the bracket 222 in the direction of arrows denoted by “C-C”. As discussed above, the heel 254 limits the rotation of the bracket 222 .
- the charged device 320 may be one of a gas spring, a spring, an explosive squib or other devices where potential energy is stored in the device.
- the potential energy is capable of being converted into kinetic energy thereby applying a force to the bracket 222 .
- an explosive squib (not shown) can also be used in place of the activation device 300 .
- the squib (not shown) can be used to cause the lever to move in the direction of the arrows “B-B” in order to move the latch 310 out of the latch-holder 311 .
- Squibs are less expensive than solenoid (the activation device 300 ) and a gas cylinder (the charged device 320 ) and can be activated by small capacitors in place of larger batteries. However, the latter devices are reusable/rechargeable, while squib cartridges require replacement.
- the circuit 350 is basically divided into two circuits: a drive circuit 354 and a low battery detection circuit 356 .
- a header 352 provides electrical connectivity between the input/output circuit 350 and other electronic components.
- the header 352 allows a modular approach.
- the drive circuit 354 drives the activation device 300 via connections 355 A and 355 B.
- a series of bipolar transistors are used to provide an appropriate voltage, e.g., 12 V, to the activation device 300 for activation.
- the low battery detection circuit 356 senses voltage of a battery (not shown) and can thereby be used to provide power to one of the indicator lights 114 to indicate the battery voltage is below a predetermined threshold.
- a header 358 is also provided for connecting several lines to the electrical ground.
- a lead-acid battery charger circuit 400 is provided.
- a lead acid charge management integrated circuit 402 can be used to manage the charging of the lead-acid battery (not shown) via the terminals 404 and 406 which are electrically connected to terminals of the battery (not shown).
- the battery (not shown) is provided for activation of the activation device 300 in case of a power outage.
- schematic of a regulator circuit 420 is provided to step down the voltage from a high voltage, e.g., 12V to a lower voltage, e.g., 3.3 V for operation of integrated electronics.
- An integrated circuit 422 provides the step down functionality.
- An integrated circuit (not shown) can be used to store information representative of an authorized user, scan a user's fingerprint pattern, generate information representative of the user's fingerprint pattern, and compare the information of representative of the user's fingerprint pattern with the stored information to establish a match.
- a programming feature e.g., a button for learning and a button for erasing can be used to program the fingerprint circuit (not shown).
- the fingerprint circuit (not shown) can be programmed to recognize the fingerprint pattern of a plurality of authorized users.
- the stored information representative of fingerprint patterns of authorized users can be stored in non-volatile memory, e.g., flash memory.
- a cellular communication device (not shown) can be placed inside the FSRA 100 to make a cellular call to the police department in case the unit is activated.
- a wired or wireless connection can be provided to a home security system to activate that system.
- the FSRA 100 provides mounting to a solid structure in different ways. For example, the FSRA 100 can be mounted upside down, horizontally, vertically, etc. It will be appreciated these configurations are possible due to how the FSRA 100 is activated, i.e., the charged device 320 .
- the FSRA 100 can be equipped with a loud siren that can be activated when the FSRA is actuated (i.e., the fingerprint reader circuit has established a match between the information representative of the scanned fingerprint pattern and the stored information representative of the authorized user's fingerprint pattern).
- the lid 104 is closed (i.e., in the down position) with the latch 310 placed inside of a latch-holder 311 .
- the force applied by the charged device 320 to the bracket 222 cannot rotate the bracket 222 in direction of the arrow “C-C”.
- the latch 310 is in the latch-holder 311
- the force applied by the charge device 320 cannot move the bracket 222 . Therefore, the lid 104 remains in the closed position ( FIG. 1A ).
- the fingerprint reader 118 activates and reads the fingerprint.
- the fingerprint reader circuit (not shown) scans the fingerprint pattern of the user, generates information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and compares that information to the information of representative of a fingerprint pattern of an authorized user stored in the nonvolatile memory (not shown). If a match exists then the FSRA 100 begins the actuation cycle.
- the actuation cycle begins by energizing the activation device 300 .
- the circuit 354 provides the appropriate signal to the activation device 300 via the connections 355 A and 355 B which energizes the activation device 300 .
- the activation signal may be a momentary signal or an elongated signal. Regardless, after a predetermined period the activation signal for energizing the activation device 300 is deactivated.
- the activation device 300 pulls the lever 306 towards the back of the FSRA 100 (i.e., toward the activation device 300 ). The movement of the lever 306 pulls the latch 310 out of the latch-holder 311 .
- the charged device 320 is now able to move the bracket 222 according to the arrow “C-C” ( FIG. 5B ). Since the bracket 222 is fixedly coupled to the lid 104 , movement of the bracket 222 also moves the lid 104 about the arrows “A-A” ( FIG. 4 ) or “C-C” ( FIG. 5B ).
- the gear 214 which is fastened to the bracket 222 by a fastener 252 rotates ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ).
- the gear 214 interfaces with the gear 218 which causes rotation of the gear 218 .
- the gear 218 is rigidly connected to the gear 216 which is thereby urged to turn as well.
- the gear 216 interfaces with the gear 210 which also turns.
- the gear 210 is rigidly coupled to the pinion 208 . Therefore, the pinion 208 begins to rotate.
- the pinion 208 interfaces with the gears of the rack 156 .
- the rack is connected to the carrier 106 .
- the rack 156 and the pinion 208 are designed to translate the rotational movement of the pinion 208 into a linear motion of the rack 156 . Therefore, the carrier 106 which is fixedly coupled to the rack 156 slides outward.
- the aforementioned connections and interface relationships between the gears produce a solid linkage between the lid 104 and the carrier 106 . Therefore, arcuate movement of the lid 104 translates to linear movement of the carrier 106 with minimal slop.
- the heels 254 FIGS. 4 and 5B ) positioned on the bracket 222 limit the rotation of the bracket 222 which limits the linear motion of the carrier 106 .
- FIG. 9 a perspective view of an embodiment of a firearm safe and rapid actuation unit (FSRA) 100 ′ is depicted.
- the FSRA 100 ′ includes a housing 102 ′, and a carrier including a base 112 ′.
- the base 112 ′ is configured so that the firearm (not shown) can be securely rested on the base 112 ′ in a space formed between a flexible member (not shown, see 108 in FIG. 1C ) and the base 112 ′.
- the FSRA 100 ′ also includes a charged device 504 which is pivotably coupled to the housing by a pin 502 and is further pivotably coupled to the base 112 ′ by a pin 506 , a bearing 508 and a bracket 510 .
- the pin 506 is coupled to the bearing 508 which is coupled to the bracket 510 .
- a second charged device (not shown) is also positioned on the left hand side of the housing 102 ′.
- the second charged device (not shown) is similarly coupled to the housing 102 ′ with a pin (not shown), a bearing (not shown) and a bracket (not shown).
- a fingerprint reader assembly see 116 in FIG. 1C
- a similar fingerprint reader assembly is provided on the housing 102 ′.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 schematic views of an actuation mechanism of FSRA 100 ′ are depicted.
- a lid 104 ′ of the FSRA 100 ′ is depicted in a closed position in FIG. 10 .
- the lid 104 ′ includes brackets 520 which are projected in a downward direction when the lid 104 ′ is in its closed position ( FIG. 10 ).
- the brackets 520 are positioned toward the outside edges of the lid 104 ′ but are positioned within the housing 102 ′.
- each bracket 520 is an arm 524 which is pivotably coupled to the bracket 520 by a pin 522 .
- the arm 524 may be made from any rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or plastic.
- the brackets 520 are positioned inside the arms 524 .
- the arms 524 are also pivotably coupled to arms 528 via pins 522 .
- the arms 524 are positioned inside the arms 528 .
- the arms 528 are also made from a rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or plastic.
- the arms 528 are pivotably coupled to the housing 102 ′ by pins 526 and are also pivotably coupled to the base 112 ′ by a slotted interface and a pin collectively identified as 530 .
- the base 112 ′ can be positioned within the arms 528 (i.e., the arms 528 can be positioned to be on the outside of the base 112 ′).
- the arms 528 can be pivotably coupled to the base 112 ′ by a bracket mounted on top of the base 112 ′. While the end of the arm 528 at the pin 526 is configured to pivot with respect to the pin 526 , the slotted end 530 is configured to pivot with respect to the base 112 ′ as well as move linearly with the base 112 ′.
- the lid 104 ′ includes a latch-holder 532 which projects downward when the lid 104 ′ is in the closed position ( FIG. 10 ).
- the latch-holder 532 includes an opening configured to receive a latch (not shown) similar to the latch 310 ( FIG. 5C ).
- the latch (not shown) is coupled to an activation device (not shown) similar to the activation device 300 ( FIG. 5A ) via a linkage (not shown) similar to the lever 306 ( FIG. 5A ).
- the activation device (not shown) and the lever (not shown) are configured to pull the latch (not shown) out of the latch-holder 532 when the activation device (not shown) is energized.
- FIG. 12 a perspective view of various components of the FSRA 100 ′ is depicted.
- the brackets 520 project downward from the lid 104 ′ when the lid 104 ′ is in the closed position ( FIG. 10 ).
- the arms 524 (only one arm 524 is shown) are positioned between the brackets 520 and the arms 528 .
- the lid 104 ′ is hinged to the housing 102 ′ by a hinge assembly 540 , e.g., a plano hinge.
- the hinge assembly 540 includes a leaf 542 , a plurality of interconnecting knuckles 544 and a leaf 546 .
- the leaf 542 is coupled to or alternatively integrated with the housing 102 ′.
- the leaf 546 is coupled to or alternatively integrated with the lid 104 ′.
- Each leaf 542 and 546 terminate at a plurality of knuckles 544 which are formed in a staggered manner and are configured to be interconnected with each other by a pin (not shown), as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the leaf 546 can pivot with respect to the leaf 542 .
- the lid 104 ′ is coupled to the leaf 546 (or integrally formed therewith) and the leaf 542 is coupled to the housing 102 ′ (or integrally formed therewith), the lid 104 ′ can pivot with respect to the housing 102 ′.
- the hinge assembly 540 is configured so that the leaf 542 and the leaf 546 are in contact with each other (i.e., limiting travel of the leaf 546 ) when the lid 104 ′ is in the down position ( FIG. 10 ).
- FIGS. 13 and 14 perspective views of a fingerprint reader assembly 550 and the associated components are depicted.
- the fingerprint reader assembly 550 can be used with the FSRA 100 depicted in FIG. 1C (i.e., as the fingerprint reader assembly 116 ) or the FSRA 100 ′. It will be appreciated that the fingerprint reader assembly 550 is different from the fingerprint reader assembly 116 in that the button assembly 120 ( FIG. 1C ) is not used when using the fingerprint reader assembly 550 .
- the fingerprint reader assembly 550 includes a cover 552 , a fingerprint reader 554 , a bracket assembly 556 , an activation switch 562 , and a spring assembly 564 .
- the fingerprint reader 554 includes a housing 555 A and a lens 555 B which is formed with a slope with respect to the cover 552 .
- the cover 552 surrounds the lens 555 B and allows a user to place his/her thumb or finger inside the space generated between the cover 552 and the lens 555 B.
- the sloped relationship of the lens 555 B and the cover 552 allows the user to anchor and register his/her thumb or finger in the fingerprint reader assembly 550 .
- the bracket assembly 556 includes a bracket 558 , fasteners 559 , and a contact wing 560 .
- the fasteners 559 are used as set screws to engage with the fingerprint reader 555 A. Therefore, when the fingerprint reader 555 A is inserted within the bracket 558 and the fasteners 559 are fastened, the fingerprint reader 554 is firmly seated within the bracket 558 .
- the contact wing 560 includes a raised portion 561 for placing the activation switch 562 . Therefore, the raised portion is configured to provide a space between the bracket assembly 556 and the activation switch 562 .
- the bracket assembly 556 also includes a pair of openings 557 .
- openings 557 are configured to receive bolts extended from the spring assembly 564 for the purpose of fastening the spring assembly 564 to the bracket assembly 556 .
- the openings 557 are oval shaped to allow some sliding adjustment between bracket assembly 556 and the spring assembly 564 .
- the spring assembly 564 includes bolts 565 which are press fit into or alternatively integrally formed with the spring assembly 564 .
- the spring assembly 564 further includes a leaf 566 and a leaf 568 which is connected to the leaf 566 .
- the leaf 568 is biased upward with respect to the leaf 566 . Therefore, application of a downward force to the leaf 568 may displace the leaf 568 downward; removing the force results in the leaf 568 to return to the position depicted in FIG. 14 .
- the leaf 566 includes openings 570 which are shaped as ovals. The openings 570 are configured to mount the fingerprint reader assembly 550 to the housing 102 ′ of the FSRA 100 ′ or the housing 102 of the FSRA 100 .
- the fingerprint reader 554 is powered and therefore is able to scan the fingerprint pattern of the user, generate information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and compare the information to information representative of fingerprint patterns of authorized users it has in nonvolatile memory, as described above with respect to the FSRA 100 . If the fingerprint reader 554 matches the representative information, the fingerprint reader 554 generates a signal to actuate the FSRA 100 ′ (or 100 ).
- the actuation cycle begins by energizing the activation device (not shown) which pulls the latch (not shown) out of the latch-holder 532 .
- the charged device 504 can move the base 112 ′ in a linear path out of the housing 102 ′ while the lid 104 ′ rotates in direction of arrows denoted as “D-D”. Since the lid 104 ′ is coupled to the base 112 ′ via a linkage (i.e., arms 524 and 528 ), the lid 104 ′ rotates along with the linear motion of the base 112 ′.
- Both the base 112 ′ and the lid 104 ′ reach end of travel when either the charged device 504 reaches the end of its stroke or the lid 104 ′ or the base 112 ′ strike a stop (similar to the heels 254 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5B ).
- a taser gun can be placed inside the FSRA 100 .
- FSRA 100 and 100 ′ use a fingerprint reader assembly ( 116 or 550 ) to generate an activation signal when a sensed fingerprint pattern matches a fingerprint pattern stored in the memory
- a fingerprint reader assembly 116 or 550
- other sensor assemblies can also be used to generate the activation signal.
- a keypad can be used to enter a prerecorded code to cause the FSRA to be actuated.
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Abstract
A firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit (FSRA) including a housing, an activation mechanism mounted to the housing and configured to generate an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition, a lid operably connected to the housing and configured to be placed in a closed position and an open position, the lid being moved from the closed position to the open position in response to generation of the activation signal, the lid inhibits access to an interior of the housing in the closed position, and a carrier movable with respect to the housing and configured to be placed in a first position and a second position, the carrier being moved from the first position to the second position in response to generation of the activation signal, the carrier is disposed within the housing when in the first position and when the lid is in the closed position.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to firearm safes and more particularly to a firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit.
- Firearm safety is a paramount concern among firearm owners and gun enthusiasts. As a result of this concern, there is a plethora of gun safes on the market, many equipped with high technology locking devices. Firearm owners largely fall into one of two categories with a substantial overlap between the two categories. In the first category, firearm owners are interested in the firearm from a functional/aesthetic perspective. In the second category, the firearm owners are interested in the firearm as a protection tool for protecting their domiciles. Firearm safes 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. At the same time, safes with electronic code entry panels or mechanical safe combinations make the contents of the safe essentially unreachable for a common thief.
- However, a firearm owner that has obtained the firearm for the purpose of protecting his/her domicile would need to reach the firearm quickly and safely. For example in a middle of a night, upon hearing an intruder approaching a bedroom, the owner may not have time to get out of bed, approach the safe, which may be in another room, key in the combination in the dark, open the safe, retrieve the firearm and point it at the direction of the intruder. However, placing the firearm in a drawer near the bed would not provide the safety that would be required by the owner against accidental or unauthorized use of the firearm, e.g., by a minor.
- Therefore, what is needed is a mechanism that allows a firearm owner quick and safe access to his/her firearm, while the firearm is otherwise locked away from unauthorized use.
- A firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit (FSRA) is disclosed. The FSRA includes a housing, and an activation mechanism mounted to the housing and configured to generate an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. Also, the FSRA includes a lid operably connected to the housing and configured to be placed in a closed position and an open position, the lid being moved from the closed position to the open position in response to generation of the activation signal, the lid inhibits access to an interior of the housing in the closed position. Furthermore, the FSRA includes a carrier movable with respect to the housing and configured to be placed in a first position and a second position, the carrier being moved from the first position to the second position in response to generation of the activation signal, the carrier is disposed within the housing when in the first position and when the lid is in the closed position.
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FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a firearm safe and rapid actuation unit (FSRA), in a closed position. -
FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the FSRA ofFIG. 1A , in an actuated position according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of various components shown with the cover broken away from the FSRA ofFIG. 1C . -
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of various components broken away from the FSRA ofFIG. 1C . -
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of various components broken away from the FSRA embodiment depicted inFIG. 1C . -
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of various components of a transport mechanism broken away from the FSRA ofFIG. 1C . -
FIGS. 5A , 5B, 5C, and 5D depict a perspective view of various components positioned within the FSRA ofFIG. 1C . -
FIG. 6 depicts a driver schematic for activating an actuator in the FSRA ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 7 depicts a lead-acid linear charge management circuit for charging a lead-acid battery used as an electrical power source for the FSRA ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 8 depicts a regulator for down-converting to a voltage used by various electronic components of the FSRA ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a FSRA, in a closed position according to another embodiment with the lid removed, showing various internal components. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of various components of the FSRA ofFIG. 9 in a closed position. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the components of the FSRA ofFIG. 10 in an actuated position. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of various components of the FSRA ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fingerprint reader and actuator assembly that can be used with the FSRAs ofFIGS. 1 and 9 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of various components of the fingerprint reader and actuator assembly ofFIG. 13 broken away. - Different embodiments of a firearm safe and rapid actuation unit (FSRA) are discussed in the present disclosure. In a first embodiment, the FSRA includes a gear-driven actuation mechanism for moving a carrier holding a firearm out of a housing from a position wherein the carrier is within the housing. In a second embodiment a gearless actuation mechanism is disclosed for projecting a carrier out of a housing from a position wherein the carrier is within the housing. Furthermore, different electronic actuation mechanisms are disclosed which can be used with either of the two embodiments.
- Referring to
FIG. 1A , a perspective view of an FSRA 100 is depicted in a closed position. In the closed position, the FSRA 100 can be used as a safe for safekeeping a firearm 45 (seeFIG. 1B ). Material of the FSRA 100 can be chosen to inhibit destructibility. Alternatively, the components can be selected to provide a significant obstacle to unauthorized access to the inside of the FSRA 100. - The FSRA 100 includes a
housing 102, alid 104 pivotably attached to thehousing 102, and acarrier 106. The FSRA 100 also includes afingerprint reader assembly 116,indicator lamps 114, an actuation mechanism 200 (seeFIG. 3 ), a transport mechanism 250 (seeFIG. 4 ), and other internal components (seeFIG. 2 ), discussed. - In the closed position depicted in
FIG. 1A , thehousing 102 and thelid 104 form a continuous outline of a rectangular box, and thecarrier 106 completely within the interior defined by thehousing 102 and thelid 104. Thecarrier 106 is intended to receive afirearm 45. Thehousing 102 andlid 104 can be designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing shape suitable for decoration. Alternatively,FSRA 100 may include additional functionality and assume a common shape for that functionality, e.g. an alarm clock. In any event, thelid 104 in its unactuated position prevents access to thefirearm 45. - Referring to
FIG. 1B , theFSRA 100 is depicted in an actuated position. Thelid 104 is depicted in a position which is pivoted upward from thehousing 102. Acarrier 106 is depicted in a projected position outward from thehousing 102. Thefirearm 45 is depicted resting within thecarrier 106, readily accessible to the owner or another authorized user of thefirearm 45. - Referring to
FIG. 1C , a partially exploded perspective view of theFSRA 100 is depicted, wherein thelid 104 broken away from thehousing 102 to reveal various interior components. As shown inFIG. 1C , thecarrier 106 is a rigid box or container that has an open end facilitating access to its interior. Thecarrier 106 includes aflexible member 108, acover 109,side walls 110, and abase 112. Theflexible member 108 is coupled to a bottom portion of thecover 109 and is substantially enclosed by theside walls 110 and thebase 112. Thecarrier 106 is slidably disposed within thehousing 102 and, as shown inFIG. 1B , is configured to carry and firmly hold thefirearm 45. Thecarrier 106 is configured to slide outward and upward, as will be discussed in detail below. - A space is provided between the
flexible member 108 and the base 112 which provides the proper cavity for thefirearm 45. A layer of nylon or other hard material is provided on the top surface of thebase 112. This layer is provided to prevent damage and to thefirearm 45. Also, theflexible member 108 is made from a material, e.g., stiff foam, that is configured to protect thefirearm 45 from damage while securely pressing down on thefirearm 45 to prevent any rattling of thefirearm 45 inside theFSRA 100. The semicircle opening of theflexible member 108 is provided to protect knuckles of a user's hand as well as guide the person's hand around the handle of thefirearm 45 described in further detail below. -
Flanges 113 formed at the longitudinal end of the base 112 provide a longitudinal travel limit of thefirearm 45. Accordingly, thefirearm 45 is securely held within the space formed by theflexible member 108, thebase 112, and theflanges 113, regardless of whether in the actuated or unactuated position. -
Indicator lights 114 provide status information of theFSRA 100. Light emitting diodes (LED) of different colors can be used for the indicator lights 114. For example, a red light can be used to indicate theFSRA 100 is in an actuated position (i.e., the configuration depicted inFIG. 1B ), a green light can be used to indicate theFSRA 100 is in a closed position ready to be actuated (i.e., the position depicted inFIG. 1A ), and an amber light can be used to indicate a fault condition exists with theFSRA 100, e.g., an undercharged battery, which will be discussed in more detail further below. Any one of the threeindicator lights 114 can be used to provide additional information. For example, thegreen LED 114 can be flashing to indicate that theFSRA 100 is in a state of charging. Also, diagnostic status information can be conveyed by a combination of blinkingLEDs 114. For example, blinking green and amber LEDs can be used to indicate an electrical short within one of the components. It will be appreciated that other lighting technologies such as incandescent lights can also be used as the indicator lights 114. - A
fingerprint reader assembly 116 is attached to the front side of thehousing 102. Thefingerprint reader assembly 116 includes acover 117 and afingerprint reader 118. Thefingerprint reader 118 includes a lens (described in further detail below with respect toFIGS. 13 and 14 ) designed to receive a tip segment of a thumb or any other human finger, not shown. Thecover 117 is configured to surround the lens such that a person can place one of his/her fingers (or thumbs) inside thecover 117 and against the lens of thefingerprint reader 118 while holding an open palm toward theFSRA 100. Thecover 117 is shaped to be used as an anchor for the finger (or the thumb) and the hand while theFSRA 100 is in the process of activation. Also, thecover 117 can be used as a registration (i.e. positioning) mechanism for a finger (or thumb) for fast and accurate registration and recognition of the fingerprint. In this manner, the inside ofcover 117 can be formed in shape of a funnel to guide a user to insert his or her finger (or thumb) inside thecover 117. - The
lid 104 also includes abutton assembly 120 which is positioned centrally on thelid 104. Thebutton assembly 120 includes afastener 121 and a spring-loadedbutton 122. The spring-loadedbutton 122 is biased upward and away from thelid 104, and is secured to thelid 104 with thefastener 121. Alternatively, thebutton assembly 120 can be positioned at a different location on theFSRA 100, e.g., the sides. Thebutton assembly 120 and thefingerprint reader assembly 116 generally form an activation mechanism for sensing a predetermined condition, e.g., scanning a fingerprint pattern, generating information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and comparing the information to previously stored information representative of a fingerprint pattern of an authorized user. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , a partially-exploded, perspective view of various additional, interior components of theFSRA 100 is depicted. Depicted inFIG. 2 are arail 152, abase 154, and arack 156. Therail 152 is attached to thehousing 102 and provides a sliding surface for thebase 112 of thecarrier 106. As the base 112 slides, therack 156 causes rotation of a pinion 208 (shown inFIG. 3 ) which is engaged to therack 156. Thebase 154 separates the aforementioned components of theFSRA 100 from the electronic components discussed in further detail below. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , fragmentary perspective views of various components of the actuation mechanism 200 (FIG. 3 ) and a transport mechanism 250 (FIG. 4 ) of theFSRA 100 are depicted in context with other elements of theFSRA 100. Theactuation mechanism 200 includes abracket 202, afastener 204, pins 206, agear 210 and ashaft 212. Thebracket 202 connects and supports thepinion 208, theshaft 212, and thegear 210 by thefastener 204. Thepins 206 connect theshaft 212 to thepinion 208 and thegear 210. Theactuation mechanism 200 also includes abracket 222. Thebracket 222 is provided to support agear 214 which interfaces with agear 218. Thebracket 222 is mounted to thelid 104 by fasteners (not shown). Thegear 214 is rigidly coupled to thebracket 222. Thus rotation of thebracket 222 causes rotation of thegear 214 which is part of transport mechanism. - The
transport mechanism 250 also includesgears gear 218 is rigidly coupled to thegear 216 which interfaces with thegear 210. As described further below, the components are configured to translate rotational movement of thelid 104 into rotational movement of thepinion 208 which is further configured to translate into linear motion of therack 156 and with it thecarrier 106. - Also depicted in
FIG. 3 is akeyed lock 224. Thekeyed lock 224 is positioned on the side of thehousing 102. As described in greater detail below, an electronic control actuates theFSRA 100 to the position depicted inFIG. 1B based on recognizing a fingerprint pattern. However, theFSRA 100 can also be actuated (into the position depicted inFIG. 1B ) by inserting an appropriate key into thekeyed lock 224 and turning the lock. - Also depicted in
FIG. 4 is aheel 254 positioned at both sides of the bracket 222 (also seeFIG. 5B ). Theheels 254 provides a positive stop for the rotational movement of thebracket 222 according to an arc denoted by “A-A” (FIG. 4 ) and arc denoted by “C-C” (FIG. 5B ). Therefore, theheels 254 are configured to strike the bottom of thehousing 102 or the base 154 in order to limit the rotational movements of thebracket 222. Theheels 254 may be accommodated with bumpers (not shown) in order to cushion the contact between theheels 254 and thehousing 102 or thebase 154. Abracket 255 provides twoslots FSRA 100, e.g., providing information representative of fingerprints patterns of authorized users of theFSRA 100. - Referring to
FIGS. 5A-5D additional actuation components of theFSRA 100 are depicted. Included is anactivation device 300, e.g., a solenoid, that is disposed in ahousing 302. Theactivation device 300 is coupled to alever 306. Thekeyed lock 224 also interfaces with thelever 306 by an arm-fastener 304. Ashaft 308 protrudes inward into thehousing 102 and is configured to provide a bearing structure for thebracket 222. Alatch 310 is coupled to thelever 306 by anarm 309. Thelatch 310 is configured to be inserted into a latch-holder 311 (shown inFIG. 5D ) of thelid 104. Thelatch holder 311 includes anopening 312 configured to receive thelatch 310. When thelatch 310 is in the latch-holder 311, thelid 104 is in the locked position (FIG. 1A ). When thelatch 310 is not in the latch-holder 311 thelid 104 is allowed to move into the actuation position (FIG. 1B ). Thelatch 310 is pulled out of the latch-holder 311 of thelid 104 by energizing theactivation device 300 or by turning thekeyed lock 224 with an appropriate key. Thelever 306 is designed to slide back-and-forth in the direction denoted by arrows “B-B”. Theactivation device 300 includes a spring (not shown) which forces thelever 306 and thelatch 310 to the left (e.g., with respect toFIG. 5D ). When theactivation device 300 is energized thelatch 310 is moved to the right (e.g., with respect toFIG. 5D ). - The
latch 310 includes a slopedportion 313, aflat portion 314, and ahook portion 316. When thelid 104 is in the process of being closed (the closed position in depicted inFIG. 1A ) from an actuated position (FIG. 1B ), the slopedportion 313 of thelatch 310 makes contact with theopening 312 of thelatch holder 311 and generates a force in opposition to the force generated by the spring of theactivation device 300 which causes thelatch 310 and thelever 306 to be pushed toward theactivation device 300. This movement continues until thehook portion 316 reaches theopening 312 at which point thelatch 310 slides into theopening 312 where theflat portion 314 rests against theopening 312. Thehook portion 316 prevents accidental unlatching of thelatch 310 from theopening 312. - A charged
device 320 is provided between thebracket 222 and ananchor 322. Theanchor 322 is securely attached to thehousing 102. Abracket interface 324 provides structural support between theshaft 308 and thebracket 222. In the unactuated position (FIG. 1A ), the chargeddevice 320 is in a charged stated with potential energy. Therefore, the chargeddevice 320 is configured to rotate thebracket 222 in the direction of arrows denoted by “C-C”. As discussed above, theheel 254 limits the rotation of thebracket 222. - The charged
device 320 may be one of a gas spring, a spring, an explosive squib or other devices where potential energy is stored in the device. The potential energy is capable of being converted into kinetic energy thereby applying a force to thebracket 222. In one embodiment an explosive squib (not shown) can also be used in place of theactivation device 300. The squib (not shown) can be used to cause the lever to move in the direction of the arrows “B-B” in order to move thelatch 310 out of the latch-holder 311. Squibs are less expensive than solenoid (the activation device 300) and a gas cylinder (the charged device 320) and can be activated by small capacitors in place of larger batteries. However, the latter devices are reusable/rechargeable, while squib cartridges require replacement. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , schematic of an input/output circuit 350 is provided. Thecircuit 350 is basically divided into two circuits: adrive circuit 354 and a lowbattery detection circuit 356. Aheader 352 provides electrical connectivity between the input/output circuit 350 and other electronic components. Theheader 352 allows a modular approach. Thedrive circuit 354 drives theactivation device 300 viaconnections 355A and 355B. A series of bipolar transistors are used to provide an appropriate voltage, e.g., 12 V, to theactivation device 300 for activation. The lowbattery detection circuit 356 senses voltage of a battery (not shown) and can thereby be used to provide power to one of the indicator lights 114 to indicate the battery voltage is below a predetermined threshold. Aheader 358 is also provided for connecting several lines to the electrical ground. Referring toFIG. 7 , a lead-acidbattery charger circuit 400 is provided. A lead acid charge management integratedcircuit 402 can be used to manage the charging of the lead-acid battery (not shown) via theterminals activation device 300 in case of a power outage. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , schematic of aregulator circuit 420 is provided to step down the voltage from a high voltage, e.g., 12V to a lower voltage, e.g., 3.3 V for operation of integrated electronics. Anintegrated circuit 422 provides the step down functionality. - An integrated circuit (not shown) can be used to store information representative of an authorized user, scan a user's fingerprint pattern, generate information representative of the user's fingerprint pattern, and compare the information of representative of the user's fingerprint pattern with the stored information to establish a match. A programming feature, e.g., a button for learning and a button for erasing can be used to program the fingerprint circuit (not shown). The fingerprint circuit (not shown) can be programmed to recognize the fingerprint pattern of a plurality of authorized users. The stored information representative of fingerprint patterns of authorized users can be stored in non-volatile memory, e.g., flash memory.
- In one embodiment, a cellular communication device (not shown) can be placed inside the
FSRA 100 to make a cellular call to the police department in case the unit is activated. In addition a wired or wireless connection can be provided to a home security system to activate that system. Also, theFSRA 100 provides mounting to a solid structure in different ways. For example, theFSRA 100 can be mounted upside down, horizontally, vertically, etc. It will be appreciated these configurations are possible due to how theFSRA 100 is activated, i.e., the chargeddevice 320. Furthermore, theFSRA 100 can be equipped with a loud siren that can be activated when the FSRA is actuated (i.e., the fingerprint reader circuit has established a match between the information representative of the scanned fingerprint pattern and the stored information representative of the authorized user's fingerprint pattern). - Operation of the
FSRA 100 is now described. When theFSRA 100 is in the unactuated position (FIG. 1A ), thelid 104 is closed (i.e., in the down position) with thelatch 310 placed inside of a latch-holder 311. With thebracket 222 coupled to thelid 104 and thelid 104 in the closed position, the force applied by the chargeddevice 320 to thebracket 222 cannot rotate thebracket 222 in direction of the arrow “C-C”. In other words, while thelatch 310 is in the latch-holder 311, the force applied by thecharge device 320 cannot move thebracket 222. Therefore, thelid 104 remains in the closed position (FIG. 1A ). Once a user places his/her thumb (or finger) on the lens of thefingerprint reader 118 while pressing the button 122 (FIG. 1C ) located on top of thelid 104, thefingerprint reader 118 activates and reads the fingerprint. The fingerprint reader circuit (not shown) scans the fingerprint pattern of the user, generates information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and compares that information to the information of representative of a fingerprint pattern of an authorized user stored in the nonvolatile memory (not shown). If a match exists then theFSRA 100 begins the actuation cycle. - The actuation cycle begins by energizing the
activation device 300. Thecircuit 354 provides the appropriate signal to theactivation device 300 via theconnections 355A and 355B which energizes theactivation device 300. The activation signal may be a momentary signal or an elongated signal. Regardless, after a predetermined period the activation signal for energizing theactivation device 300 is deactivated. In response to becoming energized, theactivation device 300 pulls thelever 306 towards the back of the FSRA 100 (i.e., toward the activation device 300). The movement of thelever 306 pulls thelatch 310 out of the latch-holder 311. With thelatch 310 out of the latch-holder 311, the chargeddevice 320 is now able to move thebracket 222 according to the arrow “C-C” (FIG. 5B ). Since thebracket 222 is fixedly coupled to thelid 104, movement of thebracket 222 also moves thelid 104 about the arrows “A-A” (FIG. 4 ) or “C-C” (FIG. 5B ). Once thebracket 222 begins to rotate, thegear 214 which is fastened to thebracket 222 by afastener 252 rotates (FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Thegear 214 interfaces with thegear 218 which causes rotation of thegear 218. Thegear 218 is rigidly connected to thegear 216 which is thereby urged to turn as well. Thegear 216 interfaces with thegear 210 which also turns. Thegear 210 is rigidly coupled to thepinion 208. Therefore, thepinion 208 begins to rotate. Thepinion 208 interfaces with the gears of therack 156. The rack is connected to thecarrier 106. Therack 156 and thepinion 208 are designed to translate the rotational movement of thepinion 208 into a linear motion of therack 156. Therefore, thecarrier 106 which is fixedly coupled to therack 156 slides outward. The aforementioned connections and interface relationships between the gears produce a solid linkage between thelid 104 and thecarrier 106. Therefore, arcuate movement of thelid 104 translates to linear movement of thecarrier 106 with minimal slop. The heels 254 (FIGS. 4 and 5B ) positioned on thebracket 222 limit the rotation of thebracket 222 which limits the linear motion of thecarrier 106. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , a perspective view of an embodiment of a firearm safe and rapid actuation unit (FSRA) 100′ is depicted. InFIG. 9 , the lid ofFSRA 100′ is removed to depict various components. TheFSRA 100′ includes ahousing 102′, and a carrier including a base 112′. As in theFSRA 100, the base 112′ is configured so that the firearm (not shown) can be securely rested on the base 112′ in a space formed between a flexible member (not shown, see 108 inFIG. 1C ) and the base 112′. - The
FSRA 100′ also includes a chargeddevice 504 which is pivotably coupled to the housing by apin 502 and is further pivotably coupled to the base 112′ by apin 506, abearing 508 and abracket 510. Thepin 506 is coupled to thebearing 508 which is coupled to thebracket 510. While only one chargeddevice 504 is depicted on the right hand side of thehousing 102′ with respect toFIG. 9 , it will be appreciated that a second charged device (not shown) is also positioned on the left hand side of thehousing 102′. The second charged device (not shown) is similarly coupled to thehousing 102′ with a pin (not shown), a bearing (not shown) and a bracket (not shown). For clarity of figure, a fingerprint reader assembly (see 116 inFIG. 1C ) is not shown, however, a similar fingerprint reader assembly is provided on thehousing 102′. - Referring to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , schematic views of an actuation mechanism ofFSRA 100′ are depicted. Alid 104′ of theFSRA 100′ is depicted in a closed position inFIG. 10 . Thelid 104′ includesbrackets 520 which are projected in a downward direction when thelid 104′ is in its closed position (FIG. 10 ). Thebrackets 520 are positioned toward the outside edges of thelid 104′ but are positioned within thehousing 102′. - Coupled to each
bracket 520 is anarm 524 which is pivotably coupled to thebracket 520 by apin 522. Thearm 524 may be made from any rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or plastic. Thebrackets 520 are positioned inside thearms 524. Thearms 524 are also pivotably coupled toarms 528 viapins 522. Thearms 524 are positioned inside thearms 528. Thearms 528 are also made from a rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or plastic. - The
arms 528 are pivotably coupled to thehousing 102′ bypins 526 and are also pivotably coupled to the base 112′ by a slotted interface and a pin collectively identified as 530. The base 112′ can be positioned within the arms 528 (i.e., thearms 528 can be positioned to be on the outside of the base 112′). Alternatively, thearms 528 can be pivotably coupled to the base 112′ by a bracket mounted on top of the base 112′. While the end of thearm 528 at thepin 526 is configured to pivot with respect to thepin 526, the slottedend 530 is configured to pivot with respect to the base 112′ as well as move linearly with the base 112′. - The
lid 104′ includes a latch-holder 532 which projects downward when thelid 104′ is in the closed position (FIG. 10 ). The latch-holder 532 includes an opening configured to receive a latch (not shown) similar to the latch 310 (FIG. 5C ). The latch (not shown) is coupled to an activation device (not shown) similar to the activation device 300 (FIG. 5A ) via a linkage (not shown) similar to the lever 306 (FIG. 5A ). The activation device (not shown) and the lever (not shown) are configured to pull the latch (not shown) out of the latch-holder 532 when the activation device (not shown) is energized. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , a perspective view of various components of theFSRA 100′ is depicted. As discussed above, thebrackets 520 project downward from thelid 104′ when thelid 104′ is in the closed position (FIG. 10 ). The arms 524 (only onearm 524 is shown) are positioned between thebrackets 520 and thearms 528. - The
lid 104′ is hinged to thehousing 102′ by ahinge assembly 540, e.g., a plano hinge. Thehinge assembly 540 includes aleaf 542, a plurality of interconnectingknuckles 544 and aleaf 546. Theleaf 542 is coupled to or alternatively integrated with thehousing 102′. Theleaf 546 is coupled to or alternatively integrated with thelid 104′. Eachleaf knuckles 544 which are formed in a staggered manner and are configured to be interconnected with each other by a pin (not shown), as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. While theleaf 542 is stationary, theleaf 546 can pivot with respect to theleaf 542. As a result, since thelid 104′ is coupled to the leaf 546 (or integrally formed therewith) and theleaf 542 is coupled to thehousing 102′ (or integrally formed therewith), thelid 104′ can pivot with respect to thehousing 102′. Thehinge assembly 540 is configured so that theleaf 542 and theleaf 546 are in contact with each other (i.e., limiting travel of the leaf 546) when thelid 104′ is in the down position (FIG. 10 ). - Referring to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , perspective views of afingerprint reader assembly 550 and the associated components are depicted. Thefingerprint reader assembly 550 can be used with theFSRA 100 depicted inFIG. 1C (i.e., as the fingerprint reader assembly 116) or theFSRA 100′. It will be appreciated that thefingerprint reader assembly 550 is different from thefingerprint reader assembly 116 in that the button assembly 120 (FIG. 1C ) is not used when using thefingerprint reader assembly 550. - The
fingerprint reader assembly 550 includes acover 552, afingerprint reader 554, abracket assembly 556, anactivation switch 562, and aspring assembly 564. Thefingerprint reader 554 includes ahousing 555A and alens 555B which is formed with a slope with respect to thecover 552. Thecover 552 surrounds thelens 555B and allows a user to place his/her thumb or finger inside the space generated between thecover 552 and thelens 555B. The sloped relationship of thelens 555B and thecover 552 allows the user to anchor and register his/her thumb or finger in thefingerprint reader assembly 550. - The
bracket assembly 556 includes abracket 558,fasteners 559, and acontact wing 560. Thefasteners 559 are used as set screws to engage with thefingerprint reader 555A. Therefore, when thefingerprint reader 555A is inserted within thebracket 558 and thefasteners 559 are fastened, thefingerprint reader 554 is firmly seated within thebracket 558. Thecontact wing 560 includes a raisedportion 561 for placing theactivation switch 562. Therefore, the raised portion is configured to provide a space between thebracket assembly 556 and theactivation switch 562. Thebracket assembly 556 also includes a pair ofopenings 557. Theseopenings 557 are configured to receive bolts extended from thespring assembly 564 for the purpose of fastening thespring assembly 564 to thebracket assembly 556. Theopenings 557 are oval shaped to allow some sliding adjustment betweenbracket assembly 556 and thespring assembly 564. - The
spring assembly 564 includesbolts 565 which are press fit into or alternatively integrally formed with thespring assembly 564. Thespring assembly 564 further includes aleaf 566 and aleaf 568 which is connected to theleaf 566. Theleaf 568 is biased upward with respect to theleaf 566. Therefore, application of a downward force to theleaf 568 may displace theleaf 568 downward; removing the force results in theleaf 568 to return to the position depicted inFIG. 14 . Theleaf 566 includesopenings 570 which are shaped as ovals. Theopenings 570 are configured to mount thefingerprint reader assembly 550 to thehousing 102′ of theFSRA 100′ or thehousing 102 of theFSRA 100. - In operation, when a user places his/her thumb or finger on the
lens 555B of thefingerprint reader 554 and presses down on thelens 555B, the downward force on thelens 555B is translated to thebracket assembly 556 which translates the force to thespring assembly 564. Theleaf 568 of thespring assembly 564 deflects downward which allows the raisedportion 561 of thecontact wing 560 to lower onto theactivation switch 562. Removing the downward force applied to thelens 555B, returns the raisedportion 561 out of contact with theactivation switch 562. - Once the
activation switch 562 is pressed, thefingerprint reader 554 is powered and therefore is able to scan the fingerprint pattern of the user, generate information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and compare the information to information representative of fingerprint patterns of authorized users it has in nonvolatile memory, as described above with respect to theFSRA 100. If thefingerprint reader 554 matches the representative information, thefingerprint reader 554 generates a signal to actuate theFSRA 100′ (or 100). - Similar to the discussion above, the actuation cycle begins by energizing the activation device (not shown) which pulls the latch (not shown) out of the latch-
holder 532. With the latch (not shown) out of the latch-holder 532, the chargeddevice 504 can move the base 112′ in a linear path out of thehousing 102′ while thelid 104′ rotates in direction of arrows denoted as “D-D”. Since thelid 104′ is coupled to the base 112′ via a linkage (i.e.,arms 524 and 528), thelid 104′ rotates along with the linear motion of the base 112′. Both the base 112′ and thelid 104′ reach end of travel when either the chargeddevice 504 reaches the end of its stroke or thelid 104′ or the base 112′ strike a stop (similar to theheels 254 shown inFIGS. 4 and 5B ). - While the above description was based on placing a
firearm 45 inside the FSRA 100 (or 100′), other weapons can be placed inside as well. For example, a taser gun can be placed inside theFSRA 100. - While the
FSRA - While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
Claims (11)
1. A firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit (FSRA), comprising:
a housing;
an activation mechanism mounted to the housing and configured to generate an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition;
a lid operably connected to the housing and configured to be placed in a closed position and an open position, the lid being moved from the closed position to the open position in response to generation of the activation signal, the lid inhibits access to an interior of the housing in the closed position; and
a carrier movable with respect to the housing and configured to be placed in a first position and a second position, the carrier being moved from the first position to the second position in response to generation of the activation signal, the carrier is disposed within the housing when in the first position and when the lid is in the closed position.
2. The FSRA of claim 1 , wherein the carrier further comprises:
a base; and
a flexible member configured to generate a space between the base and the flexible member to receive a firearm and firmly grip the firearm within the space, wherein when the carrier is in the first position the firearm is within the housing and not accessible by a user and when the carrier is in the second position the firearm is at least partially outside the housing and is accessible by the user.
3. The FSRA of claim 2 , wherein the carrier further comprises:
side walls; and
flanges positioned at longitudinal edges of the base to provide stops for longitudinal movements of the firearm on the base.
4. The FSRA of claim 2 , wherein the base includes a layer of material configured to prevent vibration of the firearm.
5. The FSRA of claim 2 , wherein the flexible material is constructed from a material configured to prevent damage to the firearm.
6. The FSRA of claim 1 , the activation mechanism is a fingerprint reader which includes:
a memory for storing information representative of a fingerprint pattern of an authorized user,
a scanning circuit for scanning a fingerprint pattern of a user, and generating information representative of the user's fingerprint pattern and
a comparison circuit configured to (i) compare the information representative of the fingerprint pattern of the user to the stored information representative of the fingerprint pattern of the authorized user, and (ii) generate the activation signal based on the comparison.
7. The FSRA of claim 1 , further comprising:
a latch-holder coupled to the lid;
a latch configured to be inserted into the latch-holder when the lid is being moved to the closed position and out of the latch-holder when the lid is being moved from the closed position to the open position; and
a charged device coupled to the carrier and the housing and configured to move the carrier from the first position to the second position.
8. The FSRA of claim 7 , wherein the charged device is one of a gas spring, spring, and an explosive squib.
9. The FSRA of claim 7 , further comprising:
an activation device configured to move the latch from the inserted position within the latch-holder toward the activation device in response to generation of the activation signal.
10. The FSRA of claim 9 , wherein the activation device further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the latch away from the activation device.
11. The FSRA of claim 10 , wherein the activation device is a solenoid.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/962,242 US20110247950A1 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2010-12-07 | Firearm Lock and Rapid Actuation Unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US26724509P | 2009-12-07 | 2009-12-07 | |
US12/962,242 US20110247950A1 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2010-12-07 | Firearm Lock and Rapid Actuation Unit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110247950A1 true US20110247950A1 (en) | 2011-10-13 |
Family
ID=44760159
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/962,242 Abandoned US20110247950A1 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2010-12-07 | Firearm Lock and Rapid Actuation Unit |
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US20130229098A1 (en) * | 2012-03-05 | 2013-09-05 | Adam Quinn Pletcher | Modular Rapid Access Illuminated Drawer Safe With Dual Access Methods |
US20140245934A1 (en) * | 2013-02-06 | 2014-09-04 | Thomas Delattre | Handgun mini-vault |
US8826704B1 (en) * | 2013-08-09 | 2014-09-09 | Ralph Marshall | Rapid-access weapon safe |
WO2015088722A1 (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2015-06-18 | Penland Rustin B | Security system for identifying disturbances in a building |
US20150168099A1 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2015-06-18 | RPH Engineering | Secure storage systems and methods |
US9218699B1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2015-12-22 | Safe Fast Guns LLC | Firearm safe for facilitating firearm receipt |
US9341424B2 (en) | 2013-06-12 | 2016-05-17 | Safety First Arms, Llc | Firearm locking assembly |
US10287816B2 (en) | 2016-04-21 | 2019-05-14 | Rustin B. Penland | Lockable firearm cabinet |
US10332326B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2019-06-25 | Rustin B. Penland | Security system for identifying disturbances in a building |
US10907399B2 (en) | 2016-04-21 | 2021-02-02 | Rustin B. Penland | Lockable firearm cabinet |
US10948263B2 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2021-03-16 | Hornady Manufacturing Company | Long gun security storage container |
US11028635B2 (en) | 2013-02-06 | 2021-06-08 | Hornady Manufacturing Company | Firearm safety device |
US11078713B1 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2021-08-03 | Cannon Security Products | Gun safe with sliding drawer |
US11499801B1 (en) | 2019-07-16 | 2022-11-15 | Vaultek Safe Inc. | Firearm safe box with slide opening container |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SAFE N SECURE PRODUCTS LLC, INDIANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MCGEE, DONALD EARL;REEL/FRAME:025464/0043 Effective date: 20101206 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |