US20140014541A1

US20140014541A1 - Vehicle mounted gun case

Info

Publication number: US20140014541A1
Application number: US13/938,280
Authority: US
Inventors: Aaron Junk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-10
Filing date: 2013-07-10
Publication date: 2014-01-16

Abstract

A gun case is provided including a body having a front, a back, and a pair of sidewalls extending between the front and back. The body forms a cavity having an opening at a top of the body. A gun stabilizer extends along a portion of an interior surface of the cavity. The gun stabilizer is positioned proximate to the opening at the top. A moveable floor extends across the cavity and is moveable between the top and a bottom of the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/669,749 filed Jul. 10, 2012 and titled “ VEHICLE MOUNTED GUN CASE” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments
The disclosed embodiments relate to a gun case, and more particularly to a gun case that fits within a vehicle or within a stationary container, such as a cabinet, bed-side table or some other furniture or fixture.
2. Related Art
When carrying a gun within a vehicle, it is generally required by law for the gun to be carried in a locked case. Several gun cases provide a means to mount the case within a vehicle, for example below the dash board or within the center consul of the vehicle. However, some of these guns cases can be dangerous and allow movement of the gun within the case when the vehicle is in motion. For example, several known gun case designs merely provide a cavity in which the gun sits without being secured. As such, the gun may shift or even fire when the vehicle is moving. Additionally, several known gun cases include doors to which the gun attaches. Accordingly, when the door is opened, the gun swings out on the door into reach. Such designs may result in the gun becoming dislodged or even firing when the gun case door is opened. Generally, it is ideal for the gun to remain stationary until the user withdraws the gun from the case. Known gun cases are also typically designed for one size gun and do not easily accommodate guns of varying sizes. When opening a gun case it is ideal for the grip of the gun to be easily accessible, and preferably, positioned proximate to the opening of the gun case. However, with some gun case designs, the gun may be positioned at a bottom of the case causing the user to have to dig through the case to retrieve the gun. It would also be ideal to have a gun case for a vehicle that incorporates a biometric sensor or some other quick access lock so that the gun may be quickly retrieved from the gun case. Also, when a firearm is kept within a dwelling or other building, it is widely recommended to store the firearm so that they are inaccessible to intruders and other unauthorized users. Therefore, some of the same issues with storing a firearm in a case within a vehicle are the same when storing the firearm within a building.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a gun case is provided including a body having a front, a back, and a pair of sidewalls extending between the front and back. The body forms a cavity having an opening at a top of the body. A gun stabilizer extends along a portion of an interior surface of the cavity. The gun stabilizer is positioned proximate to the opening at the top. A moveable floor extends across the cavity and is moveable between the top and a bottom of the body.
In another embodiment a gun case is provided including a body having a front, a back, and a pair of sidewalls extending between the front and back. The body forms a cavity having an opening at a top of the body. A plurality of apertures is positioned along an interior surface of the body. A moveable floor extends across the cavity. The moveable floor includes posts. Each post is positioned in one of the apertures to secure the moveable floor within the cavity. The moveable floor is moveable between the top and a bottom of the body to position a portion of a gun resting on the moveable floor proximate to the top of the gun case.
In another embodiment, a gun case is provided including a body having a front, a back, and a pair of sidewalls extending between the front and back. The body forms a cavity having an opening at a top of the body. A plurality of first connection mechanisms is positioned along an interior surface of the body. A moveable floor extends across the cavity. The moveable floor includes second connection mechanisms that are each secured to one of the first connection mechanisms to secure the moveable floor within the cavity. A release latch is formed in the moveable floor. The release latch is activated to release the second connection mechanisms from their respective first connection mechanism to move the moveable floor between the top and a bottom of the body.
Further areas of applicability of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments described herein and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a gun case formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the gun case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the gun case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the gun case shown in FIG. 1 with the door closed.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the gun case shown in FIG. 1 with the door open.

FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the gun case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the gun case shown in FIG. 1 and having a gun positioned therein.

FIG. 8 is front cross-sectional view of the gun case shown in FIG. 1 and having a gun positioned therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by reference to the following descriptions of the disclosed methods and systems, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views, but not all reference numerals are shown in each of the figures.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended. Alterations and modifications in the illustrated device, and further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated, are desired to be protected. Such alternative embodiments require certain adaptations to the embodiments discussed herein that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.
The disclosed embodiments provide a gun case 10 including a body 12 having a front 14, a back 16, and a pair of sidewalls 18 extending between the front 14 and back 16. The body 12 forms a cavity 19 having an opening 20 at a top 22 of the body 12. A gun stabilizer 24 extends along a portion of at least one of the sidewalls 18 within the cavity 19. The gun stabilizer 24 is positioned proximate to the opening 20 at the top 22. The gun stabilizer 24 includes a notch 26 sized to receive a gun 28 therein and a strap 30 extending across the notch 26 to secure the gun 28 within the notch 26. A moveable floor extends 32 between the sidewalls 18 within the cavity 19. A plurality of apertures 34 is positioned along each sidewall 18. The moveable floor 32 includes posts 36 and each post 36 is positioned in one of the apertures 34 to secure the moveable floor 32 within the cavity 19. A release latch 38 is formed in the moveable floor 32 and is activated to release the posts 36 from their respective aperture 34 so that the moveable floor 32 moves between the top 22 and a bottom 23 of the body 12. The moveable floor 32 is moved to position a portion of the gun 28 proximate to the top 22 of the gun case 10. In one embodiment, a mount 40 is attached to an exterior surface 42 of the body 12. The gun case 10 also includes a spring loaded door 42 extending across the opening 20 at the top 22 of the body 12. A biometric sensor 44 may be provided to activate the spring loaded door 42. Optionally, other mechanisms may be provided to lock the spring loaded door 42, for example a key hole or a combination lock.
The gun case 10 includes a body 12 having a front 14 and a back 16. Sidewalls 18 extend between the front 14 and the back 16. A bottom 23 of the case 10 is closed and extends between the front 14 and the back 16 and between the sidewalls 18. The body 12 of the case 10 forms a cavity 19 having an open top 20. The cavity 19 is configured for retaining a gun 28 therein. In particular, the gun case 10 is configured to retain a gun 28 in a vehicle. The gun case 10 may be mounted within the vehicle using a mount 40 provided on an exterior surface 42 of the gun case 10. In one embodiment, the mount 40 may be configured for a particular vehicle model. In a preferred embodiment, the gun case 10 includes a mount 40 positioned on the bottom 23 of the body 12 and a mount 40 positioned on the back 16 of the body 12. However, a mount 40 may also be provided on the front 14 or the sidewalls 18 of the body 12. The mount 40 on the bottom 23 of the body 12 may be used to mount the gun case 10 in a center consul of a car between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The mount 40 on the back 16 of the body 12 may be used to mount the gun case 10 at other locations in the vehicle, for example, in the back seat. The mount 40 may directly secure to a portion of the vehicle, for example, with screws. Alternatively, the mount 40 may secure to an anchor (not shown) that is secured to the vehicle. Accordingly, the gun case 10 may be removeable from the anchor to remove the gun case 10 from the vehicle. In such an embodiment, a lock (not shown) may be provided to lock the gun case 10 to the anchor. Although the disclosed embodiments are described with respect to securing the gun case 10 in a car, it should be understood that the gun case 10 of the disclosed embodiments may be secured to any surface, for example, a bed frame, a night stand, a desk, or the like.
A plurality of first connection mechanisms 34 are provided along an interior surface of the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection mechanisms 34 include apertures that extend partially into the body 12 from the interior surface of the body 12. It should be appreciated that other suitable first connection mechanisms may be provided. The first connection mechanisms 34 are provided in opposite walls of the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection mechanisms 34 are provided in the opposite sidewalls 18 of the body. Optionally, the first connection mechanisms 34 may be provided in the front 14 and the opposite back 16 of the body 12. In one embodiment, the first connection mechanisms 34 may only be provided in one wall or may be provided in more than two walls. The first connection mechanisms 34 are aligned with one another across the cavity 19. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first connection mechanisms 34 on a first sidewall 18 are aligned with corresponding first connection mechanisms 34 in a second sidewall 18.
A moveable floor 32 extends across the cavity 19. The moveable floor 32 extends at least partially between the front 14 and the back 16 of the body 12. The moveable floor 32 also extends at least partially between the sidewalls 18 of the body 12. The moveable floor 32 is moveable between the bottom 23 and the top 22 of the body 12 to adjust the gun case 10 for guns of varying sizes. The moveable floor 32 moves within the cavity 19 so that an end 50 of the gun 28 may be supported on the moveable floor 32 while a handle 52 of the gun 28 is positioned proximate to the opening 20 in the top 22 of the gun case 10, thereby providing easy access to the gun 28, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Optionally, a top 54 of the gun 28 may be supported on the moveable floor 32 while the handle 52 of the gun 28 is positioned proximate to the opening 20 in the top 22 of the gun case 10, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The moveable floor 32 includes second connection mechanisms 36 extending therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connection mechanisms 36 are posts that are aligned with the first connection mechanisms 34 in the body 12. As such, the second connection mechanisms 36 in the illustrated embodiment extend toward the first connection mechanisms 34 in the sidewall 18. In an embodiment where the first connection mechanisms 34 are formed in other walls of the body 12, corresponding second connection mechanisms 36 will extend from the moveable floor 32 toward those first connection mechanisms 34. It should be appreciated that the second connection mechanisms 36 may take any suitable form that corresponds to the first connection mechanisms 34.
The posts 36 in the illustrated embodiment are configured to rest within corresponding apertures 34 to secure the moveable floor 32 within the cavity 19 of the body 12. The moveable floor 32 includes a release latch 38 to activate the posts 36. In one embodiment, the release latch 38 is located within an opening 62 in the moveable floor 32. As illustrated, each of a pair of release latches 38 is positioned in a corresponding opening 62 in the moveable floor 32. Each latch 38 activates a set of posts 36. A first latch 38 activates a set of posts 36 extending from a first side of the moveable floor 32, and a second latch 38 activates a set of posts 36 extending from a second side of the moveable floor 32. Optionally, a single latch 38 can activate both sets of posts 36.
A user activates the latches 38 to adjust the height of the moveable floor 32. In particular, the user positions their fingers in each of the openings 62 and squeezes the release latches 38 to release the posts 36 from their corresponding apertures 34. With the latches 38 activated, the user may move the moveable floor 32 up or down within the cavity 19 between the top 22 and bottom 23 of the body 12 to alter a position of the moveable floor 32. The position is altered so that the gun 28 may rest on the moveable floor 32, while the handle 52 of the gun 28 is positioned at the top 22 of the body 12. Once the desired position is achieved, the latches 38 are released so that the posts 34 insert into corresponding apertures 36 to secure the moveable floor 32 within the cavity 19.
At least one gun stabilizer 24 is secured within the cavity 19. The gun stabilizer 24 is secured to the interior surface of the body 12 proximate to the top 22 of the body 12. Gun stabilizers 24 are illustrated on each sidewall 18, however, the gun stabilizer 24 may be positioned on only one sidewall 18 or along any of the walls. The pair of gun stabilizers 24 provides flexibility in how the gun case 10 is mounted. The gun 28 is capable of being retained in a gun stabilizer 24 with the handle easily accessible regardless of the orientation of the gun case. In one embodiment, the gun stabilizer 24 is formed out of a pliable material, such as foam.
A notch 26 is formed in the gun stabilizer 24 to receive a portion of a gun 28. The pliable material of the gun stabilizer 24 deforms around the gun 28, while providing enough pressure on the gun 28 to secure the gun 28. In one embodiment, at least one of the notches 26 may be used to secure extra magazines for the gun 28. A strap 30 extends across the notch 26. When a gun 28 is positioned in the notch 26, the strap 30 extends across the gun 28, thereby securing the gun 28 within the gun stabilizer 24. The strap 30 may be retained by any attachment mechanism, but preferably includes at least one hook and loop fastener end the can be quickly and easily removed to access the gun 28.
The gun stabilizer 24 and the moveable floor 32 work together to secure the gun 28 in the cavity 19 of the gun case 10. The moveable floor 32 is adjustable so that the gun 28 does not slide downward into the cavity 19, thereby limiting access to the gun 28. Moreover, the strap 30 and the pliable gun stabilizer 24 hold the gun 28 firmly in place and prevent the gun 28 from shifting when the vehicle is moving. When withdrawing the gun 28 from the gun case 10, the strap 30 easily breaks away from the gun stabilizer 24 on at least one end to allow the gun 28 to be quickly drawn from the gun case 10.
A spring loaded door 42 extends across the open top 22 of the body 12. The door 42 is attached to a top edge of the back 16 of the body 12 by a spring 82. A latch 84 for the door 42 is positioned on the front side 14 of the body 12, but may optionally be positioned on door 42. When the door 42 is opened via the latch 84, the spring 82 automatically swings the door 42 upward to expose the cavity 19 of the gun case 10. It is ideal for the latch 84 to include a lock to prevent uninvited people, such as children, from accessing the gun. Some states may also require a lock by law. In a preferred embodiment, the gun case includes a biometric sensor that recognizes a fingerprint of at least one user. Optionally, the lock may include a keyhole or any other suitable combination lock, for example, a dial lock or a keypad lock.
In one embodiment, the gun case may include additional cavities having their own door. These cavities may be used to store other personal items such as a wallet, mobile devices or other electronics. These items may be stored in the additional cavities separate from the cavity holding the gun. Accordingly, a user can retrieve their personal items without having to open the gun compartment. These additional cavities will also include a lock for securing the personal items when valeting the vehicle, leaving the vehicle in a parking lot/garage, or the like. In one embodiment, each additional cavity will include its own moveable floor separate from the moveable floor in the gun compartment. Accordingly, the cavity can be adapted to fit different size personal items. For example, when storing a phone in one of the additional cavities, the moveable floor of the cavity may be adjusted so that the phone rests near the top of the cavity. Accordingly, a user would not have to reach into a deep cavity to retrieve a phone that is resting at the bottom of the cavity.
Additionally, some state laws require that guns and ammunition be stored in separate compartments when carrying them in a vehicle. Accordingly, the gun case may include separately locking cavities, wherein one cavity is utilized to store the gun and the other cavity is utilized to store the ammunition.
In operation, the gun in the gun case may be quickly accessed in an emergency. Preferably, the lock is activated with a biometric sensor causing the door to swing open and expose the cavity of the gun case. The moveable floor of the gun case has been ideally positioned for the gun's length so that the handle of the gun is positioned proximate to the top of the body and readily accessible. The user merely grabs the handle of the gun and pulls, thereby detaching the strap and pulling the gun from the notch in the gun stabilizer. Accordingly, in an emergency, the gun can be accessed and ready to fire in a matter of seconds.
The disclosed embodiments provide a gun case that prevents the gun from shifting or inadvertently firing when the vehicle is moving. Moreover, the disclosed embodiments hold the gun stationary and does not move the gun when the door is opened, thereby preventing the gun from becoming dislodged or firing when the gun case door is opened. The disclosed embodiments keep the gun stationary until the user withdraws the gun from the case. Additionally, the disclosed embodiments include a moveable floor that accommodates guns of varying sizes.
While this disclosure has been described using disclosed embodiments, the systems and methods according to the present disclosure can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example, the methods disclosed herein and in the appended claims represent one possible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner may determine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps of one or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that a different sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the same results. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A gun case comprising:

a body having a front, a back, and a pair of sidewalls extending between the front and back, the body forming a cavity having an opening at a top of the body;

a gun stabilizer extending along a portion of an interior surface of the body, the gun stabilizer positioned proximate to the opening at the top; and

a moveable floor extending across the cavity, the moveable floor moveable between the top and a bottom of the body.

2. The gun case of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of apertures positioned along each sidewall, the moveable floor having posts, each post positioned in one of the apertures to secure the moveable floor within the cavity.

3. The gun case of claim 2 further comprising a release latch formed in the moveable floor, the release latch activated to release the posts from their respective aperture.

4. The gun case of claim 1, wherein the gun stabilizer includes a notch sized to receive a gun therein.

5. The gun case of claim 4 further comprising a strap extending across the notch to secure the gun within the notch.

6. The gun case of claim 1, wherein the moveable floor is moved to position a portion of the gun proximate to the top of the gun case.

7. The gun case of claim 1 further comprising a mount attached to an exterior surface of the body.

8. The gun case of claim 1 further comprising a spring loaded door extending across the opening at the top of the body.

9. The gun case of claim 8 further comprising a biometric sensor to activate the spring loaded door.

10. A gun case comprising:

a plurality of apertures positioned along an interior surface of the body; and

a moveable floor extending across the cavity, the moveable floor having posts, each post positioned in one of the apertures to secure the moveable floor within the cavity, the moveable floor moveable between the top and a bottom of the body to position a portion of a gun resting on the moveable floor proximate to the top of the gun case.

11. The gun case of claim 10 further comprising a release latch formed in the moveable floor, the release latch activated to release the posts from their respective aperture.

12. The gun case of claim 10 further comprising a gun stabilizer extending along a portion of the interior surface of the body, the gun stabilizer including a notch sized to receive a gun therein, the gun case further comprising a strap extending across the notch to secure the gun within the notch.

13. The gun case of claim 10, wherein the moveable floor is moved to position a portion of the gun proximate to the top of the gun case.

14. The gun case of claim 10 further comprising a mount attached to an exterior surface of the body.

15. The gun case of claim 10 further comprising a spring loaded door extending across the opening at the top of the body.

16. A gun case comprising:

a plurality of first connection mechanisms positioned along an interior surface of the body;

a moveable floor extending across the cavity, the moveable floor having second connection mechanisms, each second connection mechanism secured to one of the first connection mechanisms to secure the moveable floor within the cavity; and

a release latch formed in the moveable floor, the release latch activated to release the second connection mechanisms from their respective first connection mechanism to move the moveable floor between the top and a bottom of the body.

17. The gun case of claim 16 further comprising a gun stabilizer extending along a portion of the interior surface of the body, the gun stabilizer including a notch sized to receive a gun therein, the gun case further comprising a strap extending across the notch to secure the gun within the notch.

18. The gun case of claim 16, wherein the moveable floor is moved to position a portion of the gun proximate to the top of the gun case.

19. The gun case of claim 16 further comprising a mount attached to an exterior surface of the body.

20. The gun case of claim 16 further comprising a spring loaded door extending across the opening at the top of the body.