Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02079114 2003-03-21
GUN LOCK ASSEMBLY
Technical Field
This invention relates generally to firearm locks, and more
particularly to firearm locks which are provided so as to be
substantially integral with the firearm.
Background Art
There is a continuing need to provide locks for firearms which
will effectively prevent operation of the firearm by unauthorized
users, but which are readily manipulated by authorized users to
permit deactivation of the lock and operation of the firearm in an
emergency. It is desirable that such a lock be easily installed
and non-intrusive to the integrity of the firearm, such that
continued reliability of the firearm is insured after installation
of the lock. It is also desirable that such a lock be entirely
integral with the firearm, such that the lack or a key for the lock
cannot be.misplaced or lost.
There have been many attempts to devise locks for firearms
which will prevent unauthorized use of the firearm. These locks
often are not integral with the firearm, and accordingly, must be
removed in order to render the firearm operable, and can thereby be
lost or misplaced. Prior locks for firearms which have been made
to be integral with the firearm require extensive modification to
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the firearm, and thus can affect the reliability of the firearm and
require time and expense for proper installation. These firearm
locks are sometimes difficult to manipulate, and therefore can be
dangerous in an emergency where quick operation.of the firearm is
necessary.
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Disclosure of the Invention
It is an object of the invention to prevent the operation of
firearms by unauthorized users.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lock for
firearms which is easily installed.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a lock
for firearms which is integral with the firearm and will preclude
the possibility that the lock will be lost or misplaced.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lock for
firearms which will not affect the reliability of the firearm.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a lock
for firearms Which can be readily deactivated to permit quick
operation of the firearm in an emergency.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a lock
for firearms which can be installed in the firearm without
extensive modification to the firearm.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a lock
assembly in which the combination required to open the lock can be
readily changed by an authorized user.
These and other objects are accomplished by a gun lock
I
assembly having an engagement portion with a locked position in
which a portion of the firing mechanism is operatively engaged to
prevent firing of the firearm, and an unlocked position in which
operation of the firearm is permitted. The lock preferably
comprises a lock housing with structure far attaching the lock
housing to the firearm.
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A mounting plate is preferably provided which can be attached
to the frame of the firearm. This can be accomplished in pre-
existing firearms by removing the existing handle grip of the
firearm and attaching the mounting plate to the firearm with
fastening structure. The mounting plate has engagement structure
for engaging a portion of the lock when the lock is in the locked
position, and for disengaging the portion when the lock is in the
unlocked position. The lock housing preferably encloses at least
part of the fastening structure and the engagement structure, such
that the mounting plate and lock cannot be removed from the firearm
when the lock is in the locked position. The design of the
mounting plate can be readily adapted to fit most firearms.
The lock is preferably a combination lock having a plurality
of push buttons accessible from the exterior of the housing for
entering an appropriate combination. A plurality of elongated
ratchet members having ratchet teeth can be slidably disposed
within the housing. A ratchet return biasing member is provided to
return the ratchet members to an initial position. A ratchet pawl
is connected to the push buttons and is operable to move the
ratchet members against the biasing when the push buttons are
depressed. - Additional biasing is provided to return the push
buttons and ratchet pawl to the starting position. A detent is
associated with each ratchet member to prevent the return of the
ratchet member to the initial position under the influence of the
ratchet return biasing. .-
A key-way carrier is associated with each ratchet member and
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is moveable with each ratchet member. A lock slide is positioned
adjacent to the ratchet members and includes a plurality of keys.
The keys are slidable into the key-ways when the ratchet members
and key-way carriers have been moved an appropriate number of times
by operation of the push buttons to align each key-way with the
respective key.
The engagement portion of the lock is fixed to the lock slide,
such that the engagement portion can be moved to the unlocked
position only when the key-ways are aligned with the keys of the
lock slide according to the appropriate combination. The lock
slide and the engagement portion can then be moved to the unlocked
position.
A reset is provided to initialize the ratchet members for
locking the lock and to provide a consistent starting point for re-
entering the combination. Reset arms are disposed adjacent to the
ratchet pawls and detents to move the pawls and detents out of
engagement with the ratchet members to release the ratchet members
when the reset button is pushed. This will permit the ratchet
members to return to the initial position under the influence of
the ratchet return spring.
The position of the key-way carriers with respect to the
associated ratchet members is preferably adjustable so as to
provide for changing the combination of the lock. Ln a preferred
embodiment, the key-way carrier can be inverted so as to present an
alternate side of the key-way carrier to the keys of the lock
slide. The alternate side has a key-way in a different position,
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such,that the number of operations of the push button necessary to
align that key-way with the respective key on the lock slide is
changed.
Structure is provided for preventing the operation of the
reset button when the lock slide is not fully in the locked
position. Structure is also provided for urging the lock slide and
keys out of engagement with the key-way carriers to permit
substantially free travel of the ratchet members to the initial
position during the reset function.
The lock is particularly useful for engagement of any existing
external safety mechanism of the firearm. In the locked position,
the engagement portion of the lock prevents movement of the safety
to the "unsafe" position, so as tp~ prevent operation of the
firearm. In the unlocked position, the engagement portion is moved
out of operative engagement with the existing external safety, so
as to permit movement of the safety to the "unsafe" position and
operation of the firearm.
An embodiment of the invention is useful for locking
revolvers, which typically do not have an external safety
mechanism. A lever or other member is provided in association with
the lock. The lever or other member has a locked position blocking
the stirrup or another portion of the firing mechanism of the
revolver to prevent operation of the revolver, and an unlocked
position permitting operation of the revolver. The lever or other
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member is moved to the blocking position by movement of the lock to
the locked position, and can be moved from the blocking position
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with movement of the lock to the unlocked position. The revolver
lock of the invention is also useful with alternative lock
constructions.
A grip lock assembly for firearms includes a lock having a
locked position preventing operation of the firearm, and an
unlocked position permitting operation of the firearm. A portion
of the lock, when in the locked position, is adapted to operatively
engage a portion of the firing mechanism of the firearm to prevent
operation of the firearm. The invention is quickly installed by
replacing an existing grip or stock of the firearm with grips or
stocks according to the invention.
A draw bar lock for a firearm is operable to engage and
disengage a draw bar or trigger bar of the firearm, which connects
the trigger to the hammer. The lock includes a lock member which,
in the locked position, operatively engages the draw bar to move
the draw bar out of engagement with the hammer. The firearm is
thereby rendered inoperative. The lock member, in the unlocked
position, permits the draw bar to engage the hammer in the usual
manner to permit operation of the firearm. The lock member can be
provided as part of a lock assembly which can be readily installed
in the firearm, and in a construction which is resistant to
tampering.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
There are shown in the drawings embodiments which are
presently preferred it being understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements or
instrumentalities shown, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic hand gun having
a lock according to the invention.
Fig. 2 is an exploded front perspective.
Fig. 3 is an exploded rear perspective of a lock according to
the invention.
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective of a ratchet member and key-
way carrier.
Fig. 5 is a rear elevation, partially broken away and
partially in phantom.
Fig. 6 is a rear elevation, partially in phantom, and
depicting an unlocking mode of operation.
Fig. 7 is a rear elevation similar to Fig. 5, and depicting a
reset mode of operation.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a gun lock according to the
invention as installed in a revolver.
Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective of the embodiment of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a perspective, partially broken away, and in an
unlocked mode of operation.
Fig. 11 is a perspective, partially broken away, and in a
locked mode of operation.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a grip lock assembly
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according to the invention.
Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective of an alternative lock
construction.
Fig. 14 is a front elevation of the lock construction of Fig.
13 as installed, the surrounding portions of the handle grip being
removed to depict internal features, the lock being in a first,
"locked" mode of operation.
Fig. 15 is a side elevation similar to that of Fig. 14, and
depicting the lock in a second, "unlocked" mode of operation.
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a firearm with a draw bar
lock according to the invention.
Fig. 17 is a side elevation, partially broken away and
partially in phantom, and depicting a first mode of operation.
Fig. 18 is a side elevation opposite to that of Fig. 17,
partially broken away and partially in phantom, and depicting the
first mode of operation.
Fig. 19 is a side elevation similar to Fig. 18, and depicting
a second mode of operation.
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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
An embodiment of the invention suitable for automatic hand
guns is shown in Figs. 1-6. The hand gun 20 includes a handle
frame 24, slide 28, hammer 30, trigger 32, and safety 34, which can
be according to known hand gun constructions. The safety 34 is
depicted in the "safe" position in Fig. 1. Clockwise pivoting of
a finger piece portion 36 of the safety 34 will place the safety in
the "unsafe" position, which is necessary to operate the firearm.
A lock 40 according to the invention is provided and includes
an engagement portion 46 which, in a locked position, blocks the
safety 34 so as to prevent movement of the safety 34 to the
"unsafe" position. In an unlocked position, the engagement portion
46 is positioned out of operative engagement with the safety 34 so
as so permit the safety 34 to be moved to the "unsafe" position.
The firearm can then be operated in the usual manner.
The lock 40 can be constructed according to several
alternative lock constructions. Combination locks are most
preferred because keys or other pieces are not necessary to unlock
the lock. These other pieces can be lost, misplaced, or left
behind, which could render the firearm unoperable to the authorized
user in an emergency situation. Push buttons 50a-c are provided,
although fewer or more push buttons can alternatively be utilized.
The push buttons SOa-c could potentially be replaced by other
combination lock structure, such as rotating dials or touch pads.
The precise size and configuration of the handle frame 24 can
vary from firearm to firearm. It has been found to be useful to
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provide-a mounting plate 58 by which the lock 40 can be mounted to
several different types of firearms without substantially changing
the lock 40. The mounting plate 58 can be attached to the handle
frame 24 by suitable structure, such as the screw 62 which passes
through aperture 64 in the mounting plate 58 to engage a female
threaded socket 68 in the handle frame 24. A threaded screw 70 can
be positioned through an aperture 71 to secure the mounting plate
58 to the handle frame 24 at a female threaded socket 73. The
screw 70 can be provided with a female socket 72 at the head so as
to receive a screw 76. The screw 76 is useful to secure a handle
grip 78 to the handle frame 24. The handle grip 78 can be
configured to fit around a portion of the lock 40.
Structure is provided for engaging the lock 40 to the mounting
plate 58. A flange 80 can be provided which hingably engages
cooperating structure on the lock 40. A screw 82 can engage the
lock 40 to a threaded socket 84 in the mounting plate 58. Further,
structure on the lock 40 is preferably provided which, when in the
locked position, engages a clasp portion 88 on the mounting plate
58 so as to prevent removal of the lock 40 from the mounting plate
58 when the lock 40 is in the locked position. The screw 62 used
to secure the mounting plate 58 to the handle frame 24 is covered
by the lock 40, and since the lock 40 cannot be removed from the
mounting plate 58 when in the locked position, the mounting plate
58 also cannot be removed when the lock 40 is in the locked
position.
A preferred lock construction is shown in Fig. 3. The lock 40
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includes a lock housing 92. A push button finger piece 96 is
associated with each of the push buttons 50a-c and extends through
openings 100-102 that are provided in the housing 92. A pawl 106
is connected to each of the push buttons 50a-c. In a preferred
embodiment, an extension arm 112 connects each pawl 106 to the push
buttons 50a-c. The pawls 106 are preferably pivotally connected to
the extension arms 112 as by pivot pin 118. Each pawl 106 includes
an engagement portion 120 which is adapted to engage an elongated
ratchet member 124. The ratchet member 124 can have plurality of
ratchet teeth 128 for engagement with the engagement portion 120 of
the pawls 106 (Fig. 4). Biasing structure such as a ratchet return
spring 132 is adapted to urge the ratchet members 124 toward the
respective push buttons 50a-c. The ratchet return spring 132 can
be secured by mounting pins 136 fixed to the housing 92 and to
mounting pins 140 on the ratchet members 124.
Detents 144 are provided to retain each ratchet member 124
against the force of the ratchet return spring 132 following
movement of the ratchet member 124 by the pawl 106. The detents
144 can include engagement portions 148 which are adapted to engage
the teeth 128 of the ratchet members 124. The detents 144 can be
pivotally mounted to the housing 92 by suitable structure such as
pivot pins 152.
The pawls 106 and detents 144 preferably are biased into
engagement with the ratchet members 124 so as to prevent slippage.
One or more biasing springs, such as the biasing spring 156, can be
provided to perform this function. The biasing spring 156 can have
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spring~arms 158, 159 which contact the pawls 106 and detents 144.
The biasing spring 156 can be mounted in suitable fashion, such as
to the mounting posts 160.
The pawls 106 and ratchet teeth 128 are configured according
to known ratchet constructions so as to provide for engagement
during a downward stroke of the push buttons 50a-c, and slippage of
the pawl 106 past the ratchet teeth 128 during the return stroke of
the push buttons 50a-c. Return of the push buttons 50a-c is
accomplished by push button return springs 164 associated with each
of the push buttons 50a-c, which are adapted to bias the push
buttons 50a-c away from the ratchet members 124. The detents 144
are constructed in known fashion so as to engage the ratchet
members 124 oppositely to the pawls 106, such that the ratchet
teeth 128 can move past the detents 144 when the ratchet members
are moved by the pawls 106.
Structure may be provided to guide the sliding movement of the
ratchet members 124 and the pawls 106. In One embodiment, rails
168 are provided with the housing 92 and are adapted to slidably
engage a groove 170 formed in a back surface of each ratchet member
124. Grooves 172 can be formed in the housing 92 for guiding the
movement of the ratchet members. Pawl guides 176 can also be
provided with the housing 92 to guide the motion of the pawls 106.
Ratchet stops 180 can be provided to limit the movement of the
ratchet members 124 in response to the biasing of the ratchet
return springs 132.
Key-way carriers 190a-c are associated with each of the
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ratchet members 124 and adapted to move with movement of the
ratchet members 124. In a preferred embodiment, the key-way
carriers 190 are detachably engaged to the ratchet members 124,
such as by tongue 192 and groove 193 construction. Each key-way
carrier 190a-c includes a respective key-way 194a-c, which can be
formed as a notch or groove therein.
A lock slide 200 is operatively connected to the engagement
portion 46 and can extend through a suitable opening 204 in the
housing 92. The lock slide 200 includes keys 206a-c which, when
assembled, are positioned substantially adjacent to respective key-
way carriers 190a-c. The lock slide 200 and keys 206a-c are
juxtaposed to the key-way carriers 190a-c such that transverse
movement of the lock slide 200 relative to the key-way carriers
190a-c is blocked by contact between the keys 206a-c and the key-
way carriers 190a-c.
The key-ways 194a-c are dimensioned to accept the keys 206a-c.
Alignment of the key-ways 194a-c with the keys 206a-c is
accomplished by depressing the respective push buttons 50a-c the
appropriate.number of times corresponding to the position of the
key-way 194a-c on the respective key-way carrier 190a-c. A key-way
194 that is positioned nearer to the end of the ratchet member 124
that is closest to the respective push button 50 will require more
operations of the push button 50 in order to move the ratchet
member 124 and associated key-way carrier 190 a sufficient distance
to align the key-way 194 with the respective key 20.6.. Different
positions of the key-way 194 on the key-way carrier 190 will
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require more or fewer operations of the push button 50.
Accordingly, the relative positioning of the key-ways 194a-c on the
respective key-way carriers 190a-c corresponds to a combination
necessary to align all of the key-ways 194a-c with the keys 206a-c,
so as to permit transverse movement of the keys 206a-c into the
key-ways 194a-c, and corresponding movement of the lock slide 200.
The engagement portion 46 will move with the lock slide 200 to the
"unlocked" position.
A lock slide biasing spring 210 can be provided to urge the
lock slide 200 to the unlocked position in which the keys 206a-c
are urged into the key-ways 194a-c. The biasing spring 210 can be
mounted to the lock slide 200 at a mounting post 214, and can be
engaged to a portion of the housing at a post 218 (Fig. 4).
Reset structure is provided for returning the ratchet members
124 to an initial position, which will move the key-ways 194 out of
alignment with the keys 206 to lock the lock 40, and so that the
combination can be entered from a consistent starting point. The
reset structure can engage the pawls 106 and detests 144 to move
them out of engagement with the ratchet members 124. The ratchet
return springs 132 will move the ratchet members 124 to an initial
position defined by the ratchet stops 180. A reset slide 220 can
be provided with a plurality of reset arms 222. The reset slide
220 is so constructed that, when assembled, the reset arms 222 are
juxtaposed to the pawls 106 and detests 144, which extend somewhat
out of the plane of the ratchet members 124. The reset slide 220
is slidably disposed within the lock 40, and can be supported by a
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portion-226 which is slidably engaged in a slot 230 formed in the
housing 92. A slot 234 can be provided to receive a mounting screw
238, which engages a threaded socket 240 in the housing 92 so as to
provide slidable engagement of the reset slide 220 to the housing
92. A reset button 248 of the reset slide 220 can extend out of an
opening 250 in the housing 92 for manipulation by the operator.
Sliding movement of the reset slide 220 will cause contact between
the reset arms 222 and the pawls 106 and detents 144, to move the
pawls 106 and detents 144 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth
128 of the ratchet members 124.
In operation, when the lock slide 200 is in the locked
position, the engagement portion 46 will be positioned so as to
prevent movement of the safety 34 from the "unsafe" position. Keys
206a-c abut the respective key-way carriers 190a-c such that
movement of the lock slide 200 to the unlocked position is not
possible. Upon operation of the respective push buttons 50a-c, the
key-ways 194a-c are aligned with the keys 206a-c. The lock slide
200 is urged by the lock slide spring 210 such that the keys 206a-c
are moved into the respective key-ways 194a-c. The lock slide 200
and engagement portion 46 thereby are permitted to move from the
locked position to the unlocked position, permitting movement of
the safety 34 to the "unsafe" position, and operation of the
firearm. Locking of the firearm can be accomplished by manually
moving the engagement portion 46 and lock slide 200 to the locked
position in which the keys 206a-c are out of engagement with the
key-ways 194a-c. The lock slide 220 must be held against the
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biasing of the lock slide spring 210, so that accidental locking is
avoided. Movement of the reset button 248 and reset slide 220 will
cause the reset arms 222 to move the ratchet pawls 106 and the
detents 144. This will permit movement of the ratchet members 124
and associated key-way carriers 190a-c to the initial position in
which movement of the keys 206a-c is blocked by the key-way
carriers 190a-c. This will lock the lock 4-0 and will also position
each of the ratchet members 124 at the initial position defined by
the ratchet stops 180 for subsequent entering of the combination.
Movement of the pawls 106 and detents 144 out of engagement
with the ratchet members 124 prior to the completion of the
movement of the keys 206a-c out of the respective key-ways 194a-c
can result in dragging of one or more of the keys 206a-c against
sides of the respective key-way carriers 190a-c. This will impede
the return of the key-way carrier 190 and respective ratchet member
124 to the initial position during the reset function. The
subsequent release of the reset button 248 will cause the ratchet
pawls 106 and detents 144 to engage the respective ratchet member
124, which. may not have returned fully to the initial position
because of the dragging against the keys 206. Entering of the
appropriate combination will be confused because the ratchet member
124 and key-way carrier 190 will not be in the true starting
position. It is therefore desirable to provide structure to ensure
that the reset button 248 is not operable until the lock slide 200
and keys 206a-c are completely out of engagement- with key-way
carriers 190a-c.
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A pivoting reset stop lever 256 can be provided and can be
pivotally secured to the housing 92 as by a mounting pin 260. A
spring 262 biases the reset stop lever 256 into engagement with a
shoulder 266 on the reset slide 220. Completion of the movement of
the lock slide 200 to the locked position causes contact between
the lock slide 200 and the reset stop lever 256 so as so pivot the
lever out of engagement with the reset slide 220. The reset slide
220 can then be operated to reset the position of the ratchet
members 124.
It is also desirable that structure be provided to urge the
lock slide 200 completely out of engagement with the key-way
carriers 190a-c during the reset function. The lock slide spring
210 may otherwise cause excessive contact between the keys 206a-c
and the key-way carriers 190a-c. A reversing lever 270 can be
pivotally mounted to the housing 92, as by a mounting pin 274. The
reversing lever 270 includes a pin 271 that is contacted by an
elongated slot 272 on the reset slide 220 when the reset slide is
moved during the reset operation. The contact will pivot the
reversing lever 270 and cause shoulder 282 of the reversing lever
270 to contact a shoulder 286 of the lock slide 200 to urge the
lock slide 200 and keys 206a-c securely out of engagement with the
key-way carriers 190a-c.
The key-way carriers 190 can include alternate key-ways 290
substantially on a side of the key-way carrier 190 opposite the
key-way 194. The fastening structure such as the tongue 192 and
groove 193 is such that the key-way carrier 190 can be inverted to
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face the alternate key-way 290 to the lock slide 200 and keys 206.
The alternate key-way 290 can be at a different position along the
key-way carrier 190 such that inversion of the key-way carrier 190
will result in alteration of the combination necessary to align the
alternate key-way 290 with the respective key 206 to open the lock.
The combination can thereby be readily changed if it becomes known
to unauthorized users.
It is preferable that structure be provided to prevent the
removal of the lock itself by unauthorized users and, as stated
earlier, a catch 88 on the mounting plate 58 can be aligned with a
cooperating catch 302 on the lock housing 92. A portion 298 of the
lock slide 200 moves behind the catch 88 and in front of the catch
302 when the lock slide 200 is in the locked position. The
mounting plate 58, lock slide 200, and housing 92 will thereby be
interconnected to secure the lock 40 to the mounting plate 58 when
the lock 40 is in the locked position. Further, the lock housing
92 covers and prevents access to the mounting screw 62, which
secures the mounting plate 58 to the frame 24. The interconnecting
structure provides a construction whereby the lock 40 cannot be
removed frpm the hand gun when the lock 40 is in the locked
position.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is useful for
revolvers. Revolvers do not include an external safety mechanism,
and accordingly, another portion of the firing mechanism must be
operatively engaged in the locked position to prevent operation of
the firearm. Figs. 8-11 depict such an embodiment of the invention
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for a~~revolver 306. In this embodiment, a lock 310 is provided
with an engagement portion 314. The lock 310 can be similar in
construction to the lock 40 described above, or can be made
according to a different construction, including locks that are not
combination locks.
Operation of the firearm 306 requires rearward pivoting of a
hammer 308 upon squeezing of a trigger 312. A hammer stirrup 316
is engaged to the hammer 308 according to known firearm
constructions. A hammer return spring 318 is provided to propel
the hammer stirrup 316 and hammer 308 during firing of the weapon.
An end 319 of the hammer stirrup 316 in some firearm constructions
extends into an opening 326 of the frame 330 of the firearm.
A mounting plate 320 can be provided and secured to the
firearm 306 by suitable fastening structure. In one embodiment, a
screw 344 is passed through an aperture 348 in the mounting plate
320 and engaged to a suitable socket 352 in an opposing handle grip
356. The mounting plate 320 will then be secured to the frame 330
of the firearm 306.
A lever 366 is provided and can be pivotally mounted to the
mounting plate 320 through a mounting aperture 370 which is secured
to a mounting pin 374 on the mounting plate 320. A second,
blocking lever 380 is pivotally mounted to the mounting plate 320,
as by a mounting aperture 384 which is positioned on a mounting
post 390 of the mounting plate 320. The first lever 366 can be
engaged to the blocking lever 380 by a suitable engagement post 381
on the first lever 366, which cooperates with an engagement groove
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383 on the blocking lever 380.
In a first, unlocked position, the blocking lever 380 is
positioned out of alignment with the end 319 of the hammer stirrup
316 (Fig. 10). Normal operation of the firearm is thereby
permitted. In a locked position, however, the engagement portion
314 engages and pivots the first lever 366 clockwise and secures it
in this pivoted position. Pivoting of the. first lever 366 causes
counter-clockwise pivoting of the blocking lever 380. A blocking
portion 388 of the blocking lever 380 is moved over the end portion
319 of the hammer stirrup 316 to prevent movement of the hammer
stirrup 316 and operation of the weapon.
Structure can be provided to fix the position of the blocking
lever 380. A suitable spring 400, such as a leaf spring, can be
secured through a mounting aperture 404 by a screw 408, which
engages a suitable socket 412 in the mounting plate 320. A groove
416 in the mounting plate 320 is adapted to receive a portion of
the leaf spring 400 and provides additional fastening structure.
The spring 400 includes either of a tit or a dimple to cooperate
with two corresponding tits or dimples on a surface 426 of the
blocking lever 380. A dimple 428 can engage either of tits 434,
436 to secure the blocking lever in either the locked or unlocked
position.
The lock 310 can be secured to the mounting plate 320 by
suitable structure such as a screw 444 which engages a suitable
threaded opening 446 on the mounting plate 320. A flange 450 can
be provided to engage a corresponding portion of the lock 310.
SUBS'ffTUTE SHEET
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20791 14
Further-, a catch 454 can be provided to engage a portion of the
lock, such as a portion of the lock slide as previously discussed,
to prevent removal of the lock 310 from the mounting plate 320 when
the lock is in the locked position. The lock also covers the
mounting screw 344 such that an interconnecting structure is
provided wherein the lock 310 cannot be removed from the firearm
306 when the lock 310 is the locked position. A handle grip 460
can be fashioned to fit over the lock 310 and secure to the
mounting plate 320 as by a screw 436 engaging an aperture 438.
The safety mechanism of the invention can be used, with minor
modification, in gun designs of many descriptions. The operation
of most handguns and long arms is well understood, and described in
several volumes including the Gun Digest Book of Firearms
Assembly/Disassembly, Parts I and II: Automatic Pistols and
Revolvers, by J.B. Wood, D.B.I. Books, Inc., Northbrook, IL, 1979;
The S&W Revolver, A Shop Manual, Jerry Kuhnhavsen, V.S.P.
Publishers, Department 1A, Box 1966, Tusten, CA 92681: The Colt 45
Automatic, A Shop Manual, Jerry Kuhnhavsen, V.S.P. Publishers,
Department 1A, Box 1966, Tusten, CA 92681; and the NRA Guide to
Firearms Assembly, National Rifle Association of America, 1600
Rhode Island Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. The disclosures
of the above-identified references are herein fully incorporated by
reference. The invention can be utilized with automatic firearms
such as the Beretta model 84BB, manufactured by the Fabbrica
d'ArmiPietro Beretta S.P.A. of Via Pietro Beretta, 18-25063 Gardone
Val Trompia, Brescia, Italy. The weapon is fully described in the
SUBSTITU . E SEE-~ _
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CA 02079114 2003-03-21
Owner's Manual Beretta dal 1526, Series 81, distributed by the
company, which manual hereby is fully incorporated by reference.
The invention can also be utilised with the Smith & Wesson
semiautomatic centerfire pistols, manufactured by the Smith &
Wesson Company' of 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA. The
weapons are fully described in the Safety Instruction & Parts
Manual, distributed by the company.
There are shown in Figs. 12-15 a grip lock assembly according
to the invention in which a lock is operatively incorporated into
a handle grip for the firearm. The lock may easily be installed
into the firearm by replacing the,existing grip of the firearm with
a grip according to the invention. The automatic handgun 516
depicted in Figs. 12-15 includes a barrel 520, handle frame 526,
and slide 530, and hammer 531. An existing external safety
mechanism 534 is adapted for upward movement into slots 538 formed
in the slide 530 to prevent rearward movement of the slide 530 and
cocking of the hammer 531, and thus operation of the firearm. The
safety 534 can be moved downward out of the slots 538 to permit
rearward movement of the slide 530 and operation of the firearm.
According to the invention, a lock 540 is provided in a handle
grip 542 that is adapted for installation into the firearm 516.
The lock 540 includes structure for engaging a portion of the
firing mechanism of the firearm 516 so as to, in a locked position,
prevent operation of. the firearm. The portion of the firing
mechanism which can be engaged can be varied depending on the type
23
i
CA 02079114 2003-03-21
and style of the firearm. In an embodiment suitable for use with
automatic firearms such as the firearm 516, the lock 540 can be
designed to work with the existing external safety mechanism 534 of
the firearm. The lock 540 includes a lock portion such as the
locking bar 546 which is moveable to a position immediately beneath
the safety 534.
The lock 540 can be selected from many different types of
locks, including key locks, dialed combination locks, and the like.
It is preferable, however, to provide a combination lock which is
opened by entering the appropriate combination in one or more push
members such as buttons. Tn this manner, external devices such as
keys which are susceptible to loss are not necessary, and the
combination can be entered in dark environments by simply sensing
the location of the respective push buttons and entering the
appropriate combination. Suitable lock constructions are also
disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Patent No. 4,987,693.
An alternative embodiment of a suitable lock construction is
shown particularly in Figs. 13-15. The locking bar 546 can be
extended through a slot 550 in a lock housing. In a first
position, the locking bar. 546 is beneath the safety 534 of the
handgun 516 (Fig. 14). The locking bar 546 will prevent movement
of the safety 534 out of the groove 538 to the "unsafe" position.
Entering the proper combination into the lock 540, however, will
permit the locking bar 546 to be moved to an unlocked position
24
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- 20791 14 -
(Fig.-15) away from abutment with the safety 534. The safety 534
can be manipulated between the "safe" and "unsafe" positions in the
usual manner when the lock 540 is in the unlocked position, and the
firearm can be operated to move the slide 530 rearward and cock the
hammer 531.
The lock 540 can include a housing which can be mounted
directly to an exterior surface of the handgun 516 directly below
the safety 534, or the lock can be mounted directly in the handle
grip 542 as shown. The lock can be provided with a complete lock
housing having a front face formed by the handle grip 542, a top
face 552, a bottom face 554, a back face 558, and side faces 560,
562. At least one ratchet member, and preferably three elongated
ratchet members 568-570 as shown; are movably mounted by pins 571
which extend through slots 572 in the housing to slidably engage
the ratchet members 568-570 to the housing. Each of the ratchet
members can have a plurality of substantially aligned ratchet teeth
574 which have a ramp surface 578 which slopes outwardly from the
long axis of the ratchet member. The ramp surface 578 terminates
in a substantially planar notch surface 580 (Fig. 15). Biasing as
by springs 584 is provided to move each ratchet member
substantially along the long axis of the ratchet member.
Catch members such as detents 588 are provided to engage the
notch surfaces 580 to prevent further movement under the bias of
the springs 584. The detents 588 are biased into a position of
engagement with the teeth 574 by suitable biasing means such as the
leaf spring 590. The leaf spring 590 can engage a mounting pin 592
SUgS~~L~E SHEET
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at an'end of the detent 588, and a shaft 594 that is fixed to the
back plate 558 and to which the detent 588 is pivotally mounted.
Movement of the ratchet members 568-570 can be accomplished by
a push rod 600 having at one end a foot 602 adapted to engage the
teeth 574. The push rod 600 is tangentially aligned with the
ratchet members 568-570 in such a manner that axial movement of the
push rod will engage the foot 602 with the notch surface 580 of the
ratchet teeth 574 to move the ratchet member substantially along
its long axis. A button head 610 or other push member is fixed to
an end of the push rod 600 opposite the foot 602 and extends
through the top plate 552 of the housing to allow for manipulation
by the user.
The throw of the push rod 600 is at least equal to the length
of one of the ratchet teeth 574. Movement of the ratchet member
will cause the detent 588 to travel over the ramp surface 578
against the bias of the leaf spring 590 and subsequently to engage
the notch surface 580 of the next succeeding tooth 574. The push
rod 600 can be biased toward its original position by suitable
means such as a coil spring 614, which is disposed between a flange
618 on the button 610 and an inside surface 620 of the housing.
When pressure on the button head 610 is relaxed, the spring 614
will return the push rod 600 to the original position. The push
rod 600 can have a thinned portion 622 which permits the push rod
600 to spring outward over the ramp surface 578 of the succeeding
tooth as the ratchet member moves. The push rod 600 will spring
inward as it passes the notch surface 580 of the succeeding tooth,
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and will be positioned for another throw. The ratchet member is
thereby incrementally moved by the discreet operations of the push
rod 600.
The combination required to open the lock can be determined by
the position of protrusion-receiving lock channels. These channels
can be formed in the ratchet members by several suitable
configurations. In a preferred configuration, removable stop
members such as screws 636 are secured into suitable apertures
formed in each of the sprocket members 568-570. The locking bar
546 is engaged to a slide bolt 640. The slide bolt 640 includes
locking protrusions 644, one of which is positioned adjacent to
each ratchet member 568-570. The protrusions 644 are substantially
parallel with the surface of each of the ratchet members 568-570,
and are oriented so as to be substantially transverse to the long
axis of each ratchet member. The screws 636 extend for a distance
from the surface of each of the ratchet members 568-570, such that
transverse movement of the projections 644 across the ratchet
members 568-570, and therefore also movement of the slide bolt 640
and the locking bar 546, will be prevented when in the locked
position (Fig. 14). Absence of screws, as from the threaded
apertures 630-632, will create protrusion-receiving lock channels
which will receive the protrusions 644 and permit movement of the
slide bolt 640 and locking bar 546.
Operation of the push rods 600 will move the ratchet members
in increments corresponding to the teeth 574. A given number of
discreet movements of the push rods 600 by the buttons 610,
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20791 14
equivalent to the combination, will align the channels
corresponding to the apertures 630-632 with the protrusions 644.
The left-hand ratchet member in Fig. 14 will require one movement
for alignment to occur, the center ratchet member 569 will require
four, and the right-hand ratchet member 570 will require one. When
each of the buttons 610 have been depressed the proper number of
times, all the channels will be aligned with the protrusions 644.
The protrusions 644 can then slide into the channels (Fig. 15) with
corresponding movement of the slide bolt 640. The locking bar 546
can then be moved from beneath the safety 534, whereupon the safety
534 can be operated in the usual manner. It will be readily
appreciated that the combination may be easily changed by removing
one of the screws 636 on a ratchet member and placing it into a
presently unfilled aperture. This will close the prior receiving
channel and create a new channel corresponding to a different
combination.
It is desirable for this embodiment that the operator be able
to repeatedly initialize the ratchet members to the same starting
position relative to the push rods 600. The operator may
inadvertent enter the wrong number into the device, or may lose
count of the number that has been entered. The combination must be
reentered. The operator may start over by returning the ratchet
members to a "0" position and repeating the process of entering the
combination. This can be accomplished by provision of structure
adapted to move the detents 588 and push rods 600 from. engagement
with the teeth 574 so that the ratchet members 568-570 can move
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20791 14
under the bias of the springs 584. An elongated reset arm 660 can
be slidably mounted within the housing in an adjacent alignment
with the push rods 600 and the detents 588. The reset arm 660 can
have slots 664 which can be axially aligned with the long axis of
the reset arm 660. Pins 666 can be fixed to the back face 558 of
the housing and slidably mount in the slots 664. The reset arm 660
can then slide past the mounting pins 666 and relative to the
detents 588 and push rods 600.
A plurality of push rod cam pins 670 are fixed to the reset
arm 660 so as to be substantially adjacent to the push rods 600.
A plurality of detent cam pins 674 are fixed to the reset arm 660
so as to be substantially adjacent to the detents 588. The push
rod cam pins 670 and detent cam pins 674 extend outwardly from the
reset arm 660 such that they contact the push rods 600 and the
detents 588 when the reset arm 660 is moved axially through the
housing.
The reset arm 660 extends through the side face 562 of the
housing, and can be fitted with a button 678 for manipulation by
the user. A spring 680 is disposed between a seat 682 in the
housing and flange 686 on the button 678. The spring 680 is
adapted to bias the reset arm 660 to a position wherein push rod
cam pins 670 and the detent cam pins 674 are substantially removed
from contact with the push rods 600 and the detents 588,
respectively, or to the right in Fig. 14.
The reset function is performed by depressing the reset button
678. This moves the push rod cam pins 670 and detent cam pins 674
~iJ~~'~!~ SHEE'~
CA 02079114 2003-03-21
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20
into contact with the push rods 600 and detents 588, respectively.
The push rods 600 are moved by the cam pins G70 to the left in Fig.
14 and the detents 588 are pivoted by the motion of the detent pins
674, to a position out of contact with the ratchet teeth 574. The
ratchet members 568-570 can then move under the bias of the springs
584 to the starting position (Fig. 14), Movement of the ratchet
members is halted by stop surfaces G90 which project downwardly
from the inside surface 620 of the housing. The ratchet members
568-570 will then be moved to the locked, starting position each
time the rese t button 678 is depressed. The operator may then re-
enter the combination when operation of the firearm is desired.
The use of the invention will be described with reference to
a Smith & Wesson semiautomatic centerfire pistol, manufactured by
The Smith & Wesson Company of 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield,
MA. The weapon is fully described in the Safety Instruction &
Parts Manual, distributed by the company.
There is shown in the drawings a firearm 710 which has a draw
bar 722 connecting the trigger 714 and the hammer 720. The trigger
714 can be pivotally mounted about a mounting pin 726,. and the
hammer 720 ca n be pivotally mounted about a mounting pin 728. The
operation of the draw bar is known in the art, in a variety of
configuration s, and the following explanation is intended only as
an example. A draw bar engagement portion 730 of the trigger 14 is
adapted to abut a trigger engagement portion 724 of the d raw bar
30 722 when the trigger is operated. This action will move the draw
14 R~'d PCT/P~~ ~ ~ H~u l~~C
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31 20791 14
bar 722 forward against the biasing of a return spring 738. A
hammer engagement portion 732 of the draw bar 722 is adapted to
engage a draw bar engagement portion 734 of the hammer 720, such
that forward movement of the draw bar 722 will cause the hammer 720
to pivot about the pivotal mounting 728. The hammer 720 and draw
bar 722 are configured in a manner known in the art such that the
draw bar 722 will release the hammer 720 when the hammer 720 has
rotated rearwardly to a pre-determined position. Spring biasing of
the hammer is provided such that, in known fashion, the hammer 720
will rotate forward when released to strike the firing pin and fire
the gun.
The draw bar 722 is provided in existing firearms as a safety
which will prevent operation of the firearm when the magazine has
been removed. The magazine fits into a shaft 740 in the handle
frame 742 of the firearm, and is typically inserted through an
opening in the base of the handle frame 742. In known fashion,
removal of the magazine (not shown) from the handle frame 742 will
permit the draw bar 722 to move out of engagement with the hammer
720, whereby operation of the trigger 714 will be ineffective to
rotate the hammer 720 and operate the firearm. Accidental firing
of the gun when the magazine has been removed is thereby prevented.
According to the invention, a lock is installed so as to be
integral with the firearm. The lock has a draw bar engagement
portion which is adapted to, in the locked position, move the draw
bar 722 out of engagement with the hammer 720, whether or not the
magazine of the firearm is in place_ The lock assembly may be
g(,1~,S~CfU'fE SHEET
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32
20791 14
provided in a housing 750 as shown. Alternatively, the lock may be
installed in a handle grip which replaces the existing handle grip
of the firearm. This will facilitate the installation process and
proper alignment with the draw bar 722. The lock assembly is
mounted in a position of the firearm such that a drawbar engagement
portion 754 of the lock will directly engage or substantially abut
the draw bar 722. The draw bar engagement portion 754 can be
provided in any configuration suitable for moving the draw bar 722
out of engagement with the hammer 720 when the lock is in the
locked position.
The type of lock that is used can be selected from a number of
suitable lock designs. It is necessary only that the lock be
configured such that, in the locked position, the draw bar 722 will
be moved to a position out of engagement with the hammer 720, while
in the unlocked position engagement of the hammer 720 by the draw
bar 722 will be permitted. Desirable features include tamper
resistance and a reduced size which will not interfere with normal
operation of the firearm. It is also desirable that the lock be
operable without the assistance of external accessories such as
keys, which can be lost or misplaced and are difficult to
manipulate in an emergency. It further is desirable that dials and
,other similar lock-opening constructions be avoided, as these
cannot be utilized in dark environments and are also difficult to
manipulate in an emergency. In a preferred embodiment, the lock
includes push buttons 756 which operate to unlock the. lock when the
buttons have been pressed a proper number of times, or in a proper
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20791 14
sequential order.
According to Applicant's other lock constructions, a lock
member 760 is moveable between locked and unlocked positions upon
proper entry of a combination through utilization of push members
such as the push buttons 756. A reset button 757 can be provided
to initialize the lock for re-entering the combination. According
to the present embodiment, a lever member 764 is pivotally
connected to the lock assembly about a pivot mounting 766. The
lever member 764 is mounted to the lock member 760 by a shaft 768,
which can be mounted within a slot 770 formed in the lock member
760. The draw bar engagement portion 754 is provided on the lever
member 764 and, upon installation, abuts the draw bar 722.
In the unlocked position (Figs. 17-18), the lock member 760 is
in a first position in which the lever member 764 and draw bar
engagement portion 754 are in a pivotal position whereby engagement
of the hammer 720 by the draw bar 722 is permitted. The lock
member 760 can be moved to cause the lever member 764 to pivot
about the pivotal mounting 766, which movement will rotate the draw
bar engagement portion 754 downward into contact with the draw bar
722, which will move the draw bar 722 out of engagement with the
hammer 720, and thereby will prevent operation of the firearm.
Upon entry of the appropriate combination or otherwise unlocking
the lock, biasing can be provided to drive the lock member 760 to
the original position, which will return the lever member 764, draw
bar engagement portion 754, and draw bar 722 to the~unlocked
position of Figs. 17-18 to quickly render the firearm operable.
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The invention provides a tamper-resistant construction which
is easily locked against unauthorized use, yet which can readily be
activated by unlocking the lock as by entering the appropriate
combination. Since the lock operates in conjunction with the
existing draw bar in the firearm, the lock is easily installed and
will not otherwise affect the normal operation of the weapon.
The locks described in the above embodiments of the invention
require the user to enter the combination selection in the form of
a predetermined number of discrete depressions of each button.
Other combination selections are contemplated. For example, the
combination could require the user to depress a plurality of
buttons in a proper sequential order. Other types of lock
mechanisms are also known in the art, and are within the scope of
the present invention. The lock described can also have utility as
a lock for items other than firearms, such as suitcases,
briefcases, and jewelry boxes.
This invention can be provided in alternative embodiments
which do not depart from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof, and accordingly, reference should be had to the following
claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating
the scope of the invention.
SUESTlTUTE SHEET
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