Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
~03~a
GUN LOCK ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to firearm locks, and more
particularly to firearm locks which are provided so as to be
substantially integral with the firear.n.
Descri~tion of the Relevant 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 lock 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
oPten 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
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
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21103860
dangerous in an emergency where quick operation of the firearm is
necessary.
While integral firearm lQcks enhance reliability and safety,
the protection accorded by these locks can be circumvented if the
lock can be moved to avoid the locking mechani~;m. Locks mounted by
external screws or similar fasteners can ~e removed by unscrewi~g
or destruction of the fasteners. Accordingly, it is necessary to
the integrity of the locking mechani~m that the structure for
securing the lock to the firearm is inaccessible when the locX is
locked.
Some firearms are locked by blocking an external saiEety or
some other external structure necessary to firing of the gun. If
the structure is secured to the firearm by external fasteners, the
structur~ may be moved to avoid the blocking s~ructure of the lock.
It is therefore necessary to prevent removal of the external
firearm structure when the lock is locked.
Long arm firearms, such as rifles and shotguns that have
extended stocks, commonly have externally accessible fasteners for
securing the receiver portion of the gun frame portion to the
~tock. For a locking mechanism that blocks structure on the frame
but mounts to the stock, it is necessary to prevent separation of
the frame and the stock to maintain the locking interaction.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to prevent the ope.ration of
firearms by unauthorized users.
It is another object to 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 s^till another object of the invention to provid~ a lock
for firaarms which can be readily deactivated to permit quick
operation of the firearm in an emergency.
It is yet another object of tha 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 hy an authorized user.
It is anoth~r object of the invention to provide a lock
assembly which can be adapted for different models and designs of
hand guns or long arms.
These and other objects are accomplished by a gun lock
assembly ha~lng an engagement portion with a locked posi~ion in
which a portion of the firing mechanism is operatively engaged to
prevent firing of the firearm, and an unlocked position in which
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operation of the firearm is permitted. Several portions of the
firing mechanism are currently preferred, lncluding the hammer,
hammer stirrup, leaf spring and rebound slide. The lock pxeferably
comprises a lock housing with structure for attaching the lock
housing to the firearm.
An adaptor 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 an adaptor to the firearm with fastening structure. The
adaptor is preferably a plate with engagement structurle ~or
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. This will prevent removal of the lock itself by
unauthorized users. The lock housing pre~erably enclosec: at least
part of the fastening structure and the engagement structure, such
that the adaptor and lock cannot be removed from the firearm when
the lock is in the locked position. The design of the adaptor can
be readily adapted to fit most firearms, including hand guns and
lony arms. The adaptor can also be used to provide a manual safety
~or the firearm.
The lock preferably provides assembly locking structure for
preventing the removal of an external fastener used to engage two
separable portions of a firearm, such the stock and frame of a long
arm. The assembly lock prevents disassembly of the firearm that
may otherwise avoid the engagement portion of the lock assembly but
still allow a disassembled portion to operate. The assembly lock
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preferably internally secures the external fastener and is covered
by the housing of the lock assembly so that access to the assembly
lock for disabling is not permitted when the lock assembly and its
associated housing are locked and secured.
The lock is pre~erably 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 a~ainst 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
is moveable with each ratchet member. A lock slide is poæitioned
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 depressed an appropriata number of
times by operation of the push but~ons to align each key-way with
the respective key.
The engagement portion o~ the lock is operatively connected to
the lock slide, ~uch that the engagement portion can be moved to
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the unlocked position only when the key ways are alignPd with the
keys of the lock slide according to the appropriate combination.
The lock slide and th2 engagement portion can then move 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 adjac~nt to the
ratchet pawls and detents to move the pawls and ~etents out of
engagement with the ratchet members to release the ratchet members
when the reset button is pushed. ~his will permit the ratchet
members to return to khe initial position under the influence of
the ratchet return spring.
The position of the key-way carriers with respect to the
associated ratchet me~bers is pre~erably adjustable so as to
provide for changing the combination of the lock. In 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 o~ the lock
slide. The alternate side has a key-way in a different position,
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 ~ully in the locked
position. Structure is also provided for urging the lock slide and
keys out o~ engagement with the key-way carriers to p~-rmit
substantially free travel o~ the ratchet members to the i~itial
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position during the reset function.
The lock can be used with hand g-ms and long arms. The loc]c
is particularly useful for engagement of any existing external
safety mechanism of the firearm. In the locked position, the
engagement portion o~ the lock prevents movement of the saEety to
the "unsafe" position, so as to 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 hammer 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
member is moved to the blocking position by movement of the lock
slide to the locked position, and can be moved from the blocking
position with movement of the lock to the unlocked position. The
revolver lock of the invention is also useful with alternative lock
constructions.
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21~3850
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 prscise arrangements or
instrumentalities shown, wh~rein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic hand gun having
a lock according to the invention.
Fig. ~ is an exploded front perspective.
FigO 3 is an exploded rear perspective o a lock according to
the inventiGn.
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective o~ 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 unlocked mode o~ operation.
Fig. 7 i~ 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 moda of operation.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view o~ a long arm having a lock
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according to the invention.
Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective/ partially broken away.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of the invention suitable for automatic hand
guns is shown in Figs. 1-7. The hand gun 20 includes a handle
frame 24, slide 28, hammer 30, trigger 32, and safety 3~, which can
be according to known hand gun constructions. The sa~ety 34 is
depicted in the "safe" position in Fig. 1. Clockwise pivoting of
a finger piece portion 36 o~ the safety 3~ 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 3~ so
as so permit the safety 34 to be moved to the "unsafe" position.
The firearm can then he 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 inoperable to the authorized
user in an emergency situation. Push buttons 50a-c are provided,
although fewer or morQ push buttons can alternatively be utilized.
The push buttons 50a-c could potentially be replaced by other
combination lock structure, such as rotating dials or touch pads.
~ he 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 an adaptor 58 by which the lock 40 can be mounted to
several different types of firearms without substantially changing
the lock 40. An adaptor 58 can be attached to the handle frame 24
by suitable structure, such as the screw 62 which passes through
aperture 64 in the adaptor 58 to engage a female khreaded socket 68
in the handle frame 24. A threaded screw 70 can be positioned
through an ap~rture 71 to secure the adaptor 58 to the handle frame
24 at a female threaded socket 73. The screw 70 can be provicled
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 handlP
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 adaptor
58. A ~lange 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 adaptor 58. ~urther, structure on the
lock 40 is preferably provided which, when in the locked position,
engages a clasp portion 88 on the adaptor 5~ so as to prevent
removal of the lock 40 from the adap~or 58 when the lock 40 is in
the locked position. The screw 52 used to secure the adaptor 58 to
the handle frame 24 is coverad by the lock 40, and since the lock
40 cannot be removed ~rom the adaptor 58 when in the locked
position, the adaptor 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
includes a lock housing 92. A push button finger piece 96 is
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associated with each of the push buttons 50a-c and extends through
openings 100-102 that are provided in ths housing 92. A pawl 106
is connected to each oE the push buttons 50a-c. In a preEerred
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 12~ can have plurality of
ratchst teeth 128 for engagement with the engagement portion 120 o~
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 ~28 of the ratchet members 124. The detents 144 can be
pivotally mounted to the housing ~2 by suitable structure such as
pivot pins 152.
The pawls 106 and detents 1~4 preferably are biased into
engagament 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
spring arms 158, 159 which contact the pawls 106 and detents 144.
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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 sngagement
during a downward stroke of the push buttons 50al-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 ~Oa-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 12~. 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 14~ 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 embodi~ent, 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 ~ormed in the housing 92 for guiding the
movement o~ the ratchet msmbers. 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 l90a c are associated with each of the
ratchet members 124 and adapted to move with ~ovement of the
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ratchet members 124. In a preferred embodiment, the key way
carriers 190 are directly engaged to the ratchet members 124, such
as by tongue 1g2 and groove 193 construction. Each key-way carrier
l90a-c includes a respective key-way 194a-c, whi.ch can be formed as
a notch or groove thereinO
A lock slide 200 is operatively connected to the engagement
portion 46 and can extend through a suitable opening 204 in the
housing g2. The lock slide 200 includes keys 206a-c which, when
assembled, are positioned substantially adjacent to respective key-
way carriers l90a-c. The lock slide 200 and keys 206a-c are
juxtaposed to the key-way carriers l90a-c such that transverse
movement of the lock slide 200 relative to the lcey-way carriers
l90a-c is blocked by contact between the keys 206a-c and the key-
way carriers l90a-c.
The key-ways 194a c are dimensioned to accept the keys 206a-c.
Alignment of the key-ways 19~a-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 carriers lsoa-c. A key-
way 194 that is positioned nearer to the end of the ratchet member
124 that i~ closest to the respective push button 50 will require
more operations o~ 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 206. Different
posltions of the key-way 194 on the key-way carrier 190 will
re~uire more or ewer operations of the push button 50
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Accordingly, the relative positioning of the key-ways 194a-c on the
respective key-way carriers 190a-c corresponds to a comblnatlon
necessary to align all of the key-ways 194a-c with the keys 20~a-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 lide 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 l9~a-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 ~or returning the ratchet members
124 to an initial position, which will move the key-ways 194 vut 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 10& and detents 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 i~ so constructed that, when assembled, the reset arms 222 are
juxtaposed to.the pawls 106 and detents 144, which extend somewhat
out of the plane of the ratchet members 1240 The reset slide 220
is slidably disposad within the lock, and can be suppoxted by a
portion 226 which is slidably sngaged in a slot 230 formed in the
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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 operat3r.
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 1~4 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 lsOa-c such that
~ovement of the lock slide 200 to the unlocked position i8 not
possible. Upon operation o~ 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
~irearm. Locking o~ the firearm can be accomplished by manually
moving the enyagement portion 46 and loclc slide 220 to th~ locked
position in which the keys 206a-c are out of engagement with the
key-ways 194a-c. The lock slide 220 must bs held against the
biasing of the lock slide spring 210, so that accidental locking is
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2~ 93863
avoided. Movement of the reset button 2~8 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 l90a-c to the initial position in
which movement of the keys 20~a c is blocked by the key-way
carriers l90a-cO This will lock the lock 40 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 combinationO
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 :L94a-c
can result in dragging of one or more o~ the keys 206a-c against
sides of the respective key-way carriers l90a-c. This will impede
the return of the key-way carrier }90 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 t~e respecti~e ratchet member
124, which may not have returned ully 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 140 will not be in the true starting
position. It is therefore desirable to provide struature 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 l90a-c.
A pivoting reset stop lever 256 can be provided and can be
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pivotally se~ured to the housing 92 as by a mounting pin 260.
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
m~mbers 124.
It is also desirable that structure be provided to urge the
lock slide 200 completely out of engagement with the key-way
carriers l90a-c during the reset function. The lock slide spring
210 may otherwise cause some contact between the keys 206a-c and
the key-way carriers l90a-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 a shoulder 282 of the reversing lever
270 to contact a shoulder 2~6 o~ the lock slide 200 to urge the
lock slide 200 and lceys 206a-c securely out of engagement with the
key-way carriers l90a-c.
The key-way carriers 190 can include alternate key-ways 290
substantially on a side of the lcey-way carrier 190 opposite the
key-way 194. The fastening structure such as the tongue 192 and
grooYe 193 is such that the key-way carrier 190 can be inverted tv
face the alternate key-way 290 to the lock slid~ Z00 and keys 206.
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The alternate key-way 290 can be at a dif~erent 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 pre~erable that structure be prov];ded to prevent the
removal of the lock itself by unauthorized users and/ as stated
earlier, a catch 88 on the adaptor 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 adaptor
58, lock slide 200, and housing 92 will thereby be interconnected
to secure the lock 40 to the adaptor 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 adaptor 58 to
the frame 24. The interconnecting structure provides a
construction whereby the lock 40 cannot be removed from the hand
gun when the lock 40 is in the locked position.
The principles disclosed herein can be applied to locks having
different component configurations. For example, it is possible to
construct a lock by which the keys are provided with the ratchet
~ember and the key-ways are provided on the lock slide. Also, the
keys and key-ways can be altered to various forms of protrusions
and depressions, the alignment of which will permit movement of one
relative to the other. Other variations as would be apparent to
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one skilled in the art would also be po~sible.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is useful for
revolvers. ~evolvers 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
for a revolver 306. In this embodiment, a lock 310 i5 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 requir~s 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 ~ome firearm constructions
extends into an opening 326 of the frame 33Q of the firearm.
An adaptor 320 can be provided and secured to the ~irearm 306
by suitable fastening structure. In one embodiment, a screw 344 i5
pa~sed through an aperture 348 in the adaptor 340 and engaged to a
suitable socket 352 in an opposing handle grip 356. The adaptor
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
adaptor 340 through a mounting aperture 370 which is secured to a
mounting pin 374 on the adaptor 320. A second, blocking lever 380
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is pivotally mounted to the adaptor 320, as by a mounting aperture
384 which is positioned on a mounting post 390 of the adaptor 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
aooperates with an engagement groove 383 on the blocking lever 380.
In a first, unlocked posi~ion, the blocking lever 380 i~
positioned out o~ 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 o~ 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 th~ 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 adaptor 320. A groove 41~ in
the adaptor 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
~ecure the blocking lever in either the locked or unlocked
position.
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The lock 310 can be secured to the adaptor 320 by suitable
structure such a~ a screw 444 which engages a suitable threaded
opening 446 on the adaptor 320. A flange 450 can be provided to
engage a corresponding portion of the lock 310. 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 adaptvr 320 ~when the lock is in
the locked position. The lock also covers the mounting screw 344
such that an interconnecting structure is provilded 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 adaptor 320 as by a screw ~36
engaging an aperture 43~.
The sa~ety mechanism of the inventlon can be used, with minor
~odification, in gun designs of many descriptions. The operation
of most hand guns and long arms is well understood, and described
in several volumes inclu~ing 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, 1~79;
The S~W Revolver, A Shop Manual, Jerry Kuhnhavsen, V.S.P.
Publishers, Department 1~, Box 1966, Tusten, CA 92681; The Colt 45
Automatic, A 5hop Manual, Jerry Kuhnhavsen, V.S.P. Publishers,
Department lA, Box lg66, Tusten, Ca 92681; and the NR~ Guide to
Firearms Assembly, National Ri~le Association of America, 1600
Rhode Island Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 2003~. The disclosures
of the above-identified references are herein fully incorporated by
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21~3~63
reference. The invention can be utilized with automatic irearms
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
Owner's Manual Beretta dal 1526, Series ~1, distributed by the
company, which manual hereby is fully incorporated by reference.
The invention can also be utilized with the Smith & Wesson
semiautomatic centerfire pistols, manu~actured 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, which manual is hereby fully
incorporated by reference. Suitable lock structures are also
disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Patent Nos. 4,987,693 and 5,090,148,
and Applicant's co-pending applications. The disclosures of these
patents and applications are hereby incorporated fully by
reference.
The type of lock that is used can be selected from a number of
suitable lock designs. 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 di~ficult 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 e~ergency. In ~ preferred embodiment, the lock
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21Q38~0
includes push buttons which operate to unlock the lock when the
buttons have b~en pressed a proper number of times or in a proper
~equential order.
The lock assembly of the invention can be constructed to
prevent the removal of externally accessible fasteners o~ a firearm
so that disassembly of the firearm when the lock assembly is locked
is prevented. This feature has particular applicability in
connection wlth long arms in which fully operative frame portions
are connectsd to stocks by externally accessible receiver bolts.
There is shown in Fiqs. 12-13 an adaptation of the invention
for long arms. The principles of the invention as applied to hand
guns are equally applicable to long arms, namely, that a
combination lock can be applied to a long arm. The lock has a
portion capable of operatively engaging a portion of the firing
mechanism of the long arm so a~ to prevent operation of the long
arm. The lock has an unlocked position in which operation of the
long arm is permitted. The lock can be adapted to cooperate with
an existing exterior safety of the long arm, or alternatively, can
be adapted to operatively engage an internal portion of the firing
mechanism.
The long arm 500 includes a stock 510, barrel 520, and trigger
524. The stock 510, according to some long arm constructions, has
an opening that is adapted to engage the receiver portion 530 of
the frame o~ the long arm. The receiver portion 530 can include
top tang 532 and bottom tang 534. 5uitable fastening structure
such as a receiver bolt 538 passes through an aperture 540 in the
24
21~38~
receiver portion 530 and engages a corresponding portion o~ the
stock 510 to secure the stock 510 to the reaeiver portion 530. A
barr~l release 544 is sometimes prvvided to permit "breaking" of
the long arm for loading and unloading purposes. An exterior
safety 550 is commonly provided and is moveable between "safe" and
"unsafe" positions which will respectively prevent or permit
operation of the firearm. The movement of the safety necessary to
operate the long arm varies according to the manufacturer, but in
the presently disclosed ~mbodiment, sliding movement of the safety
550 forward results in the "unsafe" position necessary for
opexation of the firearm.
A lock 552 can be secured to the stock 510 or to another
portion of the firearm that is external to the receiver portion
530. The lock 552 is secured to the firearm by suitable structure,
which can include screws. The lock 552 has an engagement portion
554 that is moveable between locked and unlocked positions. In the
locked position, the engagement portion 554 operatively engages the
external safety 550 to prevent movement of the safety to the
unlocked position. In the firearm shown in the drawing, the
engagement portion 5$4 in the locked position prevents forward
movement of the external safety 550. In the unlocked position, the
engagement portion 554 moves to a position permitting forward
movement o~ the external sa~ety 550 to the unlocked, "unsafe"
position. Combination entering structure such as buttons 558, and
a rQset button 560, can be provided with the lock 552 as previously
descri~ed and as described in Applicant~s other applications and
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2~338~'13
patents.
The lock 552 i~ preferably mounted to the long arm 500 by a
adaptor 56~. Suitable structure such as a stoc}c bolt 5~8 can pass
thr~ugh an aperture 570. An aperture 574 can be provided in the
stock 510 to permit passage of the stock bolt 568, which will pass
between the top tang 532 and the bottom tang 534 of the receiver
portion 530 and engage a suitable ~hreaded operling in an opposing
portion of the stock 510.
In a preferred embodiment, the lock provides structure for
preventing the disassembly of the long arm that would avoid the
locking mechanism. In the presently disclosed embodiment, the lock
is positioned such that the stock bolt 568 substantially aligns
with the receiver bolt 538 when each is installed. The receiver
bolt 538 becomes operatively engaged to the stock bolt 568 so as to
prevent the removal o~ the receiver bolt 538 unless the bolt 568 is
first removed. In one embodiment, the receiver bolt 538 includes
a groove 574 through which the stock bolt 568 passes when the stock
bolt 568 is engaged to the stock 510. Other interlocking
constructions are possible, such as slots, catches and the like.
This disassembly lock can be provided in other constructions to
prevent the removal of externally accessible fasteners that secure
the assembly of the firearm.
The lock 552 can be secured to the adaptor 564 by a latch 580
as previously described. A catch 582 functions as previously
described to lock the lock 552 to the adaptor 564 when the lock 552
is in the locked position. This will prevent access to the stock
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2~03~0
bolt 568 and removal of the lock. A screw 584 can be utilized to
engage an aperture 585 in the adaptor 564.
A well 586 can be provided in the stock 510 to receive the
adaptor 564 and the lock 552. A decorative cover 590 can be
secured by screws 592. The screws 592 can engage suitable
apertures 594 in the stock 510. It is altsrnatively possible that
the lock 552 will be configured to engage an :Lnternal portion of
the firing mechanism. In this instance, a suitable opening would
be provided in this stock 510 to permit access to the interior of
the long arm 500.
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 depression~ of each buttonO
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 th~ 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.
The invention provides an adaptor that includes struckure for
connecting the adaptor to the firearm, preferably the frame of the
firearm. Thas~ include the adaptors 58, 320 and 564 disclosed
herein, as well as modifications within the scope of the invention.
The adaptor can include structure for engaging at least a portion
of the firing mechanism of the flrearm so as to prevent operation
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of the firearm. The adaptor 320 shown in Figs~ 9-11 includes
pivotable levers 366, 3~0 which will accomplish this purpose. The
levers, in some embodiments, can be manipulated manually to provide
a manual safety or handguns which do not have an existing manual
safety. The adaptor will most often be utilized with a lock in the
manner disclosed herein so as to provide a means for selectively
permitting or preventing operation of the firearm. The adaptor
preferably has structure for connecting the adaptor to the lock
when the lock is in the locked positicn 50 as to prevent
unauthorized removal of the lock fro~ the adaptor. This is shown
by the clasp 88 of the adaptor 5~, and the clasp 454 shown in Fig.
9. A portion of the lock, or structure operatively connected to
the lock, preferably covers structure which is utilized to secure
the adaptor to the firearm. In this manner, an interlocking
structure is provided by which the lock, when in the locked
position, cannot be removed from the adaptor, and the adaptor
cannot be removed from the firearm.
It is possible to use an adaptor according to the invention
with handguns of many different desi~ns, including both r~volvers
and automatics, as well as long arms. The adaptor can be utilized
with a variety of a variety of different lock designs, including
those described in the present application and applicant's other
applications and patents, as well a~ other unrelated lock
constructions. The adaptor can also be combined with a grip to
provide ready installation into the firearm.
This invention can be provided in alternative embodiments
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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 speciPication, as indicating
the scope of the invention.
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