U.S. patent application number 09/681198 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for firearm barrel lock.
Invention is credited to Kellerman, Donald R..
Application Number | 20020112389 09/681198 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32044784 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112389 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kellerman, Donald R. |
August 22, 2002 |
FIREARM BARREL LOCK
Abstract
A firearm safety lock comprises a chamber insert and a muzzle
insert secured together through the barrel of a firearm by an
adjustable-length cable connection. The chamber insert is sized to
fit within the breech of a firearm, and to prevent the loading of
ammunition therein. The chamber insert receives a first end of a
flexible cable, which is secured within a central bore of the
chamber insert. The flexible cable extends the length of the
firearm barrel, and is fitted, at the opposite end, to a lock
receiving rod. The lock receiving rod includes at least one
circumferential groove, and passes through a central bore in the
muzzle insert. The flexible cable length is adjusted such that a
portion of the lock receiving rod is retained within the barrel,
and a portion extends external thereto. An off-axis transverse bore
in the muzzle insert is aligned with the circumferential groove in
the lock receiving rod, permitting an armature of a conventional
padlock to pass there through, securing the muzzle insert to the
lock receiving rod and the chamber insert within the firing
chamber, preventing the loading or firing of ammunition.
Inventors: |
Kellerman, Donald R.;
(O'Fallon, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSTER, LIEDER, WOODRUFF & LUCCHESI
763 SOUTH NEW BALLAS ROAD
ST. LOUIS
MO
63141-8750
US
|
Family ID: |
32044784 |
Appl. No.: |
09/681198 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/70.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/70.11 |
International
Class: |
F41A 017/00 |
Claims
1. A kit for a firearm safety lock assembly comprising: a cable
having opposed first and second ends, and a rigid locking rod
including at least one circumferential groove fixed at said second
end of said cable; a chamber insert sized to fit within a breech of
a firearm, said chamber configured with a longitudinal bore, said
first end of said cable removably secured within said longitudinal
bore; a muzzle insert having a first portion sized to seat within
an open end of a firearm muzzle opposite said chamber insert, a
second portion sized to extend beyond said open end of said firearm
muzzle, and a circumferential flange with external diameter greater
than an internal diameter of said muzzle located between said first
and second portions, said muzzle insert further including an axial
bore, and an off-axis transverse lock receiving bore in said second
portion intersecting said axial bore; and a lock element having an
armature configured to pass through said off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore and said axial bore, said armature removably
engaging said circumferential groove, securing said rigid locking
rod to said muzzle insert such that said cable is secured through a
firearm barrel between said chamber insert and said muzzle
insert.
2. The kit for a firearm safety lock assembly of claim 1 wherein a
second rigid locking rod including at least one circumferential
groove is fixed at said first end of said cable; and said chamber
insert further includes an off-axis transverse bore intersecting
said chamber longitudinal bore, said off-axis transverse bore sized
to receive a lock pin; wherein said second rigid locking rod seats
within said chamber insert longitudinal bore such that said lock
pin seated in said off-axis transverse bore engages said at least
one circumferential groove, removably securing said first end of
said cable within said longitudinal bore.
3. The kit for a firearm safety lock assembly of claim 2 wherein
said second rigid locking rod includes a plurality of equidistantly
spaced circumferential grooves arrayed from a first end to a cable
attachment end of said locking rod; said chamber insert off-axis
transverse bore located such that said lock pin engages a
circumferential groove adjacent said cable attachment end when said
locking rod is fully inserted within said chamber insert
longitudinal bore, and engages a second circumferential groove
adjacent said first end of said locking rod when locking rod is
partially inserted within said chamber insert longitudinal bore,
thereby altering the distance between said chamber insert and said
first rigid locking rod.
4. The kit for a firearm safety lock assembly of claim 1 wherein
said first end of said cable forms a closed loop; and said chamber
insert further includes at least one cable attachment point within
said longitudinal bore, said cable attachment point configured to
removably secure said cable loop within said chamber insert
longitudinal bore.
5. The kit for a firearm safety lock assembly of claim 4 wherein
said chamber insert further includes a plurality of longitudinally
displaced cable attachment points within said longitudinal
bore.
6. The kit for a firearm safety lock assembly of claim 1 wherein
said chamber insert has the same external dimensions as ammunition
utilized by said firearm.
7. The kit for a firearm safety lock assembly of claim 1 wherein
said chamber insert further includes a resilient firing pin
receiver.
8. The kit for a firearm safety lock assembly of claim 1 wherein
said first portion of said muzzle insert has a first external
diameter sized to seat within an open end of a first firearm
muzzle, and said second portion of said muzzle insert has a second
external diameter sized to seat within an open end of a second
firearm muzzle of differing caliber, said first portion of said
muzzle insert further including a second off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore such that said muzzle insert is longitudinally
reversible for use in firearms of differing caliber.
9. The kit for a firearm safety lock assembly of claim 1 wherein
said rigid locking rod includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced
circumferential grooves, each of said circumferential grooves sized
to receive a portion of said lock element armature.
10. A firearm safety lock assembly comprising: a cable having
opposed first and second ends, said first cable end having a first
locking rod secured thereto, said second cable end having a second
locking rod secured thereto; a muzzle insert having an axial bore
dimensioned to permit passage of said cable and said first locking
rod, a co-axial first cylindrical portion sized for insertion
within the muzzle of a firearm, a circumferential flange sized to
prevent passage of said muzzle insert through said muzzle, and a
second co-axial cylindrical portion opposite said first cylindrical
portion, said second co-axial cylindrical portion including an
off-axis transverse lock receiving bore intersecting said axial
bore; a chamber insert having an axial bore dimensioned to receive
said second locking rod, and at least one cable-locking off-axis
transverse bore intersecting said chamber axial bore; a first
cable-locking element configured for removable insertion within
said at least one cable-locking off-axis transverse bore; and a
second cable-locking element configured for removable insertion
within said off-axis transverse lock receiving bore; wherein said
first cable-locking element engages a portion of said second
locking rod, securing said second locking rod within said axial
bore of said chamber insert, said cable passes through a barrel of
said firearm, and said second cable-locking element engages a
portion of said first locking rod through said off-axis transverse
lock receiving bore, securing said first locking rod within said
axial bore of said muzzle insert.
11. A kit for a firearm safety lock assembly comprising: a cable
configured with a loop at a first end and a locking rod having at
least one circumferential groove at a second end; a chamber insert
having an axial cable bore and an adjustable cable attachment point
within said axial cable bore, said adjustable cable attachment
point configured to engage said cable loop within said axial cable
bore; a muzzle insert having an axial bore sized to permit passage
of said locking rod, a first portion of said muzzle insert having
an off-axis transverse lock-receiving bore partially intersecting
said axial bore, a second portion of said muzzle insert sized to
enclose an open end of a firearm muzzle; and a lock element
configured with an armature, said armature sized to extend through
said off-axis transverse lock-receiving bore and engage said
circumferential groove of said locking rod of said cable, such that
said cable is held taught between said chamber insert and said
muzzle insert by said lock element and said chamber insert is
secured within a breech of said firearm.
12. A method for utilizing a firearm safety lock including a
flexible tensionmember having opposed first and second ends, a
locking rod including at least one circumferential groove secured
to said second end of said flexible tension member; an insert sized
to fit within a breech of a firearm; a muzzle insert having a first
portion sized to seat within an open end of a firearm muzzle
opposite said chamber insert, a second portion sized to extend
beyond said open end of said firearm muzzle, and a shoulder with
external diameter greater than an internal diameter of said muzzle
located between said first and second portions, said muzzle insert
further including an axial bore, and an off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore in said second portion intersecting said axial bore;
and a lock element having an armature configured to pass through
said off-axis transverse lock receiving bore and said axial bore;
comprising: removably securing said first end of said flexible
tension member to said insert; inserting said locking rod and said
flexible tension member into said firearm barrel though said
firearm breech; seating said insert within said firearm breech;
drawing said flexible tension member through said firearm barrel
such that a portion of said locking rod protrudes beyond said
firearm muzzle; passing said protruding portion of said locking rod
through said axial bore of said muzzle insert, such that said first
portion of said muzzle insert seats within said firearm muzzle;
exerting force on said rigid cylindrical locking rod to draw said
flexible tension member through said firearm barrel and said seated
firearm muzzle insert, such that said circumferential groove in
said locking rod aligns with said off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore in said second portion of said muzzle insert; and
inserting said lock element armature through said off-axis
transverse lock receiving bore to engage said circumferential
groove, thereby securing said flexible tension member between said
insert and said muzzle insert.
13. A safety lock for a firearm, the latter having a barrel with a
longitudinal bore therethrough and a chamber for receiving a
cartridge, one end of said barrel being positioned to receive a
projectile fired from said cartridge, the other end of said barrel
constituting a muzzle end through which said projectile is
discharged, said safety lock comprising: a cartridge insert adapted
to be received in said chamber; a flexible tension member secured
to said cartridge body and extending axially through said barrel
bore; a locking rod secured to the free end of said tension member;
a muzzle insert having a portion which is adapted to be received in
said muzzle end of said barrel bore, said muzzle insert having an
axial bore therethrough through which said locking rod extends,
said muzzle insert having a shoulder bearing against the muzzle end
of said barrel and a collar defining at least a portion of said
axial bore, said collar having a non-diametrical cross bore
intersecting a portion of said axial bore within said muzzle
insert; said locking rod further having one or more circumferential
grooves spaced axially therealong such that with said tension
member pulled snug within said barrel bore, said cartridge body is
held by said tension member within said chamber and at least one of
said circumferential grooves in said locking rod is in register
with said cross bore in said collar; and a lock having a lockable
armature configured to pass through said cross bore and to be at
least in part received within said one circumferential groove
thereby to secure said locking rod with respect to said muzzle
insert with said tension member preventing removal of said
cartridge body from said chamber and preventing removal of said
muzzle insert from the muzzle of said firearm thereby rendering
said firearm safe.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention related to a firearm safety locking
apparatus, and more particularly, to a firearm safety lock
employing a chamber insert connected to a muzzle insert which is
locked against the exterior surface of the muzzle, thereby
preventing the loading of ammunition and subsequent firing of a
locked firearm such as a rifle, shotgun, or non-revolver type
handgun.
[0002] Increased awareness of firearm safety has resulted in the
desirability of providing a convenient locking mechanism for
firearms, particularly for use during storage in a home where
children are present, or during vehicular transportation, as may be
required by law. Commonly, a conventional trigger locking
mechanisms may be employed to block movement of the firearm trigger
mechanism. However, trigger locking mechanisms do not prevent the
loading of ammunition into the firing chamber of the firearm, and
therefore may not prevent a accidental discharge if the trigger
lock is dislodged, or incorrectly installed so as to permit
sufficient trigger motion to discharge the firearm.
[0003] An alternative firearm locking mechanism, of the type shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,777 to Waterman, Jr. et al. employs a cable
which extends from a chamber insert, through a muzzle cap, and is
secured to an external lock. The cable firearm locking mechanism
disclosed in the "777 Waterman, Jr. et al. patent is adjustable to
a variety of firearms only by interchanging differently sized and
shaped chamber inserts, and by providing cables of differing
lengths. However, the firearm locking mechanism shown in the "777
Waterman, Jr. et al. patent may leave a portion of the cable
exposed beyond the muzzle cap if the firearm barrel length is
shorter than the cable length, as the muzzle cap is not secured
against movement relative to the cable. Such an exposed portion of
cable may be easily broken or cut to remove the safety lock.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a firearm safety lock which
is highly visible, prevents the loading of ammunition into the
firearm, is adjustable to provide a high degree of security to a
wide variety of firearms including rifles, shotguns, and
non-revolver type handguns, and which is tamper resistant.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] Briefly stated, the firearm safety lock of the present
invention comprises a chamber insert and a muzzle insert secured
together through the barrel of a firearm by means of an
adjustable-length cable connection. The chamber insert is sized to
fit within the breech of a firearm, and to prevent the loading of
ammunition therein. A central bore in the chamber insert receives a
first end of a flexible cable, which is secured within the central
bore. The overall length of the firearm safety lock may be adjusted
by repositioning the attachment of the first end of the flexible
cable within the chamber insert central bore. The flexible cable
extends the length of the firearm barrel, and is fitted, at the
opposite end, to a cylindrical lock receiving rod. The lock
receiving rod includes at least one circumferential groove, and
passes through a central bore in the muzzle insert.
[0006] The flexible cable length is adjusted to remove any slack
such that a portion of the lock receiving rod is retained within
the barrel, and a portion of the rod extends external thereto. An
off-axis transverse bore in the muzzle insert is aligned with a
circumferential groove in the lock receiving rod, permitting an
armature of a conventional padlock to pass there through, engaging
both the muzzle insert and the lock receiving rod, securing the
components against movement.
[0007] In a first alternate embodiment, a posterior portion of the
chamber insert adjacent the firing pin for the firearm contains a
recession filled with a pliable material, permitting the firing pin
or hammer to be released, or dry fired, thereby removing tension
from the firing mechanism springs during storage of the
firearm.
[0008] In a second alternate embodiment, the first end of the
flexible cable is fitted to a second locking rod having at least
one circumferential groove. The second locking rod is sized to fit
fully within the central bore of the chamber insert. The chamber
insert includes at least one off-axis transverse bore intersection
a portion of the chamber insert central bore, such that a removable
lock pin passing through the off-axis transverse bore engages the
circumferential groove of the second locking rod within the chamber
insert central bore, thereby securing the flexible cable thereto.
The overall length of the firearm safety lock may be adjusted by
removing the lock pin, repositioning the second locking rod within
the central bore of the chamber insert, and inserting the lock pin
back into either the same off-axis transverse bore to engage a
different circumferential groove in the second locking rod, or into
a different transverse bore to engage either the same or a
different circumferential groove in the second locking rod.
[0009] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof
will become more apparent from the reading of the following
description in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] In the accompanying drawings which form part of the
specification:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled firearm safety
lock of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a muzzle insert of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the muzzle insert of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an end-view of the muzzle insert of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of a first cylindrical locking rod of
the present invention affixed to a first end of a cable;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a view of the second end of the cable of FIG. 5,
illustrating a crimped loop;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an view of an alternate embodiment of the second
end of the cable of FIG. 5, illustrating a second cylindrical
locking rod;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of a chamber insert for use with the
crimped look of FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an end view of the chamber insert of FIG. 8,
illustrating the placement of a locking pin;
[0020] FIG. 10a is a view of the crimped cable loop of FIG. 6
secured in a first position in the chamber insert of FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 10b is a view of the crimped cable loop of FIG. 6
secured in a second position in the chamber insert of FIG. 8;
[0022] FIG. 11a is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
chamber insert for use with the second cylindrical locking rod of
FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 11b is a first section view of the chamber insert of
FIG. 11a, illustrating the off-axis transverse bore and
longitudinal bore relationships;
[0024] FIG. 11c is a second section view of the chamber inset of
FIG. 11a, illustrating the relationship between two of the off-axis
transverse bores and the longitudinal bore;
[0025] FIG. 11d is a third section view of the chamber insert of
FIG. 11a, illustrating the relationship between three of the
off-axis transverse bores and the longitudinal bore;
[0026] FIG. 12a is a view of the second locking rod of FIG. 7
secured in a first position in the chamber insert of FIG. 11a.
[0027] FIG. 12b is a view of the second locking rod of FIG. 7
secured in a second position in the chamber insert of FIG. 11a.
[0028] FIG. 13 is cut-away illustration of a conventional firearm
with the components of the safety locking kit of the present
invention secured therein; and
[0029] FIG. 14 is a enlargement of the firearm muzzle of FIG. 10,
illustrating the securing of the muzzle insert to the first locking
rod by the lock armature.
[0030] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following detailed description illustrates the invention
by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description
clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the
invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations,
alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is
presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the
invention.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 1, the components of the firearm safety
locking kit 10 of the present invention are shown assembled
external to a firearm. The firearm safety locking kit 10 comprises
a muzzle insert 12, a chamber insert or cartridge-style insert 14,
a length of connecting cable or tensioning member 16, and a
conventional lock 18 having an armature 20. The firearm safety
locking kit 10 is especially adapted for use in connection with a
wide range of firearm makes and models, including rifles, shotguns,
and non-revolver type handguns and may be adjusted to compensate
for variations in firearm barrel lengths and sizes.
[0033] Turning to FIGS. 2-4, a first embodiment of the muzzle
insert 12 is illustrated. The muzzle insert 12 comprises a first
cylindrical portion 22, sized to fit within the barrel of a
conventional firearm of a first caliber. A second cylindrical
portion 24, optionally sized to fit with the barrel of a
conventional firearm of a second caliber, is formed axially
opposite the first cylindrical portion 22, defining a longitudinal
axis MI.sub.A. The first and second cylindrical portions 22 and 24
are separated by a circumferential flange or shoulder 26 having a
diameter greater than that of either cylindrical portions. When
either cylindrical portion 22 or 24 is seated within the muzzle of
a firearm, the circumferential flange 26 engages the face of the
muzzle, and prevents the muzzle insert 12 from passing through the
muzzle. The muzzle insert 12 further includes a longitudinal axial
bore 28 sized to receive the connecting cable 16 and an off-axis
transverse lock receiving bore 30 sized to receive the armature 20
of the lock 18 in the second cylindrical portion 24, perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis bore 28. The off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore 30 forms a chord between two points on the exterior
surface 32 of the second cylindrical portion 24, and intersects the
longitudinal axial bore 28 such that the axis LB.sub.A1 of the
off-axis transverse lock receiving bore 30 is tangent to the inner
surface 34 of the longitudinal axial bore 28. Optionally, a
plurality of off-axis transverse lock receiving bores may be
longitudinally spaced along the second cylindrical portion 24.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the second cylindrical portion
24 of the muzzle insert 12 is sized to fit with the barrel of a
conventional firearm of a second caliber, and the first cylindrical
portion 22 further includes a second off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore 36, similarly sized to receive the armature 20 of
lock 18. The second off-axis transverse lock receiving bore 36
forms a chord between two points on the exterior surface 38 of the
first cylindrical portion 22, and intersects the longitudinal axial
bore 28 such that the axis LB.sub.A2 of the off-axis transverse
lock receiving bore 36 is tangent to the inner surface 34 of the
longitudinal axial bore 28. Optionally, a plurality of second
off-axis transverse lock receiving bores may be longitudinally
spaced along the first cylindrical portion 22.
[0035] Turning next to FIGS. 5 and 6, the connecting cable or
tensioning member 16 is shown with a first end 40 secured to a
cylindrical locking rod 42, and a second end 44 formed into a
crimped loop 46. The connecting cable 16 is preferably formed from
a conventional multi-strand stainless steel wire of sufficient
strength to resist breakage and cutting, but may optionally be
formed from other materials, including single-strand wire or
polymer materials having suitable properties. The first end 40 of
the connecting cable is secured to the base of the cylindrical
locking rod 42. The cylindrical locking rod 42 is formed from a
rigid material, preferably steel, has an out diameter sized to fit
within the longitudinal axis bore 28 of the muzzle insert 12, and
includes at least one circumferential groove 48a. The
circumferential groove 48a presents a hemispherical cross-section,
and has the same radius as the off-axis transverse lock receiving
bore 30. Optionally, a plurality of identically formed and
equidistantly spaced circumferential grooves 48a-48n, where n is
intended to designate any suitable number, depending upon the
length of the rod 42, may be spaced longitudinally about the
cylindrical locking rod 42. The longitudinal length of the
cylindrical locking rod 42 is preferably between 3.0 and 5.0
inches, with a total of 15 circumferential grooves 48a. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will recognized that the specific
dimensions of the cylindrical locking rod 42, and the number n and
spacing of the circumferential grooves 48a may be varied, depending
upon the type and dimensions of the firearm for which the firearm
safety lock kit 10 is configured for use.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 6, the second end 44 of the connecting cable
16 is preferably formed into a conventional crimped loop 46. The
crimped loop 46 may be formed by crimping the second end 44 of the
connecting cable 16 in parallel with itself using a conventional
metal crimp 50, or in the second end 44 may be woven back into the
connecting cable 16, forming an integral loop (not shown). Those of
ordinary skill in art will recognize that a variety of loops and
crimps may be formed at the second end 44 of the connecting cable
16, including, but not limited to, the attachment of the connecting
cable to a pre-formed metal hoop, or an integrally formed opening
in a polymer cable.
[0037] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the second end
44 of the connecting cable 16 is secured to the base of a second
cylindrical locking rod 52. The second locking rod 52 is formed
from a rigid material, preferably steel, has an out diameter sized
to engage the chamber insert 14, as will be described below in more
detail, and includes at least one circumferential groove 54a. The
circumferential groove 54a is formed to the same dimensions as the
circumferential groove 48a in the first cylindrical locking rod 42.
Optionally, a plurality of identically formed and equidistantly
spaced circumferential grooves 54a-54n where n is intended to
designate any suitable number, depending upon the length of the rod
52, may be spaced longitudinally about the second locking rod 52.
The longitudinal length of the second locking rod 52 is sized to
fit within the chamber insert 14, as will be described below in
more detail. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognized
that the specific dimensions of the second locking rod 52, and the
number n and spacing of the circumferential grooves 54a may be
varied, depending upon the type and dimensions of the firearm for
which the firearm safety lock kit 10 is configured for use, as the
dimensions of the chamber insert 14 will so vary.
[0038] Turning next to FIG. 8 through FIG. 10, a first embodiment
of the chamber insert 14 configured for use with the connecting
cable 16 having a second end 44 forming a loop 46, as seen in FIG.
6, is shown. The chamber insert 14 has external dimensions
corresponding to the dimensions of the ammunition utilized by the
type of firearm for which the firearm safety lock kit 10 of the
present invention is to be utilized. For example, as shown in FIG.
8, the chamber insert has external dimensions corresponding to a
conventional 12-gauge shotgun shell, for use with conventional
12-gauge shotguns. At the base 58 of the chamber insert 14, and
axial recess 60 is filled with a resilient material 62, such as
natural or synthetic rubber, and is positioned to receive a firing
pin or hammer from a firearm when the chamber insert is placed
within the breech of the firearm. In this manner, the firing
mechanism of the firearm may be released, or dry-fired, from any
spring-loaded tension, permitting long-term storage thereof.
[0039] Opposite the base 58, a longitudinal axial bore 64 extends
partially through the chamber insert 14, and is intersected by at
least one transverse lock pin receiving bore 66. Each lock pin
receiving bore 66 is configured to removably receive a lock pin 68.
The lock pin 68 may be seated within the receiving bore 66 either
by friction fit, or engaging threads (not shown).
[0040] To secure the connecting cable 16 to the chamber insert 14,
the loop 46 at the second end of the connecting cable 16 is
inserted into the longitudinal axial bore 64 opposite the base 58.
The loop 46 is positioned coaxially with the lock pin receiving
bore 66, and the lock pin 68 inserted therein, as seen in FIG. 10a.
The lock pin 68 passes through the coaxially positioned loop 46,
and removably secures the connecting cable 16 to the chamber insert
14. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of lock pin receiving
bores 66-66n, where n is intended to designate any suitable number
of bores, depending upon the length of the chamber insert 14, are
formed in the chamber insert 14 at different longitudinal positions
(FIG. 10b) along the axial bore 64, permitting the connecting cable
16 to be secured to the chamber insert 14 at different longitudinal
positions, thereby adjusting the overall length of the firearm
safety lock 10.
[0041] Turning next to FIG. 11a through FIG. 12b, an alternate
embodiment of the chamber insert 14 configured for use with the
connecting cable 16 having a second end 44 secured to the base of a
second cylindrical locking rod 52, as seen in FIG. 7, is shown.
Opposite the base 58, a reduced diameter axial bore 70 in the
chamber insert 14 is sized axially and longitudinally to receive
the length of the second cylindrical locking rod 52. The axial bore
70 is tangentially intersected by at least one off-axis transverse
lock-pin bore 72a. As is seen in FIG. 11b, the longitudinal axis of
the off-axis transverse lock-pin bore 72a is tangential to the
inner surface 74 of the axial bore 70, such that the bores 70 and
72a intersect. In a second alternate embodiment, a plurality of
off-axis transverse lock-pin bores 72a-72n, where n is intended to
designate any suitable number of bores, depending upon the length
of the chamber insert 14, are longitudinally spaced along the
length of the chamber insert 14 axial bore 70. As is seen in FIGS.
11a-11d, the lock-pin bores 72a-72c may be spaced about the axial
bore 70 in a spiral pattern, or other suitable pattern as is
evident to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0042] As seen in FIGS. 12a and 12b, to secure the connecting cable
16 to the chamber insert 14, the second cylindrical locking rod 52
is inserted into the axial bore 70 of the chamber insert, and a
lock-pin 76 is driven through the off-axis transverse lock-pin bore
72a, engaging both the chamber insert 14 and the circumferential
groove 54 in the locking rod 52. In this manner, the locking rod 52
is removably secured within chamber insert 14 by the lock-pin 76.
In the alternate embodiments described above, the lock-pin 76 may
be inserted in one of the lock pin bores 72a-72n, to engage the
circumferential groove 54 at a different longitudinal position
within the axial bore 70 of the chamber insert, thereby altering
the overall length of the firearm safety lock 10, as is shown in
FIG. 12b. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the overall length of the firearm safety lock 10 may be adjusted to
a variety of lengths depending upon the number and placement of the
lock-pin bores 72a-72n in the chamber insert 14, and upon the
number and placement of the circumferential grooves 54 in the
locking rod 52. Engagement of the lock-pin 76 with alternate
circumferential grooves 54 in alternate lock-pin bores 72a-72n
providing a plurality of overall lengths.
[0043] Turning next to FIGS. 13 and 14, the use of the firearm
safety lock kit 10 is shown. Any conventional firearm 100, for
example, a shotgun, having a single accessible breech area 102, a
barrel 104, and a muzzle end 106 may be locked using the firearm
safety lock kit 10 of the present invention. To lock the firearm
100, a firearm safety lock kit 10 having a chamber insert 14 with
dimensions corresponding to the dimensions for the ammunition for
the firearm 100 is selected. The connecting cable 16 is secured to
the chamber insert 14, as described above, and the connecting cable
16 is passed into the barrel 104 through the breech area 102 of the
firearm until the chamber insert 14 seats in the breech area 102.
Optimally, when the connecting cable 16 is drawn through the barrel
104 under tension, a portion of the cylindrical locking rod 42 and
at least one circumferential groove 48 extends beyond the muzzle
end 106 of the firearm 100. The firearm safety lock kit 10 may be
adjusted at the attachment point between the chamber insert 14 and
the connecting cable 16 to adjust the length as is required to
achieve the optimal extension of the cylindrical locking rod 42
beyond the muzzle end 106.
[0044] Next, the muzzle insert 12 is fitted over the cylindrical
locking rod 42, such that the first cylindrical portion 22 seats
within the barrel 104 and the circumferential flange 26 engages the
muzzle end 106. Optimally, when the circumferential flange 26
engaged the muzzle end 106, the off-axis transverse lock receiving
bore 30 in the second cylindrical portion 24 of the muzzle insert
12 is aligned with at least one circumferential groove 48 in the
cylindrical locking rod 42. The firearm safety lock kit 10 may be
adjusted at the attachment point between the chamber insert 14 and
the connecting cable 16 to adjust the length as is required to
align the off-axis transverse lock receiving bore 30 with the
circumferential groove 48 when the muzzle insert 12 is seated in
the muzzle end 106 of the barrel 104.
[0045] Optionally, the first cylindrical portion 22 may be slightly
withdrawn from the barrel 104 to align the off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore 30 with the circumferential groove 48.
[0046] Finally, as seen in FIG. 14, the armature 20 of a
conventional lock 18 is passed through the off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore 30 and returned to the lock 18, engaging the
circumferential groove 48 in the cylindrical locking rod 42.
[0047] The armature 20 prevents longitudinal movement of the muzzle
insert 12 relative to the cylindrical locking rod 42. It will also
be noted to those of ordinary skill in the art that the
circumferential groove 48 into which the armature 20 is engaged
will permit the lock 18 to swivel a full 360 degrees of rotation
relative to the longitudinal axis of the firearm barrel.
Furthermore, swiveling of the lock 18, the muzzle insert 12, or the
locking rod 42 will not result in tightening or kink formation in
the connecting cable 16, as the cable 16 and chamber insert 14 are
both free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the firearm
barrel.
[0048] Removal of the firearm safety lock 10 from the firearm 100
is a reverse procedure. First, the conventional lock 18 is opened,
then the armature removed from the off-axis transverse lock
receiving bore 30, disengaging the muzzle insert 12 from the
cylindrical locking rod 42. Once disengaged, the muzzle insert is
readily removed from the muzzle end 106 of the firearm 100, and the
chamber insert 14 withdrawn from the breech area 102. The
connecting cable is pulled back through the firearm barrel 104 as
the chamber insert 14 is withdrawn, and the firearm is available
for use.
[0049] As best seen in FIG. 13, when the firearm safety kit 10 is
utilized to lock the firearm 100, removal of the muzzle insert 12
from the muzzle end 106 of the firearm is prevented by the
interaction between the armature 20, the cylindrical locking rod
42, the connecting cable 16, and the chamber insert 14, which
cannot pass through the firearm barrel 104. Removal of the chamber
insert 14 is similarly prevented by the muzzle insert 12. When
secured through a firearm barrel 104 by the connecting cable 16,
the chamber insert prevents the loading of ammunition into the
breech area 102 of firearm 100, thereby precluding discharge
thereof. The muzzle insert 12, secured in the muzzle end 106 by the
cylindrical locking rod 42 is prevented from axial movement by the
armature 20 of the lock 18, thereby preventing access to any
portion of the connecting cable 16. Tampering with the exposed
portion of the cylindrical locking rod 42 will not release the
remaining portion of the locking rod 42 from engagement with the
armature 20 within the muzzle insert 12. In this manner, once
installed on the firearm 100, the firearm safety locking kit 10 of
the present invention effectively prevents the loading and use of
the firearm 100.
[0050] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above
constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description or
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *