U.S. patent application number 15/278543 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-24 for gun locking device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Philip Ochoa. Invention is credited to Philip Ochoa.
Application Number | 20170241730 15/278543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59629338 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170241730 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ochoa; Philip |
August 24, 2017 |
GUN LOCKING DEVICE
Abstract
A gun locking device includes a lock removably disposable within
a cavity of a gun, such as being slidably received within a
magazine well of the gun. An elongated rod is extendable into the
gun through a chamber thereof for locking engagement with the lock.
An end of the rod defines a plug disposable within the chamber of
the gun when the rod is in engagement with the lock to prevent
ammunition from being disposed within the chamber and the gun being
discharged.
Inventors: |
Ochoa; Philip; (Moorpark,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ochoa; Philip |
Moorpark |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59629338 |
Appl. No.: |
15/278543 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62233744 |
Sep 28, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/44 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/44 20060101
F41A017/44 |
Claims
1. A locking device for a gun, comprising: a lock removably
disposable within a cavity of the gun; and an elongated rod
extendible into the gun through a chamber of the gun and configured
for locking engagement with the lock and an end defining a plug
disposable in the chamber of the gun when the rod is in engagement
with the lock; wherein ammunition cannot be disposed within the
chamber and the gun discharged when the rod is in locked engagement
with the lock and the plug is disposed within the chamber.
2. The gun locking device of claim 1, wherein the lock includes a
housing that is slidably received within a magazine well of the
gun.
3. The gun locking device of claim 2, wherein the lock housing has
an exterior configuration similar to that of a cartridge magazine
of the gun so as to be inserted into and removed from the magazine
well similar to the cartridge magazine.
4. The gun locking device of claim 1, wherein the plug
substantially occupies the gun chamber to prevent ammunition from
being inserted therein.
5. The gun locking device of claim 4, wherein the plug has a
configuration substantially matching the gun chamber.
6. The gun locking device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the rod
spaced from the plug engages a latch of the lock.
7. The gun locking device of claim 1, including means for
selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
8. The gun locking device of claim 1, wherein the rod is rigid
substantially along a length thereof.
9. A locking device for a gun, comprising: a lock including a
housing configured to be slidably inserted and removed from a
magazine well of the gun; and an elongated rod configured for
releasable locking engagement with the lock and having an end
defining a plug that substantially occupies a chamber of the gun
when the rod is in engagement with the lock; wherein ammunition
cannot be disposed within the chamber and the gun discharged when
the rod is in locked engagement with the lock and the plug is
disposed within the chamber.
10. The gun locking device of claim 9, wherein the lock housing has
an exterior configuration similar to that of a cartridge magazine
of the gun.
11. The gun locking device of claim 9, wherein the plug has a
configuration substantially matching the gun chamber.
12. The gun locking device of claim 9, including means for
selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
13. The gun locking device of claim 9, wherein the rod is rigid
substantially along a length thereof.
14. A locking device for a gun, comprising: a lock including a
housing having an exterior configuration similar to a cartridge
magazine of the gun so as to be slidably inserted and removed from
a magazine well of the gun; an elongated rigid rod configured for
releasable locking engagement with the lock and having an end
defining a plug that substantially occupies a chamber of the gun
when the rod is in engagement with the lock; wherein ammunition
cannot be disposed within the chamber and the gun discharged when
the rod is in locked engagement with the lock and the plug is
disposed within the chamber.
15. The gun locking device of claim 14, wherein the plug has a
configuration substantially matching the gun chamber.
16. The gun locking device of claim 14, including means for
selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/233,744, filed Sep. 28, 2015.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to guns and
firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gun
locking device that prevents a gun from being loaded with
ammunition and fired.
[0003] Firearm use and ownership has increased over the years.
Those owning and using guns include members of the military, police
forces, and those owning guns ranging from the casual gun collector
to those using guns for recreational or protective purposes.
[0004] Along with the increased firearm ownership and use has come
an enhanced concern for firearm safety. This includes a concern for
preventing accidental discharge or unauthorized use of the gun.
[0005] Safety devices have been introduced to address this concern.
For example, there are various types of gun locks that are
available. Many of these, however, are ineffective as they can be
easily disarmed, difficult to install, fail to prevent discharge of
the gun when installed, or overly complex in construction and
expensive.
[0006] It is known that trigger locks and chain or cable locks can
be used for locking the firing mechanism of guns. One problem with
these types of locks is their safety is poor. As these locks are
exposed on the outside of the gun after they have been locked, it
is easy for someone to discover the lock. Consequently, it is easy
to destroy the lock with a hacksaw, file or cutting pliers. In
addition, in the case of a handgun, it is difficult to put the
handgun into a holster if it has an outside lock.
[0007] Currently, as a safety measure, every new semi-automatic
handgun is supplied with a cable-type lock wherein a flexible cable
extends through the magazine well and chamber of the gun and is
attached to an external lock, such as a padlock or the like.
However, these are easily defeated as the cable can be accessed and
cut with wire cutters or bolt cutters or the like. Furthermore, the
handgun is not able to be placed within a holster or the like when
locked.
[0008] The use of a lockable barrel plug as a deterrent to
unauthorized use or inadvertent or accidental discharge of a gun is
also well known. Such plugs typically rely on some form of
inside-of-the-barrel plug expansion or outside-of-the-barrel plug
compression to secure the plug in the barrel. However, these
lockable plugs also have disadvantages. As the plugs often radially
expand within the barrel and rely on frictional engagement with the
inner wall of the barrel to resist removal of the plug from the
barrel, they often require complex expanding mechanisms in order to
achieve sufficient frictional contact between the barrel and the
plug surfaces. Moreover, while the plug is in the barrel, a
substantial portion of their operating structure is usually exposed
to tampering outside of the barrel. The locking barrel plugs can
also be difficult for the user to install and remove, and only
offer modest resistance to unauthorized removal of the plug from
the barrel. They may also mar or more severely damage the barrel
surface in normal use as their expanding components must exert
significant force against the barrel wall. Moreover, lockable
barrel plugs may still permit cartridges or other ammunition to be
within the gun, such as in a cartridge magazine within the magazine
well of the gun.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for overcoming the
problems encountered in the conventional practices. What is needed
is a gun locking device which is simple to manufacture and easy to
install and remove. What is also needed is a gun locking device
which is not easily disarmed or removed from the gun. What is also
needed is a gun locking device which when in operation still allows
the gun owner to utilize existing cases, holders, holsters and the
like. The present invention fulfills these needs, and provides
other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention resides in a gun locking device which
is relatively simple in manufacture and easy to use. When in
operation, the gun locking device is disposed within the gun so as
to not be easily disarmed or destroyed. Moreover, the gun locking
device of the present invention enables the locked gun to be placed
in its existing case, holder, holster or the like.
[0011] The gun locking device of the present invention generally
comprises a lock removably disposable within a cavity of the gun.
An elongated rod is extendable into the gun through a chamber of
the gun and configured for locking engagement with the lock. An end
of the elongated rod defines a plug which is disposable in the
chamber of the gun when the rod is in engagement with the lock.
Ammunition cannot be disposed within the chamber and the gun
discharged when the rod is in locked engagement with the lock and
the plug is disposed within the chamber.
[0012] The lock includes a housing that is slidably received within
a magazine well of the gun. Typically, the lock housing has an
exterior configuration similar to that of a cartridge magazine of
the gun so as to be inserted into and removed from the magazine
well similar to the cartridge magazine.
[0013] The plug substantially occupies the gun chamber to prevent
ammunition from being inserted therein. The plug may have a
configuration substantially matching or conforming to the gun
chamber.
[0014] The rod is typically rigid substantially along a length
thereof. A portion of the rod spaced from the plug engages a latch
of the lock. The device includes means, such as a key, for
selectively unlocking the lock to disengage the rod.
[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of components of a gun locking
device embodying the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a gun and a
cartridge-bearing magazine, and the device of the present invention
being inserted into the gun to lock the gun and prevent operation
and discharge thereof, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating a rod
of the device being moved into locked engagement with a lock of the
device of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a gun
having the device of the present invention therein in a locked
state, with a key positioned to unlock the device for removal, in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] As shown in the accompanying illustrations for exemplary
purposes, the present invention is directed to a gun locking
device, generally referred to by the reference number 100. The
device of the present invention is simple and easy to use and
securely locks a firearm and prevents it from being loaded and
discharged.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 1, the gun locking device 100 of the
present invention generally comprises a lock assembly 102 which is
removably disposable within a cavity of the gun. A rod 104, as will
be more fully explained herein, extends through a chamber of the
gun and is configured for locking engagement with a lock 106 of the
locking assembly 102. The device 100 also includes a key 108, or
other means for selectively unlocking the lock 106 to disengage the
rod 104.
[0023] With reference now to FIG. 2, the present invention is
particularly adapted for use in guns and firearms 10, such as the
illustrated semi-automatic handgun, which utilize an ammunition
magazine during normal use. The ammunition magazine 12 is removably
inserted into a magazine well 14, which is an internal compartment
or cavity of the gun 10. In the case of many handguns, including
the illustrated handgun 10, the magazine well or compartment 14 is
within the grip or handle 16 of the gun 10. However, it will be
understood that the ammunition magazine 12 could be inserted into
magazine well 14 having a different location, depending upon the
gun. The ammunition magazine 12 is loaded with ammunition 18, which
are typically cartridges, comprising a shell encasing a gun powder
and partially encasing a bullet.
[0024] During operation of the gun 10, the ammunition magazine 12
advances the cartridges 18, or other ammunition, into a chamber 20
where a firing mechanism (not shown) of the gun 10 will discharge
the ammunition, such as a firing pin hitting a primer of the
cartridge 18 so as to ignite the gun powder therein and discharge
the bullet from the gun 10. As is known in the art, the discharge
of the cartridge or other ammunition, such as by pulling the
trigger 22 of the gun 10 will cause a series of components of the
gun 10 to move which will typically eject the empty shell, as the
chamber 20 is opened, such as by moving slide 24 to an open and
extended position, whereupon in the case of automatic or
semi-automatic weapons will also result in another round of
ammunition or a cartridge 18 being automatically inserted into the
chamber 20.
[0025] However, as is known in the art, a cartridge 18 or other
ammunition can be inserted into the chamber 20 by other means, such
as by an operator of the gun manually inserting a cartridge 18 into
the chamber 20. This could be done, for example, in the
semi-automatic handgun which is illustrated by pulling the slide 24
back to open the chamber 20, manually inserting a cartridge 18
therein, and closing the slide 24, and thus chamber 20, rendering
the gun 10 ready for firing or discharge.
[0026] The device 100 of the present invention is particularly
adapted for use in connection with guns and firearms having
ammunition magazines and magazine wells, such as the semi-automatic
handgun 10 illustrated in FIG. 2. However, it will be appreciated
that the device 100 of the present invention can be used in a wide
variety of guns. These can include handguns and rifles which have
magazines and magazine wells, and even those that do not.
[0027] With reference again to FIG. 2, in a particularly preferred
embodiment, the ammunition magazine 12 is removed from the gun 10,
and the chamber 20 opened. Removal of the ammunition magazine 12
and the opening of the chamber 20 ensures that there is no
ammunition within the gun 10, and also places the gun 10 in a state
to receive the locking device 100 of the present invention. The
locking assembly 102 includes a housing 110 into which the lock 106
is operably disposed. The lock assembly 102 is slidably received
within the magazine well 14 of the gun 10. Preferably, the exterior
configuration of the housing 110 of the lock assembly 102 is
similar in shape and configuration to the actual magazine for the
specific model and brand of the gun or firearm. This allows the
lock assembly 102 to be insertable and engagable, or removable,
from the gun 10 as would be the normal ammunition magazine 12 used
in connection with that gun.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, once the lock assembly
102 is disposed within the magazine well 14, the rod 104 is
inserted into the gun through the chamber 20 and into a passageway
112 of the lock assembly 102 which extends to the lock 106. A
portion of the rod 104 is configured for locking engagement with
the lock.
[0029] An end 114 of the rod 104 defines a plug which is disposable
within the chamber 20 of the gun 10 when the rod is in locked
engagement with the lock 106. The plug 114 substantially occupies
the gun chamber 20 to prevent ammunition from being inserted
therein. The plug 114, when disposed within the chamber 20 prevents
ammunition from being inserted within the chamber 20. The plug 114
may have a configuration substantially matching that of the gun
chamber 20 so that the plug substantially occupies the gun chamber
to prevent ammunition from being inserted therein, and so as to
substantially be disposed and reside within the gun chamber 20 when
the device 100 of the present invention is in a locked state.
[0030] With continuing reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
illustrated lock 106 is in the form of a cylinder or barrel lock,
such as a vending machine lock. A latch or detent 116 is biased
outwardly from the lock 106, such as by spring 118. The latch 116
may have a beveled face 120. As the end 122 of the rod 104 engages
the latch 116, such as pushing on the beveled face 120, the latch
or detent 116 is pushed against the spring 118 inwardly into the
lock 106, permitting the end 122 of the rod 104 to pass thereby.
The rod 104 includes an area 124 of reduced cross-sectional
diameter compared to the end 122, or a portion of the rod
immediately adjacent thereto. Spring 118 will push the latch or
detent 116 into the area of reduced cross-sectional diameter 124
once it is aligned with the latch 116. When the rod 104 is fully
inserted into the gun and into locking engagement with lock 106,
typically an audible click sound will be heard by the latch 116
moving back into a locking position and into engagement with the
rod 104, alerting the user that the rod 104 has been moved into
locking engagement with the lock 106. Engagement of the latch 116
with a ledge 126 or other enlarged area of the rod prevents the rod
104 from being lifted, removed or otherwise disengaged from the
lock 106.
[0031] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
instead of the rod 104 having an area of reduced cross-sectional
diameter 124, the rod may instead include an area of enlarged
diameter which will engage the latch 116, and provide a ledge 126
or other stop that engages the latch 116 once the latch 116 extends
back into a locking position. It will also be understood by those
skilled in the art that different types of locks, locking
mechanisms and rod configurations may be employed in connection
with the present invention, so long as the rod 104 can be moved
into locking engagement with the lock 106.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, when the rod 104 is in locking
engagement with lock 106, the plug 114 is disposed within the
chamber 20 of the gun. Typically, the rod 104 is substantially
rigid along a length thereof. While the rod 104 is shown as being
generally straight and angled in the embodiment illustrated, it
will be appreciated that the rod 104 may have one or more bends or
curves along the length thereof or have a different configuration
depending upon the gun with which it is used so that the plug 114
ends up being disposed within the gun chamber 20 while the rod,
typically at generally the opposite end thereof, comes into locking
engagement with the lock 106.
[0033] One of the advantages and benefits of the locking device 100
of present invention is that the rod 104 and locking assembly 102
are substantially disposed within the gun 10 when in locking
engagement with one another in the locked state. This prevents
tampering with the locking device 100 as the components thereof
reside within the gun 10 and are not readily accessible for
tampering or damage, such as by cutting or the like. Moreover, as
the locking device 100 of the present invention is substantially
disposed within the gun 10 in its locked state, the gun 10 can be
placed within its regular holster, case, holder or the like.
[0034] Another advantage of the locking device 100 of the present
invention is that the device 100 in its locked state prevents any
cartridge or ammunition from being disposed within the chamber 20
as well as any cartridge or other ammunition being within the
magazine well 14 of the gun 10. This provides an extra degree of
safety and protection. This also prevents an ammunition cartridge
from being automatically loaded into the chamber when the locking
device is removed, as it is possible with other prior art gun
locking devices.
[0035] With reference now to FIG. 4, a bottom perspective view of a
handgun 10 having the locking device 100 of the present invention
therein in a locked state is shown. It can be seen how the plug 114
of the rod 104 is disposed within the chamber 20 of the gun so as
to substantially fill the chamber, yet provide very little profile
extending therefrom, in accordance with a particularly preferred
embodiment of the invention. Similarly, the locking assembly 102 is
disposed within the magazine well within the handle or grip 16 of
the gun 10 so as to be substantially disposed within the gun 10 as
well. In order to unlock the locking device 100, a key 108 is
inserted into the lock 106 and turned which will cause the latch
116 to be retracted, similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0036] While a cylinder lock commonly used in vending machines is
illustrated as the lock 106 of the device 100 in the drawings, it
will be understood that other locks could be used and other means
of unlocking the lock could also be used in connection with these
locks. For example, the lock may be operated with a key, a
combination key, a biometric key or the like. The rod 104 may have
different configurations, geometric shapes, cutouts, etc. formed
therein in order to lockingly engage with the lock.
[0037] The lock 106, or locking mechanism thereof, may be
removable. This would allow the lock or locking mechanism to be
exchanged and interchangeable. This would enable a new or different
lock to be installed or a lock or locking mechanism with a
different key to be installed. The present invention also
contemplates that a plurality of the locking devices 100 of the
present invention have locks which are keyed-alike or keyed
sequentially so as to be installed and removed by the user without
affecting the lock system form and function. Having a plurality of
lock devices of the present invention all keyed alike so as to be
unlocked with a single key or single type of key could be useful,
for example, in police departments, military situations and the
like where a master key, keys of the same cut or configuration,
etc. can be used to unlock locking devices associated with a
plurality of guns for the sake of convenience.
[0038] After unlocking the lock 106, the rod 104 can be removed,
such as by manually removing the rod 104 by grasping plug 114 and
pulling the rod 104 away from the gun, or the gun can be rotated
and tilted so that the rod 104 falls therefrom. The locking
assembly 104 is then removed from the gun 10, typically by
actuating a lever or latch 26 which typically is used to unlatch
and remove the ammunition magazine 12. The lock housing 110 will
then be ejected or slide out of the magazine well 114, enabling the
user to insert an ammunition magazine 12 into the magazine well 14
in order to use the gun 10. The process of unlocking and locking
the device 100 is easy, intuitive and can be done within a few
seconds.
[0039] Although the device 100 of the present invention has been
illustrated for use in connection with a handgun 10 having an
ammunition magazine 12, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the present invention could be used for other
firearms, such as revolver-style pistols, shotguns and some rifles
that do not have a removable magazine. This would include the
placement of a locking plug into the open chamber of the gun, and
the insertion of the locking rod through the gun and into
engagement with the lock which is disposed in a cavity of the gun,
such as within the barrel of the gun or other cavity. Such a
configuration would still prevent a cartridge or other ammunition
from being disposed within the chamber of the gun, preventing the
gun from firing or discharging, and would also be very tamper
resistant of the components of the locking device would be disposed
substantially, or even completely, within the gun making defeat of
the lock more difficult.
[0040] Although several embodiments have been described in detail
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
* * * * *