Electromechanical trigger guard protective enclosure

Abstract

The electromechanical trigger guard protective enclosure is a safety device intended to prevent access to the trigger of any firearm with an accessory rail. The present invention has a keypad, which activates the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism either covers the trigger or slides open revealing the trigger for use. The protective enclosure is affixed to the accessory rail on a gun, ensuring that it is able to be used at all times, preventing any inability to properly enclose the trigger. This protective sheath allows for the weapon to remain loaded and ready to fire at all times, aiding greatly in times of self-defense.

Claims

1. A system for restricting access to a firearm trigger of a weapon having an accessory rail, said system comprising: a stationary sheath having a central enclosure that is defined by a forward facing end, a backward facing end, a top end, a bottom end, and an outside surface, said stationary sheath further including a pair of protrusions that are disposed along the top end thereof, said protrusions being configured to removably engage the accessory rail of the weapon, so as to position the backward facing end of the stationary sheath at a location adjacent to the firearm trigger; a unitary and generally U-shaped non-stationary sheath that is in communication with the backward facing end of the stationary sheath; a rechargeable and portable power source that is positioned within the central enclosure of the stationary sheath; a user input component that is positioned along the outside surface of the stationary sheath; and an electromechanical drive system that is positioned within the central enclosure of the stationary sheath, said drive system being in communication with each of the user input component, the power source and the non-stationary sheath, and is configured to selectively transition the non-stationary sheath between at least one of a deployed position and a retracted position upon receiving an instruction from the user input component, the electromechanical drive system comprising: a motor; a lead screw that is in communication with the motor; and an elongated threaded shaft this is positioned centrally along a longitudinal axis of the non-stationary sheath, said threaded shaft being connected to each of the lead screw and the unitary and generally U-shaped non-stationary sheath, wherein the threaded shaft is configured to receive a rotational force from the lead screw and to impart a linear force onto a center portion of the generally U-shaped non-stationary sheath; and wherein in the retracted position, the non-stationary sheath is positioned within the central enclosure of the stationary sheath, and in the deployed position, the non-stationary sheath extends outward from the backward facing end of the stationary sheath and is configured to fully enshroud the firearm trigger of the weapon.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an accessory rail that is mounted along the bottom end of the stationary sheath.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an external port on the outside surface of the stationary sheath for recharging the power source.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a pin that is in communication with the stationary sheath, said pin functioning to lock the stationary sheath to a trigger guard of the weapon.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of setscrews that are positioned along the stationary sheath, said setscrews being configured to engage the accessory rail of the weapon and to lock the stationary sheath thereon.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a plurality of openings that are disposed along the nonstationary sheath, said openings being positioned so as to align with the plurality of setscrews when the system is in the retracted position.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein in the deployed position, the plurality of openings are not aligned with the plurality of setscrews.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the user input component comprises: an access keypad that is positioned along the outside surface of the stationary sheath.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the access keypad is illuminated.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the access keypad includes functionality for biometric identification.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of an audible and visual alert that is configured to automatically activate upon the occurrence of a reserve power situation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1. This figure provides a perspective view of the present invention installed on a handgun in the deployed (closed) position.

(2) FIG. 2. This figure provides a perspective view of the present invention installed on a handgun in the retracted (open) position.

(3) FIG. 3. This figure provides a perspective view of the present invention in the deployed (closed) position.

(4) FIG. 4. This figure provides a perspective view of the present invention in the retracted (open) position.

(5) FIG. 5. This figure provides a side view of the present invention in the deployed (closed) position.

(6) FIG. 6. This figure provides a side view of the present invention in the retracted (open) position.

(7) FIG. 7. This figure provides a top view of the present invention in the deployed (closed) position.

(8) FIG. 8. This figure provides a top view of the present invention in the retracted (open) position.

(9) FIG. 9. This figure provides a rear view of the present invention in the retracted (open) position.

(10) FIG. 10. This figure provides an exploded assembly view of the present invention. The items in the exploded view are as follows:

(11) 1. Stationary Housing

(12) 2. Non-Stationary Sheath

(13) 3. Keypad

(14) 4. Electro-mechanical Drive Assembly (Motor, Gears, Lead Screw, Housing)

(15) 5. Control Electronics/Internal circuitry

(16) 6. Power Source

(17) FIG. 11. This figure provides a side view of the inner assembly of the present invention (outer case has been removed) in the deployed (closed) position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(18) The present invention, the Electromechanical Trigger Guard Protective Enclosure (ETGPE), presents a novel and unique approach to ensuring a firearm is securely protected from unwanted firing while still allowing the weapon to be unlocked and prepared for use expeditiously in a time of need. FIG. 1 shows the present invention installed on an exemplary handgun. The present invention is comprised of seven main components: a stationary sheath (1), a non-stationary sheath (2), a keypad (3), a motor and mechanical drive (4), internal circuitry (5), a power source (6) and a method for locking the accessory to the weapon. Each of these items will be discussed in detail, allowing a person having ordinary skill in the art to understand the assembly and installation of the ETGPE.

(19) The ETGPE core functionality is based on a design that consists of a central enclosure contained within the stationary sheath (1) that is secured to the underside of the barrel of the weapon by means of the weapon's accessory rail. As shown in FIG. 8, the central enclosure houses the motor and mechanical drive system (4), the internal circuitry (5), and the power source (6). When the central enclosure and the stationary sheath (1) are affixed to the accessory rail, access to the items housed internally is not possible. If the central enclosure is not affixed, it is possible to access the internal components for repair, modification, or replacement.

(20) The central enclosure is designed to slide onto the weapon's accessory rail, and securely lock to the accessory rail with setscrews. The location of these screws is such that when the non-stationary sheath (2) is deployed, the screws are inaccessible. As an additional optional safety measure, the screws could have proprietary heads that require special tools to tighten or loosen said screws. When in the retracted position, openings in the non-stationary sheath (2) align with the locations of the screw heads offering access to the setscrews for any necessary adjustment or removal. An alternative embodiment of the present invention uses a pin 25 inserted through the trigger guard cavity to locate and lock the stationary sheath (1) to the weapon. As in the preferred embodiment, this pin is only accessible when the non-stationary sheath (2) is in the retracted position, eliminating the possibility of tampering or removal while in the deployed configuration. In all configurations, once installed on a weapon, the ETGPE is intended to remain as a part of the weapon indefinitely, ensuring a quick and efficient method for securing a loaded weapon.

(21) Within the stationary sheath's enclosure is the motor and mechanical drive system (4). In the preferred embodiment, the motor 4a drives a lead screw 4b, which turns a threaded shaft 4c, located along the longitudinal axis of the gun, but beneath the barrel of the weapon. The threaded shaft is mechanically connected to the non-stationary sheath (2), providing a means for the mechanical translation of the non-stationary sheath (2) when the threaded shaft rotates. When the motor is driven in the positive direction, the shaft rotates in the positive direction, advancing the non-stationary sheath (2) towards the handle of the weapon. If the motor is driven in the opposite direction (negative), the motion of the non-stationary sheath is reversed, resulting in the non-stationary sheath (2) approaching the retracted position. The use of a lead screw drive gear configuration ensures that the non-stationary sheath (2) cannot be moved along the threaded shaft unless the motor is in an active or driven state. In all passive modes (meaning the motor is not actively being driven), the ETGPE lead screw drive does not allow for the non-stationary sheath (2) to be retracted, ensuring the safety of the weapon in the event of motor or circuitry failure.

(22) The motor for the mechanical drive system receives power from an on-board power source (6). The preferred embodiment uses a traditional battery configuration that is stored internally in the central enclosure. While the low power consumption and minimal draw on the battery will ensure the longevity and reliability of the system, it is inevitable that the battery will need recharging at some point. The ETGPE has both audible and visual alerts to notify the operator that the internal power supply is entering reserve capacity. Upon acknowledgement of these warnings, the system is designed to accept an external power source to recharge the internal battery. The stationary sheath (1) has an external port 9 that can be used to apply an external power supply to the ETGPE, allowing the battery to be recharged without the need for removal from the weapon. In the event that the audible and visual alerts are not observed, the ETGPE will shut down; thereby rendering the weapon unable to be unlocked or fired until an external power source provides power or the internal battery is recharged.

(23) Pivotal to the operation of the system is the circuitry (5) housed within the central enclosure. The circuitry (5) is connected to the various other components through independent but interconnected wiring runs. The circuitry (5) is responsible for interpreting keypad entries and engaging the drive motor accordingly. The circuitry (5) additionally provides non-volatile storage of unique operator information, such as the access pin code.

(24) Riding on rail-like protrusions along the inwardly facing vertical faces of the stationary sheath (1) is the non-stationary sheath (2). Unlike the stationary sheath (1), the non-stationary sheath (2) is not fixed in position. It is the intent of the non-stationary sheath (2) to slide in such a manner that it entirely envelops the trigger guard and trigger guard cavity while in the deployed position, preventing access to the trigger. As shown in FIG. 6, the non-stationary sheath (2) is “U” shaped, allowing it to slide along the stationary sheath (1) without obstruction, fully sealing off the trigger guard area when the rearward-most portion of the non-stationary sheath (2) makes contact with the handle of the weapon.

(25) As shown in FIG. 4, the access keypad (3) is affixed along one of the outwardly facing vertical faces of the stationary sheath (1). The ETGPE is designed to be in a locked and unmovable state while in a passive mode. This feature prevents any tampering with or destroying of the keypad that allows access to the trigger area of the weapon. The keypad is programmable to allow for the operator to set a unique sequence of keystrokes that will engage the system. Only when the keypad accepts the proper sequence of keystrokes does it send a command to the motor (4), allowing the mechanical drive to open the non-stationary sheath (2). In all other instances, the non-stationary sheath (2) remains in a mechanically locked position. In the preferred embodiment, the keypad will have tactile input sources or buttons. These buttons may be adorned with a variety of alphanumeric characters, colors, geometric shapes or any other desired visible differentiator to allow for the operator to differentiate between each of the buttons. Optionally, the buttons may be illuminated and provide audible confirmation of the depression of each button. The preferred embodiment uses a digital keypad as an input source, but alternative embodiments may include items such as mechanical combination locks or biometric means of identification.

(26) The above description of the individual components comprises the whole of the Electromechanical Trigger Guard Protective Enclosure. In practice, the ETGPE is installed on a weapon and a unique personal access code is programmed into the unit giving only the operator access to the weapon and the ETGPE. The key sequence is entered, and the unit is driven to a deployed position, covering and protecting the trigger guard cavity with no potential for accidental discharging of the weapon, even if the weapon is left with rounds of ammunition in a loaded position (FIG. 1). Because there is no contact with the inner portion of the trigger guard, no amount of vibration, shock, or impact will cause any portion of the ETGPE to result in an accidental firing of the weapon. While not recommended, the ETGPE makes it possible to leave a fully loaded weapon within easy access of untrained persons without fear of firing of the weapon. The amount of time necessary to unlock the ETGPE and safely stow the non-stationary sheath (2) in the retracted position is quick enough to encourage even the most cautious weapon owner to carry his or her weapon at all times with the ETGPE in a deployed state. A quick entry of an access pin results in near immediate access to the trigger of the weapon. Once the weapon is ready to be secured, a keypad stroke will result in the trigger guard cavity being fully enclosed, leaving the operator with full confidence that the weapon will not be discharged accidentally.

(27) Accessories such as lasers and flashlights can be integrated into the front face of the ETGPE central enclosure and powered from the internal power source.

(28) Alternatively, an accessory rail can be integrated into the underside of the stationary sheath, allowing for installation of aftermarket firearm accessories such as lasers and flashlights.

(29) As many changes could be made in the above construction and many apparently widely different embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, 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 limited sense.

(30) It is also to be understood that the language used in the following claims is intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.