Alcohol-Sensitive Safety Locking Mechanism

Abstract

A firearm configured to be selectively discharged by a user is disclosed. The firearm includes a frame including a body portion, a grip, and a trigger guard extending from the body portion to the grip and defining a trigger space therebetween. The firearm further includes a firing mechanism including a trigger, the firing mechanism being disposed at least partially within the frame so that the trigger extends downwardly into the trigger space. The firearm further includes a locking mechanism having a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user and a lock assembly configured to receive a control signal that is based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user. The lock assembly is configured to enable and disable the firing mechanism based upon the received control signal.

Claims

1. A firearm configured to be selectively discharged by a user, comprising: a frame including a body portion, a grip, and a trigger guard extending from the body portion to the grip and defining a trigger space therebetween; a firing mechanism including a trigger, the firing mechanism being disposed at least partially within the frame so that the trigger extends downwardly into the trigger space; and a locking mechanism comprising: a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user; and a lock assembly configured to receive a control signal that is based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user, wherein the lock assembly is configured to enable and disable the firing mechanism based upon the received control signal.

2. The firearm of claim 1, where in the lock assembly is selectively movable between a first state in which the firing mechanism is enabled and a second state in which the firing mechanism is disabled.

3. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a battery operably connected to both the blood alcohol sensor and to the lock assembly.

4. The firearm of claim 3, wherein the blood alcohol sensor further comprises a sensing pad configured to contact the user's skin and a processing module for analyzing the alcohol content of the user's perspiration.

5. The firearm of claim 4, wherein the sensing pad of the blood alcohol sensor is disposed on an outer surface of the grip.

6. The firearm of claim 3, further comprising a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the processing module is configured to: receive a measurement signal corresponding the blood alcohol content of the user; and send the control signal to the lock assembly when the measurement signal indicates that the blood alcohol content of the user exceeds a threshold value, thereby disabling the firing mechanism.

7. The firearm of claim 3, further comprising a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the processing module is configured to: receive a measurement signal corresponding the blood alcohol content of the user; and send the control signal to the lock assembly when the measurement signal indicates that the blood alcohol content of the user is below a threshold value, thereby enabling the firing mechanism.

8. The firearm of claim 3, wherein the lock assembly includes a plunger, wherein the plunger is selectively movable between a first position in which the plunger is withdrawn from the trigger space to a second position in which the plunger extends into the trigger space so that the trigger may not be actuated.

9. The firearm of claim 8, wherein the lock assembly further includes a housing, wherein the plunger is at least partially disposed within the housing, wherein the housing of the lock assembly is mounted to the trigger guard adjacent the grip.

10. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the firearm is one of a handgun or a long gun.

11. A locking mechanism for use with a firearm including a body portion, a grip, a trigger guard, and a firing mechanism having a trigger, the locking mechanism comprising: a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of a user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user and to produce a measurement signal dependent upon the determined blood alcohol content; and a lock assembly configured to receive a control signal that is based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user, wherein the lock assembly is configured to be operably connected to the firearm so that the lock assembly is selectively movable between a first state in which the firing mechanism is enabled and a second state in which the firing mechanism is disabled.

12. The locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a battery operably connected to both the blood alcohol sensor and to the lock assembly.

13. The locking mechanism of claim 12, wherein the blood alcohol sensor further comprises a sensing pad configured to contact the user's skin and a processing module for analyzing the user's perspiration to determine or approximate the blood alcohol content.

14. The locking mechanism of claim 13, wherein the sensing pad of the blood alcohol sensor is disposed on an outer surface of the grip.

15. The locking mechanism of claim 13, further comprising a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the processing module is configured to: receive the measurement signal from the blood alcohol sensor; and send the control signal to the lock assembly when the measurement signal indicates that the blood alcohol content of the user exceeds a threshold value, thereby disabling the firing mechanism.

16. The locking mechanism of claim 13, further comprising a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the processing module is configured to: receive the measurement signal from the blood alcohol sensor; and send the control signal to the lock assembly when the measurement signal indicates that the blood alcohol content of the user is below a threshold value, thereby enabling the firing mechanism.

17. The locking mechanism of claim 13, wherein the lock assembly further comprises a housing and a plunger that is at least partially disposed within the housing, wherein the housing is mounted to the trigger guard adjacent the grip and the plunger is selectively movable between a first position in which the plunger is withdrawn into the housing to a second position in which the plunger extends into the trigger guard so that the trigger may not be actuated.

18. The locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the firearm is one of a handgun or a long gun.

19. A locking mechanism for use with a secured area having a door, the locking mechanism being configured to selectively allow access by a user and comprising: a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user, wherein the blood alcohol sensor is configured to produce a measurement signal indicative of the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user; a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor and configured to receive the measurement signal from the blood alcohol sensor; a lock assembly in communication with the processing module, wherein the lock assembly is selectively movable between a first state in which the door cannot be opened and a second state in which the door can be opened, wherein the processing module is configured to produce a control signal based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user, and wherein the lock assembly is configured to move between the first state and the second state based on the control signal.

20. The locking mechanism of claim 19, wherein the secured area is one of a gun case, a gun safe, a lock box, a medication safe, a medication vial, a medication dispensing system, a balcony, or a rooftop.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a left-side plan view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention fitted on a firearm;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a vehicle including a locking mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of a vehicle including a locking mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an online platform consistent with various embodiments of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computing device for implementing the methods disclosed herein, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0021] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0022] As used herein the singular forms a, an, and the can optionally include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, use of the term a sensor can represent disclosure of embodiments in which a single sensor is provided, as well as embodiments in which a plurality of such sensors are provided.

[0023] All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

[0024] As used herein, the terms optional or optionally mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0025] As used herein, the term at least one of is intended to be synonymous with one or more of. For example, at least one of A, B and C explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

[0026] Ranges can be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedents about, substantially, or generally, it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. In other aspects, when angular values are approximated by use of the antecedents about, substantially, or generally, it is contemplated that angular values within up to 15 degrees, up to 10 degrees, up to 5 degrees, or up to one degree (above or below) of the particularly stated angular value can be included within the scope of those aspects.

[0027] The word or as used herein means any one member of a particular list and, unless context dictates otherwise, can also include any combination of members of that list.

[0028] In the following description and claims, wherever the word comprise or include is used, it is understood that the words comprise and include can optionally be replaced with the words consists essentially of or consists of to form another embodiment.

[0029] It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0030] The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an alcohol-sensitive locking mechanism 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown fitted on a firearm, depicted as a handgun 140. As shown, the handgun 140 includes a frame 144 with a body portion 142 that slidably receives a slide 156 and includes a handgrip 146 that is configured to be grasped by a user. A trigger guard 148 extends between the body portion 142 of the frame 144 and the handgrip 146, and defines a trigger space 158. The trigger 152 of the handgun's firing mechanism extends downwardly into the trigger space 158 and is configured to be pulled rearwardly toward the handgrip 146 when discharging the handgun 140. The trigger guard 148 is configured to prevent the accidental discharge of the handgun 144 by protecting against the accidental activation of the trigger 152. The handgun's firing mechanism 150 has a hammer 154 disposed at the top of the handgrip portion 146 aft of the slide 156. The hammer 154 is configured to be operated by either a thumb of the user's hand or the slide 156.

[0032] An embodiment of the locking mechanism 100 shown can include a grip portion 111 that is fitted to the handgrip 146 of the handgun 144. The grip portion 111 can have a blood alcohol sensor device 102 disposed thereon for determining the user's BAC based upon the transdermal alcohol content (TAC) as measured by the corresponding sensor. The blood alcohol sensor device 102 can be in the form of a pad including a sensor that is configured to come into contact with the palm of the user when grasping the handgrip 146. The user's TAC correlates (or, optionally, substantially corresponds) to the user's BAC, which in turn may be utilized in determining when the locking mechanism of the present invention should be either locked or unlocked. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the measured TAC can be utilized to determine whether the disclosed locking mechanism should be locked or unlocked (for example, without the need for separately determining a BAC). An example sensor that may be used in transdermal alcohol testing is the LABPATCH sensor, manufactured by CLINITECH, LLC. The sensor can be in the form of an electric pad that samples interstitial fluid, e.g. perspiration, from the skin surface of a user and measures relevant biomarkers in the fluid. In other examples, the sensor can be a pad sensor that does not require a pump to generate air flow across the sensor and instead relies on passive airflow. An example sensor is the BACTRACK SKYN wearable sensor (see https://skyn.bactrack.com/). In additional aspects, the alcohol sensor device 102 can be configured to sense alcohol content in the breath of the user.

[0033] The locking mechanism 100 also includes a lock assembly 106. In various aspects, the lock assembly 106 can comprise a housing 108 that is affixed to either the trigger guard 148 or the handgrip 146 in the vicinity of the trigger 152. The lock assembly 106 can include a plunger 110 that is selectively movable about and between a blocking position that inhibits or prevents operation of the firing mechanism 150 and a released position that permits operation of the firing mechanism. For example, the plunger 110 can be extendable from the housing 108. Optionally, in these aspects, an electric actuator (e.g., a linear actuator such as a solenoid or a motor) can extend and retract the plunger 110. As shown, the plunger 110 is configured to prevent the operation of the handgun 140 when the plunger is in an extended state and allow the operation of the firearm 140 when the plunger 110 is in a retracted state. In some aspects, and as shown in FIG. 1, when extended, the plunger 110 can be received in a throughbore formed in the trigger 152 of the handgun 140, thereby preventing movement of the trigger 152. For example, as shown, the plunger 110 can move into and out of the plane of the page to selectively inhibit pulling of the trigger 152.

[0034] It is contemplated that the handgun 140 shown in FIG. 1 can include a solid trigger 152, meaning the trigger 152 is a solid body from its front edge rearwardly to the back end of the trigger space 158. In those instances in which the locking mechanism 100 is added to the firearm 140 as an aftermarket component, the throughbore in which the plunger 110 is to be received may be formed by drilling, such as by a gunsmith. In the alternate embodiments in which the locking mechanism 100 is an original feature of the gun provided prior to purchase, the throughbore is formed as part of the manufacturing process. It is further contemplated that in those firearms in which the trigger is not solid (e.g., in which a space exists between the back end of the trigger and the rear of the trigger space 158), a throughbore is not required, and the plunger 110 can be disposed aft of the trigger 152 to prevent its activation.

[0035] In additional aspects, other structures, such as a hook, can extend through a bore in, or aft of, the trigger 152 to inhibit pulling of the trigger 152. In further additional aspects, the lock assembly 106 can engage another feature of the firing mechanism 150 of the handgun to selectively inhibit operation of the firing mechanism. For example, the firing mechanism can comprise a linkage between the trigger 152 and the hammer 154. Said linkage can comprise one or more pivot arms, struts, etc. In various aspects, the lock assembly 106 can selectively extend through or move into a movement path of any element of the linkage between the trigger 152 and the hammer 154 to block movement of said element of the linkage, thereby inhibiting operation of the firing mechanism.

[0036] Still referring to FIG. 1, the grip portion 111 of the locking mechanism 100 extends around both sides of the handgrip 146 of the handgun 140. As such, the grip portion 111 is able to sense perspiration on either the left or the right hand of a potential user when grasping the handgrip 146 of the gun 140. The lock assembly 106 may be positioned on either the left or the right hand side of the trigger guard 148 dependent upon whether the handgun 140 is to be used predominantly by a left-handed or a right-handed user. For example, if a user is right-handed, the preferred position of the housing 108 of the lock assembly 106 can be on the left-hand side of the trigger guard 148, as shown in FIG. 1. When positioned on the side of the handgun 140 that is opposite the user's palm, the housing 108 can be less likely to make contact with the index finger of the user's hand. Note, however, the housing 108 of the lock assembly 106 can be configured such that the handgun 142 to which it is affixed is operable by either a left-handed or a right-handed user regardless of which side of the trigger guard 148 the housing 108 is disposed on. A processing module 112, the operation of which is discussed in greater detail below, is also included in the locking mechanism 100. As shown, the processing module 112, as well as a power source, such as a battery 113, is disposed on the grip portion 111 of the locking mechanism 100. In the embodiment as shown, wires 103 are provided along the side of the handgrip 146 to connect the lock assembly 106 to the processing module 112 and battery on the grip portion 111. However, in alternate embodiments, the processing module 112 and/or battery 113 may be disposed within the housing 108 of the lock assembly 106.

[0037] The disclosed locking mechanism 100 may be operated in a released-by-default mode, wherein the default position is a first state in which the plunger 110 is retracted into the housing 108. In the first state, the locking mechanism 100 is configured to allow operation of the trigger 152 and, subsequently, the firearm 140 to be discharged. In the released-by-default mode, when the user of the firearm 140 grasps the handgrip 146, the user's palm comes into contact with the blood alcohol sensor 102. As noted above, the blood alcohol sensor 102 is configured to determine the presence of alcohol in the interstitial fluid, or perspiration, of the user's skin. If the blood alcohol sensor 102 does not detect the presence of alcohol, or determines or approximates (e.g., correlates) the BAC of the user as being below a predefined threshold, the blood alcohol sensor 102 does not produce a signal to be sent to the lock assembly 106. As such, the plunger 110 remains in the retracted first state in which the trigger 152 is not blocked by the plunger 110 being received the bore formed in the trigger 152. Conversely, if the user attempts to operate the firearm 140 with a BAC above the predefined threshold, which may be varied, the blood alcohol sensor 102 detects alcohol in the perspiration on the skin of the user's hand as the user grasps the handgrip 146 of the firearm 140. In turn, the blood alcohol sensor 102 produces and sends a signal (a measurement signal) that is indicative of the detection of an alcohol level above the predefined threshold. In exemplary aspects, the blood alcohol sensor 102 can send the measurement signal to processing module 112, and the processing module 112 sends a control signal to the lock assembly 106, causing the plunger 110 to transition from the first retracted state to the second extended state. In other aspects, the blood alcohol sensor 102 can include hardware that is configured to send a control signal directly to the lock assembly 106, causing the plunger 110 to move to the second extended state. More generally, it is contemplated that the lock assembly can be operably connected, either directly or indirectly, to the blood alcohol sensor for receiving a control signal that is based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user. The control signal received by the lock assembly 106 can cause the lock assembly to enable or disable the firing mechanism 150 (e.g., actuate the actuator). In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the control signal can be a current (e.g., a current of a particular amperage) or a voltage (e.g., a particular voltage). As noted, when extended into the bore formed on the trigger 152, the plunger 110 locks the trigger 152 and renders the firearm 140 inoperable. In some aspects, the predefined threshold level for preventing the operation of the firearm can be set as desired and adjusted by way of the processing module. Optionally, a green (or first color) light may be visible when the firearm 140 is fully operable and the light may be off (or red or a second color) when alcohol is detected and the trigger 152 is blocked, making the firearm inactive.

[0038] In additional aspects, the locking mechanism 100 can be operated in a locked-by-default mode. In the locked-by-default mode, the default position of the plunger 110 of the locking assembly 106 is the second extended state. As such, the firearm 140 is disabled while the handgrip 146 is not being grasped by the user. Upon detection of a user grasping the handgrip 146 of the firearm 140, the blood alcohol sensor 102 determines the presence or absence of alcohol on the skin of the user's hand. If no alcohol is detected in the user's perspiration, or if the BAC of the user is determined or approximated (e.g., correlated) to be below the predetermined threshold value, a control signal is sent to the locking assembly 106 causing the plunger 110 of the locking assembly 106 to transition to the retracted first state. With the plunger 110 retracted from a blocking position (e.g., within the in the trigger 152, the trigger may be pulled by the user and the handgun 140 fired. If alcohol is detected and indicates a BAC above the predetermined threshold value, no signal is sent to the locking assembly 106 and the firearm 140 remains disabled. The contact sensor 114 and alcohol sensor 102 can be implemented as a single component or as separate components. Optionally, a red light may be visible when the firearm is not gripped by a user and the light can be off or green when a user grasps the handgrip 146 and no alcohol is detected.

[0039] In some optional aspects, the handgrip 146 of firearm 140 can be fitted with an additional contact sensor 114 capable of detecting when the handgrip 146 is being grasped by the user. An example contact sensor 114 is a force sensing resistor, which can be formed by a flexible thin film, the resistance of which decreases as pressure is applied to the film, such as when gripped (with the change in resistance being indicative of a human grip). Optionally, in these aspects, in the locked-by-default mode, upon the contact sensor 114 sensing the handle being grasped, the processing module 112 can determine, based on a measurement signal from blood alcohol sensor 102, whether to move the locking assembly 106 to the unlocked configuration.

[0040] The locking mechanism 100 may be used on long guns as well, such as, but not limited to shotguns and rifles. When utilized with a long gun, the lock assembly 106 can be positioned on the trigger guard or frame of the gun as discussed above, and the grip portion 111 is fitted to the position of the long gun's stock that is grasped by the user's firing hand.

[0041] Alternate embodiments of alcohol sensitive locking mechanisms in accordance with the present invention may be utilized to prevent the operation of powered vehicles such as, but not limited to, automobiles, aircraft, watercraft, motorcycles, scooters, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, an example vehicle 220 may include a steering wheel 222, a joystick, a gearshift 224, and an ignition 226. An alcohol sensitive locking mechanism 200 for use with such a vehicle 220 preferably includes a grip portion 211 that is fitted onto one or more vehicle features, such as, for example and without limitation, the steering wheel 222, the gearshift 224, and/or the ignition 226, that must be grasped by the user to operate the vehicle 220. Similarly to the previously discussed first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each grip portion includes a blood alcohol sensor device that is able to determine whether or not the user's BAC meets or exceeds the pre-selected threshold value. When the BAC of the user meets or exceeds the threshold value, the locking mechanism 200 disables the vehicle, such as by preventing the vehicle from starting. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the disclosed sensor and other elements of the locking mechanism can be integrated into a vehicle or other structure that is already connected to a power source and has an existing electronically-locking mechanism. Additionally, or alternatively, an embodiment of the present disclosure can be included in a vehicle having keyless entry by positioning a blood alcohol sensor device on the vehicles' driver side door handle. The output of the blood alcohol sensor device can be used to activate/deactivate the vehicle's existing locking system, thereby either granting or denying access to the vehicle based upon the user's BAC.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 3, yet other embodiments of the invention include alcohol-sensitive locking mechanisms that may be utilized with locked spaces 320, for example and without limitation, a roof, a balcony, a facility storing hazardous material and/or weapons, controlled-access spaces, and the like. For example, a grip portion 311 including a blood alcohol sensor device may be fitted on a door handle 322 or door knob that must be grasped to access the restricted area 300 by way of a door 310. When the blood alcohol sensor determines that the BAC of the user meets or exceeds the pre-determined threshold value, the locking mechanism remains in the locked positon, thereby denying access to the restricted area 300. An example mechanism can include a solenoid actuator that operates in response to receiving an electrical signal, such as, for example, a control signal as further disclosed herein, which can be produced based on a measurement signal from the associated blood alcohol sensor. As a specific example, the solenoid actuator may engage or disengage a sturdy spring-biased plug that selectively engages a corresponding door or gate frame dependent upon the sensor output.

[0043] Referring additionally to FIG. 4, embodiments of locking mechanism 100 may include at least one blood alcohol sensor 102 (FIG. 1) and a computing device 500 (FIG. 5). The at least one blood alcohol sensor 102 may be configured for generating sensor data based on detecting a blood alcohol content (BAC) using the at least one blood alcohol sensor 102. The computing device 500 can be configured to receive the sensor data from the blood alcohol sensor 102. As discussed above with regard to the embodiment of the locking mechanism 100 shown in FIG. 1 the processing module 112 may form part of the self-contained system that is disposed entirely on the corresponding firearm 140. In alternate embodiments, the computing device 500 may be remote. For example, the computing device 500 can be configured to analyze the sensor data and may be configured to determine or approximate (e.g., correlate) the BAC of the user 412 based on the analysis of the sensor data (e.g., TAC data). The computing device 500 may be configured for generating commands for the locking mechanism and be communicatively coupled with the locking mechanism so that the operation of the locking mechanism may be accomplished automatically (in response to commands from the computing device). Thus, it is contemplated that operation of the locking mechanisms disclosed herein can occur in response to commands provided by the computing device 500.

[0044] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an online platform 400 consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, the online platform 400 to facilitate selectively disabling a firearm or vehicle may be hosted on a centralized server 402, such as, for example, a cloud-based computing device. The centralized server 402 may communicate with other network entities, such as, for example, a mobile device 406 (such as a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet computer, etc.), other electronic devices 410 (such as desktop computers, server computers, etc.), databases 414, sensors 416, actuators (not shown) and an apparatus 418 over a communication network 404, such as, but not limited to, the Internet. Further, users of the online platform 400 may include relevant parties such as, but not limited to, end-users and administrators. Accordingly, in some instances, electronic devices operated by the one or more relevant parties may be in communication with the online platform 400. Beneficially, such embodiments also offer remote use of the disclosed system for home automation and monitoring, healthcare facilities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc., and can be useful for securing doors, cabinets, and other secured areas of such facilities from a remote location.

[0045] A user 412, such as the one or more relevant parties, may access the online platform 400 through a web-based software application or browser. The web-based software application may be embodied as, for example, but not be limited to, a website, a web application, a desktop application, and a mobile application compatible with a computing device 500.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 5, a system consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure may include a computing device or cloud-based device, such as computing device 500. In a basic configuration, computing device 500 may include at least one processing unit 502 and a system memory 504. Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, system memory 504 may comprise, for example and without limitation, volatile memory (e.g. random-access memory (RAM)), non-memory (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination thereof. System memory 504 may include operating system 505, one or more programming modules 506, and may include a program data 507. Operating system 505, for example, may be suitable for controlling operation of computing device 500. In one embodiment, programming modules 506 may include image-processing module, machine learning module and/or image classifying module. Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or any other application program and is not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 5 by those components within a dashed line 508.

[0047] Computing device 500 may have additional features or functionality. For example, computing device 500 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 5 by a removable storage 509 and a non-removable storage 510. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 504, removable storage 509, and non-removable storage 510 are all computer storage media examples (i.e., memory storage). Computer storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by computing device 500. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 500. Computing device 500 may also have input device(s) 512 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a sound input device, a touch input device, a location sensor, a camera, a biometric sensor, etc. Output device(s) 514 such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are examples and others may be used.

[0048] Computing device 500 may also contain a communication connection 516 that may allow device 500 to communicate with other computing devices 518, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, for example, an intranet or the Internet. Communication connection 516 is one example of communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term modulated data signal may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term computer-readable media as used herein may include both storage media and communication media.

[0049] As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in system memory 504, including operating system 505. While executing on processing unit 502, programming modules 506 (e.g., application 520 such as a media player) may perform processes including, for example, one or more stages of methods, algorithms, systems, applications, servers, databases as described above. The aforementioned process is an example, and processing unit 502 may perform other processes. Other programming modules that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include sound encoding/decoding applications, machine learning application, acoustic classifiers, etc.

[0050] Generally, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, program modules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that may implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, general-purpose graphics processor-based systems, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, application-specific integrated circuit-based electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote computing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0051] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general-purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

[0052] Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer-readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0053] The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (a non-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0054] While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, solid-state storage (e.g., USB drive), or a CD-ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM.

EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

[0055] In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the particular aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

[0056] Aspect 1: A firearm configured to be selectively discharged by a user, comprising: [0057] a frame including a body portion, a grip, and a trigger guard extending from the body portion to the grip and defining a trigger space therebetween; [0058] a firing mechanism including a trigger, the firing mechanism being disposed at least partially within the frame so that the trigger extends downwardly into the trigger space; and [0059] a locking mechanism comprising: [0060] a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user; and [0061] a lock assembly configured to receive a control signal that is based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user, wherein the lock assembly is configured to enable and disable the firing mechanism based upon the received control signal.

[0062] Aspect 2: The firearm of aspect 1, where in the lock assembly is selectively movable between a first state in which the firing mechanism is enabled and a second state in which the firing mechanism is disabled.

[0063] Aspect 3: The firearm of aspect 2, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a battery operably connected to both the blood alcohol sensor and to the lock assembly.

[0064] Aspect 4: The firearm of aspect 3, wherein the blood alcohol sensor further comprises a sensing pad configured to contact the user's skin and a processing module for analyzing the alcohol content of the user's perspiration.

[0065] Aspect 5: The firearm of aspect 4, wherein the sensing pad of the blood alcohol sensor is disposed on an outer surface of the grip.

[0066] Aspect 6: The firearm of aspect 3, further comprising a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the processing module is configured to: [0067] receive a measurement signal corresponding the blood alcohol content of the user; and [0068] send the control signal to the lock assembly when the measurement signal indicates that the blood alcohol content of the user exceeds a threshold value, thereby disabling the firing mechanism.

[0069] Aspect 7: The firearm of aspect 3, further comprising a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the processing module is configured to: [0070] receive a measurement signal corresponding the blood alcohol content of the user; and [0071] send the control signal to the lock assembly when the measurement signal indicates that the blood alcohol content of the user is below a threshold value, thereby enabling the firing mechanism.

[0072] Aspect 8: The firearm of aspect 3, wherein the lock assembly includes a plunger, wherein the plunger is selectively movable between a first position in which the plunger is withdrawn from the trigger space to a second position in which the plunger extends into the trigger space so that the trigger may not be actuated.

[0073] Aspect 9: The firearm of aspect 8, wherein the lock assembly further includes a housing, wherein the plunger is at least partially disposed within the housing, wherein the housing of the lock assembly is mounted to the trigger guard adjacent the grip.

[0074] Aspect 10: The firearm of aspect 1, wherein the firearm is one of a handgun or a long gun.

[0075] Aspect 11: A locking mechanism for use with a firearm including a body portion, a grip, a trigger guard, and a firing mechanism having a trigger, the locking mechanism comprising: [0076] a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of a user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user and to produce a measurement signal dependent upon the determined blood alcohol content; and [0077] a lock assembly configured to receive a control signal that is based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user, wherein the lock assembly is configured to be operably connected to the firearm so that the lock assembly is selectively movable between a first state in which the firing mechanism is enabled and a second state in which the firing mechanism is disabled.

[0078] Aspect 12: The locking mechanism of aspect 11, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a battery operably connected to both the blood alcohol sensor and to the lock assembly.

[0079] Aspect 13: The locking mechanism of aspect 12, wherein the blood alcohol sensor further comprises a sensing pad configured to contact the user's skin and a processing module for analyzing the user's perspiration to determine or approximate the blood alcohol content.

[0080] Aspect 14: The locking mechanism of aspect 13, wherein the sensing pad of the blood alcohol sensor is disposed on an outer surface of the grip.

[0081] Aspect 15: The locking mechanism of aspect 13, further comprising a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the processing module is configured to: [0082] receive the measurement signal from the blood alcohol sensor; and [0083] send the control signal to the lock assembly when the measurement signal indicates that the blood alcohol content of the user exceeds a threshold value, thereby disabling the firing mechanism.

[0084] Aspect 16: The locking mechanism of aspect 13, further comprising a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the processing module is configured to: [0085] receive the measurement signal from the blood alcohol sensor; and [0086] send the control signal to the lock assembly when the measurement signal indicates that the blood alcohol content of the user is below a threshold value, thereby enabling the firing mechanism.

[0087] Aspect 17: The locking mechanism of aspect 13, wherein the lock assembly further comprises a housing and a plunger that is at least partially disposed within the housing, wherein the housing is mounted to the trigger guard adjacent the grip and the plunger is selectively movable between a first position in which the plunger is withdrawn into the housing to a second position in which the plunger extends into the trigger guard so that the trigger may not be actuated.

[0088] Aspect 18: The locking mechanism of aspect 11, wherein the firearm is one of a handgun or a long gun.

[0089] Aspect 19: A locking mechanism for use with a secured area having a door, the locking mechanism being configured to selectively allow access by a user and comprising: [0090] a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user, wherein the blood alcohol sensor is configured to produce a measurement signal indicative of the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user; [0091] a processing module in communication with the blood alcohol sensor and configured to receive the measurement signal from the blood alcohol sensor; [0092] a lock assembly in communication with the processing module, wherein the lock assembly is selectively movable between a first state in which the door cannot be opened and a second state in which the door can be opened, [0093] wherein the processing module is configured to produce a control signal based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user, and [0094] wherein the lock assembly is configured to move between the first state and the second state based on the control signal.

[0095] Aspect 20: The locking mechanism of aspect 19, wherein the secured area is one of a gun case, a gun safe, a lock box, a medication safe, a medication vial, a medication dispensing system, a balcony, or a rooftop.

[0096] Aspect 21: A locking mechanism for use with a vehicle having an ignition, a steering wheel, and a gear shift assembly, the locking mechanism being configured to selectively allow operation of the vehicle by a user and comprising: [0097] a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user and to produce a signal dependent upon the determined blood alcohol content; [0098] a lock assembly operably connected to the blood alcohol sensor for receiving the signal from the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the lock assembly is further operably connected to at least one of the ignition, the steering wheel, or the gear shift assembly, wherein the lock assembly is selectively movable between a first state in which use of said at least one of the ignition, the steering wheel, or the gear shift assembly is prevented and a second state in which use of said at least one of the ignition, the steering wheel, or the gear shift assembly is permitted.

[0099] Aspect 22: The locking mechanism of claim 21, wherein the vehicle is an automobile.

[0100] Aspect 23: The locking mechanism of claim 21, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

[0101] Aspect 24: The locking mechanism of claim 21, wherein the vehicle is a watercraft.

[0102] Aspect 25: The locking mechanism of claim 21, wherein the vehicle is a motorcycle.

[0103] Aspect 26: A locking mechanism for use with a medication safe, a medication vial, or a dispensing system having a door or cap, the locking mechanism comprising: [0104] a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user and to produce a signal dependent upon the determined blood alcohol content; [0105] a lock assembly operably connected to the blood alcohol sensor for receiving the signal from the blood alcohol sensor, wherein the lock assembly is further operably connected to the door or cap, wherein the lock assembly is selectively movable between a first state in which use of said at least one of the door or cap is prevented and a second state in which use of said at least one of the door or cap is permitted.

[0106] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.