Firearm locking system

Abstract

A locking system for a firearm is disclosed. A lock has a set state and an unset state, and substantial movement of any one or more fire control group components is inhibited with in the set state. A biometric sensor attachable to a grip of the firearm is receptive to an input biometric feature data set corresponding to a physiological feature of a user. A biometric input controller stores biometric feature data sets corresponding to enrolled user identities in a memory, and compares it against the input biometric feature data set to generate a biometric input validation status indicator signal. A proximity sensor attachable to the grip detects possession of the firearm by the user and generates a corresponding grip detection indicator signal. A system controller selectively actuates the lock to the set state and the unset state based upon a received combination and sequence of the biometric input validation status indicator signal and the grip detection indicator signal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application relates to the concurrently filed co-pending application entitled “FIREARM SAFETY LOCK,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]1. Technical Field[0004]The present disclosure relates generally to firearms and biometric systems, and more particularly to a firearm safety system that locks and prevents the operation of a firearm without valid biometric credentials. The present disclosure also relates to firearm locks that prevent the disengagement of safeties.[0005]2. Related Art[0006]Firearms are valuable tools that are commonly utilized for many legitimate purposes by civilians, military, and police alike. Chief among these purposes is personal defense, as firearms greatly level the field and equalize inherent power imbalances typical between criminal and potential victims. With th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent describes a locking system for firearms that uses biometric technology to verify the identity of the user and prevent unauthorized access. The system includes a lock, a biometric sensor, and a biometric input controller. The user's biometric features are compared with pre-stored data to verify their identity and the system automatically locks or unlocks the firearm based on this information. Additionally, the system includes a proximity sensor that detects the user's grip on the firearm to further enhance security. The patent also describes a method for managing user identities for the biometric locking system.

Problems solved by technology

As with any tool with destructive capabilities, there is a potential for abuse and misuse.

Because of its lethality, the harm resulting from inappropriate uses of firearms are compounded or exacerbated.

Still further, manufacturers are prohibited from selling handguns in some jurisdictions without meeting safety requirements such as loaded chamber indicators, magazine disconnects, passing drop tests.

Despite these wide-ranging measures, many may still be apprehensive of firearm ownership, both personally and by others.

For instance, spouses or other family members may feel uncomfortable with keeping a loaded firearm in the home, no matter how remote the possibility of accidental shootings under proper storage conditions.

Indeed, there have been incidents of a child somehow gaining access to a firearm and accidentally discharging it, resulting in injuries to bystanders.

Furthermore, there are also worries that a firearm carried on the person may get used by a perpetrator against the actual owner after being inadvertently let go during a physical altercation.

Due to these concerns, ordinary law-abiding citizens may forego purchasing a firearm, and even when able to do so under local laws, not carry it while going about their daily lives.

Although legislated a “gun free zone,” educational institutions may be vulnerable to mass shooting attacks, necessitating armed guards.

However, some parents may oppose this, citing the inherent dangers of firearms and the risk of it being taken from the guard to be used against students.

Police officers are often required to use multi-level retention holsters that require the skillful manipulation of buttons and latches to release, and involve fine motor functions that may be difficult to perform under stress without substantial training.

Indeed, there are numerous reported incidents where the law enforcement officer is shot with his or her own firearm.

These objectives are seemingly exclusive of each other: safeties that can be readily disengaged tend to render the firearm unsafe overall for that very reason, while safeties and locks that robustly secure the firearm tend to be cumbersome and time-consuming to disengage.

Conventional designs are inevitably a compromise that emphasizes accessibility over safety, or vice-versa.

Although keyed locks are quick to open, in order to ensure that no unauthorized individuals access its contents, the keys must be kept secure, thereby increasing the likelihood of loss or damage.

Combination locks do not require keys, but the entry of the combination via numeric keypads and dials can take a significant amount of time.

All of these measures, including storage in a safe, unfortunately increase the length of time between detecting a threat and firing in self defense.

Considering the speed with which various crimes are carried out, the targeted victim is in a position of substantial disadvantage, particularly where the perpetrator has the advantage of the element of surprise.

Images