Self-locking firearm barrel safety device and process for securing a firearm barrel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking element to be inserted into the barrel and/or the cartridge chamber of a firearm, said locking element comprising: a sleeve with an actuator, an operating element and a wedge element provided therein, wherein the operating element is at least partially provided movably within the wedge element. The actuator can insert the operating element into the wedge element which causes the wedge element to expand and be pressed against the wall of the barrel thus blocking the barrel. The actuator can also move the operating element out of the wedge element so that the wedge element can move back into a position in which the locking element can be removed from the barrel wherein the actuator is operated via an electronic device located in the locking device or a separate operating unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a process for locking the barrel and/or the cartridge chamber of a firearm. Such devices or safety means are usually provided in the barrel of a firearm and make it impossible for the firearm to be fired.

DE 198 41 107 A1 (ProSafeArms) for example discloses a safety device wherein the cartridge magazine or cartridge chamber in revolvers is blocked. For this purpose, a safety sleeve is first inserted in the cartridge magazine via the normal loading process. Furthermore, a guide tube with a notch-bolt is inserted from the muzzle in the direction of the cartridge magazine. For blocking the cartridge magazine, the notch-bolt engages in the safety sleeve. Also, at the end of the guide tube a lock is provided which can for example be a combination lock, a deadbolt lock or a padlock, and which prevents an unauthorized removal of the notch-bolt and the safety sleeve from the outside. However, such a safety device has the disadvantage that the lock can easily be broken from the outside and therefore does not offer reliable protection.

Furthermore, a safety element is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,344 (Omega) which is inserted in the barrel of a firearm and can expand in the barrel such that it blocks the barrel. The safety element comprises a compression shaft with a socket at one end. The compression shaft runs through a bore in an expandable portion (preferably made from rubber) and terminates in a threaded portion which engages a threaded tube. If the socket and thus the compression shaft is turned, the threaded portion bores into the threaded tube and causes the expandable portion to be compressed and expanded. However, such a safety element wherein the expandable portion is made for example of a rubber material has the disadvantage that it can easily be removed and thus offers no reliable protection. Furthermore, the handling of the safety element is complicated, requiring several actions to place the safety element into the barrel and to remove it therefrom.

DE 199 63 326 A1 discloses a similar locking or blocking device for revolvers and self-loading pistols. The locking or blocking device comprises two safety elements. The first safety element has an external thread on one side on which a rubber segment is provided which, however, does not completely cover the thread. The first safety element is loaded into the revolver via a normal cartridge loading process. From the muzzle side, a second safety element is inserted into the barrel which has a bore with an internal thread to engage the external thread. The two safety elements are then screwed together with a special wrench such that the rubber element is compressed and thus extends radially, thereby blocking the barrel. As was already mentioned above, such safety devices have the disadvantage that they can easily be removed and are furthermore awkward to handle.

Furthermore, DE 38 36 361 A1 discloses a device for securing firearms with tip-up barrels. A rod is provided at its front end with a hemispherical seal with the same diameter as the rod, which can be inserted into the gun barrel and can then be locked e.g. with a padlock. The back end of the rod on the other hand is provided with a lock in the form of a collar-type seal wherein the collar-type is larger than the diameter of the firearm barrel. The front end of the rod is inserted into a tip-up firearm barrel until the collar-type seal is flush with the barrel, while the other end is locked with a lock so that the rod cannot be pulled out of the barrel. Such a design has the disadvantage that the lock can easily be broken or the gun barrel simply sawed off. Thus, the device does not offer a reliable protection against unauthorized users. Furthermore, it can only be used in guns with tip-up barrels.

WO 2004/008058 A1 also discloses a safety device for firearms which can be introduced into the barrel of a firearm. For this purpose, a clamping means with expanding clamping jaws is operated from the outside by twisting an armor connected with an expanding thread. Furthermore, a deactivation element is provided with an additional actuator. The safety device can only be unlocked when the deactivation element releases the expanding thread so that it can be twisted. In one embodiment, the armor can also be connected with a coupling means which rotates the armor such that the safety device is for example unlocked when the actuator releases the expanding thread via the deactivation element.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a device and a process for reliably locking a firearm which in addition can be handled easily and quickly.

This object is achieved by a locking element according to claim 1. The locking element has the advantage that it can reliably lock the barrel of a firearm in both directions, i.e. from the muzzle side and the cartridge chamber side, by blocking the barrel with a wedge element. Furthermore, the locking element can easily and quickly be mounted in and removed from a firearm barrel, namely by means of an actuator which operates the locking element via an electronic device.

Additional preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The present invention and the individual steps of locking the barrel of a firearm are described in the more detail on the basis of the enclosed drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a firearm barrel with the safety device according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a locking element and an operating unit, wherein the operating unit is connected to the locking element to lock or unlock the barrel,

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3a shows a schematic drawing of a barrel with a junction to the cartridge chamber,

FIG. 3b shows a schematic drawing of a barrel with a continuous diameter,

FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a locking element wherein the wedge element is moved into a position in which the locking element can no longer be removed from the barrel,

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking element according to one embodiment of the invention wherein the wedge element is in a position in which the locking element can be removed,

FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional side view of the locking element and parts of the operating unit according to one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking element wherein the locking element cannot be removed from the barrel,

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view according to FIG. 7 wherein the locking element can be removed from the barrel,

FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking element,

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the connection between the locking element and the operating unit.

As can be inferred from FIGS. 1 and 2, a locking element 2 according to one embodiment of the invention has been inserted into the barrel of a firearm from the muzzle side and locked. This makes it impossible to load and fire the firearm. For removing the locking element 2 and re-using the firearm, an unauthorized third party would have to replace the entire barrel 6 of the firearm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the self-locking firearm barrel safety device comprises a locking element 2 and preferably a separate operating unit 4. The operating unit 4 preferably remains outside of the barrel 6.

The operating unit 4 can be coupled with the locking element 2 for transmitting and/or receiving data. The transmission of data between the locking element 2 and the operating unit 4 can be effected via a wire or in a wireless manner. The operating unit 4 can be coupled mechanically and/or electrically with the locking element 2.

A wireless coupling can be effected via radio, for example by means of an inductive coupling, in the very low frequency, low frequency, medium frequency and/or high frequency band, e.g. in the range of 3 kHz to 30 Mhz.

The wireless coupling can furthermore also be effected via an optical coupling or an electromagnetic coupling in the microwave and UHF frequency range for example from 400 MHz to 5 GHz. In the case of a wired transmission, transmission is for example effected via a 1-wire bus. The coupling between the operating unit 4 and the locking element 2 can also be a combination of the above-mentioned possible couplings.

Data and/or energy can be transferred between the operating unit 4 and the locking element 2.

The electronic device 9 is preferably located within the locking element 2, but it can also be provided in the operating unit 4. The electronic device 9 carries out an authorization examination and/or unlocks the actuator. The actuator is preferably located in the locking element 2, but it can also be provided in the operating unit 4. The operating unit serves to enter data (e.g. entering a PIN code and/or biometric data) wherein the data is transferred from the operating unit 4 to the electronic device 9 for the authorization examination.

The electronic device 9 can be self-sufficient, e.g. via a battery 10, and/or not self-sufficient or partially self-sufficient, wherein energy is provided via the operating unit 4 for example via a wire or a cable. Alternatively, energy can also be provided inductively.

The operating unit 4 can be connected to the locking element 2 via a coupling unit 12 to unlock and/or re-lock the locking element 2 in the firearm barrel 6.

The locking element 2 can preferably be completely inserted into the firearm barrel 6 and/or the cartridge chamber, as depicted e.g. in FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, the locking element 2 comprises a barrel locking mechanism, which will be explained in detail in the following, as well as optionally a preferably electromechanical actuation mechanism which releases and/or locks the locking mechanism, and optionally a miniature electronic device 9 which controls the actuation mechanism.

The locking element 2 comprises a socket or sleeve 14 in which an actuator, an operating element 16 and an expanding element are provided. As shown in the Figures, the expanding element can be formed as a wedge element 18 comprising at least one or two wedge plates or, as shown e.g. in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to 9, comprising for example three wedge plates.

In principle, there are firearm barrels with and without cartridge magazines. Firearm barrels without a cartridge magazine have an essentially cylindrical structure with a continuous diameter, as shown in FIG. 3b. Furthermore, there are firearm barrels wherein the firearm barrel has a junction to the cartridge chamber (firearm barrel with cartridge magazine), i.e. a junction between the smaller diameter of the barrel and the larger diameter of the barrel in the portion of the cartridge chamber (cf. FIG. 3a).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the wedge element 18 can be provided such that it can at least be partially inserted into a cartridge magazine junction of a firearm barrel. In this embodiment, in order to block the barrel 6, the wedge element 18 is arranged such in the junction that it is at least partially or completely flush with the wall or pressed against it in the junction portion so that it cannot be pulled out in the direction of the muzzle of the barrel, as shown in a very simplified manner in FIG. 3a. The wedge element 18 is in a form-fitting connection with the junction towards the muzzle of the barrel. Thus, the locking element 2 cannot be pulled out of the barrel in the direction of the muzzle. Furthermore, the pressing of the wedge element against at least a portion of the cylindrical segment of the barrel and/or the cartridge chamber also results in a frictional engagement so that the locking element cannot be removed in the direction of the cartridge chamber.

The embodiment according to FIG. 3a shows a locking mechanism according to the present invention which illustrates the principle of the self-locking effect. In this mechanism, the operating element and the rolling element guide are provided such (cf. e.g. FIG. 4) that if pressure is exerted on the operating element from the muzzle side of the barrel, the operating element presses the wedge element 18 even further against the wall via the rolling element guide. If pressure is exerted from the cartridge chamber side, the wedge element is pressed even further against the junction portion.

The junction in the firearm barrel can be of any desired shape. As is shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 3a, the junction can have the shape of a perpendicular edge, or it can for example be conical, curved or graded.

As was already described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the wedge element 18 can be formed such that it is at least partially flush with the junction. For this purpose, the wedge element 18 can additionally comprise a projection 19, as shown for example in FIG. 4.

Another embodiment of the present invention is preferably used in firearm barrels with a continuous diameter, i.e. firearm barrels without a cartridge magazine. In this embodiment as well, the principle of self-locking as described above is realized as well.

In that case, in another embodiment of the present invention, the locking element 2 comprises for example two wedge elements 18 as shown in a very simplified manner in FIG. 3b. The two wedge elements 18 are provided next to each other and can also be formed as one wedge element 18. If, as shown in FIG. 3b, two or more wedge elements 18 are used, the wedge elements 18 can be provided at separate locations in the locking element, preferably in areas where manipulative forces can be expected; for example in areas at the two ends of the locking element.

The two wedge elements 18 are formed such that they can secure the locking element 2 against manipulation attempts from both sides, similar to the locking element in FIG. 3a. The wedge elements 18 are pressed against the wall of the barrel 6 to form a frictional connection. Furthermore, the two tapered internal portions 8a, 8b of the wedge elements constitute an additional locking mechanism in the cartridge chamber direction and the muzzle direction.

As is shown in the schematic drawing in FIG. 3b, the removal of the locking element 2 from the barrel, both from the muzzle side and the cartridge chamber side, is prevented by the frictional connection of the corresponding wedge element 18 and the barrel. In addition, when pressure is exerted on the operating element 16 in the direction of the muzzle of the barrel, the tapered portion 8a on the inside of the wedge element 18 causes the wedge element 18 to be pressed even further against the wall of the barrel 6 via a rolling element guide so that the wedge element 18 is pressed even further against the barrel. Furthermore, when pressure is exerted on the operating element 16 in the direction of the cartridge chamber, the second tapered portion 8b on the inside of the other wedge element 18 causes the wedge element 18 to be pressed even further against the wall of the barrel 6. In both cases, the frictional engagement is reinforced and a self-locking effect is achieved. That means if an unauthorized party tries to manipulate the locking element by exerting pressure on the locking element, he causes the wedge elements to be pressed even further against the barrel via the operating element. This effect occurs independently of whether pressure is exerted from the muzzle side of the barrel or from the cartridge chamber side. In FIG. 3b, for example, a sleeve 13 with an additional projection 15 forms a clamp preventing the removal of the rolling element.

The operating element 16 for expanding the wedge element 18 is formed such that it can be provided at least partially within the wedge plates 18.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating element 16 preferably comprises a conical portion 16a and an essentially cylindrical portion 16b. The operating element 16 can be formed as one component or, as e.g. shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, comprise several components. Corresponding to the operating element 16, the wedge element 18 can be provided with a conical portion 18a and a cylindrical portion 18b.

The operating element 16 can be movably provided within the wedge element 18, preferably by means of a rolling element guide 20, e.g. a linear ball guide 20, as shown in FIG. 4. The rolling element guide can comprise at least one rolling element 21 and one spring element 23, as shown for example in the detailed view in FIG. 4. However, this rolling element is only one possibility for the person of average skill in the art to position or guide the operating element 16 within the wedge element 18. In addition to ball elements, conical or cylindrical elements, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, or other rolling elements are conceivable as well. The rolling element guide offers the advantage that the wedge elements can be moved apart without generating large frictional forces as would be the case if the operating element were completely flush with the wedge element.

An actuator is used to operate the operating element 16. The actuator can for example comprise at least one wire element comprising a shape memory alloy, and or at least one electric motor and/or at least one magnet array, for example an electromagnet array. However, the invention is not restricted to the above-mentioned embodiments of an actuator. The listed embodiments merely represent some examples of actuators for operating the operating element. In addition to the mentioned examples, there are further possibilities. Actuators fulfilling the above functions based on the given energy or force conditions are suitable.

For locking the locking element 2, the operating element 16 is pushed between the wedge plate(s) 18, causing them to expand.

In one embodiment of the present invention according to which the operating element 16 comprises a cylindrical and a conical portion, the wedge plates 18 are first moved apart by the cylindrical portion 16b.

The cylindrical portion 16b can be formed such that it moves the wedge plates 18 apart but does not press them firmly against the barrel. This has the advantage that no significant and unnecessary friction occurs.

Via the conical portion 16a the projections of the wedge plates 18 are then pressed into the junction with the cartridge chamber as shown e.g. in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8. This reliably blocks the barrel with the wedge element 18 and the cartridge magazine junction forming a form-fitting/frictional connection. The conical portion 16a can preferably be formed such that in a locking position with the wedge plates 18 it essentially forms a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the sleeve 14. This has the advantage that a possible jamming of the wedge plates 18 within the sleeve 14 can be prevented. As was already described above, the wedge element furthermore offers the advantage that due to the form-fitting connection with the junction, pressure from the cartridge chamber side cannot remove the locking element since the wedge element is flush with the junction. Nor can pressure exerted on the locking element from the muzzle side remove the locking element 2 since this only presses the wedge element 18 even further against the wall of the barrel 6.

In the case of a barrel with a continuous diameter, the operating element 16 functions accordingly. There, the wedge element does not comprise any additional projections, but is pressed firmly against the wall of the barrel by the operating element so that it forms a frictional connection with the barrel as shown in FIG. 3b.

In one embodiment of the invention, the operating element 16 can be operated directly via the actuator or a rolling element cage or ball cage, as will be explained below. When using the above-mentioned wire element, the length of the operating element 16 would have to be adjusted to the length of the wire element.

In another alternative embodiment, the locking element 2 comprises an additional pressure element comprising a first pressure rod 22.

A front portion 22a of the first pressure rod 22 is preferably coupled with the operating element 16. One end of the operating element 16 is movably provided within the pressure rod 22 as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8. For this purpose, in one embodiment the operating element 16 comprises a transverse bore 24 which accommodates a pin portion 26 of the pressure rod 22. This allows relative movement between the first pressure rod 22 and the operating element 16.

Preferably, a spring element 28 is provided which, via the operating element 16, prestresses the first pressure rod 22 against the wedge element 18 as e.g. shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Compared to the alternative embodiments of the present invention wherein the operating element 16 and the first pressure rod 22 are firmly connected or formed as one component, such a design has the advantage that the spring element can compensate for minor changes in temperature or thermal changes in diameter and the like.

In an alternative embodiment, the other end of the operating element 16 can be connected with a stop or the sleeve 14 via at least one additional spring element 30 as e.g. shown in FIG. 4. The spring element 30 serves to provide an additional force which presses the operating element 16 back in the direction of the muzzle of the barrel 6 when the locking element 2 is unlocked. This allows the wedge element 18 to move into a position in which it releases the locking element so that it can be removed.

In another embodiment of the invention, another spring element 31 can be provided which provides an additional force to compress the wedge element 18 when the locking element 2 is unlocked and the operating element 16 is moved out of the wedge element 18. The spring element 31 can be attached to the sleeve 14 as a stop or, as e.g. shown in FIG. 4, to a separate sleeve 33 as a stop.

Furthermore, the first pressure rod 22 is preferably provided with a ball-check arrest 32, 34 comprising a cage 32 provided around the front portion of the first pressure rod 22 and comprising at least one ball element 34 as e.g. shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9. The ball element(s) 34 is/are pressed outwards against the sleeve 14 for example via a spring element. The ball-check arrest 32, 34 acts as a stop and prevents the pressure rod 22 from being pulled out of the cage 32 and the sleeve 14. The ball-check arrest is pressed against the sleeve 14 when the conical portion of the pressure rod 22 (FIG. 9) presses against the ball(s) 34. However, the ball-check arrest 32, 34 allows relative movement between the first pressure rod 22 and the sleeve 14 in the direction of the cartridge chamber.

Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention wherein a wire element is for example used as an actuator comprises a stop 35 which is firmly connected with the pressure rod 22. The actuator, which is formed by a first wire element 42, is connected with the cage 32 of the ball-check arrest and the stop 35. In a preferred embodiment, a counter-stop 17 is furthermore movably provided within the sleeve 14, wherein the counter-stop 17 is connected with the pressure rod 22 via a second wire element (not depicted).

Furthermore, a first spring element 40 is provided between the cage 32 of the ball-check arrest and the counter-stop 17 or a second pressure rod 36 as shown e.g. in FIG. 2. In the preferred embodiment another second spring element 38 is provided between the counter-stop 17 and the pressure rod 22 or the stop 35 (cf. FIGS. 2 and 9). Alternatively, the first spring element 40 can also be provided between the counter-stop 17 and the pressure rod 22 or its stop, and the second spring element 38 can be provided between the pressure rod 22 and/or its stop 35 and the rolling element cage (ball cage).

The wire elements 42 comprise a so-called shape memory alloy, for example a nickel-titanium alloy. Upon heating, such a shape memory alloy shrinks in length for example by about 4% or more.

For locking, the locking element 2 is inserted into the barrel 6; this can be done manually or via the operating unit 4. In particular in the case of especially long firearm barrels, this is done via the operating unit. Also, an adapter can be provided which is in particular used in longer firearm barrels.

An advantage of the locking element 2 wherein a wire element 42 is used as an actuator is that the locking element 2 can be operated manually to lock the barrel. The mechanical locking step is preferably carried out by the hand of the user. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that when electric motors or magnet arrays are used as actuators, the locking element is formed such that it can be locked manually and the actuator is only used for unlocking.

According to a preferred embodiment, the authentication is only carried out for the unlocking step while locking can be effected without authentication. According to another preferred embodiment, authentication is carried out both for the unlocking and the locking step.

In case the securing or locking step does not require an authorization examination or authentication, securing takes place manually after the insertion of the locking element into the firearm barrel. During the insertion of the locking element 2 into the barrel 6, the first pressure rod 22 and thus the operating element 16 are for example pressed towards the cartridge chamber. This pushes the operating element 16 into the wedge element 18 such that it caused the wedge element to expand and block the barrel. Preferably, the ball cage also moves towards the cartridge chamber and blocks the pressure rod as soon as the wedge element blocks the barrel. The electric motor or the magnet array could be provided such that they either move along as well or remain stationary and pull back the pressure rod or the ball cage in the direction of the muzzle of the barrel for unlocking.

Moving the ball cage basically has the huge advantage that it can be moved with a relatively small force.

Thus, it is easy to manually block the barrel with the locking element 2 even if the electronic device were to break down. Furthermore, no additional specialized tools are required.

An electronic device 9 can be provided in the locking element 2 for operating the actuator. This electronic device allows the locking element to be unlocked easily if a wire element is used as the actuator. However, if instead of the wire element 42 an electric motor or a magnet array e.g. with a coil are used as the actuator, the actuator is operated via the electronic device 9 to lock or unlock the locking element 2.

For blocking the barrel, the actuator, i.e. for example the electric motor or the magnet array, operates the operating element 16. The actuator inserts the operating element into the wedge element 18 until the wedge element 18 is pressed firmly against the barrel 6 to form a frictional connection or a frictional/form-fitting connection therewith, depending on the type of barrel. The operating element can be coupled with a pressure element 22, as described above, or the operating element and the pressure element or the pressure rod 22 can be formed as one component, or only an operating element 16 can be provided. This applies to all the embodiments described herein.

However, for unlocking the locking element the actuator, be it a wire element and/or an electric motor and/or a magnet array etc., has to be operated via the electronic device 9.

The electronic device 9 can for example be provided at a suitable location in the locking element, which does not necessarily have to be the second pressure rod 36 as shown e.g. in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The electronic device 9 is for example a subminiature electronic device. It is connected to an electronic device in the operating unit 4 (not depicted) via encoded communication such as a 1-wire data bus 48 and can for example verify a correct authentication of a user (cf. e.g. FIGS. 1, 2 and 10).

If a user is identified as an authorized user, the electronic device 9 causes the actuator to move the operating element 16 out of the wedge element 18 so that the wedge element 18 or the wedge plates move into a position in which the locking element can be removed from the barrel.

For unlocking the locking element 2 when a wire element is used as an actuator, the electronic device 9 causes the wire element 42 to be heated, e.g. by means of resistance heating (not depicted), and thus to shrink in length. This in turn causes the ball-check arrest 32, 34, to which the wire element 42 is attached, to be pulled back in the direction of the muzzle of the barrel as shown in FIG. 8. This way, the first pressure rod 22 and the operating element 16 connected thereto can be moved back or in addition also pressed back by the spring element 30.

The operating element 16 is at least partially pulled out of the wedge element 18. As a result, the wedge plates 18 move into a position in which the locking element 2 can be removed as shown in FIG. 8. For this purpose at least one spring element 30 can be additionally provided at the wedge plates 18, which presses the wedge plates together. Alternatively, a spring element can be provided which is positioned such that it at least partially surrounds the wedge plates 18, or a spring element as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The spring element causes the wedge plates 18 to be pressed together. This has the advantage that the wedge plates 18 can be moved together again more easily as soon as the operating element 16 between them is moved out.

In order to protect the locking element 2 against manipulation, another spring element 40 as well as another wire element (not depicted) are provided as described above. The second spring element 40 is for example attached to the pressure rod 22 or its stop 35 at one end, and to the counter-stop 17 at the other end as described above (cf. FIGS. 1, 2 and 9).

If a third party attempts to unlock the locking element 2 by heating the firearm barrel 6 from the outside, e.g. over a gas flame, the first wire element 42 does shrink in length. However, at the same time, the second wire element (not depicted) shrinks in length as well.

As a consequence, the spring element 40 generates a counter-force to the first spring element 38. This causes the ball cage to be essentially unable or hardly able to move back in the direction of the muzzle of the barrel. Thus, the pressure rod 22 and the operating element 16 cannot be pushed out of the wedge element 18 such that the wedge element moves into a position in which the locking element 2 can be removed.

As shown e.g. in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, the locking element 2 has to be unlocked before it can be removed from the firearm barrel 6. This is effected by connecting or coupling the separate operating unit 4 with the locking element 2. However, instead of a separate operating unit 4 it is basically also conceivable to provide the operating unit 4 directly in the locking element 2. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device 9 of the locking element can also be located in the separate operating unit 4 instead of in the locking element 2 itself so that the locking element essentially only contains the mechanical components.

The operating unit 4 and the locking element 2 can be connected via a coupling mechanism 12. The separate operating unit 4 has the advantage that it can be stored independently of the locking element 2.

This means that after locking the firearm barrel 6, the operating unit 4 can be removed from the locking element 2 for example in order to be stored in a safe location.

Furthermore, it is possible to leave only the locking element 2 as an invisible safety device in the barrel 6 which has the advantage that the firearm can easily be transported and stored.

Another advantage is that a great number of firearms can be secured with corresponding locking elements 2 which, however, can all be operated, i.e. locked and unlocked, by means of the same operating unit 4.

The locking element 2 is usually formed specifically for the caliber of a firearm, i.e. for example based on the diameter of the barrel and the dimensions of the cartridge magazine, and can for example be adapted as needed by the customer to the desired barrel lengths in defined increments. Optionally, the locking element can also be adjusted to different barrel lengths by means of suitable adapter elements. When a separate operating unit is used, such an adaptation to different kinds of firearms is not necessary.

In addition to the basic versions for self-loading firearms such as pistols and guns, variations for revolver and rifle calibers (e.g. shotguns for hunting) are offered as well. Firearms for hunting are usually characterized in that they are loaded manually from the cartridge chamber, i.e. from behind (tip-up principle) so that the locking element is installed in this manner as well.

The operating unit 4 can work with all variations of the locking element 2 independent of the number and types of the firearms to be secured. This is for example advantageous because one operating unit 4 can be used for different locking elements 2 adjusted to specific types of firearms based on their use. As was already mentioned above, this means that in general at most the locking element 2 has to be adjusted to a type of firearm but not necessarily a separate operating unit 4.

The operating unit 4 comprises the above-mentioned coupling unit 12 which can be connected with the locking element 2 at any location, as long as e.g. a data bus 48 of the operating unit 4, preferably a 1-wire data bus, can be connected with the electronic device 9 of the locking element 2 or the electronic device with the actuator if the electronic device is provided in the operating unit 4 as well.

A multi-step authentication process is preferably used to secure the system. Each operating unit 4 can for example be provided with an individual password by the manufacturer which is stored in the operating unit 4. This password is for example transferred to every locking element 2 when it is first locked with this operating unit 4. Each unlocking process is initiated by transferring the password of the operating unit 4. Thus, only this specific operating unit 4 can be used for unlocking.

In addition, the use of an operating unit 4 can for example be secured by means of an authentication process. As was described above, this can be done using a PIN code and/or biometric data. Preferably, the PIN as well as the password of the operating unit 4 can be modified by the user.

The following means can be applied to secure the system against a direct mechanical attack such as hitting, shaking, drilling, milling, eroding and the like.

For example, a hard metal insert can be used for the second pressure rod 36, as well as a ceramic armor. Furthermore, a self-locking wedge protection and/or a severance protection can be provided.

The following means can be applied to secure the electronic systems and the communication channels (password transfer).

For example, a mechanical protection can be provided by a subminiature size and placing in the secured barrel portion. Furthermore, a surge protection can be provided for the electronics in the locking element (not depicted). Also, protection against wrong polarity as well as encoded communication between the operating unit 4 and the locking element 2 can be provided.

A counter-stop can be provided as an expansion safety of the shape memory alloy wire to safeguard the actuation mechanism. Furthermore, a second actuator can be provided between the counter-stop and a fixed point with a low temperature transition as a thermal safety against external heating of the locking element 2. Moreover, a high spring tension of an actuator can be provided as a protection against vibration and knocking.

The above-described safety device for a firearm barrel with their different embodiments, which can also be combined with each other, has the advantage that it offers a way to secure firearms throughout entire administrative levels. It can be used in pools, such as e.g. the joint use of firearms, operating units and the accompanying authorization administration, or it can be used to integrate facilities such as public authorities, departments or military units.

Apart from the possible technical adjustments to specific types of firearms, special emphasis is given to the following features.

First, the option of a central administration of the system by globally valid operating unit passwords. Secondly, the possibility of conferring user authorizations of the operating units 4 by individual unit-specific certificates. They can have temporal restrictions or limitations to a certain type or number of uses.

The possibility of on-line administration is another aspect. This can for example include a protocol of the unlocking and locking processes and/or a central authentication and/or a system-wide switch of the parameters.

The present invention is not restricted to the embodiments described above, but also encompasses embodiments which are obvious to the person of average skill in the art. Furthermore, features of the embodiments described above can also be combined with each other.

List of Reference Numbers

• 2 locking element
• 4 operating unit
• 6 barrel
• 8a tapered portion of the wedge element
• 8b tapered portion of the wedge element
• 9 electronic device
• 10 battery
• 12 coupling unit
• 13 sleeve
• 14 sleeve
• 15 stop
• 16 operating element
• 16a conical portion of the operating element
• 16b cylindrical portion of the operating element
• 17 counter-stop
• 18 wedge element
• 18a conical portion of the wedge element
• 18b cylindrical portion of the wedge element
• 19 projection
• 20 rolling element guide
• 21 rolling element of the rolling element guide
• 22 first pressure rod
• 22a front portion of the first pressure rod
• 23 spring element of the rolling element guide
• 24 transverse bore
• 26 pin portion of the first pressure rod
• 28 spring element
• 30 spring element
• 31 spring element
• 32 cage
• 33 sleeve for spring element 31
• 34 ball element
• 35 stop of the pressure rod
• 36 second pressure rod
• 38 second spring
• 40 first spring
• 42 first wire element
• 48 data bus

Claims

1. Locking element to be at least partially inserted into the barrel and/or the cartridge chamber of a firearm, said locking element comprising:

a sleeve with an actuator, an operating element and a wedge element provided therein,

wherein the operating element is provided movably within the wedge element, and wherein

the operating element is formed and provided such that when the locking element is inserted into the barrel, the operating element can be inserted into the wedge element which causes the wedge element to expand and be pressed against the wall of the barrel thus blocking the barrel, wherein the wedge element is pressed further against the wall of the barrel if external pressure is applied to the locking element and wherein

the actuator can move the operating element out of the wedge element so that the wedge element can move back into a position in which the locking element can be removed from the barrel wherein the actuator is operated via an electronic device.

2. Locking element to be at least partially inserted into the barrel and/or the cartridge chamber of a firearm, said locking element comprising:

a sleeve with an actuator, an operating element and a wedge element provided therein,

wherein the operating element is provided movably within the wedge element, and wherein

the actuator can insert the operating element into the wedge element which causes the wedge element to expand and be pressed against the wall of the barrel thus blocking the barrel, wherein the wedge element is pressed further against the wall of the barrel if external pressure is applied to the locking element and wherein

the actuator can move the operating element out of the wedge element so that the wedge element can move back into a position in which the locking element can be removed from the barrel wherein the actuator is operated via an electronic device.

3. Locking element according to claim 1, wherein the wedge element can be pressed against a portion of a junction of the barrel and the cartridge chamber to form a form-fitting and frictional connection with the junction.

4. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the wedge element can be pressed against the wall of the barrel, wherein the barrel has a continuous diameter and the wedge element forms a frictional connection with the wall of the barrel.

5. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the wedge element comprises at least one wedge plate and preferably of two or three wedge plates wherein the wedge plate(s) is/are expanded upon insertion of the operating element.

6. Locking element according to claim 3, characterized in that the respective wedge plate comprises a projection provided such that it can form a form-fitting connection with a portion of the junction.

7. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the wedge plate comprises a conical portion and a cylindrical portion.

8. Locking element according to claim 5, characterized in that the wedge plates comprise at least one additional spring element causing the wedge plates to be moved together more easily when the operating element is moved out of the wedge plates and/or wherein the wedge plates comprise another additional spring element provided such that it presses the wedge plates towards the operating element when the wedge plates are in a position in which the locking element can be removed from the barrel.

9. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element comprises a conical portion and a cylindrical portion.

10. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element comprises a first pressure rod formed integral or coupled with the operating element, wherein the pressure rod is preferably coupled to the operating element via a spring element such that the operating element prestresses against the wedge element.

11. Locking element according to claim 10, characterized in that the operating element preferably comprises a portion provided within the pressure rod wherein said portion comprises a transverse bore which accommodates a pin portion of the pressure rod so as to allow relative movement between the operating element and the pressure rod.

12. Locking element according to claim 10, characterized in that the first pressure rod is provided movably in a cage wherein the cage preferably comprises a rolling element guide with at least one ball element and forms a ball-check arrest so that the first pressure rod cannot be removed from the sleeve of the locking elements.

13. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator comprises at least one first wire element and/or an electric motor and/or a magnet array wherein the magnet array preferably comprises at least one coil.

14. Locking element according to claim 13, characterized in that the locking element comprises a counter-stop provided movably in the sleeve and/or a second pressure rod, wherein the first wire element is connected to the cage of the ball-check arrest and the pressure rod and where a first spring element is provided between the cage and the counter-stop or the second pressure rod, and wherein a second wire element is preferably connected to the counter-stop and the first pressure rod, and a second spring element his provided between the counter-stop and the pressure rode.

15. Locking element according to claim 14, characterized in that both wire elements preferably comprise a shape memory alloy, for example a nickel-titanium alloy, wherein upon heating, for example by means of resistance heating, the wire elements in the locking element shrink in length, with the resistance heating being activated via the electronic device.

16. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic device is provided in the locking element and is operated via the separate operating unit, or is provided in the operating unit and can operate the actuator of the locking element if the operating unit is coupled to the locking element.

17. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that data and/or energy can be transferred between the operating unit and the locking element, wherein the data exchange can be both via wire and wireless.

18. Locking element according to claim 17, characterized in that a wireless coupling between the locking element and the operating unit can be effected via radio, in particular via inductive coupling, in the very low frequency, low frequency, medium frequency and/or high frequency band, for example in a range of 3 kHz to 30 Mhz.

19. Locking element according to claim 17, characterized in that a wireless coupling between the locking element and the operating unit can be effected via an optical coupling and/or an electromagnetic coupling, wherein the electromagnetic coupling is preferably effected in the microwave and UHF frequency range for example from 400 MHz to 5 GHz.

20. Locking element according of claim 1, characterized in that data and/or energy can be transferred between the locking element and the operating unit.

21. Locking element according to claim 20, characterized in that the electronic device is self-sufficient, i.e. it comprises for example at least one battery, and/or is not self-sufficient or partially self-sufficient, wherein energy is provided via the operating unit for example via a wire or a cable or inductively.

22. Locking element according of claim 1, wherein the electronic device, which is preferably a subminiature electronic device, carries out an authorization examination and/or unlocks the actuator and wherein the authorization examination is for example effected via a PIN code or biometric data.

23. Locking element according to claim 1, wherein the locking element is mechanically and/or electrically coupled to the operating unit via a coupling unit.

24. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit comprises a separate data bus, for example a 1-wire data bus, which is connected to the electronic device of the locking element when the operating unit and the locking element are coupled.

25. Locking element according to claim 14, characterized in that the second and/or the first pressure rod comprise(s) a hard metal insert and/or a ceramic reinforcement.

26. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element comprises a wedge protection and/or a severance protection.

27. Locking element according to claim 1, characterized in that a counter-stop is provided as shape memory expansion safety in the sleeve to secure the actuator.

28. Locking element according to claim 27, characterized in that a safety actuator is provided between the counter-stop and a fixed point with a low temperature transition.

29. Locking element according to claim 1, wherein the operating element is provided movably within the wedge element via a rolling element guide.

30. Locking element according to claim 29, wherein the rolling element guide comprises at least one ball element or a rolling element and a spring element.

31. Operating unit for the use in a locking element according to claim 1, wherein the operating element comprises a coupling unit for coupling with the locking element.

32. Operating unit according to claim 31, wherein the operating unit is formed such that it can preferably be coupled with the locking element via a data bus from the outside and/or in a wireless manner and that it can transmit and/or receive data, wherein a wireless coupling between the operating unit and the locking element can be effected via radio in the very low frequency, low frequency, medium frequency and/or high frequency band, for example in a range of 3 kHz to 30 Mhz, and/or an inductive coupling, and/or an optical coupling and/or an electromagnetic coupling, wherein the electromagnetic coupling is preferably effected in the microwave and UHF frequency range for example from 400 MHz to 5 GHz.

33. Operating unit according to claim 31, characterized in that the operating unit can transfer data and/or energy to the locking element.

34. Operating unit (4) according to claim 31, wherein the operating unit is secured by an authentication process which is preferably effected via a PIN code and/or a radio transponder and/or biometric data which are collected by corresponding sensors.

35. Process for locking a locking element in the barrel of a firearm, in particular according to claim 1, comprising the following steps:

at least partially inserting the locking element into the barrel and/or the cartridge chamber of the firearm,

wherein the operating element is formed and provided such that it is automatically inserted into the wedge element when the locking element is inserted into the barrel of the firearm which causes the wedge element to expand and be pressed against the wall of the barrel thus blocking the barrel, and wherein the wedge element is pressed further against the wall of the barrel if external pressure is applied to the locking element and wherein for removing the locking element the electronic device causes the actuator to move the operating element out of the wedge element so that the wedge element can move back into a position in which the locking element can be removed.

36. Process for locking a locking element in the barrel of a firearm, in particular according claim 2, comprising the following steps:

at least partially inserting the locking element into the barrel and/or the cartridge chamber of the firearm, wherein the electronic device operates the actuator so that the actuator inserts the operating element into the wedge element which causes the wedge element to expand and be pressed against the wall of the barrel thus blocking the barrel, and wherein the wedge element is pressed further against the wall of the barrel if external pressure is applied to the locking element and wherein for removing the locking element the electronic device causes the actuator to move the operating element out of the wedge element so that the wedge element can move back into a position in which the locking element can be removed.