FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SAFE

Abstract

A firearm storage device is provided that has a plurality of doors each separately lockable in a closed position. The storage device has a plurality of separate storage chambers each associated with a respective door, at least one for a firearm and at least one for ammunition, and operable to keep a firearm and ammunition separate during storage. The storage device is portable.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,769, entitled “FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SAFE”, filed Dec. 23, 2019. The contents of the above referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves the provision of a storage device adapted for the storage of ammunition and a firearm separately in a single storage device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Secure storage of firearms is desirable, and in some jurisdictions, it is required. Devices have been developed to improve on security, although any storage device can be defeated, typically by complete or partial destruction of the security device. Locked gun cabinets have been used for decades, if not centuries, for secure storage. Gun racks with a securing device, such as a lock and cable, have also been used to secure firearms. Gun safes, which are typically fire resistant, are also used, but are large and heavy and not easily movable. Trigger locks and locking cables are used to secure short arms such as pistols. Long guns, like rifles and shotguns, can also use either a locking cable or trigger lock. Trigger locks and cables with locks likely provide the least security. Small gun safes, such as RAPiD® Safes made by Hornady can also be used. Except for the large multi gun safes however, ammunition is not secured with the firearm and is stored and secured remote from the firearm, if at all. If ammunition is stored in the same area as the firearm in a portable safe, it can move into the firearm, marring the firearm or damaging a bullet in a casing.

Currently known container type storage devices for short firearms are effective at securing a firearm, but they are not structured to securely store ammunition separately from the firearm, whether the cartridges are loose or in a magazine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Many securement devices have been designed for the secure storage of firearms. Those include trigger locks, gun racks, gun cabinets, large and heavy upstanding safes, small portable safes, cable locks, and the like. They, however, are not designed to store ammunition with the relevant firearm while keeping them separately in a manner that allows the firearm and ammunition to be moved together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage device configured to allow storing a firearm and its ammunition separately, while allowing simultaneous movement between locations.

Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a storage device with separately accessible securable storage compartments, each separately accessible by a user.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a firearm security device that can utilize various forms of lock systems.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a firearm security device that improves the user's security while improving security from firearm misuse.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a firearm and ammunition storage device;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 1 in an open configuration with an ammunition chamber shown open;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 1 in an open configuration with a firearm chamber shown open;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the ammunition storage compartment;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the firearm storage chamber;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the storage device with the doors closed; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of FIG. 6 with the doors open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The reference numeral 10 designates generally a storage device configured to secure a firearm and ammunition separately in a single integrated portable device, but in separate chambers having separate lockable doors. The device 10 is easily portable, i.e., easily carried by a person with one hand and weighing less than 50 pounds when empty. The device 10 includes a receptacle 12 having a plurality of separate storage chambers 13, 14 simultaneously movable with the receptacle 12 and an access door 16, 18 associated with each chamber 13, 14 for selectively closing each chamber. While two chambers 13, 14 are shown, any suitable number in a plurality can be provided so long as the gun storage chamber(s) are separate from the ammunition chamber(s) with an intervening barrier. Additionally, while two doors 16, 18 are shown, any suitable number in a plurality of doors can be provided. As illustrated, each chamber 13, 14 has a door 16, 18, respectively. The access doors 16, 18 are each pivotally mounted to the receptacle 12 and exposed to an exterior of the receptacle, each movable relative to the other and positioned to open exteriorly of the receptacle. The door 16 is operable for overlying the chamber 13 and is selectively moveable between an open position on the exterior of the receptacle, allowing access to the chamber 13, and a second position closing the chamber 13 access opening described below. The door 18 is operable for overlying the chamber 14 and is selectively moveable between an open position on the exterior of the receptacle 12, allowing access to the chamber 14, and a second position closing the chamber 14 access opening described below.

While the device 10 is shown as being configured for the storage of a short firearm 20, such as a pistol, it is to be understood that the device 10 can be configured for storage of a long firearm, such as a rifle or shotgun.

The receptacle 12, as illustrated in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, has the chambers 13 and 14 opening onto opposite sides 22, 24 thereof and preferably sharing a common receptacle dividing bottom wall 28 providing separation for the chambers 13, 14. As illustrated, the chamber 13 is configured, sized and shaped, for storing a firearm 20, such as a pistol, therein and is defined by the bottom wall portion 28, an exterior sidewall 26, and an interior sidewall 30. It is to be understood that the sidewall 30 is optional. The sidewalls 26, 30 define an access opening 32 which allows access to the chamber 13 for the depositing and removal of the firearm 20. The chamber 14 is configured, sized and shaped, for storing ammunition 34 as either separate cartridges or cartridges contained in a magazine or loading assist device, such as a speedloader used with revolvers or in a container like a consumer ammunition package. The chamber 14 is defined by the sidewall 26 and an interior sidewall 36 and the bottom wall portion 28. The sidewalls 26, 36 define an access opening 31 which allows access to the chamber 14 for the depositing or removal of the ammunition 34. It is to be understood that the sidewall 36 is optional. The sidewall 26 defines the outer perimeter of the receptacle 12. The bottom wall portion 28, 38 lie in generally parallel planes and are spaced apart a distance sufficient to provide storage room for both the firearm 20 and ammunition 34 in their respective chamber 13, 14. The receptacle 12 and doors 16, 18 can be of molded polymeric construction or made of formed metal or a combination thereof. The outwardly facing access openings 31, 32 provide access to the chambers 13, 14 from the exterior of the receptacle 12. The access openings 31, 32 are outwardly facing, providing access to said chambers 13, 14 from the exterior of the receptacle 12. The wall portions 28, 38, 30 and 36 form an internal barrier between the chambers 13, 14.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the receptacle 12 is provided with means suitable for attaching the doors 16, 18 to the receptacle and to allow their selective independent pivoting movement between respective open and closed positions. As shown, the doors 16, 18 are mounted such that they are independently accessible and independently movable between open and closed positions, i.e., either one can be opened or closed while the other is closed. In the illustrated structure, the chambers 13, 14 open in opposite directions and are accessible from opposite sides of the receptacle 12. In the illustrated structure, there is a door 16 or 18 mounted on opposite ends of the receptacle 12. Preferably, the doors 16, 18 are mounted for pivoting movement between open and closed positions as with a respective hinge 42 secured to both a door and the receptacle 12. As shown, the hinges 42 are secured to a flange 44 integral with a respective sidewall 30 and 36, as with mechanical fasteners 54.

The doors 16, 18 are best seen in FIGS. 2-5. They are similar and preferably substantially identical in construction as shown. The doors may be made of molded polymeric material or formed metal. Each door has a main panel 50 with a depending skirt 52 at least partially surrounding the perimeter of the main panel. The hinge 42 is secured to a respective skirt 52 as with mechanical fasteners 54. The skirt 52 surrounds and overlies portions of the sidewall 26 when the doors 16, 18 are closed. Each door 16, 18 is provided with a lock device, designated generally 60. The locks 60 can be of any suitable type, and a mechanical key lock type is shown. Preferably, the lock 60 is a barrel type lock that is operable to move a latch arm 62 into and out of a slot 64 in the sidewall 30 or 36 to selectively releasably retain each door 16, 18 in a locked position. While a keylock is illustrated, it is to be understood that any lock or combination of lock types can be used. A mechanical or digital lock, or a biometric lock device, can be used, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,233,687.

The storage device 10 is shown as having doors 16, 18 on opposite sides selectively closing oppositely facing chambers 13, 14. It is to be understood that the storage device 10 can have the storage chambers opening in the same direction with the plurality of doors 16, 18 positioned on the same side of the receptacle, and still provide for separate secure storage of the firearm 20 and ammunition 34 as shown in FIGS. 6, 7. The device 10 can be provided with indicia (not shown), preferably on the doors 16, 18, to indicate if that door provides access to the firearm or ammunition. The locks 60 can be configured to use the same key, combination and/or biometric information to effect unlocking, or they can be different as desired by a user.

The storage device 10 can be provided with a tether, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,530,266 and 10,190,339, the disclosures of which, relating to the tether and its attachment, are incorporated herein by reference. The use of a tether limits portability of the storage device 10 when the tether is in use.

FIGS. 6, 7 show a second embodiment of the storage device 10 with the second embodiment being designated generally 110. The storage device 110, like the storage device 10, is configured to secure a firearm and ammunition separately from one another in a single integrated portable device, but in separate chambers having separate lockable doors. The device 110 is easily portable, i.e., easily carried by a person with one hand and weighing less than 50 pounds when empty. The device 110 includes a receptacle 112 having a plurality of separate storage chambers 113, 114 simultaneously movable with the receptacle 112, and an access door 116, 118 associated with a respective chamber 113, 114 for selectively closing each chamber. While two chambers 113, 114 are shown, any suitable number in a plurality can be provided so long as the gun storage chamber(s) are separate from the ammunition chamber(s) with an intervening internal barrier described below. Additionally, while two doors 116, 118 are shown, any suitable number in a plurality of doors can be provided. As illustrated, each chamber 113, 114 has a door 116, 118, respectively. The access doors 116, 118 are each pivotally mounted to the receptacle 112 and exposed to an exterior of the receptacle, each movable relative to the other and positioned to open exteriorly of the receptacle. The door 116 is operable for overlying the chamber 113 and is selectively moveable between an open position on the exterior of the receptacle, allowing access to the chamber 113, and a second position closing the chamber 113 access opening described below. The door 118 is operable for overlying the chamber 114 and is selectively moveable between an open position on the exterior of the receptacle 112, allowing access to the chamber 114, and a second position closing the chamber 114 access opening described below.

The principal difference between the device 10 and the device 110 is that its doors 116, 118 are positioned on the same side of the device 110, as opposed to opposite sides as in the device 10. While the device 110 is shown as being configured for the storage of a short firearm 20, such as a pistol, it is to be understood that the device 110 can be configured for storage of a long firearm, such as a rifle or shotgun like the device 10.

The receptacle 112, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, has the chambers 113 and 114 opening exteriorly from the same side 122 of receptacle 112 of opposite sides 122, 124 thereof. The opposite sides 122, 124 are preferably provided with generally planar surfaces, with the surfaces being generally parallel to another to facilitate the storage device 110, like the storage device 10 resting on a storage surface. As illustrated, the chamber 113 is configured, sized and shaped for storing a firearm 20, such as a pistol, therein and is defined by a bottom wall portion 128, and a sidewall that includes an exterior sidewall portion 126 forming an outside perimeter of chamber 113, and a sidewall portion 130 that forms an internal chamber 113 perimeter. The sidewall portions 126, 130 define an outwardly facing opening 132 which allows access to the chamber 113 for the depositing and removal of the firearm 20.

The chamber 114 is configured, sized and shaped for storing ammunition 34 separate from a firearm. The chamber 114 is partially defined by a sidewall that includes a sidewall portion that can be part of sidewall 126 forming an outer perimeter of chamber 114 and the sidewall portion 130 forming an internal perimeter of chamber 114 and the bottom wall portion 128. The sidewall portion 130 forms an internal barrier between the chambers 113, 114. The sidewall portions 130, 126 define an outwardly facing access opening 133, which allows access to the chamber 114 for the depositing or removal of the ammunition 34. As shown, the openings 132, 133 face generally in the same direction. While in the illustrated structure the chambers 113, 114 share the sidewall 130, it is to be understood that separate sidewall portions could be utilized. The sidewall 126 defines the outer perimeter of the receptacle 112.

The receptacle 112 and doors 116, 118 can be of molded polymeric construction or made of formed metal, or a combination thereof.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the receptacle 112 is provided with means suitable for attaching the doors 116, 118 to the receptacle to allow their selective pivoting movement between respective open and closed positions. As shown, the doors 116, 118 are mounted such that they are independently accessible and independently movable between open and closed positions, i.e., either one can be opened or closed while the other is closed. In the illustrated structure, the chambers 113, 114 open generally in the same directions and are accessible from the same side of the receptacle 112. In the illustrated structure, the doors 116, 118 are mounted on adjacent sides of the receptacle 112, but it is to be understood that they can be mounted on opposite sides or ends. Preferably, the doors 116, 118 are mounted for pivoting movement between open and closed positions as with a respective hinge 142 secured to both a door and the receptacle 112. As shown, the hinge 142 has a pair of hinge portions 142A, 142B of molded construction with the portion 142A being part of sidewall 126 and portion 142B being part of a respective door 116, 118. It is to be understood that the hinges 142 can be separate like the hinges 42 and secured with mechanical fasteners 54.

The doors 116, 118 are best seen in FIGS. 6, 7. They are similar and preferably substantially identical in construction as shown, but as shown are different in size. The doors may be made of molded polymeric material or formed metal. Each door 116, 118 has a main panel 150 with a depending skirt 152 at least partially surrounding the perimeter of the main panel. The skirt 152 surrounds and overlies portions of the sidewalls 126 when the doors 116, 118 are closed.

Each door 116, 118 is provided with a lock device designated generally 160. The lock 160 can be of any suitable type, and a mechanical key lock type is shown. Preferably, the lock 160 is like the lock 60, and is a barrel type lock that is operable to move a latch arm 162 into and out of a slot 64 in the sidewall 130 or 126 to selectively releasably retain each door 116, 118 in a locked position. While a keylock is illustrated, it is to be understood that any lock or combination of lock types can be used. A mechanical or digital lock, or a biometric lock device can be used, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,233,687.

The device 110 can be provided with indicia (not shown), preferably on the doors 116, 118 to indicate if that door provides access to the firearm or ammunition. The locks 160 can be configured to use the same key, combination and/or biometric information to effect unlocking, or they can be different as desired by a user.

The storage device 110 can be provided with a tether 170 mentioned above, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,530,266 and 10,190,339, the disclosures of which, relating to the tether and its attachment, are incorporated herein by reference. The tether 170 can be removably secured to the storage device 110 using the slot 172. The use of a tether limits portability of the storage device 10 when the tether is in use.

The storage device 110 or 10 can be provided with a handle 175 to facilitate its movement by a person. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, the handle is secured to the storage device utilizing the sidewall 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 176 is integral to the sidewall 126 as in a molded construction. It provides a through opening 177 for receipt of a user's hand.

In a modification of the storage device 110, either of the doors 116, 118 can be provided with means that will prevent the other door from opening without first opening one of the doors. As shown in dashed lines, the door 118 can be provided with a tab 182 that, when door 118 is closed, the tab 182 will be positioned between the wall 130 and the skirt 152 of the door 116, preventing opening of door 118 until door 116 is open.

Each receptacle 12, 112 can be provided with padding 188, such as open cell foam padding to protect the contents in the chamber 13, 14, 113, 114.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable firearm storage device adapted for securely storing a firearm and ammunition separately in a single unit, the storage device including:

a receptacle having an outer perimeter sidewall;

at least two storage chambers in said receptacle, and each said chamber having an outwardly facing access opening providing access to said chambers from the exterior of the receptacle, a first said storage chamber being configured for receiving a firearm therein and a second said storage chamber being configured for receiving ammunition therein, said chambers being simultaneously movable with said receptacle, said chambers being separate from one another;

at least two access doors pivotally mounted to the receptacle and exposed to an exterior of the receptacle, each movable relative to the other and positioned to open exteriorly of the receptacle, a first said door operable for overlying said first chamber and selectively moveable between an open position on the exterior of the receptacle allowing access to said first chamber and a second position closing the first chamber access opening, a second said door operable for overlying said second chamber and selectively moveable between an open position on the exterior of the receptacle allowing access to said second chamber and a second position closing the second chamber access opening;

a plurality of lock devices including a first lock device associated with the first door and operable to lock the first door in a closed position, and including a second lock device associated with the second door and operable to lock the second door in a closed position.

2. The storage device of claim 1 wherein said first and second door being independently movable relative to one another, whereby either of said first and second doors can be moved without moving the other of said first and second doors, allowing independent access to said first and second chambers.

3. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the first and second chamber openings facing generally in opposite directions and having a common wall therebetween.

4. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the first and second chamber openings facing generally in the same direction.

5. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the first and second chambers being partially defined by an exterior sidewall portion.

6. The storage device of claim 4 wherein the first and second chambers being partially defined by an exterior sidewall portion and an interior sidewall portion positioned between the first and second chambers and connected to the exterior sidewall portion.

7. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the storage device being portable.

8. The storage device of claim 7 wherein the storage device including a tether adapted for selective securement to the storage device.

9. The storage device of claim 7 wherein the storage device including a handle exposed on the exterior of the storage device.

10. The storage device of claim 1 including first and second hinges pivotally mounting said first and second doors respectively to said receptacle.

11. The storage device of claim 10 wherein the first and second locks each being mounted to a respective said first door and second door and moveable therewith.