FIREARM MONITORING DEVICE AND SYSTEM

A device and system for firearm tracking capable of tracking firearm location and status while limiting un-authorized use of a firearm. The device featuring a housing that is compatible with a firearm magazine-well wherein once secured to a firearm the device may not be disassociated therefrom rendering the firearm non-functional.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and a system for firearm tracking and in particular, to such a device and system tracking firearm location and status while limiting un-authorized use of a firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gun control, firearm safety, distribution and control is an important social issue that remains unsolved and is a heavily debated in both social and government circles.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of accidental, negligent or unauthorized use of firearms, particularly handguns in the domestic environment. Such incidents typically occur when the firearm is used in child's play or when such firearms are stolen.

Firearm theft and lack of control is a problem for society at large and local communities, however, such a problem is even more pronounced in the private security sector as well as the public armed forces sector, including the police and the armed forces.

Individual safety within society is based on society's ability to control movement of its firearms at all levels personal as well as professional. To date a comprehensive solution for firearm tracking and control has not been offered and for which a need remains outstanding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is an unmet need for, and it would be highly useful to have a device and system for firearm monitoring and tracking so as to control use of firearms within society.

It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide device and system for firearm control and safety so as to monitor both a firearms location and status of use, such that it would be possible to simultaneously identify the firearm's location while preventing unauthorized use and/or movement.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that may be utilized to actively and remotely monitor an arsenal of firearms that belongs to large security and safety organizations such as the police force, army or security companies. Such security organizations, public or private, are responsible for a large weaponry arsenal and include many persons that carry a firearm. Accordingly the system and device of the present invention provide a monitoring system that may further monitor the individuals forming the armed forces while remotely closely controlling the firearms arsenal.

Embodiments of the system of the present invention may further be utilized by public safety sector to control and/or monitor gun use in the private and/or public sector where both use and access to firearm is a societal safety need. For example any individual wishing to obtain a firearm license must prescribe to a public security monitoring agency that is in communication with a remote processing and communication device that actively monitors location and use of the firearm, so as to provide a form of gun control.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a firearm control device in the form of a firearm magazine that is configured to securely and irreversibly associate with the firearm unless the rightful owner is in possession of the firearm. Accordingly, the device in the form of a magazine according to embodiments of the present invention is configured to remain associated with the firearm therein disabling use of the firearm by any individual other than the rightful owner.

In embodiments the device further comprises an active geographical location tracking module that may be utilized within a system according to the present invention. When in use within a system, the device may be utilized to actively monitor the location and status of the device.

In embodiments the safety magazine is provided in the both the form of a loaded magazine, partially loaded magazine, a blank and/or empty magazine, wherein the magazine is characterized in that it cannot be replaced by anyone other than the assigned and/or rightful firearm owner.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a device and system according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a device and system according to embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 3A-C are various view of an illustrative schematic diagram of a device according to embodiments of the present invention.

 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The following figure reference labels are used throughout the description to refer to similarly functioning components are used throughout the specification hereinbelow.

    • 10,10a, 10b firearm;
    • 12 firearm magazine well;
    • 50,52 processing and communication device;
    • 100 device;
    • 101 system;
    • 102 magazine housing/device housing;
    • 102a magazine notch;
    • 104 actuator/motor;
    • 105 fixation element(s);
    • 110 circuitry and electronics module;
    • 112 power sub-module;
    • 114 communications sub-module;
    • 116 controller and memory sub-module;
    • 118 location sub-module;
    • 120 movement sub-module;
    • 122 movement module shaft;
    • 124 adaptor;
    • 126 cam/gear/clutch;
    • 130, 130a, 130b wireless key/ID device;

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustrative diagram of system 101 including different forms of a firearm 10 each featuring device 100 in communication with a ID device 130a,130b, and a processing and communication device 50, 52.

In embodiments, system 101 provides for monitoring the location and use of at least one or more firearms 10, 10a, 10b. Optionally firearm 10 may be provided in any form, for example including but not limited to a handgun 10a, and/or an assault rifle 10b, as shown, or the like handheld firearms, that features a device 100 in the form of a firearm magazine 100 that is fit within a magazine well 12 of the respective firearm 10, 10a, 10b.

In embodiments of system 101 preferably each device 100 is preferably in communication with at least one processing and communication device 50, 52, for example a mobile telephone, smartphone, tablet, or the like.

In embodiments wherein a plurality of firearms 10 may form a system 101 (FIG. 2) all devices 100 may be configured to be in communication, direct communication or indirect communication, with a central processing and communication device 50, for example in the form of a server, a network and/or a computer. For example, a first firearm 10a may utilize indirect communication by employing a local communication and processing device 52, for example a smartphone, through which communication with a central processing and communication device 50 is established in an indirect manner. For example, a second firearm 10b, may utilize direct communication with a central processing and communication device 50, for example as shown. Accordingly system 101 provides for remotely monitoring the location and use of device 100 that is securely associated with firearm 10 by utilizing device 50.

In embodiments, system 101 provides for monitoring a plurality of devices 100 associated with firearms 10 and therefore allows for managing and/or monitoring an arsenal of firearms that are in communication with at least one processing and communication device 50.

System 101 may be utilized to actively and remotely monitor an arsenal of firearms that belongs to large security and safety organizations such as the police force, army or security companies that are responsible for many persons carrying a firearm, therein providing them with a monitoring system providing further monitoring and control of the individuals forming the armed forces.

While system 101 may further be utilized by public safety sector to control and/or monitor gun control in the public sector where both use and access to firearm is a societal safety issue. For example any individual wishing to obtain a firearm license must be able to be in communication with a remote processing and communication device 50 that is monitored and/or associated with a public security monitoring agency so as to provide a form of gun control.

In embodiments device 100 is preferably provided in the form of a magazine that is securely coupled with firearm 10 within the magazine well 12. Device 100 is characterized in that coupling between device 100 and magazine well is established such that device 100 is irreversibly coupled within magazine well unless the rightful owner of firearm 10 having/carrying an electronic identification (ID) key 130 is in direct proximity to device 100. Accordingly disassociation of device 100 from magazine well 12 is only allowed when device ID key 130 is in direct proximity to device 100.

Preferably ID key 130 must be within the immediate vicinity and/or proximity of device 100 so as to allow wireless communication for identification purposes. Preferably wireless communication between ID key 130 and device 100 is provided by RF communication, IR communication, BLUETOOTH, NFC, or the like proximity and/or short range wireless communication protocols. Optionally the communication range between key 130 and device 100 is limited to a radius of up to about 1 meter.

In embodiments each individual device 100 may be associated with a specific individual ID key 130 that is associated only with the rightful user(s) and/or owner of firearm 10. Preferably system 101 allows removal of device 100 from firearm 10 only once key 130 is identified and in communication with device 100.

In some embodiments the identification process may further include processing and communication device 50 such that positive identification may therefore include correct identification between device 100, key 130 and further corroborated with at least one processing device 50.

In some embodiments communication between device 100 and processing device 50 may involve an auxiliary processing and communication device 52, for example as shown in the form of a mobile device and/or smartphone.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of device 100 and system 101 for a firearm monitoring and/or tracking device that both prevents unauthorized use while providing a tracking device for the firearm.

Device 100 is fit within a housing 102 that features a fixation element 105, movement module 120, actuator 104 and circuitry and electronics module 110.

In embodiments, housing 102 is provided in the form and shape of a firearm magazine configured to securely fit within a magazine well 12 of a firearm 10, an example of which is schematically shown in FIG. 3A-C. While FIG. 3A-B depicts firearm 10 in the form of a handgun, and FIG. 3C shows a firearm in the form of an assault rifle, however, embodiments of the present invention is not limited to handguns and/or assault rifles and may be utilized with any form of firearm and in particular a firearm capable of utilizing a magazine.

In embodiments, device 100 features at least one or more fixation element 105 provided to secure device 100 within magazine well 12 of a firearm 10. Preferably the position and/or state of fixation element 105 may be controlled so as to secure or un-secure housing 102 from a firearm's magazine well 12. Control of fixation element 105 is preferably provided with movement module 120, actuator 104 and electronics module 110.

In embodiments, electronics module 110, actuator 104 and movement module 120 are preferably disposed along a lower portion of housing 102 and collectively provide for controlling the position and/or orientation of at least one or more fixation element 105 utilized to secure device 100 within magazine well 12 of firearm 10.

In embodiments fixation element 105 may be provided in optional forms and/or shapes so as to secure device 100 within magazine well 12.

In embodiments fixation element 105 may be provided along any portion and/or segment of housing 102 capable of securely associating with magazine well 12.

In some embodiments, device 100 may be fit with at least two or more fixation elements 105. For example a first fixation element 105 may be provided to associate with an upper (distal) portion of the magazine well 12 in a secure manner so as to disable the ability to remove device 100, in the form of a magazine, from firearm 10; a second fixation element 105 may be coupled with a lower portion of the magazine well 12 for example at and/or near the magazine notch and/or magazine release button so as to disable the magazine release button (magazine catch and/or magazine catch spring) while securing device 100 within the magazine well.

Most preferably fixation element 105 forms a moveable and/or position controllable portion of housing 102. Accordingly most preferably fixation element 105 has at least two configuration a first configuration and/or secured form that allows housing 102 to be secured and/or coupled to the firearm 10 within the magazine well 12. A second configuration, the de-non-secured formation wherein fixation element 105 is seamless with housing 102 allowing device 100 to be coupled and decoupled with firearm 10.

In embodiments the orientation, angulation and/or position of fixation element 105 is controllable with movement module 120. Preferably movement module 120 is configured to facilitate switching between the coupled (first configuration) and a de-coupled (second configurations) positions of fixation element 105.

In embodiments, movement module 120 and/or portion thereof may be dispersed along any one or more surfaces and/or portions of housing 102.

In embodiments movements module 120 may for example be provided in the form for example including but not limited to at least one or more of: gear works 126, springs, cam 126, shafts 122, threading, gear 126, clutch 126, adaptor 124, any combination thereof, or the like mechanical movement actuation, translation and/or transformation tools as are known in the art.

In embodiments, movement module 120 provides for adjusting the position of fixation element 105, for example by way of rotation. In some embodiments movement module 120 may provide linear motion to adjust and/or change the linear position of fixation element 105.

In embodiments, movement module 120 may comprise an adaptor 124 that provides for converting, transforming and/or translating the movement of actuator 104 to the movement required to change the orientation, angle and/or position of fixation element 105.

In embodiments, movement module 120 provides for translating the movement of actuator 104 to control the position of fixation element 105. For example, fixation element 105 is associated with actuator 104 via movement module 120 comprising at least one or more optional sub-members comprising shaft 122, adaptor 124, gear work and cam 126,128; wherein fixation element 105 may be disposed along a distal end of shaft 122, that is further associated to an adaptor 124 along a proximal end; and wherein the adaptor 124 is associated with motor 104 via optional gear, cam and/or clutch assembly and/or sub-module 126. In such a non-limiting and exemplary configuration, an actuator 104, for example in the form of a rotating motor, by its controlled rotational movement causes the selective and controllable motion of gear and cam assembly 126,128 that in turn mobilize adaptor 124 and shaft 122 associated therewith and finally causing the transition of fixation element 105 so as to assume the different configuration.

In embodiments, the different positions and/or configuration of fixation element 105 may be switched with linear, non-linear, rotational or a movement and/or combination thereof is depicted with the actuator 104 and movement modules 120 associated therewith.

In embodiments actuator 104 may be realized as a linear actuator, a rotational actuator, a motor, a servo motor, a spring, piezoelectric actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, the like or any combination thereof.

In embodiments, actuation and control of actuator 104 is provided with electronics module 110 and sub-modules therein as described below.

Electronics module 110 preferably provides for rendering device 100 operational and comprises a plurality of submodules comprising at least one or more selected from power sub-module 112, communication sub-module 114, ID sub-module 115, controller sub-module 116, and location sub-module 118, the like or any combination thereof.

Controller sub-module 116 may for example comprise processor and/or microprocessor and necessary memory to provide for controlling electronics module 110 and device 100.

In embodiments, power sub-module 112 may be provided in optional forms for example including but not limited to battery, rechargeable battery, photovoltaic cell, supercapacitor the like or any combination thereof, capable of providing sufficient power profile and/or energy to device 100 and in particular electronics module 110 and/or actuator 104.

Communication sub-module 114 provides device 100 with communication capabilities utilizing optional wireless and/or cellular communication protocols. Communication module 114 may for example utilize WI-FI, NFC, BLUETOOTH, infrared (IR), optical, radio frequency (RF), ZIGBEE, the like or any combination thereof so as to allow device 100 to communicate with at least one or more external and/or auxiliary devices 130, 50, 52.

Most preferably communication module 114 may provide for communicating and/or data exchange with an associated wireless digital key 130 and/or a communication and processing device 50, 52 forming part of system 101 as previously described. Preferably communication with optional processing devices 50,52 allows for active remote monitoring of location of device 100.

In embodiments Identification (ID) sub-module 115 may comprise an identification sensor for identifying the rightful owner and/or user of device 100 and its associated firearm 10. For example, an ID sub-module 115 may be provided in the form of a fingerprint pad and associated software, voice recognition hardware and software, retinal scanner, biological identification device, DNA identification, touchpad, keypad, or the like identification hardware and software tools utilized to accurately identify an individual.

In embodiments, location sub-module 118 may comprise a “GPS” or the like location, position and/or tracking circuitry to determine the location of device 100 so as to allow communication of the device's location to an external remote communication and processing device 50, 52 for example including but not limited to at least one or more of: a mobile communication device, smartphone, computer, server, policing communication network, a firearm monitoring center or network, the like or any combination thereof.

In embodiments, system 101 comprises device 100 as described above along with a wireless digital ID/Key 130. In embodiments key 130 may be provided in the form of a dongle in the form of an RF tag that is configured to be in communication with device 100 and in particular electronics module 110 and sub-modules therein to facilitate identification of the rightful owner of firearm 10 and to facilitate de-coupling device 100 from magazine well 12 of firearm 10.

In some embodiments, ID key 130 may further comprise a communication unit capable of sending and receiving wireless data, utilizing optional communication protocols for example including but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, IR, RF, GPS, or cellular networks or the like.

In some embodiments ID key 130 may further provide a human interface so as to allow a user to set conditions for the de-coupling of device 100 from magazine well 12 of firearm 10. For example, ID key 130 in communication with device 100 may be utilized to identify the rightful owner of a firearm so as to release and/or decouple device 100 from the firearm allowing only the rightful owner and/or user to use the firearm and/or switch magazines. Preferably, once the ID data key is in proximity to device 100, stored identification data is communicated between device 100 and key 130 using an appropriate communication protocol so as to confirm ownership and proximity to device so as to allow use of firearm 10.

In some embodiments key 130 may be programmable, optionally with an auxiliary processing and communication device 50,52, so as to program and control the conditions for positive identification between device 100 and key 130.

In embodiments system 101 may further comprise at least one or more auxiliary communication and processing device 50,52 for example in the form of a computer, server and/or smartphone. Preferably processing device 50 provides for communicating with device 100 and in particular with location sub-module 118 so as to track the location of device 100. For example, if a firearm 10 having device 100 associated within the magazine well 12 is stolen a user may remotely track the location of device 100 via communication and processing device 50.

FIG. 3A-B show device 100 having a housing 102 in the shape of a magazine configured to fit within a magazine well 12 of a handgun 10a, shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3C similarly shows device 100 having a housing in the shape of a magazine configured to fit an assault rifle, for example firearms 10b as shown in FIG. 1.

Housing 102 features a magazine notch 102a provided to couple with and corresponding to a magazine catch and/or release button (not shown) featured on the firearm's grip.

Housing 102 is shaped so as to fit within the magazine well of a firearm, and features electronics module 110 that is preferably disposed along a distal portion of housing 102. As previously described electronics module 110 provides the necessary electronics and circuitry submodules to render device 100 functional. Preferably distal portion of housing 102 further comprises an actuator 104 and movement module 120.

Device 100 features at least one fixation element 105 shown here as in the form of a quadrilateral element 105 that can assume at least two positions and/or configurations relative to a side wall of housing 102 so as to allow switching between the coupled (first configuration) position, FIG. 2B, and a de-coupled (second configurations) position, FIG. 2A, of fixation element 105.

FIG. 3A shows fixation element 105 in the de-coupled position wherein element 105 is flush with a side wall of housing 102. FIG. 3B depicts the fixation element 105 in the extended configuration where it protrudes from a side wall of housing 102 therein providing the coupled configuration wherein device 100 is securely coupled within the magazine well 12 of a firearm 10.

As previously described fixation element 105 is preferably capable of switching between the secured configuration and the non-secured configuration with the aid of a movement module 120, actuator 104 and electronics module 110.

In some embodiments at least two or more fixation elements 105 may be utilized to secure device 100 within magazine well 12.

In embodiments the fixation element 105 may be disposed along any portion of housing 102 so as to affix device 100 within magazine well 12.

FIG. 2A-C show device 100 wherein the distal end (bottom) of housing 102 features the electronics module 110 and at least a portion of movement module 120. In some embodiments actuator 104 may be further disposed within the distal end (bottom) portion s of housing 102.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

It should be noted that where reference numerals appear in the claims, such numerals are included solely or the purpose of improving the intelligibility of the claims and are no way limiting on the scope of the claims.

Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Further modifications of the invention will also occur to persons skilled in the art and all such are deemed to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention.

Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

Claims

1. A firearm securing device compatible with a firearm magazine well, wherein once secured with the magazine well the device cannot be disassociated from the firearm rendering the firearm non-functional, and wherein the device may be disassociated from said magazine well only with user specific identification, the device including:

a) a housing having the form of a magazine;
b) an electronics and circuitry module functionally associated with an actuator and a fixation element, wherein said fixation element is configured to securely associate with a portion of said magazine well to affix said device within said magazine well.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a movement module configured to be actuated with said actuator.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said movement module provides for facilitating translating the movement of said actuator to controlled movement of said fixation element.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said electronics module includes a location sub-module for identifying the real time location of said device.

5. The device of claim 1 having at least two fixation elements.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein said electronics module, said actuator, and said movement module are disposed along a lower portion of said housing.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein said electronics module includes an Identification (ID) sub-module comprising an identification sensor for identifying the rightful owner and/or user of said device and its associated firearm.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said ID sub-module is provided in at least one form selected from the group consisting of a fingerprint pad and associated software, voice recognition hardware and software, a retinal scanner, a biological identification device, a DNA identification, a touchpad, and a keypad.

9. A system for securing a firearm magazine well with said device, the system including the device of claim 1 and at least one of a identification key or a processing and communication device, that are in wireless communication with said electronic circuitry module.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said at least one identification key or at least one said processing and communication device comprises electronic memory and communication capabilities for communicating user identification data.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein said at least one identification key utilizes proximity wireless communication for communication with said device, wherein said wireless communication is selected from the group consisting of RF communication, IR communication, BLUETOOTH, NFC, and any combination thereof.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the viability of a communication range between said at least one identification key and said device is limited to a predetermined radius.

13. The system of claim 1Z wherein said predetermined radius is up to 1 meter.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein said identification comprises biometric identification.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein said at least one processing and communication device is capable of mapping and identifying the real time location of said device.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said system provides for monitoring and managing a plurality of firearms forming an arsenal thereof, wherein each firearm of said plurality of firearms is in communication with said at least one processing and communication device.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said at least one processing and communication device is in communication with a public security monitoring agency in order to obtain and/or verify a valid firearm license.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said identification is corroborated between said device, said key and said at least one processing device.

Patent History
Publication number: 20220042756
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 16, 2019
Publication Date: Feb 10, 2022
Inventor: Daniel BIRAN (Ramat Hasharon)
Application Number: 17/285,345
Classifications
International Classification: F41A 17/06 (20060101); F41A 17/38 (20060101);