TOP FIREARM MAGNET MOUNT AND METHOD OF SECURELY HOLDING FIREARM AND PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE

Abstract

The present invention provides a magnet mount for securely holding a firearm. The magnet mount includes a top mounting plate, a trigger shield, and one or more magnets affixed to the top mounting plate. One or two trigger shields are extended downwardly from the top mounting plate along one or both sides of the firearm and configured for blocking at least 50% of a trigger accessing area of the firearm, to prevent a finger from accessing & touching the trigger and causing accidental discharge. Also provided is a method of securely holding a firearm using the magnet mount.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/830,570 filed Sep. 10, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a top firearm magnet mount and a method of securely holding a firearm and preventing accidental discharge using the magnet mount. Although the invention will be illustrated, explained and exemplified by semi-automatic pistol, it should be appreciated that the present invention can also be applied to other firearms, for example, other handguns such as revolver, derringer, and machine pistol; long-barreled guns such as carbine, rifle, shotgun, submachine gun, submachine gun, and machine gun; and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most of the population in the U.S. currently lives with a gun in their house. Just one-third of adults in the U.S. do not own a gun and cannot see themselves owning one in the future. The population of gun owners has been increasing rapidly in recent years. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the George Floyd protests and riots, mixed with threats of “Civil War 2” leading up to and following a hotly contested presidential election, created an unprecedented gun-buying spree in 2020. As of 2024, there are estimated to be over 466 million firearms in the United States. This includes guns owned by civilians, law enforcement, and other entities. The vast majority, over 98%, are in civilian hands, which equates to about 120 firearms per 100 citizens.

Therefore, accidental discharges of firearms become a big concern in the United States. An accidental discharge of a firearm, also known as an unintentional discharge of a firearm, is defined as discharging the firearm at a time not intended by the firearm user. An accidental discharge can occur in any place, including homes and public places. In cases of accidental discharge, individuals may be injured and/or property may be damaged. Accidental discharge of a firearm penalty may include a misdemeanor or a felony conviction, depending on the circumstances, including the degree of negligence exercised by the firearm user.

While accidental discharges may be caused by negligent handling and mechanical failures, they can also be caused by improper storage of a loaded firearm in an unsafe manner and firearm trigger that is too sensitive or has been modified improperly. For example, an individual may attempt to grab a stored firearm but accidentally squeezes the trigger with sufficient force to cause a discharge. A light trigger pull weight (i.e. amount of force required to pull a trigger) can improve accuracy by reducing the amount of force needed to fire the gun. This minimizes the movement of the firearm when the trigger is pulled, allowing for more precise shot placement. However, a light trigger can also increase the risk of accidental discharges, especially if the firearm is stored and handled carelessly. A heavier trigger pull is not a perfect solution to solve the problem associated with trigger sensitivity, because it can negatively impact accuracy; and an increased force is needed to pull the trigger, causing the shooter to jerk the gun and pull shots off target.

Therefore, to prevent accidental discharges (particularly for those with light trigger pull weight), it's crucial to use appropriate storage solutions such as gun mounts, gun safes or lockboxes, and keep gun user's finger off the trigger until he/she is ready to shoot, among others. Advantageously, the firearm mount of the present invention can exhibit some technical merits that can reduce the likelihood of accidental discharges due to unintentional trigger contact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a magnet mount for securely holding a firearm. The magnet mount includes a top mounting plate, a trigger shield, and one or more magnets affixed to the top mounting plate. The top mounting plate is located above the barrel of the firearm (e.g. the part right above between the front sight and the rear sight of the firearm). The one or more magnets may be configured for providing a holding power sufficient to support the weight of the firearm. The trigger shield is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate along one side (either right or left side) of the firearm and configured for blocking at least 50% of a trigger accessing area of the firearm, to prevent a finger from accessing to & touching the trigger from said one side and causing accidental discharge. The term “trigger accessing area” is defined as the area that is encircled by the trigger guard and the frame of the firearm.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of securely holding a firearm. Step (i) of the method is providing a magnet mount comprising a top mounting plate, a trigger shield, and one or more magnets affixed to the top mounting plate. The trigger shield is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate. Step (ii) of the method is placing the barrel of the firearm (e.g. the part right above between the front sight and the rear sight of the firearm) below the top mounting plate so that the trigger shield is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate along one side (either right or left side) of the firearm. Preferably, the magnet(s) provide a holding power sufficient to support the weight of the firearm. Step (iii) of the method is blocking at least 50% of a trigger accessing area of the firearm with the trigger shield, to prevent a finger from accessing to & touching the trigger from said one side and causing accidental discharge. The term “trigger accessing area” is defined as the area that is encircled by the trigger guard and the frame of the firearm.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements. All the figures are schematic and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures and discussed below have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Well-known structures and devices are shown in simplified form, omitted, or merely suggested, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a magnet mount designed for securely holding a firearm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a firearm held under a magnet mount in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates magnets encased within a top mounting plate of the magnet mount in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for securely holding a firearm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts dimensions of the magnet mount in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 schematically shows how the top mounting plate of the magnet mount is attached to various surfaces in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a design in which the firearm is surrounded by three flat (planar) surfaces and only three flat planar surfaces in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a magnet mount with a trigger stop and a bar lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a firearm placed into the magnet mount with a trigger stop and a bar lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a firearm placed into the magnet mount and locked by the bar lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a key being removed from the bar lock and stored in a safe place in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows the internal configuration of the firearm securely stored into the magnet mount using the bar lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement.

Where a numerical range is disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified, such range is continuous, inclusive of both the minimum and maximum values of the range as well as every value between such minimum and maximum values. Still further, where a range refers to integers, only the integers from the minimum value to and including the maximum value of such range are included. In addition, where multiple ranges are provided to describe a feature or characteristic, such ranges can be combined.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, when an element is referred to as being “on”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly connected to”, or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, various embodiments of the present invention provide a magnet mount 01 for securely holding a firearm 02. As shown in FIG. 1, the magnet mount 01 includes a top mounting plate 03, a trigger shield 04a/04b. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the top mounting plate 03 is located above (and contacts the upper surface of) barrel 06 of the firearm 02 (e.g. the part right above between the front sight and the rear sight of the firearm). Therefore, the mounting plate 03 blocks the line connecting the front sight (not shown) and the rear sight (not shown) of the firearm 02 when it is held/stored by the magnet mount 01. The trigger shield 04a/04b is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate 03 along one side (either right or left side) of the firearm 02 and configured for blocking at least 50% of a trigger accessing area 07 of the firearm 02, to prevent a human finger from accessing to & touching the trigger 10 from said one side and causing accidental discharge. The term “trigger accessing area” is defined as the open area or open space 07 that is encircled by the trigger guard 08 and the frame 09 of the firearm 02.

As shown in FIG. 3, one or more magnets 05 may be affixed to the top mounting plate 03 in any suitable manner. For example, magnets 05 may be placed in a magnet chamber 11, and then sealed with a cover 12. The one or more magnets 05 may be configured for providing a holding power sufficient to support the weight of the firearm 02.

As shown in FIG. 4, other embodiments of the invention provide a method of securely holding a firearm 02. Step (i) of the method is providing a magnet mount 01 comprising a top mounting plate 03, a trigger shield (04a, 04b or both), and one or more magnets 05 affixed to the top mounting plate 03. The trigger shield 04 is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate 03. Step (ii) of the method is placing the barrel 06 of the firearm 02 (e.g. the part right above between the front sight and the rear sight of the firearm) below the top mounting plate 03 so that the trigger shield 04 is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate 03 along one side (either right or left side) of the firearm 02. Preferably, magnets 05 provide a holding power sufficient to support the weight of the firearm 02. Step (iii) of the method is blocking at least 50% of a trigger accessing area 07 of the firearm 02 with the trigger shield 04, to prevent a finger from accessing to & touching the trigger 10 from or on said one side and causing accidental discharge. The term “trigger accessing area 07” is defined as the area that is encircled by the trigger guard 08 and the frame 09 of the firearm 02.

In typical embodiments of the invention, the magnet mount 01 may include two trigger shields to prevent fingers from touching the trigger 10 on both sides of the firearm and causing accidental discharge. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, if one of the two trigger shields is defined as a first trigger shield 04a, then another one of the two trigger shields is defined as a second trigger shield 04b. Preferably, the second trigger shield 04b is also extended downwardly from the top mounting plate 03 along another side (either left or right side) of the firearm 02 and is also configured for blocking at least 50% of the trigger accessing area 07 from the another side. The first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b may be symmetrical or identical in shape and dimension. However, they may have different shapes and dimensions. The first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b, independently of each other, may be configured for blocking preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 90% such as 100% of the trigger accessing area 07.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, the first trigger shield 04a may be extended downwardly from a first junction 34a of the top mounting plate 03 and the second trigger shield 04b may be extended downwardly from a second junction 34b of the top mounting plate 03. The distance (e.g. the shortest distance) between the first junction 34a and the second junction 34b along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of barrel 06 is D. The first trigger shield 04a has a vertical dimension V1, and the second trigger shield 04b has a vertical dimension V2. V1 and V2, independently of each other, may be in the range of from 1.0 D to 4.0 D, preferably from 1.2 D to 3.0 D, more preferably 1.5D to 2.0D, and most preferably about 1.75 D. In a specific embodiment, V1=V2=7±(5˜10)% cm, and D=4±(5˜10)% cm. The first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b may be extended from the top mounting plate 03 along a direction that is substantially perpendicular (85°-95°, preferably about 90°) to the top mounting plate 03.

In a variety of embodiments of the invention, the top mounting plate 03, the first trigger shield 04a, and the second trigger shield 04b are manufactured as an integral piece. However, the first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b may be separate pieces that are affixed to the top mounting plate 03 using any suitable techniques, for example insert, screws or adhesive tape.

Magnet mount 01 may be configured for mounting a firearm 02 selected from long-barreled guns (not shown) such as carbine, rifle, shotgun, submachine gun, submachine gun, and machine gun; and handguns such as semi-automatic pistol as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, revolver, derringer, and machine pistol. In some embodiments, the first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b are substantially flat, so that the magnet mount 01 conforms to a handgun selected from a semi-automatic pistol, a derringer, and a machine pistol. In some other embodiments, the first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b are curved and the curved portion conforms to the cylinder of a revolver (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 3 again, magnets 05 may be made of ferromagnetic metal such as iron, cobalt, and nickel; or alloy of rare earth elements such as neodymium magnets made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron; and samarium-cobalt magnets; and preferably said one or more magnets are strong and permanent neodymium magnets. The magnets 05 may be encased and secured within the top mount plate 03 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively or additionally, magnets 05 may be bonded to the top mounting plate 03 (preferably the downside thereof and between the trigger shield). Magnets 05 may be coated with a rubber or polymer material for preventing the firearm 02 from getting scratched or damaged when the firearm 02 contacts those magnets.

The top mounting plate 03 may be made from material such as steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic, and polymer. Preferably, the top mounting plate 03 has grooves or ridges (not shown) to stabilize the firearm 02 and prevent it from sliding off. Top mounting plate 03 may have a shape of rectangular or square and optionally has rounded corners to prevent sharp edges that could cause injury or damage.

In various embodiments, the top mounting plate 03 is configured for attaching to various surfaces such as walls, under desks, or inside vehicles, using for example screws or nails 13 as shown in FIG. 6, adhesive tape, hook-and-loop belt such as Velcro, or any combination thereof. The top mounting plate 03 may have pre-drilled holes for screws or nails, allowing for secure attachment to various surfaces. Alternatively, or additionally, the top mounting plate 03 may have an adhesive area (not shown), which can be used (not shown) for attaching to various surfaces.

In some embodiments of the invention, firearm 02 is housed within (or surrounded by) three flat (planar) surfaces and only three flat planar surfaces that are connected to each other, as shown in FIG. 7. Each of the three flat surfaces is strictly planar in geometry and has no elevated portion at all. The first flat surface 03S is a part of the bottom surface of the top mounting plate 03. The second flat surface 04aS is the entire right side (or the side facing the firearm) of the first trigger shield 04a. The third flat surface 04bS is the entire left side (or the side facing the firearm) of the second trigger shield 04b.

As described above, the term “trigger accessing area” is defined as the open area or open space 07 that is encircled by the trigger guard 08 and the frame 09 of the firearm 02. In some embodiments, the trigger guard 08 may include a front segment 08F and a bottom segment 08B, as shown in FIG. 8. The magnet mount 01 may include a guard stop 08S affixed to, and spanned between, the first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b. Guard stop 08S may be a bar (or a rod) connecting the first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b, and configured for pushing/contacting against the front segment 08F and stopping the firearm 02 from moving further forward.

In some embodiments, magnet mount 01 may include a bar lock 14 and a key 15 for locking and unlocking bar lock 14, as shown in FIG. 8. The first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b may each have a hole 16 for receiving the bar lock 14. As shown in FIG. 9, firearm 02 may move forward between the first trigger shield 04a and the second trigger shield 04b until it is stopped by guard stop 08S. As shown in FIG. 10, the two holes 16 are placed at potions that allow the bar lock 14 to insert through a first hole 16, then through the “trigger accessing area” (i.e. open space 07), and finally into a second hole 16 with a locking mechanism such as a locking channel (not shown). Key 15 may be manipulated (e.g. by rotating around) to lock bar lock 14 in place, preventing the firearm 02 from sliding off magnet mount 01.

As shown in FIG. 11, key 15 may then be removed from bar lock 14 and stored in a safe place. FIG. 12 shows the internal configuration of the firearm 02 securely stored into magnet mount 01. Clearly, firearm 02 is stopped by guard stop 08S, and bar lock 14 through the “trigger accessing area” (i.e. open space 07) securely locks firearm 02 in position.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicant to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.

Claims

1. A magnet mount for securely holding a firearm, comprising a top mounting plate, a trigger shield, and one or more magnets affixed to the top mounting plate;

wherein the top mounting plate is located above the barrel of the firearm (e.g. the part right above between the front sight and the rear sight of the firearm),

wherein said one or more magnets are configured for providing a holding power sufficient to support the weight of the firearm,

wherein the trigger shield is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate along one side (either right or left side) of the firearm and configured for blocking at least 50% of a trigger accessing area of the firearm, to prevent a finger from accessing to & touching the trigger from said one side and causing accidental discharge, and

wherein said trigger accessing area is defined as the area that is encircled by the trigger guard and the frame of the firearm.

2. The magnet mount according to claim 1, wherein said trigger shield is defined as a first trigger shield, and the magnet mount further includes a second trigger shield,

wherein the second trigger shield is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate along another side (either left or right side) of the firearm and is also configured for blocking at least 50% of the trigger accessing area from said another side.

3. The magnet mount according to claim 2, wherein the first trigger shield and the second trigger shield are symmetrical or identical, or wherein the first trigger shield and the second trigger shield have different shapes and dimensions.

4. The magnet mount according to claim 2, wherein the first trigger shield and the second trigger shield, independently of each other, are configured for blocking at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or 100% of the trigger accessing area.

5. The magnet mount according to claim 2, wherein the first trigger shield is extended downwardly from a first junction of the top mounting plate, and the second trigger shield is extended downwardly from a second junction of the top mounting plate;

wherein the distance between the first junction and the second junction along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel is D, the first trigger shield has a vertical dimension V1, the second trigger shield has a vertical dimension V2, and

wherein V1 and V2, independently of each other, are in the range from 1.0 D to 4.0 D.

6. The magnet mount according to claim 2, which is configured to surround or receive the firearm with three flat (planar) surfaces and only three flat planar surfaces, wherein each of the three flat surfaces has no elevated or raised portion at all, wherein a first flat surface is a part of the bottom surface of the top mounting plate, a second flat surface is the entire right side of the first trigger shield, and a third flat surface is the entire left side of the second trigger shield.

7. The magnet mount according to claim 2, wherein the first trigger shield and the second trigger shield are affixed to the top mounting plate using for example insert, screws or adhesive tape.

8. The magnet mount according to claim 2, wherein the first trigger shield and the second trigger shield are extended from the top mounting plate along a direction that is substantially perpendicular (85°-95°) to the top mounting plate.

9. The magnet mount according to claim 2, which is configured for mounting a firearm selected from long-barreled guns such as carbine, rifle, shotgun, submachine gun, submachine gun, and machine gun; and handguns such as semi-automatic pistol, revolver, derringer, and machine pistol.

10. The magnet mount according to claim 2, wherein the first trigger shield and the second trigger shield are substantially flat; and the magnet mount is configured for mounting a handgun selected from a semi-automatic pistol, a derringer, and a machine pistol.

11. The magnet mount according to claim 2, wherein the first trigger shield and the second trigger shield are curved; and the curved portion conforms to the cylinder of a revolver.

12. The magnet mount according to claim 1, wherein said one or more magnets are made of ferromagnetic metal such as iron, cobalt, and nickel; or alloy of rare earth elements such as neodymium magnets made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron; and samarium-cobalt magnets; and preferably said one or more magnets are strong and permanent neodymium magnets.

13. The magnet mount according to claim 2, further comprising a bar lock and a key for locking and unlocking bar lock.

14. The magnet mount according to claim 13, wherein the bar lock is configured for inserting through the trigger accessing area and securely locking the firearm in position.

15. The magnet mount according to claim 2, further comprising a guard stop affixed to, and spanned between, the first trigger shield and the second trigger shield, wherein the guard stop is configured for contacting the firearm's trigger guard and stopping the firearm from moving further forward.

16. The magnet mount according to claim 1, wherein the top mounting plate has grooves or ridges to stabilize the firearm and prevent it from sliding off.

17. The magnet mount according to claim 1, wherein the top mounting plate has a shape of rectangular or square and optionally has rounded corners to prevent sharp edges that could cause injury or damage.

18. The magnet mount according to claim 1, wherein the top mounting plate is configured for attaching to various surfaces such as walls, under desks, or inside vehicles, using for example screws, adhesive tape, hook-and-loop belt such as Velcro, or any combination thereof.

19. The magnet mount according to claim 1, wherein the top mounting plate has pre-drilled holes for screws, allowing for secure attachment to various surfaces; or wherein the top mounting plate has an adhesive area, which can be used in addition to (or instead of) screws for attaching to various surfaces.

20. A method of securely holding a firearm, comprising:

(i) providing a magnet mount comprising a top mounting plate, a trigger shield, and one or more magnets affixed to the top mounting plate, wherein the trigger shield is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate;

(ii) placing the barrel of the firearm (e.g. the part right above between the front sight and the rear sight of the firearm) below the top mounting plate so that the trigger shield is extended downwardly from the top mounting plate along one side (either right or left side) of the firearm, wherein said one or more magnets provide a holding power sufficient to support the weight of the firearm; and

(iii) blocking at least 50% of a trigger accessing area of the firearm with the trigger shield, to prevent a finger from accessing & touching the trigger from said one side and causing accidental discharge, wherein said trigger accessing area is defined as the area that is encircled by the trigger guard and the frame of the firearm.