Firearm Safety and Theft Deterrent Device

Abstract

A firearm safety and theft deterrent device is presented, which is firearm model-specific for a customized fit, and maintains a low profile in relation to the firearm. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device secures the trigger guard of the firearm, eliminating potential activation of the trigger, preventing accidental discharge, and rendering the firearm useless during a theft. A fitting system is designed as part of the device, and a hinge mechanism permits the two sides to open and close easily. A tether well contained within the device allows for the addition of a tether. The device has a cutout at the back which permits a close fit with the firearm and allows users to securely grip the firearm in one hand while installing or removing the device. Additionally, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device has a protective finish to prevent wear and tear on the firearm.

1 . A firearm accessory device, comprising:
 a first side and a second side attached at a hinge;   indexing features to position the device to encircle the exterior of the trigger guard and the trigger portion of a firearm;   at least front, back, and top indexing features operative to position the device in secure contact against the frame of the firearm at the trigger guard position of the firearm;   the top portion of the first side and the second side having a shape that conforms to the frame of the firearm;   an engagement element attached to said first side and an engagement element receiving portion attached to said second side;   where said engagement element is inserted in front of a trigger portion of the firearm and into said engagement element receiving portion to secure attachment of the first side to the second side; and   where the engagement element prevents access to the trigger portion of the firearm when the engagement element is securely attached to said engagement element receiving portion.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a scalloped finger contour at the portion of the device that is closest to a handgrip of the firearm. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , where the hinge forms a portion of the bottom edge of the firearm accessory device when attached to said firearm. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , where the hinge is configured to permit the two sides of the firearm accessory device to open and close through the use of the hinge portion as the pivot point. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a tether well. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a detachable tether for insertion into the tether well such that when the device is closed and locked the tether is securely retained within the device. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , where the front indexing feature is in contact with the front portion of the trigger guard of a firearm when the device is attached to said firearm. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , where the back indexing feature is in contact with the rear portion of the trigger guard of a firearm when the device is attached to said firearm. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , where the device geometry presents a low profile in relation to the firearm. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an engagement element having a release element to open the device and permit the device to be removed from the trigger portion of said firearm.