Gun safety device

Abstract

A device for controlling access to a firearm having a muzzle with various physical features proximal thereto. The device includes a lock housing with a cavity to receive the muzzle. The device also includes a lock mechanism shaft coupled to a lock mechanism that is configured for rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism shaft is coupled to a cam that moves axially upon rotation of the lock mechanism shaft. A bidirectional rotatable shaft is coupled to the cam and is insertable into the muzzle of the firearm. Embodiments described include variants on arm, tab, and/or housing configurations to receive and grasp firearm fixed front sights, bead front sights and accessories such as, for example, Picatinny rails, vertical or near vertical serrations, cuts and/or grooves located on the distal lateral and ventral regions of the frame and/or slide.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for controlling access to a firearm having a muzzle with one or more features located proximal thereto, the device comprising:
 a lock housing with a base component coupled to a receptacle component, wherein the receptacle component includes a cavity configured for insertion therein of the muzzle and at least a portion of the barrel;   a key structure coupled to the base component of the lock housing, wherein the key structure is arranged to receive a key;   a lock mechanism coupled to the key structure and arranged for actuation by the key;   a lock mechanism shaft coupled to the lock mechanism and configured for rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism;   a cam having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the cam is in contact with the lock mechanism shaft such that rotational movement of the lock mechanism shaft causes axial movement of the cam;   a bidirectional rotatable shaft coupled to the proximal end of the cam and arranged for insertion into the muzzle of the firearm;   a plurality of extended arms coupled to a perimeter of the cam and arranged for pivotal and radial movement to secure the firearm muzzle in the cavity of the lock housing; and   a plurality of tabs arranged on the plurality of extended arms for engagement with an exterior surface of the muzzle to retain the muzzle within the lock housing,   wherein the plurality of tabs includes a top tab arranged to secure any blade-like front sight, front sight base, foundation or bead of the firearm, two or more side tabs arranged to stabilize the device, conform to the exterior of the firearm and prevent abrasion and damage thereof, and a bottom tab arranged to conform to, secure against, protect and stabilize spent cartridge extractor rods and/or their housings.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising near the proximal end of the cam a notched disk with circumferential notches or indentations that serve as guides to adjacent ones of the plurality of arms, wherein the notched disk is made of a material that protects distal and external surfaces of the muzzle from abrasion and damage. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  further comprising a small soft metal bushing located proximal to the notched disk and arranged to cooperate with the notched disk to protect against abrasion and damage of internal and external surfaces of the firearm including the crown thereof, wherein the small soft metal bushing is substantially centered within the muzzle and is arranged to stabilize the firearm within the cavity, eliminate looseness and occupy the cavity within a distal region of the muzzle. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  further comprising a snap ring arranged to fasten the notched disk and the small soft metal bushing together, wherein the bidirectional rotatable shaft is configured to protrude from the proximal end of the cam, penetrate through the notched disk, the small soft metal bushing and the snap ring and extend into the firearm barrel. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a semi-flexible, bi-directionally rotating wand coupled to a proximal end of the bi-directional rotatable shaft, wherein the wand is arranged to extend through a remainder of an internal length or bore of the barrel of the firearm and the full length of its chamber, thus preventing the loading of a live round of ammunition in the firearm. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the receptacle component of the lock housing includes a notch arranged to enable reception within the lock housing of a blade-like front sight, bead-like front sight, front sight base or foundation of the firearm. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a lanyard retainer coupled to the lock housing. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a self-protective cage-like structure arranged to protect the internal length of the device and the firearm against tampering and defeat. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the cage-like structure includes a key disk, one or more support disks, lock housing rods or pins, a bushing and a pyrrhic disk, wherein the one or more support disks are located within an interior of the bushing and the lock housing configuration to provide internal lateral support against attempted compromise by crushing. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the disk, housing rods or pins and bushing enjoy bi-directional rotational freedom of movement and internally protects the entire lock housing, cavity, all components within the lock housing, all of the muzzle and at least a portion of the barrel. 
     
     
         11 . A device for controlling access to a firearm having a muzzle with features that are proximal thereto, the device comprising:
 a lock housing with a base component coupled to a receptacle component, wherein the receptacle component includes a cavity configured for insertion therein of the muzzle and at least a portion of the barrel;   a key structure coupled to the base component of the lock housing, wherein the key structure is arranged to receive a key;   a lock mechanism coupled to the key structure and arranged for actuation by the key;   a lock mechanism shaft coupled to the lock mechanism and configured for rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism;   a cam having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the cam is in contact with the lock mechanism shaft such that rotational movement of the lock mechanism shaft causes axial movement of the cam;   a bidirectional rotatable shaft coupled to the proximal end of the cam and arranged for insertion into the muzzle of the firearm;   a plurality of extended arms coupled to a perimeter of the cam and arranged for pivotal and radial movement to secure the firearm muzzle in the cavity of the lock housing; and   a plurality of tabs arranged on the plurality of extended arms for engagement with an exterior surface of the muzzle to retain the muzzle within the lock housing,   wherein the plurality of tabs includes a top tab arranged to secure any blade-like front sight or bead of the firearm, two or more side tabs arranged to conform to occupy serrations on the slide or frame of the firearm, and a bottom tab arranged to engage and secure against indentations and/or grooves of accessory rails and other features located on a distal ventral region of the frame of the firearm.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  further comprising near the proximal end of the cam a notched disk with circumferential notches or indentations that serve as guides to adjacent ones of the plurality of arms, wherein the notched disk is made of a material that protects distal and external surfaces of the muzzle device from abrasion and damage. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12  further comprising a small soft metal bushing located proximal to the notched disk arranged to occupy a cavity within a distal region of the muzzle. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  further comprising a snap ring arranged to fasten the notched disk and the small soft metal bushing together, wherein the bidirectional rotatable shaft is configured to protrude from the proximal end of the cam, penetrate through the notched disk, the small soft metal bushing and the snap ring and extend into the firearm barrel. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 11  further comprising a semi-flexible, bi-directionally rotating wand coupled to a proximal end of the bidirectional rotatable shaft, wherein the wand is arranged to extend through a remainder of an internal length or bore of the barrel of the firearm and the full length of its chamber, thus preventing the loading of a live round of ammunition in the firearm. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the receptacle component of the lock housing includes an orifice and a cavity arranged to accommodate large muzzle configurations. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11  further comprising a lanyard retainer coupled to the lock housing. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16  wherein the orifice and cavity may be of a rectangular cross section. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 11  further comprising a plurality of hardened bidirectionally rotating steel pins arranged in the base component and the receptacle component of the lock housing to protect welded seams of the device against compromise. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 11  further comprising near the proximal end of the cam a notched disk with circumferential notches or indentations that serve as guides to adjacent ones of the plurality of arms, wherein the notched disk is made of a material that protects distal and external surfaces of the muzzle from abrasion and damage. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20  further comprising a small soft metal bushing located proximal to the notched disk and arranged to cooperate with the notched disk to protect against abrasion and damage of internal and external surfaces of the firearm including the crown thereof, wherein the small soft metal bushing is substantially centered within the muzzle and is arranged to stabilize the firearm within the cavity and eliminate looseness.