Electronic security system for weapons

• US 5,525,966 A
• Filed: 08/22/1995
• Issued: 06/11/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gun Protection Technologies, LLC
• Original Assignee: Eagle Electronics, Inc.
• Inventors: Parish, Lane
• Primary Examiner(s): SWANN III, GLEN R
• Application Number:
  US08/517,797
• Time in Patent Office: 294 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568, 340/571, 340/539, 340/693, 224/243, 224/238, 224/911, 224/912
• US Class Current: 340/568.1
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 33/0227 having a strap or other restraining element only covering the hammer or a part of the upper part of the small arm
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 33/029 combined with electronic devices, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/149 with electric, magnetic, capacitive switch actuation
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/02 Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons

Abstract

A security system including an electronic alarm signal transmitting circuit is mounted with a holster or other weapons carrier or storage container. The system includes a switch beneath a strap or cover on the holster. The switch senses when an attempt is made to open the holster strap for access to the weapon, and activates the alarm circuit. Alarms can be sent to a home alarm system, central monitor station or other monitor.

Claims

1. A security system for indicating attempted removal of a weapon from a storage container having a weapon retainer mechanism on it, comprising:

a switch for sensing movement of the weapon retainer mechanism for access to the weapon in the container; and

a transmitter responsive to said switch for sending a signal indicating operation of said switch to indicate attempted removal of the weapon from the container.

2. The security system of claim 1, further including:

a mounting mechanism for attaching said transmitter to the container.

3. The security system of claim 2, wherein said mounting mechanism includes:

an attachment belt mounted with the storage container; and

a transmitter housing mounted with said attachment belt.

4. The security system of claim 1, wherein:

said switch includes movable portions, including a first switch portion mounted with the weapon retainer mechanism and a second switch portion mounted with the storage container, said first and second switch portions activating said transmitter on relative movement with respect to each other.

5. The security system of claim 1, wherein:

said switch comprises an electrical switch.

6. The security system of claim 1, wherein:

said switch comprises a magnetic switch.

7. The security system of claim 1, wherein:

said switch comprises a microswitch.

8. The security system of claim 1, wherein:

said switch comprises a reed switch.

9. The security system of claim 1, wherein the weapon comprises a handgun.

10. The security system of claim 1, wherein the storage container comprises a holster.

11. The security system of claim 10, wherein the weapon retainer mechanism comprises a holster strap.

12. The security system of claim 1, wherein:

said transmitter sends an electromagnetic energy signal indicating operation of said switch.

13. A security system for attachment to a weapon storage container and weapon retainer mechanism to indicate attempted removal of a weapon from the storage container, comprising:

a switch mounted between the weapon storage container and weapon retainer mechanism to sense movement of the retainer mechanism;

a transmitter housing containing a transmitter responsive to said switch for sending a signal indicating attempted removal of the weapon;

an attachment belt fittable on the weapon storage container and having said transmitter housing mounted therewith.

14. The security system of claim 13, wherein the weapon comprises a handgun.

15. The security system of claim 13, wherein the storage container comprises a holster.

16. The security system of claim 15, wherein the weapon retainer mechanism comprises a holster strap.

17. The security system of claim 16, wherein:

said switch includes movable portions, including a first switch portion mounted with said holster strap and a second switch portion mounted with said transmitter housing, said first and second switch portions on relative movement with respect to each other activating said transmitter.

18. The security system of claim 17, further including:

said transmitter housing having a mounting surface formed therewith for mounting said second switch portion thereon.

19. The security system of claim 18, further including:

a guide member formed on said mounting surface for said holster strap.

20. The security system of claim 18, wherein the weapon retainer mechanism and the storage container have a fastener mechanism associated therewith, and wherein:

said transmitter housing includes a fastener mechanism access port formed in said mounting surface.