Firearm trigger lock

Abstract

The present invention is a device that, when used properly, is useful for increasing the safety of firearms. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a threaded aperture located in a rear position of a firearms' trigger, toward the handle. The preferred location of the aperture is located close to an upper rear corner of an exposed surface of the trigger. Inserted into the threaded aperture is a complementarily threaded barrel screw. The screw has a special keyed head. The special key configuration of the head prevents curious children from inadvertently reversing the safety mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the keyed head has a pentagonal shaped indentation and generally centered within the indentation is an outwardly projecting guide pin. When the screw has been inserted into the aperture, there are two function positions. In a use position, the screw is contained in the trigger and does not substantially project from the trigger. In a safe position, the screw has been advanced from the use position, by use of the special key, and projects from the trigger a sufficient amount to block substantial movement of the trigger. The screw blocks the movement of the trigger by projecting to a position adjacent the firearm frame. In another embodiment, the threaded aperture is located in the trigger guard at a position just below or adjacent a lower part of the trigger. In this location, when the screw is advanced to the safe position, a distal end, opposite the head, is position either immediately adjacent a part of the trigger or actually contacts a part of the trigger.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A firearm safety device comprising a firearm with an exposed trigger and a trigger guard, the trigger guard further comprising a threaded aperture located in a position adjacent a part of the trigger and having a complementarily threaded screw contained therein, the threading of the screw and aperture having a thread incline greater than five degrees and less than eighty-five degrees, where when the threaded screw is projected to about the exposed trigger, it prevent substantial movement of the exposed trigger.  
     
     
         2 . The firearm safety device of  claim 1  wherein the thread incline is approximately forty-five degrees.  
     
     
         3 . The firearm safety device of  claim 2  wherein the screw further includes a keyed head.  
     
     
         4 . The firearm safety device of  claim 3  wherein the keyed head is a pentagonal indentation with an outwardly projecting, generally centered, guide pin.  
     
     
         5 . A firearm safety device comprising a firearm with a threaded aperture located in a trigger guard, in combination with a complementarily threaded screw, said screw sized to rotationally engage the threaded aperture, said aperture located in a position that, when the threaded screw projects beyond the aperture, the screw prevents substantial movement of the trigger, further, the threading of the screw and aperture has a thread incline greater than five degrees and less than eighty-five degrees.  
     
     
         6 . The firearm safety device of  claim 5  wherein the thread incline is approximately forty-five degrees.  
     
     
         7 . The firearm safety device of  claim 6  where the screw further includes a keyed head.  
     
     
         8 . The firearm safety device of  claim 7  wherein the keyed head is a pentagonal indentation with an outwardly projecting, generally centered, guide pin.