Firearm locking system and method for preventing access to a trigger

Abstract

The invention describes a firearm locking system and method for preventing access to a trigger. In particular, the firearm locking system and method of the present invention provides a trigger guard locking unit for a firearm, the trigger guard locking unit including a housing, a receiver, an electric actuator, a locking cover, and a locking device extendible from the housing to the locking cover, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A trigger guard locking unit adaptable to a firearm trigger guard, comprising: 
 a housing for preventing access to a first side of the trigger guard;    a receiver for generating a control signal upon receipt of a request signal, the receiver positioned in the housing;    an electric actuator activated by the control signal received from the receiver, the electric actuator positioned in the housing;    a locking cover for preventing access to a second side of the trigger guard; and    a locking device extendible from the housing to the locking cover for preventing access to the trigger guard and discharge of the firearm, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.    
     
     
         2 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 1 , further including a power source.  
     
     
         3 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the receiver includes an antenna.  
     
     
         4 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the receiver includes an internal security component.  
     
     
         5 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the receiver receives the request signal from an electronic transmitter.  
     
     
         6 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the electric actuator includes a solenoid.  
     
     
         7 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking device includes a plunger.  
     
     
         8 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking device extends into a trigger guard locking dowell.  
     
     
         9 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 8 , wherein the locking device retracts from the locking cover to the housing upon deactivation of the electric actuator.  
     
     
         10 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 4 , wherein the electronic transmitter includes a depressible button.  
     
     
         11 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 4 , wherein the electronic transmitter includes a thumb print identification system.  
     
     
         12 . The trigger guard locking unit according to  claim 4 , wherein the electronic transmitter includes an iris/cornea pupil identification system.  
     
     
         13 . A method for locking a firearm by preventing access to a trigger guard, comprising: 
 positioning a housing to prevent access to a first side of the trigger guard;    positioning a locking cover to prevent access to a second side of the trigger guard;    generating a control signal upon receipt of a request signal;    activating an electric actuator upon receipt of the control signal; and    extending a locking device from the housing to the locking cover, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.    
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the control signal may be generated by a receiver.  
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the request signal may be generated by an electronic transmitter.  
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the electric actuator includes a solenoid.  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the locking device extends into a trigger guard locking dowell.  
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the locking device retracts from the locking cover to the housing upon deactivation of the electric actuator.