Hidden pistol lock box

Abstract

A hidden pistol lock box is provided. The hidden pistol lock box includes an upper body and a drop tray. The upper body has a base and a sidewall extending from a periphery of the base. The drop tray is secured to the upper body by hinges. The drop tray includes an inner surface facing the upper body. A ledge is protruding from the inner surface and is sized to retain a pistol within as well as fit within the sidewall when the drop tray is in a closed position. A joint arm assembly attaches the upper body and the drop tray together. The joint arm assembly includes a speed and stop control joint operable to control a speed of a transition of the drop tray from the closed position to an open position. A locking mechanism locks the drop tray to the upper body in the closed position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hidden pistol lock box comprising:
 an upper body comprising a base and a sidewall extending about a periphery of the base;   a drop tray secured to the upper body by a hinge and comprising an inner surface facing the upper body, wherein a ledge is protruding from the inner surface and is sized to retain a pistol within and fit within the sidewall when the drop tray is in a closed position;   a joint arm assembly attaching the upper body and the drop tray together, wherein the joint arm assembly comprises a speed and stop control joint operable to control a speed of a transition of the drop tray from the closed position to an open position; and   a locking mechanism operable to lock the drop tray to the upper body in the closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 1 , further comprising a strap secured to the inner surface of the drop tray and comprising a connector operable to releasably connect a first portion of the strap to a second portion of the strap, forming a loop. 
     
     
         3 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 2 , wherein the connector comprises a snap button. 
     
     
         4 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 1 , further comprising a mount operable to secure the upper body to a structure. 
     
     
         5 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 1 , wherein the joint arm assembly comprises an upper arm pivotally mounted to the upper body and a lower arm pivotally mounted to the drop tray, wherein the speed and stop control joint joins the upper arm and the lower arm together. 
     
     
         6 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 1 , wherein the speed and stop control joint comprises one of a spring and a gas piston. 
     
     
         7 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 1 , wherein the ledge is U-shaped. 
     
     
         8 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 1 , further comprising a light disposed above the ledge. 
     
     
         9 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 8 , wherein the light is secured to the base of the upper body. 
     
     
         10 . The hidden pistol lock box of  claim 8 , wherein the light comprises a motion sensor operable to activate the light when sensing motion.