Weapon alert system and method

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a device, system, and associated method useful in alerting and warning an individual or another before the individual activates a weapon such as a gun, a Taser, or the like, by emitting a signal, which could be a vibration, noise, or other indicator to act as a message or to provide the individual with an opportunity to consider the consequences of activating the weapon. The signal may be activated when the weapon is removed or is being removed from a holster or other holding device. The removal of the weapon from the holding device may be detected by using magnets, switches, or another known method. The device may also be able to be turned off manually, such as if in a shooting range or in practice.

1 . A system for signaling the movement or release of a weapon from a weapon holder comprising:
 a movement sensor embedded in the combination of a weapon and a holder of said weapon;   a processor; and   an alerting element;   wherein upon said sensor sensing positive indication of movement or release of said weapon from said holder, said alerting element delivers an alert that said movement or release has occurred.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sensor comprises a set of magnets. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sensor is a contact-based sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said alerting element delivers an alert by physical contact with a person. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said alerting element delivers an audible alert. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said processor is programmed to include a delay circuit for delaying discharge of said weapon and upon said processor receiving indication of movement or release of said weapon, said processor precludes said weapon from being discharged until after a delay. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , where said indication is limited to release of a weapon from said holder. 
     
     
         8 . A weapon storage device for storing a weapon comprising:
 a sensor;   an alerting element; and   a processor in communication with said sensor and said alerting element;   wherein upon said sensor sensing positive indication of weapon movement from within said storage device, said alerting element delivers an alert that said movement has occurred.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said sensor comprises a set of magnets. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said sensor is a contact-based sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said alerting element delivers an alert by physical contact with a person. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said alerting element delivers an audible alert. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said processor is programmed to include a delay circuit for delaying discharge of said weapon and, upon said processor receiving indication of movement or release of said weapon said processor precludes said weapon from being discharged until after a delay. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 8 , where said indication of movement is limited to release of said weapon from said weapon storage device. 
     
     
         15 . A method for a processor to alert a user that a weapon is being moved from within a weapon storage device comprising the steps of:
 from a sensor, receiving data indicating sensed movement of a weapon relative to its storage device; and   directing delivery of a positive alert by an alerting element to a user that said weapon is being moved.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said sensor comprises a set of magnets. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said sensor is a contact-based sensor. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said alerting element is a physical element for physically interacting with a user. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further including the step of said processor, programmed to include a delay circuit for delaying discharge of said weapon, upon receiving indication of movement or release of said weapon from said storage device precluding said weapon from being discharged until after a delay. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , where said movement is limited to release of a weapon from said storage device.