Universal trigger locking system

Abstract

Systems for universally locking a trigger of a firearm are provided that require authentication to transition the firearm to an unlocked state. In general, examples of the systems for universally locking a trigger of a firearm described herein are located in an interchangeable grip portion of the firearm or mounted to an accessory rail of the firearm. Embodiments of the system generally include trigger interference or blocking members to prevent actuation of the trigger until the authentication system has authorized the user to fire the firearm. Once the system is authenticated, embodiments of the system remain in an unlocked state while the user is grasping the firearm. When the user removes their hand from the firearm, embodiments of the trigger locking system automatically returns to a locked state, reducing or eliminating unauthorized use of the firearm.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A firearm trigger locking system, comprising:
 a grip portion couplable to a firearm having a trigger;   an authentication system operatively associated with the grip portion, the authentication system comprising:
 a central processing unit; 
 a storage device in communication with the central processing unit, the storage device capable of storing an authorization key; 
 an identification component in communication with the central processing unit, the identification component capable of recognizing the authorization key; 
 an actuator in communication with the central processing unit, the actuator activatable by the central processing unit when the identification component recognizes the authorization key; and 
 a battery in communication with the central processing unit; 
   a trigger interference member movable within a slot; and   a block movable by the actuator from a first position to a second position when the identification component recognizes the authorization key, wherein the block abuts the trigger interference member in the first position to prevent movement of the trigger interference member within the slot for preventing actuation of the trigger.