Secure enclosure for the storage and rapid retrieval of self-defense weapons

Abstract

A storage enclosure of ample size to contain common firearms within, comprising a box with a door attached to the top of the box with articulating hinges, that latches at the bottom of the box. A latch release mechanism at the bottom of the box, with a release bar on the exterior of the bottom of the box, which when pressed inward, releases the latches and allows the door to open unassisted by the user via the force of compression springs. Within the interior of the storage enclosure are slatted attachment structures—both on the interior of the box and the interior of the door—to which a vast array of self-defense weapons can be mounted with retaining devices of various type (hooks, pegs, etc.). To the storage enclosure assembly is attached cladding elements—legs, panels, fascia—to make a bed headboard.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A storage enclosure of ample size to contain common firearms within, comprising:
 a box comprising a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, a back, and a front, the front comprising a door attached to the top of the box by at least one hinge and removably attached to the bottom of the box by a latch for securing the door in a closed position, wherein the box has an interior and an exterior;   a latch release mechanism attached to the interior of the bottom of the box, wherein the latch release mechanism comprises a release bar on the exterior of the bottom of the box;   at least one lock;   at least one compression spring attached between the door and the box;   a first attachment structure affixed to the door at the interior of the box; and   a second attachment structure affixed to the back at the interior of the box.   
     
     
         2 . The storage enclosure in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second attachment structures are each comprised of slats. 
     
     
         3 . The storage enclosure in  claim 2 , wherein the slats include perforations. 
     
     
         4 . The storage enclosure in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one retaining device selected from the group comprising: hook, peg, strap, cord, loop, holster, scabbard, pouch, bag, shelve and zip tie, the at least one retaining device attached to the first attachment structure. 
     
     
         5 . The storage enclosure in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one retaining device selected from the group comprising: hook, peg, retention hook, strap, cord, loop, holster, scabbard, pouch, bag, shelve and zip tie, the at least one retaining device attached to the second attachment structure. 
     
     
         6 . The storage enclosure in  claim 1 , wherein the latch release mechanism further comprises an internal electrical solenoid, cable, lever, shaft, chain or gears. 
     
     
         7 . The storage enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the storage enclosure further comprises at least one separate element clad onto the exterior of the box, thus concealing the storage enclosure. 
     
     
         8 . The storage enclosure of  claim 7 , wherein the separate elements are selected from the group comprising panels, legs and fascia. 
     
     
         9 . The storage enclosure of  claim 7 , wherein the separate elements are comprised of
 a leg attached to the left side of the box on the exterior of the box,   a leg attached to the right side of the box on the exterior of the box,   a decorative panel attached to the door on the exterior of the box,   a decorative panel attached to the release bar, and   a decorative fascia attached to the top on the exterior of the box.   
     
     
         10 . The storage enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the door comprises at least one high-intensity light. 
     
     
         11 . The storage enclosure of  claim 8 , wherein the separate elements are comprised of materials selected from the group comprising wood, wood composites, plastic, metal, fabric, and leather. 
     
     
         12 . The storage enclosure defined in  claim 7 , wherein the enclosure and cladding elements in their totality form a bed headboard assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The headboard assembly in  claim 7 , wherein the headboard assembly is attached to a bed frame, upon which at least one mattress is placed.