Firearm Safety Device

Abstract

A firearm chamber safety flag for use with a firearm, safety flag including a body portion configured to be slidably received in the chamber of the firearm, a flag portion extending radially-outwardly from the body portion so that the flag portion is readily visible when the body portion; and a tag portion operably secured to the flag portion so that the tag portion is readily visible. The tag portion includes at least contact information related to suicide prevention services and may also include a message, photo, etc., as selected by the owner of the firearm.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to safety mechanisms and, more particularly, to safety mechanisms for both ensuring a firearm does not have a round chambered and for providing visual features to discourage suicide (e.g., pictures of loved ones or contact information for suicide prevention services).

BACKGROUND

Suicide rates in the United States continue to increase, with active-duty military and veterans having one of the highest rates among tracked demographics. Alcohol use disorder/problem drinking has been identified as a factor in 40% of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) suicide decedents. Studies indicate that a history of firearms use may be associated with increased odds of a positive blood alcohol content (BAC) in suicide decedents, suggesting that firearms and alcohol may occur together in suicidal behaviors. This is important because suicide attempts utilizing firearms result in death about 90% of the time, whereas other means (i.e., cutting, overdosing, etc.) can have death rates as low as 7%. “Fast” means of suicide (e.g., firearms) offer little window of opportunity for suicidal ideators to change their minds or be rescued. In short, individuals may be more likely to attempt to take one's own life when in an altered state due to drug and/or alcohol use.

Delaying access to means has been shown to be an effective method of suicide prevention. As such, as would be expected, DOD, CDC, and VA Lethal Means Safety guidelines recommend removing firearms from the homes of individuals with active ideation and a plan. However, these conversations and interventions do not always happen, as one must be aware of the potential situation first. An additional challenge can be failing to identify an appropriate alternate location for firearms. Moreover, individuals who fear removal of their firearms may not disclose suicidal ideation or behaviors, making the ownership of the firearms a barrier to treatment in and of itself. At a minimum, in those instances in which firearms remain in the custody of at-risk personnel, the use of firearm safety devices should be urged. For example, when a firearm is not actively being used, the firearm should be stored in a safe place in an unloaded condition. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, firearm chamber safety flags 20 can be utilized when storing a firearm 10 to indicate that the firearm 10 is not loaded. Referring additionally to FIG. 9, a typical firearm chamber safety flag 20 includes a body portion 22 that is configured to be slidably received in the chamber 12 of the firearm 10, and a flag portion 24 that extends radially-outwardly from the body portion 22. The flag portion 24 is configured to be gripped by the user and facilitates insertion and removal of the body portion 22 from the chamber 12 of the firearm 10. Firearm chamber safety flags 20 are typically formed of a bright-colored plastic to provide a readily viewable indicator of the unloaded status of the firearm 10.

Referring additionally to FIG. 10, firearm chamber safety flags may also come in the form of a safety magazine 30 that is configured to be slidably received in the magazine wall 16 of a firearm that is magazine fed, such as most semi-automatic rifles. In the embodiment shown, the top portion 34 of the safety magazine 30 is disposed in the chamber area 19 of the rifle 18 when the safety magazine 30 is received in the magazine well 16, rendering the rifle 18 inoperable.

Although a firearm chamber safety flag 20 or safety magazine 30 may be removed by a user to allow for both loading and firing the firearm, the extra time and effort required to deliberately remove the safety device and load the firearm may be enough time to give the user pause and not follow through with any suicidal intentions.

From the foregoing, one recognizes the need for safety devices for temporarily disabling the discharge of firearms by persons having suicidal thoughts, such as when those persons are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is related to devices and methods of use thereof for preventing the spontaneous and rash use of a firearm in an attempt to take one's life and/or the lives of others. An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a firearm chamber safety flag for use with a firearm. The firearm chamber safety flag may include a body portion configured to be slidably received in the chamber of the firearm and a flag portion extending outwardly from the body portion so that the flag portion is readily visible when the body portion is disposed in the chamber. In addition to the flag portion that is a readily visible indicator that the firearm chamber is empty, the safety flag also includes a tag portion operably secured to the flag portion so that the tag portion is readily visible as well. Preferably, the tag portion includes at least contact information related to suicide prevention services, and may also include a space where personalized messages or photos (or other visual reproduction) of a loved one may be visibly stored.

Other embodiments of the disclosure may include a firearm having a frame with a body portion, a chamber configured to receive ammunition, a grip, and a firing mechanism disposed at least partially within the frame. The firearm also includes a firearm chamber safety flag having a body portion configured to be slidably received in the chamber of the firearm and a flag portion extending outwardly from the body portion to indicate the firearm is unloaded. The safety flag also includes a display (e.g., information) portion operably secured to the flag portion so that the flag portion is readily visible when the body portion is disposed in the chamber of the firearm. The flag portion preferably includes contact information related to suicide prevention services and a space where one or more of a personal message or a photo (or other visual depiction) of a loved one may be visibly stored.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a firearm chamber safety flag device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a pistol;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a firearm chamber safety flag device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are left and right side plan views of a firearm chamber safety flag device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a kit configured for delivery of the firearm chamber safety flag device shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B to a person of concern;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the firearm chamber safety flag device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are top plan and side plan views of the firearm chamber safety flag device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows perspective views of firearm chamber safety flag devices, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, installed in semi-automatic pistols;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of prior art firearm chamber safety flags installed in semi-automatic pistols;

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of a prior art firearm chamber safety flag for use with a firearm;

FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of a rifle including a prior art safety magazine device installed in a magazine well thereof;

FIG. 11 is a side plan view of a firearm chamber safety flag device in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a firearm assembly comprising a firearm chamber safety flag device as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” can include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term “a tag” can represent disclosure of embodiments in which a single tag is provided, as well as alternative embodiments in which a plurality of such tags are provided.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. In other aspects, when angular values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that angular values within up to 15 degrees, up to 10 degrees, up to 5 degrees, or up to one degree (above or below) of the particularly stated angular value can be included within the scope of those aspects.

In the following description and claims, wherever the word “comprise” or “include” is used, it is understood that the words “comprise” and “include” can optionally be replaced with the words “consists essentially of” or “consists of” to form another embodiment.

It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a firearm chamber safety flag 50 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The firearm chamber safety flag 50 includes a body portion 52 and a flag portion 54 that extends radially-outwardly therefrom. In the embodiment shown, the body portion 52 is configured to be slidably received in the chamber 12 of a semi-automatic pistol 10, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Optionally, the firearm chamber safety flag 50 also includes a tag portion 58 that is removably connected to the flag portion 54 (for example, by a ring 60 that passes through an eyelet 56 formed in the flag portion 54). In other optional aspects, the tag portion 58 can be integrally or monolithically formed with the flag portion 54 as a single structure, such that the tag portion is disposed on the flag portion. Preferably, a first side 58a of the tag portion 58 includes a sleeve portion 62 that is formed by a transparent panel 64. For example, the transparent panel 64 can be secured to the first side 58a of the tag portion 58 along three of its edges, leaving an open edge 66. The open edge 66 allows the owner of the firearm 10 to slidably insert an item such as, but not limited, to a photo, an inspirational quote, a personal message, scripture, etc., into the sleeve 62. Preferably, any item that is stored in the sleeve portion 62 should be an item that may give a person reason to pause and reflect or the value of life when they may be in a time of despair.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2, a second side 58b of the tag portion 58 preferably includes a display (e.g., information) portion 59. The display portion 59 shown includes a contact phone number for a suicide prevention hotline. Additional information, such as an e-mail address for suicide prevention services, a phone number of a close friend, etc., may also be provided on the second side 58b of the tag portion 58. In alternate embodiments, a writing panel (not shown) may be provided that allows the owner of the firearm 10 to use a pen or pencil to provide a message and/or contact number as desired. As shown in FIG. 2, an alternate embodiment of the firearm chamber safety flag 50a includes an elongated flexible extension 53 disposed on the front end of the body portion 52. The flexible extension 53 is provided so that when the firearm chamber safety flag 50a is properly seated within the chamber 12 of the pistol 10, the distal end of the flexible extension 53 will protrude from the distal end of the barrel 11 of the pistol 10. Note, alternate embodiments of the disclosed invention may include the above described sleeve portion 62 and/or display portion 59 directly on the flag portion 58 of the firearm chamber safety flag. As well, still further embodiments may include sleeve portions 62 and/or display portions 59 on both the flag portion 54 as well as a tag portion 58.

Referring additionally to FIG. 12, to insert the firearm chamber safety flag 50/50a in the chamber 12 of a corresponding pistol 10, the user first pulls the slide 15 rearwardly with respect to the frame 14, thereby accessing the chamber 12 through the ejection port 17 of the slide 15. The user next inserts the front end of the body portion 52 (FIG. 1), or the flexible extension 53 (FIG. 2), of the safety flag 50/50a into the chamber 12 and slides the safety flag 50/50a forwardly in the chamber 12 until the entire body portion 52 is seated in the chamber. The user may now allow the slide 15 to move forwardly on the frame 14 until the slide 15 abuts the rear end of the safety flag 50/50a. In this position, the firearm chamber safety flag 50/50a provides a visual indication that the pistol 10 does not have a round of ammunition in the chamber 12, meaning the pistol 10 is in a safe condition. Moreover, the tag portion 58 of the firearm chamber safety flag 50/50a is visible from a distance, and provides contact information for suicide prevention services should that be necessary. Additionally, the tag portion 58 may also provide a personal message, photo, or other visual display or information that may cause a person to pause and contemplate the value of life, thereby preventing any rash actions. Referring to FIG. 11, in some aspects, the contact information can be provided as raised alphanumerical characters. In this way, the tag portion 58 can provide a tactile experience for the user. In additional aspects, the tag portion 58 can comprise a scannable code, such as a barcode or QR code, that is associated with a web address. In this way, a user can quickly and efficiently access the web address. The web address can be associated with a resource for suicide prevention. For example, the web address can be associated with a Virtual Hope Box. The Virtual Hope Box can store and recall photos of friends and family, sound bites and videos of loved ones and special moments, music, relaxation exercises, games, helpline numbers, and reminders of reasons for living. In additional aspects, the firearm chamber safety flag can have a depiction of a flag, such as the American flag and/or a depiction of an emblem (e.g., an emblem associated with a military group of the user, such as a branch, a unit, a brigade, a company, a platoon, a squad, a division, etc.). In exemplary aspects, the depiction of the flag or emblem can be embossed or otherwise have a three-dimensional profile.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a firearm chamber safety flag 50b in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The firearm chamber safety flag 50b includes a body portion 52b and a flag portion 54b that extends radially-outwardly therefrom. In the embodiment shown, the body portion 52b is configured to be slidably received in the chamber 12 of a semi-automatic pistol 10 (FIGS. 8A and 8B). Additionally, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the firearm chamber safety flag 50b includes an elongated flexible extension 53b disposed on the front end of the body portion 52b. The flexible extension 53b may be passed through the barrel 11 of a pistol 10, or may be passed through the chamber 46 of a cylinder 44 of a revolver 40 (FIG. 6). The firearm chamber safety flag 50b also includes a tag portion 58 that is connected (e.g., removably connected) to or disposed on (e.g., integrally formed with) the flag portion 54b. In the embodiment shown, the tag portion 58 may be in the form of a luggage tag that is attached to the flag portion 54b by a flexible lanyard 57. Preferably, a first side 58a of the tag portion 58 includes a sleeve portion 62 that is formed by a transparent panel 64. The transparent panel 64 is secured to the first side 58a of the tag portion 58 along three of its edges, leaving an open edge 66. The open edge 66 allows the owner of the firearm to slidably insert an item such as, but not limited, to a photo, an inspirational quote, a personal message, scripture, etc., into the sleeve 62. Preferably, any item that is stored in the sleeve portion 62 should be an item that may give a person reason to pause and reflect or the value of life when they may be in a time of despair.

As best seen in FIG. 3B, a second side 58b of the tag portion 58 preferably includes a display (e.g., information) portion 59. The display portion 59 shown includes a contact phone number for a suicide prevention hotline. Additional information, such as an e-mail address for suicide prevention services, a phone number of a close friend, etc., may also be provided on the second side 58b of the tag portion 58. Referring additionally to FIG. 4, a preferred method of presenting a chamber safety flag 50b to an owner of a firearm can be in the form of a kit 90 that preferably includes some or all of the following: a chamber safety flag 50b, a gun lock 92, instructions on how to use the chamber safety flag 50b and/or gun lock 92 with various different types of firearms (i.e., pistols, revolvers, bolt action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, etc.), contact information 94 for suicide prevention and counseling services, scannable QR codes for accessing a Virtual Hope Box, and/or any other additional information that may be useful to at-risk persons.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an alternative embodiment of a firearm chamber safety flag 80 is configured for use with a revolver 40 (FIG. 5) having a frame 42 and a handle 48. The firearm chamber safety flag 80 can include a body portion 82 that is receivable into a chamber 46 of the revolver and a flag portion 84 extending radially-outwardly from a rear end of the body portion 82. As shown, the body portion 82 of the firearm chamber safety flag 80 is in the shape of a typical round of ammunition and is configured to be slidably received within a corresponding chamber 46 of a cylinder 44 of a revolver 40. After insertion of the body portion 82 of the firearm chamber safety flag 80 into the chamber 46, the cylinder 44 may be pivoted back into position within the frame 42 of the revolver 40. Preferably, the chamber 46 in which the firearm chamber safety flag 80 has been inserted should be positioned under the hammer 47 of the revolver. As such, the body portion 82 of the firearm chamber safety flag 80 is disposed directly in front of the hammer 47 of the revolver, meaning the revolver 40 is in a fail-safe position in which it may not be fired as no active ammunition round is positioned in front of the hammer 47. Similar to the previously discussed embodiments, the firearm chamber safety flag 80 may include a sleeve portion 86 disposed on a first side 84a of the flag portion 84. Additionally, the safety flag 80 may include suicide prevention services contact information, such as a phone number or e-mail address, on the second side 84b of the flag portion 84. The sleeve portion 86 of the firearm chamber safety flag 80 is preferably secured along the majority of its perimeter, leaving an opening 87 into which photos, pieces of paper, etc. may be slid.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a firearm safety flag 91 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The firearm safety flag 91 is in the form of a barrel flag and includes an elongated body portion 93. The elongated body portion 93 is configured to be slidably received in the barrel 11 of a firearm (e.g., a semi-automatic pistol 10 or revolver 40 (FIG. 6)). The elongated body portion 93 can be long enough so that when inserted into the barrel of a pistol 10, or barrel and cylinder 44 of a revolver 40, the distal end 93a of the body portion 93 extends outwardly from the corresponding barrel to indicate that the firearm is not loaded. The barrel safety flag 91 also includes a tag portion 58 that is connected (e.g., removably connected) to or disposed on (e.g., integrally formed with) the distal end 93a of the barrel safety flag 91. Similarly to the previously discussed embodiments, the tag portion 58 preferably includes a sleeve portion 62 and a display portion 59 on opposite sides of the tag portion 58.

Referring to FIGS. 3B and 11, in exemplary aspects, the firearm chamber safety flag 50 can comprise a tether extending between and coupling to each of the flag portion 54b and the tag portion 58. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the tether can be the lanyard 57. Optionally, in these aspects, the tether can be removably coupled to the flag portion and the tag portion. In additional aspects, and as illustrated in FIG. 11, the tether can be a chain 102. For example, the chain 102 can be non-removably coupled to each of the flag portion 54b and the tag portion 58. In some aspects, the chain 102 can be 3D printed. In some aspects, the chain can be integrally formed with the flag portion 54b and/or the tag portion 58.

In some aspects, the firearm chamber safety flag 50 can comprise a magnet embedded therein. For example, the magnet can be embedded in one of the flag portion 54b or the tag portion 58. In this way, the magnet can hold (e.g., via magnetic attraction) the firearm chamber safety flag 50 to a surface such as a gun case.

Exemplary Aspects

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A firearm chamber safety flag for use with a firearm including a chamber, the firearm chamber safety flag comprising:

• • a body portion configured to be slidably received in the chamber of the firearm;
  • a flag portion extending outwardly from the body portion so that the flag portion is readily visible when the body portion is disposed in the chamber; and
  • a tag portion operably secured to the flag portion so that the tag portion is readily visible,
  • wherein the tag portion includes one or more of: a photograph or reproduction thereof; a printed message; or contact information related to suicide prevention services.

Aspect 2: The firearm chamber safely flag of aspect 1, wherein the tag portion includes contact information related to suicide prevention services, and wherein the contact information comprises a phone number.

Aspect 3: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 2, wherein the contact information further comprises an email address.

Aspect 4: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 2, wherein the tag portion further comprises a sleeve portion configured to slidably receive an object therein.

Aspect 5: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 4, wherein the sleeve portion further comprises a transparent panel that is secured to a portion of the firearm chamber safety flag such that an opening remains on a perimeter of the transparent panel so that the object may be slidably inserted into the sleeve portion.

Aspect 6: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 5, wherein the tag portion is disposed on the flag portion.

Aspect 7: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 5, wherein the tag portion is removably secured to the flag portion, and wherein the tag portion includes a display portion.

Aspect 8: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 2, wherein the tag portion further comprises a writing surface that is configured to be written on with a pen or pencil.

Aspect 9: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 1, further comprising a tether extending between and coupling to each of the flag portion and the tag portion.

Aspect 10: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 9, wherein the tether comprises a chain.

Aspect 11: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 9, wherein the tether is non-removably coupled to each of the flag portion and the tag portion.

Aspect 12: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 11, wherein the tether comprises a 3D printed chain.

Aspect 13: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 2, wherein the contact information is provided as raised alphanumerical characters.

Aspect 14: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 1, wherein the tag portion further comprises a scannable code associated with a web address.

Aspect 15: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 14, wherein the scannable code comprises a QR code.

Aspect 16: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 1, further comprising a magnet embedded in one of the flag portion or the tag portion.

Aspect 17: A firearm assembly, comprising:

• • a firearm including a chamber;
  • a firearm chamber safety flag comprising:
    • a body portion configured to be slidably received in the chamber of the firearm;
    • a flag portion extending outwardly from the body portion; and
    • a tag portion operably secured to the flag portion so that the tag portion is readily visible when the body portion is disposed in the chamber of the firearm,
    • wherein the tag portion includes one or more of: a photograph or reproduction thereof; a printed message; or contact information related to suicide prevention services.

Aspect 18: The firearm assembly of aspect 17, wherein the tag portion includes contact information related to suicide prevention services, wherein the contact information comprises a phone number.

Aspect 19: The firearm assembly of aspect 18, wherein the contact information further comprises an email address.

Aspect 20: The firearm assembly of aspect 18, wherein the tag portion further comprises a sleeve portion configured to slidably receive an object therein.

Aspect 21: The firearm assembly of aspect 20, wherein the sleeve portion further comprises a transparent panel that is secured to a portion of the firearm chamber safety flag such that an opening remains on a perimeter of the transparent panel, the opening being configured to slidably receive the object therein.

Aspect 22: The firearm assembly of aspect 21, wherein the tag portion is disposed on the flag portion.

Aspect 23: The firearm assembly of aspect 21, wherein the tag portion of the firearm chamber safety flag is removably secured to the flag portion, and wherein the tag portion includes a display portion.

Aspect 24: The firearm assembly of aspect 18, wherein the tag portion further comprises a writing surface that is configured to be written on with a pen or pencil.

Aspect 25: The firearm assembly of aspect 17, wherein the firearm comprises a semi-automatic pistol.

Aspect 26: The firearm assembly of aspect 17, wherein the firearm comprises a revolver.

Aspect 27: A firearm chamber safety flag for use with a firearm including a chamber, the firearm chamber safety flag comprising:

• • a body portion configured to be slidably received in the firearm to prevent or inhibit firing of the firearm; and
  • a tag portion operably secured to the body portion so that the tag portion is readily visible, wherein the tag portion includes one or more of: a photograph or reproduction thereof; a printed message; or contact information related to suicide prevention services.

Aspect 28: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 27, further comprising a flag portion extending outwardly from the body portion so that the flag portion is readily visible when the body portion is disposed in the chamber, wherein the tag portion is coupled to the flag portion.

Aspect 29: The firearm chamber safety flag of aspect 27, wherein the body portion is receivable into the barrel through the muzzle of the barrel.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A firearm chamber safety flag for use with a firearm including a chamber, the firearm chamber safety flag comprising: a body portion configured to be slidably received in the chamber of the firearm;a flag portion extending outwardly from the body portion so that the flag portion is readily visible when the body portion is disposed in the chamber; anda tag portion operably secured to the flag portion so that the tag portion is readily visible,wherein the tag portion includes one or more of: a photograph or reproduction thereof; a printed message; or contact information related to suicide prevention services.

2. The firearm chamber safely flag of claim 1, wherein the tag portion includes contact information related to suicide prevention services, and wherein the contact information comprises a phone number.

3. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 2, wherein the contact information further comprises an email address.

4. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 2, wherein the tag portion further comprises a sleeve portion configured to slidably receive an object therein.

5. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 4, wherein the sleeve portion further comprises a transparent panel that is secured to a portion of the firearm chamber safety flag such that an opening remains on a perimeter of the transparent panel so that the object may be slidably inserted into the sleeve portion.

6. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 5, wherein the tag portion is disposed on the flag portion.

7. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 5, wherein the tag portion is removably secured to the flag portion, and wherein the tag portion includes a display portion.

8. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 2, wherein the tag portion further comprises a writing surface that is configured to be written on with a pen or pencil.

9. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 1, further comprising a tether extending between and coupling to each of the flag portion and the tag portion.

10. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 9, wherein the tether comprises a chain.

11. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 9, wherein the tether is non-removably coupled to each of the flag portion and the tag portion.

12. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 11, wherein the tether comprises a 3D printed chain.

13. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 2, wherein the contact information is provided as raised alphanumerical characters.

14. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 1, wherein the tag portion further comprises a scannable code associated with a web address.

15. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 14, wherein the scannable code comprises a QR code.

16. The firearm chamber safety flag of claim 1, further comprising a magnet embedded in one of the flag portion or the tag portion.

17. A firearm assembly, comprising: a firearm including a chamber;a firearm chamber safety flag comprising: a body portion configured to be slidably received in the chamber of the firearm;a flag portion extending outwardly from the body portion; anda tag portion operably secured to the flag portion so that the tag portion is readily visible when the body portion is disposed in the chamber of the firearm,wherein the tag portion includes one or more of: a photograph or reproduction thereof; a printed message; or contact information related to suicide prevention services.

18. The firearm assembly of claim 17, wherein the tag portion includes contact information related to suicide prevention services, wherein the contact information comprises a phone number.

19. The firearm assembly of claim 18, wherein the contact information further comprises an email address.

20. A firearm chamber safety flag for use with a firearm including a chamber, the firearm chamber safety flag comprising: a body portion configured to be slidably received in the firearm to prevent or inhibit firing of the firearm; anda tag portion operably secured to the body portion so that the tag portion is readily visible, wherein the tag portion includes one or more of: a photograph or reproduction thereof; a printed message; or contact information related to suicide prevention services.