Locking gun display assembly

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 12256839
  • Patent Number
    12,256,839
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, December 29, 2022
    2 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, March 25, 2025
    16 days ago
Abstract
An assembly is configured for use with a firearm having a trigger guard. The assembly includes a firearm holder comprising a body and a trigger peg. The body includes an internal channel, a plunger lock, and a lock plate comprising a first interlock surface. The trigger peg includes a stem and a trigger flange. The stem is configured for insertion through the trigger guard and into the internal channel, the stem including a second interlock surface configured to mate with the first interlock surface. The trigger flange is sized to not pass through the trigger guard. A method of securing a firearm having a trigger guard is described. The method includes positioning the trigger guard at a body of a firearm holder, inserting a stem of a trigger peg through the trigger guard and into the body of the firearm holder, and locking the trigger peg to the body.
Description
BACKGROUND

For promoting sales of firearms, retailers often wish to display their inventory for easy perusal by customers. However, the displayed firearms should also be secured against unauthorized handling. A conventional secure storage unit for firearms, such as a gun safe, often has a disadvantage of hiding the secured firearms from view, thereby requiring the time and attention of a sales person in order to even allow a customer to visually inspect the merchandise. Other displays that do not visually obscure the merchandise may not provide a high level of security. For example, locks may be used to secure the cabinet doors of display cabinets. However, breaking a single lock on a display cabinet door could allow a thief to access all of the firearms housed in the cabinet.


SUMMARY

In one aspect, an assembly is configured for use with a firearm having a trigger guard. The assembly comprises a firearm holder comprising a body and a trigger peg. The body comprise an internal channel, a plunger lock, and a lock plate comprising a first interlock surface. The trigger peg comprises a stem and a trigger flange. The stem is configured for insertion through the trigger guard and into the internal channel, the stem comprising a second interlock surface configured to mate with the first interlock surface. The trigger flange is sized to not pass through the trigger guard.


In another aspect, a method of securing a firearm having a trigger guard is described. The method comprises positioning the trigger guard at a body of a firearm holder, inserting a stem of a trigger peg through the trigger guard and into the body of the firearm holder, and locking the trigger peg to the body of the firearm holder.


This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. All descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments, unless otherwise specified.



FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembly of an exemplary locking firearm holder with a firearm held thereby.



FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a plurality of such assemblies arranged in a cabinet.



FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a firearm holder (with a firearm) configured and positioned for slidable mounting on a rail.



FIG. 4 is a perspective view of multiple such firearm holders mounted on the rail.



FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the exemplary firearm holder in an unlocked configuration, and with a firearm support wire.



FIG. 6 is a right perspective view of the exemplary firearm holder in a locked configuration, without a firearm support wire.



FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the exemplary firearm holder with a key to the lock positioned for insertion.



FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of the exemplary firearm holder in a locked configuration.



FIG. 9A is a partial interior view of the firearm holder in an unlocked configuration; a left plate of body 112 (along line 9-9 of FIG. 8) has been removed.



FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the components of FIG. 9A.



FIG. 10A is a partial interior view of the firearm holder in a locked configuration, as in FIG. 8; a left plate of body 112 (along line 9-9 of FIG. 8) has been removed.



FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of the components of FIG. 10A.



FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a securing bracket configured for insertion into the shell ejection slot and magazine well of a firearm.



FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cable configured for use with the bracket of FIG. 11.



FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a firearm with the securing bracket being inserted into its shell ejection slot.



FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 13 but shows full insertion of the securing bracket into the firearm, through its shell ejection slot and into and through its magazine well.



FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the firearm with one end of the cable inserted into an aperture of the securing bracket.



FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view showing the firearm holder with a firearm; a first end of the cable is inserted through a holder aperture.



FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view showing insertion of the cable through the securing bracket that has been inserted into the shell ejection slot and the magazine well of the firearm.



FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view showing the first end of the cable positioned for insertion into a notch of the locking plate of the firearm holder.



FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a firearm locked and secured in the firearm holder with the cable assembly.



FIG. 20 is a right bottom perspective view of a locked firearm holder with an inserted cable.





While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure.


The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise.


The same or similar reference numerals are used in different figures for the same or similar elements. All descriptions of an element also apply to all other versions of that element unless otherwise stated. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments, and the terminology is not intended to be limiting. Unless indicated otherwise, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps in a group of elements or steps and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation on the elements or steps of the embodiments thereof. For example, “first,” “second,” and “third” elements or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the embodiments thereof need not necessarily be limited to three elements or steps. Unless indicated otherwise, any labels such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “forward,” “reverse,” “clockwise,” “counter clockwise,” “up,” “down,” or other similar terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “aft,” “fore,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “proximal,” “distal,” “intermediate” and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. The singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION


FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary firearm holder 30 with a firearm 106 locked therein. FIG. 2 is a front view of a plurality of such firearm holders 30 with locked firearms 106 arranged in a display cabinet 108. As shown in FIG. 1, the firearm 106 is locked into the firearm holder 30 by a part of the holder 30 that is inserted through the firearm's trigger guard. Additionally, the firearm 106 is held in some cases by a support wire 36 attached to the firearm holder 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the firearm holder 30 is mounted on rail 32 that is in turn attached to vertical support 100 on wall 130.


Suitable firearms 106 for use with the described firearm holder 30 include automatic rifles, semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, pistols, airsoft guns, pellet guns, BB guns (e.g., steel ball guns), or paintball guns, for example. As illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, some firearms 106 have stocks 105 and muzzles or barrels 107.


As show in FIGS. 2-4, 7 and 16, in exemplary embodiments, rail 32 is secured to a structure, such as a vertical support 100 or wall 130 of cabinet 108 by mounting brackets 128 at each end of rail 32. The mounting brackets 128 may include a hook, a z-clip, teeth, or other feature configured to engage a support structure, such as a support 100, wall 130, cabinet 108, a safe housing, or another structure. In some implementations, the rail 32 and/or mounting bracket 128 may be fastened to the support structure using screws, nails, or other fasteners.



FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a rail 32 configured for receipt of a firearm holder 30 positioned for sliding thereon in insertion direction 38. FIG. 4 shows that a plurality of such fire arm holders 30 can be slid onto rail 32 in direction 38. Mounting bracket 128 is secured to each end of rail 32 by insertion of its track 132 into an open channel of the rail 32. The mounting brackets 128 are secured to the ends of rails 32 by fasteners 134, which are configured to pass through aligned apertures of rail 32 and track 132 of mounting bracket 128.


In some exemplary embodiments, holder 30 includes an opening 34 sized to receive rail 32. In an exemplary embodiment, opening 34 has a height of 1 and 9/16 inches and a width of 13/16 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, rail 32 extends through opening 34 of holder 30, which can slide onto and off of rail 32 for adjustable spacing between adjacent holders 30. In the illustrated examples, the rail opening 34 has a substantially rectangular shape, which matches the profile of the rail 32 and which prevents rotation of the mounted firearm holder components relative to the rail 32. In an exemplary embodiment, rail 32 is a bar, rod, beam, or other rigid elongated element made of steel, carbon fiber, another metal or material or any combination thereof.



FIGS. 3 and 4 show that the holder 30 can be adjustably placed on rail 32 by sliding along the rail 32 to achieve a desired distance between adjacent holders 30, to accommodate different lengths of firearms 106. Thus, any number of holders 30 can be placed on a rail 32, and any number of rails 32 can be placed in a cabinet 108 or on a display wall 130. Thus, a vertical display space can securely and visibly display any number of firearms 106.


If a user wishes to maintain the relative spacing and positions of holders 30 on rail 32, some embodiments have a rail positioning flange 66 (labeled in FIG. 1) proximate rail opening 34. As shown in FIG. 1, rail positioning flange 66 has apertures 68, each configured to accept a set screw or other fastener for engagement with a front surface 78 of rail 32. Thus, after a user has slid each holder 30 to a desired position on rail 32, the user can insert a fastener such as a set screw into the aperture 68 to fix the respective holder 30 to the rail 32 in the desired position. In exemplary embodiments, flange 66 is configured with upper and lower lips 80 so that the flange 66 can hold a display label 82 such as a price tag or other informational card, for example.


As shown in FIGS. 5-10B, an exemplary firearm holder 30 is configured for secure display of a firearm 106, though the firearm is not depicted in these drawings so that structures of the holder 30 are more clearly visible. In an exemplary embodiment, firearm holder 30 includes body 112 and trigger peg 110. Body 112 includes aperture 34 configured for mounting and sliding on rail 32. In an exemplary embodiment, body 112 includes an engagement flange 114 that is larger than a trigger assembly or trigger guard 104 on firearm 106 (labeled in FIGS. 13-15). The engagement flange 114 may be coated with rubber, silicon, or another material to prevent scratching of the surface of the firearm 106. The engagement flange 114 may contact the trigger assembly of the firearm 106 on a back side thereof.


In an exemplary embodiment, trigger peg 110 also includes a trigger guard flange 116, which may be coated with a rubber, silicon, or another material to prevent scratching of the surface of the firearm 106. The trigger guard flange 116 may contact the trigger assembly of the firearm 106 on a front side of the firearm 106, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 16-19. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, trigger peg 110 includes a toothed stem 70 that is configured for insertion through the trigger guard of the firearm 106 and into opening 72 in body 112. Toothed stem 70 is configured for locking engagement with a complementarily toothed lock plate 74 (labeled in FIGS. 5 and 9A-10B) in body 112. The stem 70 and lock plate 74 are held in an engaged, locked configuration by lock 102, which in an exemplary embodiment is a plunger lock with plunger pin 142 configured to extend through pin aperture 98 of lock plate 74, as shown in FIGS. 9A-10B. As shown in FIG. 1 for example, when the trigger peg 110 is secured to the body 112, the firearm 106 is secured between engagement flange 114 and trigger guard flange 116 and cannot be removed without unlocking the lock 102 using key 96.


As shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 20 for example, a support wire 36 is inserted through aperture 92 (labeled in FIGS. 9B and 10B) in body 112 and can be secured in its aperture by a set screw or similar fastener (not shown) inserted through aperture 118 of engagement flange 114. In an exemplary embodiment, support wire 36 is a malleable yet strong repositionable wire that can be shaped in various curved configurations to serve as a support for the barrel and trigger handle of a firearm 106, as shown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, support wire 36 is formed of a 0.85-foot-long segment of one-quarter inch diameter copper wire covered with a non-scratch polymer sleeve. Moreover, the support wire 36, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, can be capped at both ends with rubber end caps 120 to maintain the non-scratch polymer sleeve over the copper wire.


In many drawings, support wire 36 is depicted as hanging downward, so that it does not obscure other structures of the firearm holder 30. However, it is expected that in use, a user will bend the support wire 36 to custom form a support structure for a firearm 106 to the size and shape and desired support orientation, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, for example. Support wire 36 is an optional component and can be removed from firearm holder when its use with a particular firearm 106 is not desired.


Returning to FIGS. 5-8, in an exemplary embodiment, body 112 of firearm holder 30 includes a reinforcement cylinder 122 disposed around the lock 102. In an exemplary embodiment, reinforcement cylinder 122 is formed of steel or another rigid material to protect lock 102 from tampering, such as an attempt to break off lock 102.



FIGS. 9A-10B are partial interior views of the firearm holder 30, as viewed at line 9-9 of FIG. 8. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the firearm holder 30 in an unlocked state and FIGS. 10A and 10B show the firearm holder 30 in a locked state. Stem 70 of trigger peg 110 in an exemplary embodiment includes a serrated edge 84 that is configured to securely mate with a corresponding serrated edge 86 of lock plate 74. As illustrated, the interlocking edges 84, 86 have complimentary teeth; however, other interlocking edge structures are suitable, such as projections and recesses; undulating waves, dentils, and barbs and notches, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, interlocking edges 84, 86 can mesh in various depth positions of stem 70 in channel 90. Thus, the spacing between engagement flange 114 and trigger lock flange 116 can vary to accommodate different thicknesses of firearms 106 at their trigger guards 104. FIGS. 9B and 10B show stem 70 fully inserted into channel 90. However, if a wider gap is desired between engagement flange 114 and trigger lock flange 116, stem 70 can be inserted into channel 90 so that the teeth of edge 84 are indexed one tooth width to the right compared to the teeth of serrated edge 86.


To lock a firearm holder 30, a user pivots lock plate 74 about pivot pin 88 so that the complimentarily serrated edges 84 and 86 mate, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Channel 90 in body 112 is dimensioned to closely fit the contours of stem 70 so that when the lock plate 74 is pivoted up as in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the trigger peg 110 cannot be pulled out of the body 112. Once the lock plate 74 is in the raised position shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a user takes key 96 (see FIGS. 7 and 19) and inserts it into lock 102; manipulating or rotating the key 96 moves the plunger pin 142 of lock 102 to advance the pin into aperture 98 of lock plate 74 to thereby retain the lock plate in the raised position, wherein the trigger peg 110 is securely held by its stem 70 in the holder body 112. While particular structures of interlocking stem 70 and lock plate 74 are illustrated and described, it is contemplated that any interlocking structures could alternatively or additionally be used. For example, rather than complimentary serrated edges, the stem 70 and lock plate 74 could include complimentary ridges, notches, depressions, protrusions, or other mechanical locking structures.



FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a securing bracket 40 configured for insertion into the shell ejection slot and magazine well of a firearm that has such structures. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cable 42 configured for use with the bracket 40. In an exemplary embodiment, securing bracket 40 is made of a bent plate, wherein first section 44 is bent at an acute angle θ relative to middle or second section 46. In an exemplary embodiment, securing bracket 40 is made of hardened steel so that it is resistant to bending, cutting, and other deformation. Third section 48 is bent at an obtuse angle β relative to the second or middle section 46. The securing bracket 40 is configured with an overall length and width so that the middle and third sections 46, 48 may be inserted into the magazine well 59 of a firearm, while the first section 44 remains outside of a shell ejection slot 60 of the firearm 106, as shown in FIGS. 13-15 and explained further below. As such, particular dimensions of securing bracket 40 can vary, dependent upon the firearm on which it is designed to be used, though suitable dimensions include a width of up to about two inches and a length (vertically) as shown in FIG. 11 of about 5 inches. The acute angle θ is small enough that the first section 44 is prevented from following the second section 46 into the magazine well 59 of the firearm 106. The third section 48 includes an aperture 50 therethrough defined by a hardened steel nut 52 welded into the third section 48, and is long enough that the aperture 50 is readily accessible below a bottom of the magazine well 59.



FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cable 42 configured for use with the securing bracket 40. In an exemplary embodiment, cable 42 includes a multi-strand uncoated wire cord 54 that is resistant to cutting by standard tools. Cable 42 has a small end 56 and a large end 58. A suitable uncoated cable made of hot-dipped galvanized metal and having ¼″ diameter is commercially available from Rigging Warehouse Company of Saugerties, NY (on the internet at riggingwarehouse.com) under model name/number 106-GAC9/250-1000 Uncoated Galvanized Air Craft Cable ¼″×1000′ 7×19 (7 strands and 19 wires per strand for high flexibility). In an exemplary embodiment, cable 42 has a breaking strength of about 7,000 pounds and a working load limit of about 1,400 pounds. An exemplary cable 42 weighs about 0.11 pound per foot of length and adheres to federal specification RR-W-410H. Cable 42 can be of any length, as suitable to provide structure to perform the described functions.


In an exemplary embodiment, small end 56 comprises a hardened steel stud that has a smaller diameter than aperture 50 of securing bracket 40. Large end 58 in an exemplary embodiment comprises a hardened steel disk with a larger diameter than aperture 50. A suitable disk for large end 58 is made of 2H hardened steel or a laser cut part of similar material and having ⅝″ diameter. An exemplary part is commercially available from Fastenal Company of Winona, MN under model name/number 0169703⅝″-11 ASTM A194 Grade 2H Plain Finish Steel Jam Nut Heavy.



FIGS. 13 and 14 show insertion of securing bracket 40, with the leading end for insertion being third section 48, into the shell ejection slot 60 of a firearm 106. The illustrated firearm has stock 105 and muzzle 107. As shown in FIG. 14, because of the acute angle θ between first section 44 and middle section 46, the first section 44 remains outside of the shell ejection slot 60 while the middle section 46 is inside the firearm 106 and the third section 48 hangs below the magazine well 59 of the firearm 106. Moreover, the acute angle θ positions a front surface of the first section 44 outward and forward, toward a viewer, to offer a prominent location for display of a company name, logo or other visual indicia. The obtuse angle β allows for insertion of securing bracket 40 into a shell ejection slot 60 located on a side wall of the magazine well 59, allowing the securing bracket 40 to maneuver through the limited depth space of magazine well 59. Additionally, the obtuse angle β between the middle section 46 and the third section 48 brings the third section forward toward a user for easy access to aperture 50 which is disposed below a bottom of magazine well 59 (on a right side of the firearm 106).



FIG. 15 shows insertion of small end 56 of cable 42 through aperture 50. The cable assembly is configured so that large end 58 is too large to pass through aperture 50. With cable 42 inserted into aperture 50 of securing bracket 40, the securing bracket 40 cannot be withdrawn from the shell ejection slot 60 and magazine well of firearm 106.


As shown in FIG. 16, in an exemplary embodiment, a firearm holder 30 includes aperture 62. In an exemplary embodiment, aperture 62 may be dimensioned similarly to aperture 50 of securing bracket 40, to thereby allow passage of small end 56 of cable 42 but restrict passage of large end 58 therethrough. A user can pull cord 54 of cable 42 to the right direction as illustrated only to the extent that large diameter portion 58 contacts body 112 and is prevented from passing through aperture 62 because of the relatively larger size of large end 58. FIG. 17 shows that the small end 56 of cable 42 is then passed through the aperture 50 of securing bracket 40 which has been inserted into the shell ejection slot 60 and magazine well 59 of the firearm 106. FIG. 18 shows that the cord 54 is then inserted into notch 94 of lock plate 74. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B, notch 94 in lock plate 74 and cooperating notch 64 in holder body 112 are sized to allow insertion of cord 54 while preventing small end 56 from pulling through.


As shown in FIG. 19, a user then pivots lock plate 74 upward into body 112 to enclose cord 54 within an opening formed by the cooperating notches 64 and 94 (an opening smaller than the small end 56 of cable 42). With this action, the user also engages the cooperating serrated edges 84, 86—of toothed stem 70 and lock plate 74 respectively—internally within body 112. The user inserts and actuates key 96 in lock 102 to advance the plunger pin 142 of the lock into pin aperture 98 of lock plate 74. This locking retains cord 54 of cable assembly 42 in the enclosure defined by combined notches 64, 94 and also locks together the tooth connections of lock plate 74 and tooth stem 70, preventing removal of trigger peg 110 from body 112. A suitable lock with corresponding key is commercially available from Kenstan Lock Company of Plainview, New York under the model K2 Keymatic. However, any style of plunger lock can be used. The cable assembly of FIGS. 11-19 is designed for use in securing firearms 106 to a firearm display holder 30 as illustrated but can also be used in firearm safes and other holders not designed in particular for display.



FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary firearm holder 30 with support wire 36 and cable 42. The cable assembly of securing bracket 40 and cable 42, used with firearm holder 30, redundantly locks the firearm 106 to the firearm holder 30 in a visually unobtrusive manner to provide security while allowing full view of the firearm 106. The firearm holder 30 described above provides a number of advantages over conventional firearm displays. Each firearm holder 30 includes a lock mechanism to secure all firearms 106 positioned therein, preventing removal and preventing discharge of each such firearm 106. The lock 102 secures the firearm 106 to the firearm holder 30 without obscuring the firearm 106, allowing a consumer to view the firearm 106 in a retail environment or allowing an owner to display the firearm 106 in a cabinet or a gun safe. Moreover, adding the cable assembly of securing bracket 40 and cable 42 to the use of firearm holders 30 adds a second layer of security while enabling full view of the firearms.


Non-limiting embodiments of an assembly and method are described. In an exemplary embodiment, an assembly is configured for use with a firearm 106 having a trigger guard 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly comprises a firearm holder 30 comprising a body 112 and a trigger peg 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 112 comprises an internal channel 90, a plunger lock 102, and a lock plate 74 comprising a first interlock surface 86. In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger peg 110 comprises a stem 70 and a trigger flange 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the stem 70 is configured for insertion through the trigger guard 104 and into the internal channel 90, the stem 70 comprising a second interlock surface 84 configured to mate with the first interlock surface 86. In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger flange 114 is sized to not pass through the trigger guard 104.


In an exemplary embodiment, the lock plate 74 is pivotally connected to the body 112. In an exemplary embodiment, a support wire 36 is configured for insertion through the body 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 112 comprises a reinforcement cylinder 122 surrounding the plunger lock 102. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second interlock surfaces 86, 84 comprises a serrated edge. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock plate 74 comprises a pin aperture 98 for receipt of a plunger pin 142 of the plunger lock 102.


In an exemplary embodiment, assembly comprises a rail 32, and the body 12 comprises a first aperture 34 configured for slidable mounting on the rail 32. In an exemplary embodiment, the firearm holder 30 comprises a rail positioning flange 66. In an exemplary embodiment, the rail positioning flange 66 comprises a lip 80 configured to retain a label 82. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly comprises a plurality of said firearm holders 30 disposed on the rail 32. In an exemplary embodiment, the rail 32 is mounted to a vertical support 100, 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the rail 32 is mounted in a cabinet 108.


In an exemplary embodiment, the firearm 106 has a shell ejection slot 60, and the assembly comprises a bracket 40 and a cable 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket 40 is configured for partial insertion into the shell ejection slot 60, and the bracket 40 comprises a bracket aperture 50. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable 42 comprises a cord 54, a large end 58 and a small end 56, wherein the small end 56 is configured to pass through the bracket aperture 50. In an exemplary embodiment, the firearm holder 30 comprises a holder aperture 62 dimensioned to permit passage of the small end 56 of the cable 42 but prevent passage of the large end 58 of the cable 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 112 comprises a first notch 64, and the lock plate 74 comprises a second notch 94, wherein the first notch 64 and the second notch 94 are configured to overlap to form a plate aperture that surrounds the cord 54 and prevents passage of the small end 56 of the cable 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket 40 comprises a front plate 44 and a tail 46, 48, wherein the tail 46, 48 is disposed at an acute angle θ relative to the front plate 44, and the bracket aperture 50 is disposed on the tail 46, 48.


In an exemplary embodiment, a method of securing a firearm 106 having a trigger guard 104 comprises positioning the trigger guard 104 at a body 112 of a firearm holder 30, inserting a stem 70 of a trigger peg 110 through the trigger guard 104 and into the body 112 of the firearm holder 30, and locking the trigger peg 110 to the body 112 of the firearm holder 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises retaining the trigger guard 104 between the body 112 of the firearm holder 30 and a trigger flange 116 of the trigger peg 110. In an exemplary embodiment, locking the trigger peg 110 to the body 112 of the firearm holder 30 comprises manipulating a key 96 of a plunger lock 102 of the body 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises pivoting a lock plate 74 of the body 112 into contact with the stem 70 before manipulating the key 96.


Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, and vice-versa.

Claims
  • 1. An assembly configured for use with a firearm having a trigger guard, the assembly comprising: a rail; anda firearm holder comprising: a body comprising: an internal channel;a plunger lock;a lock plate comprising a first interlock surface; anda first aperture configured for slidable mounting on the rail; anda trigger peg comprising: a stem configured for insertion through the trigger guard and into the internal channel, the stem comprising a second interlock surface configured to mate with the first interlock surface; anda trigger flange sized to not pass through the trigger guard.
  • 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the lock plate is pivotally connected to the body.
  • 3. The assembly of claim 1 comprising a support wire configured for insertion through the body.
  • 4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a reinforcement cylinder surrounding the plunger lock.
  • 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the firearm holder comprises a rail positioning flange.
  • 6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the rail positioning flange comprises a lip configured to retain a label.
  • 7. The assembly of claim 1 comprising a plurality of said firearm holders disposed on the rail.
  • 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the rail is mounted to a vertical support.
  • 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the rail is mounted in a cabinet.
  • 10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the firearm has a shell ejection slot, the assembly comprising: a bracket configured for partial insertion into the shell ejection slot, the bracket comprising a bracket aperture; anda cable comprising a cord, a large end and a small end, wherein the small end is configured to pass through the bracket aperture.
  • 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the firearm holder comprises a holder aperture dimensioned to permit passage of the small end of the cable but prevent passage of the large end of the cable.
  • 12. The assembly of claim 10 wherein: the body comprises a first notch; andthe lock plate comprises a second notch;wherein the first notch and the second notch are configured to overlap to form a plate aperture that surrounds the cord and prevents passage of the small end of the cable.
  • 13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the bracket comprises a front plate and a tail, wherein: the tail is disposed at an acute angle relative to the front plate; andthe bracket aperture is disposed on the tail.
  • 14. An assembly configured for use with a firearm having a trigger guard, the assembly comprising: a firearm holder comprising: a body comprising: an internal channel;a plunger lock; anda lock plate comprising a first interlock surface; anda trigger peg comprising: a stem configured for insertion through the trigger guard and into the internal channel, the stem comprising a second interlock surface configured to mate with the first interlock surface, wherein each of the first and second interlock surfaces comprises a serrated edge; anda trigger flange sized to not pass through the trigger guard.
  • 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the lock plate is pivotally connected to the body.
  • 16. The assembly of claim 14 comprising a support wire configured for insertion through the body.
  • 17. An assembly configured for use with a firearm having a trigger guard, the assembly comprising: a firearm holder comprising: a body comprising: an internal channel;a plunger lock; anda lock plate comprising a first interlock surface, wherein the lock plate comprises a pin aperture for receipt of a plunger pin of the plunger lock; anda trigger peg comprising: a stem configured for insertion through the trigger guard and into the internal channel, the stem comprising a second interlock surface configured to mate with the first interlock surface; anda trigger flan e sized to not pass through the trigger guard.
  • 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the lock plate is pivotally connected to the body.
  • 19. The assembly of claim 17 comprising a support wire configured for insertion through the body.
  • 20. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the body comprises a reinforcement cylinder surrounding the plunger lock.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of Provisional U.S. Patent Application 63/299,235 filed Jan. 13, 2022 for “Cable Assembly for Securing Firearms.” This application also claims the benefit of priority of Provisional U.S. Patent Application 63/336,029 filed Apr. 28, 2022 for “Handgun Display Assembly with Locking Apparatus.” The contents of these priority applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

US Referenced Citations (61)
Number Name Date Kind
2664658 Bjorklund Jan 1954 A
2958422 Caloiero Nov 1960 A
3392471 Foote Jul 1968 A
3422560 Foote Jan 1969 A
3616559 Sobolewski Nov 1971 A
3624945 Foote Dec 1971 A
3637180 Parry Jan 1972 A
3664163 Foote May 1972 A
3927923 Kimmel Dec 1975 A
4139100 Reed Feb 1979 A
4182453 Worswick Jan 1980 A
4198026 Capolupo Apr 1980 A
4204601 Thomas May 1980 A
4328687 Ritchie May 1982 A
4335872 Caplis et al. Jun 1982 A
4461385 Clouser Jun 1984 A
4624372 Brolin Nov 1986 A
4696405 Waring Sep 1987 A
5020259 Mossberg Jun 1991 A
5022534 Briggs Jun 1991 A
5022536 Pierson Jun 1991 A
5048212 Mossberg Sep 1991 A
5287972 Saathoff Feb 1994 A
5325686 Bentley Jul 1994 A
5437119 Womack Aug 1995 A
5524772 Simmons Jun 1996 A
5535537 Avganim Jul 1996 A
5548915 Szarmach Aug 1996 A
5579923 Hemmerlein Dec 1996 A
5638627 Klein Jun 1997 A
5755054 Tuller May 1998 A
5934112 Rice et al. Aug 1999 A
6052934 Carpenter Apr 2000 A
6142313 Young Nov 2000 A
6256920 Olson Jul 2001 B1
6308540 Lee Oct 2001 B1
6330815 Duncan Dec 2001 B1
6336283 Ortiz Jan 2002 B1
6393750 Rossini May 2002 B1
6405469 Walsh Jun 2002 B1
6804906 Olsen Oct 2004 B1
6863185 Mele et al. Mar 2005 B2
7281397 Victor Oct 2007 B2
7478892 Punzel et al. Jan 2009 B2
7584566 Victor Sep 2009 B2
7770740 Punzel Aug 2010 B2
8347664 Bishir, Jr. Jan 2013 B2
9198512 Moayeri Dec 2015 B1
10072904 Binns Sep 2018 B2
10180297 Post Jan 2019 B2
10401106 McMurray Sep 2019 B1
12007186 Eckelkamp Jun 2024 B2
20030213273 Vercoe Nov 2003 A1
20040129038 Vercoe Jul 2004 A1
20040164036 Cummins Aug 2004 A1
20050145585 Pintar Jul 2005 A1
20060283820 Peters et al. Dec 2006 A1
20070024165 Moulton Feb 2007 A1
20120152767 Harry Jun 2012 A1
20150033609 Herdman Feb 2015 A1
20170122010 McCanna May 2017 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (4)
Number Date Country
2337325 Jul 1977 FR
2445210 Mar 2011 GB
2020117697 Jun 2020 WO
2021005262 Jan 2021 WO
Provisional Applications (2)
Number Date Country
63336029 Apr 2022 US
63299235 Jan 2022 US