Firearm trigger proximity alarm
View Patent ↗A proximity alarm for a firearm having a trigger and a trigger guard is disclosed. The proximity alarm is for detecting when an object, such as a user's finger, enters the space between the trigger and the trigger guard, whereupon the proximity alarm alerts the user and any surround individuals that the object is in a position to depress the trigger to fire the firearm. An embodiment for mounting the proximity alarm onto an existing firearm is disclosed, as well as another embodiment wherein the proximity alarm is incorporated into the firearm itself to form a total firearm safety system. In the first embodiment, the proximity alarm includes an enclosure mounted proximate to the trigger guard of the firearm. The enclosure includes a firearm mounting means and at least one proximity sensor cooperating in such a way that an included proximity sensor is positioned to detect the object entering between the trigger and the trigger guard. The proximity alarm further includes an alarm circuit electrically connected to the proximity sensor and housed in the enclosure or, in the embodiment wherein the proximity alarm is incorporated into the firearm, within the firearm itself. The alarm circuit includes a power source, such as a battery, and an alarm means, such as an audio alarm, a visual alarm, or a tactile alarm. The alarm means may further include a wireless transmitter that transmits an alarm signal to a remote alarm unit for remote monitoring of the firearm.
1. A proximity alarm for a firearm having a trigger and a trigger guard, the proximity alarm comprising:
an enclosure mounted proximate to the trigger guard, the enclosure including a firearm mounting means;
at least one proximity sensor fixed substantially within the housing and positioned to detect an object entering between the trigger and the trigger guard;
an alarm circuit electrically connected to the at least one proximity sensor, the alarm circuit housed in the enclosure and including a power source and an alarm means;
whereby when the object enters between the trigger and the trigger guard, the proximity sensor detects the object, causing the alarm circuit to activate the alarm means to alert the firearm operator and surrounding individuals that the object is located in close proximity to the trigger of the firearm.
2. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the proximity sensor is an optical sensor.
3. The proximity alarm of claim 2 wherein the optical sensor is an infrared emitter and photodiode combination, the photodiode positioned to receive reflected infrared light from the object when the object enters between the trigger and the trigger guard.
4. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the proximity sensor is an electrical capacitive sensor for detecting electrical capacitive changes between the trigger and the trigger guard when the object enters therebetween.
5. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the proximity sensor is a mechanical switch positioned to be actuated when the object enters between the trigger and the trigger guard.
6. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the alarm means is an audio alarm.
7. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the alarm means is a visual alarm.
8. The proximity alarm of claim 7 wherein the visual alarm is a warning light.
9. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the alarm is a tactile alarm.
10. The proximity alarm of claim 9 wherein the tactile alarm is a vibration means attached proximate to a user's body and adapted for alerting the user tactilely.
11. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the alarm means is a wireless transmitter that transmits an alarm signal to a remote alarm unit, the remote alarm unit including an enclosure housing an alarm signal receiving means, a remote alarm means, and a power source all electrically connected so as to activate the remote alarm means whenever the remote alarm unit receives the alarm signal from alarm means.
12. The proximity alarm of claim 11 wherein the alarm means is an audio alarm.
13. The proximity alarm of claim 11 wherein the alarm means is a visual alarm light.
14. The proximity alarm of claim 11 wherein the alarm is a tactile alarm.
15. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the firearm mounting means is a trigger guard mounting means.
16. The proximity alarm of claim 1 wherein the firearm includes an accessory rail proximate the trigger guard and the firearm mounting means is an accessory rail mounting means.
17. A firearm safety system comprising:
a firearm, the firearm including a trigger and a trigger guard;
a proximity alarm, the proximity alarm including at least one proximity sensor fixed substantially within the trigger guard and positioned to detect an object entering between the trigger and the trigger guard;
an alarm circuit electrically connected to the at least one proximity sensor, the alarm circuit housed within the firearm and including a power source and an alarm means;
whereby when the object enters between the trigger and the trigger guard, the proximity sensor detects the object, causing the alarm circuit to activate the alarm means to alert the firearm operator and surrounding individuals that the object is located in close proximity to the trigger of the firearm.