WO2003038366A2

WO2003038366A2 - A method and apparatus for providing a firearm safety lock

Info

Publication number: WO2003038366A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/048688
Authority: WO
Inventors: Savvas Schinis
Original assignee: Savvas Schinis
Priority date: 2001-10-30
Filing date: 2001-10-30
Publication date: 2003-05-08
Also published as: WO2003038366A3

Abstract

A method and system for providing a firearm safety lock. A trigger guard (68) is slidably mounted in the firearm frame, allowing the trigger guard (68) to slide from a home position to a locking position. A locking mechanism (60) is mounted on the forward end of the trigger guard (68), so that by sliding the trigger guard (68) forward the locking mechanism (60) is brought into a locking position to prevent the trigger guard (68) from sliding backward.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A FIREARM SAFETY

LOCK

Field of the Invention

The invention is within the broad field of firearm safety devices and more specifically within the field of locking devices which restrict or prevent the unauthorized use of a firearm.

Background of the Invention

Safety for weapons which fire a projectile has long been an issue for both the user and for those who found themselves in the immediate vaci-nity of the weapon and would be effected by the weapon's discharge. Certain weapons, such as the bow and arrow, have remained fairly constant in their application and have not undergone safety scrutiny to the extent that others have. In part, this stems from the nature of the weapon (i.e., a bow and arrow is simplistic in form and function and requires separate actions to load and fire the weapon). Other weapons, such as the combustion driven cannon or mortar, have had safety concerns tied to the user because of the fear of unintentional ignition of the gunpowder associated with those weapons.

As time and technical evolution have progressed, the problems of unintentional ignition of gunpowder was reduced by integrating the projectile (the "shell") with its source of ignition (the powder) inside a casing; thus, the bullet or artillery round became the norm. Rounds evolved too, as the method for initiating the combustion within the casing varied in an effort to project the shell from the casing and through a tube in a particular direction. Handguns such as the revolver (see FIG. 1) or the automatic or semi-automatic pistol (see FIG. 2) are among such weapons. As the method of combustion has become safer and more efficient, the ability to discharge firearms has grown easier, particularly with handguns and rifles; thus creating a dilemma.

The right to use firearms, such as handguns, has long been debated. The ability and need to use firearms properly is a different matter. Unauthorized or illegal use of a firearm has come under intense review because of the increased ability to use firearms and the ready access to those same firearms. And, in making the use of the firearm more efficient and safer, coupled with ready access to those firearms, safety concerns have grown.

To address the safety issue, firearm locks and associated other devices have been developed. Firearm locks come in generally four (4) categories; these are: the padlock; the cable lock; the trigger lock; and, the lock box. Padlocks, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3A, are available from a number of manufacturers such as Sturm, Ruger & Company of Southport, Connecticut and Master Lock Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Padlocks are used to secure lockboxes containing handguns, or if the stem is sufficiently long, can be passed through a firing chamber or other access port. Cable locks, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3B, are also available from a variety of manufacturers such as Sturm, Ruger or Master Lock. Cable locks are popular because they are flexible, accessed in a variety of ways depending upon model (key, combination, or biometrics), and can be easily passed through a chamber or ejection port of a rifle or handgun. Trigger locks that fit over the trigger guard of a handgun, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3C, are the common form of handgun lockup. These too, are available from a number of manufacturers or suppliers such as Master Lock or Noble Security Systems, Inc. of Encino, California. Lock boxes come in a variety of types that include simple boxes with key locks, wall mounted locks and sleeves,, and biometric scan access only boxes from such manufacturers as Smith & Wesson Corp. of Springfield, Massachusetts.

In recent years, as State and Federal legislation has increased safety requirements for hanguns, technological innovation has sought to improve upon the various locking devices commonly used. For example, in U.S. Patent No. 6,272,784 Bl for a FIREARM TRIGGER LOCK, issued August 14, 2001 to Derek Ringers (the '784 patent), a trigger lock is disclosed which provides pins specifically placed to prevent trigger movement when the device is engaged. In '784, the locking device is a separate apparatus that is not an integral part of its host.

In another example of recent innovation, U.S. Patent No. 6,269,576 Bl for a DISABLEMENT MECHANISM FOR A FIREARM, issued August 7, 2001 to Charles David Williams (the '576 patent) disclosed a mechanism for disabling a firearm by providing a body positionable to come into contact with the hammer spring assembly. The device is a safety device in that while it prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin and discharging the weapon, the '576 patent does not prevent unauthorized use of the weapon, it merely prevents an accidental use or discharge.

Technologies previously utilized in other forms of security have been improved and adapted to firearms. For instance, biometrics has long been used to provide security at building or passage access ways. Biometrics involves the use of a scanner to detect an individual's biometric characteristics (thumbprints and retina scans are the most common) and then compares those characteristics to some other pre-recorded data to determine whether or not the individual matches a particular profile. With respect to firearms, biometrics is being used in the hand grips of handguns. The scanner in the grip scans the fingerprint of the user and compares it with the stored fingerprints of allowed users, if there is no match then the gun remains diabled. The disadvantage to this system is the sensitivity of the scanner which reduces its effectiveness in harsh environments and the cost. Biometrics is additionally employed in lock boxes such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,260,300 Bl for a BIOMETRICALLY ACTIVATED LOCK AND ENABLEMENT SYSTEM issued July 17, 2001 to Klebes et al. (the '300 patent).

Locking boxes such as the '300 patent are effective, but cumbersome if moved. Locking sleeves, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,260,299 Bl for a FIREARMS SECURITY DEVICE AND SYSTEM, issued July 17, 2001 to Albert Raymond Jordan, cannot be moved at all and are not convenient for a weapon that is to be transported.

The examples of portable locking prior art cited above, as well as the standard industry configurations, all require a locking device separate from the handgun that it serves. This requires that the locking device be carried separately when the device is not in use. The result is a bulky or intrusive device that must go into a pocket, a bag, or a box, thus resulting in a burden, even if only perceived as one, on the user.

In light of the need for safety and for establishing a means of locking firearms to protect against unauthorized use, a need arises for a method and/or apparatus for providing a firearm safety lock that is convenient to use, yet effective; and, that is integrated with its associated firearm, yet does not effect the firearm's performance. Therefore, one aspect of the present invention described and claimed herein, is the provision of a trigger locking mechanism integrated with its host firearm. A further aspect of the present invention is the provision of a trigger locking mechanism that is easily engaged by the firearm user.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is a method and system for providing a firearm safety lock.

In an embodiment of the invention method and apparatus, the trigger guard is slidably mounted in the firearm (can be a revolver, semi-automatic or automatic firearm) frame thus allowing the trigger guard to slide from a home position to a locking position. A locking mechanism is mounted on the forward end of the trigger guard, so that by sliding the trigger guard forward the locking mechanism is brought into a locking position and the lock can be engaged so as to prevent the trigger guard from sliding backward. When the trigger guard is in the home or rearward position, then a trigger mounted in the frame can be pulled back to cause the firearm to fire. However, when the trigger guard is in the locking or forward position, then the trigger cannot be pulled back and the firearm cannot be fired.

The locking mechanism itself can be accessed by any of a number of conventional means that includes, but is not limited to, a key, a cipher, or a touchpad. The locking mechanism can be integrally attached to the trigger guard so that the two are linked together to form one assembly; or, the lock mechanism and the trigger guard can be formed or molded as one piece with associated attached elements (i.e., the the springs, cylinder (if used), or lock shaft of the locking assembly). In still a third embodiment of the trigger guard and locking assembly, the lock mechanism and the trigger guard are independently slidably mounted on the firearm frame and each can be separately slid along the frame or exterior surface as desired by the firearm user.

The engagement of the locking means further comprises the initiation of the locking mechanism engagement by accessing the lock with a key, a cipher, or a touchpad within the lock mechanism and which causes the lock mechanism to engage a lock plate integrally mounted on the frame or under the barrel if the barrel is a separate assembly from the frame, or as an exterior portion of the firearm generally; and, securing the locking mechanism to the lock plate until the mechanism is unlocked and slid rearward along the mounting track.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a trigger guard is slidably mounted in a firearm (can be a revolver, semi-automatic or automatic firearm) frame, thus allowing the trigger guard to slide from a home position to a locking position. The trigger guard is slidably mounted on a frame or exterior portion of the firearm such that when the trigger guard is in a rearward position, then a trigger mounted in the frame can be pulled back to cause the firearm to fire; and, when the trigger guard is in a forward position, the trigger cannot be pulled back and the firearm cannot be fired.

A locking mechanism is mounted on the frame or exterior portion of the firearm such that when the trigger guard is in the rearward position then the trigger guard is not engaged by the locking mechanism and when the trigger guard is in the forward position then the trigger guard is engaged by the locking mechanism. By sliding the trigger guard forward, the trigger guard is coupled with the locking mechanism and the trigger guard is locked in place. The engagement of the locking mechanism is accomplished by accessing the mechamsm through the use of a key, cipher, or touchpad within the locking mechanism which causes the locking mechanism to engage the trigger guard. The lock mechanism is secured to the trigger guard until the mechanism is unlocked and slid rearward along the mounting. A spring subassembly is provided within the lock mechanism for causing the trigger guard to be released when the lock mechanism is unlocked.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a profile view of a typical prior art revolver that can be adapted to utilize the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a profile view of a typical prior art semi-automatic pistol that can be adapted to utilize the present invention.

FIG. 3 A is a view of a prior art padlock.

FIG. 3B is a view of a prior art cable lock.

FIG. 3C is a view of a prior art trigger lock.

FIG. 4A is a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing a revolver as the weapon platform and wherein the locking device is mounted on the trigger guard. FIG. 4B is a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing a revolver as the weapon platform and wherein the locking device is separately mounted on the weapon assembly.

FIG. 5A is a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing a semi-automatic pistol as the weapon platform and wherein the locking device is mounted on the trigger guard.

FIG. 5B is a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing a semi-automatic pistol as the weapon platform and wherein the locking device is separately mounted on the weapon assembly.

FIG. 6 A is a view of the weapon's trigger guard in the standard or firing position.

FIG. 6B is a view of the weapon's trigger guard in the forward position.

FIG. 7 is a view of a locking device suitable for use in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of the slidably mounted trigger guard assembly.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Turning to FIG. 1, there is shown a profile view of a typical prior art revolver that can be adapted to utilize the present invention. The trigger assembly 10 is shown in the non-firing position and is not restricted in its possible rearward travel when pulled by a user.

Turning next to FIG. 2, there is shown a profile view of a typical prior art semi-automatic pistol that can be adapted to utilize the present invention. The trigger assembly 20 is shown in the non-firing position and is not restricted in its possible rearward travel when pulled by a user.

The potential embodiments for the present invention are not limited to adapting the type of firearms illustrated in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2. Certain rifle configurations can adapt themselves to utilizing the present invention as well.

The assemblies for locking weapons such as the revolver or semi-automatic pistol against unauthorized use generally come in four (4) category types; these are: the padlock; the cable lock; the trigger lock; and, the lock box. Turning to FIG. 3A there is shown a view of a prior art padlock having a body 30, a stem 32 and a locking assembly access (keyhole type) 34. Access to the locking assembly will release one end of the stem 32 from the body 30, thus allowing the stem 32 to be passed through an opening of the object to be secured before being re-engaged with the body 30 and locked. Padlocks, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3A, are available from a number of manufacturers such as Sturm, Ruger & Company of Southport, Connecticut and Master Lock Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Padlocks are used to secure lockboxes containing handguns, or if the stem 32 is sufficiently long, can be passed through a firing chamber or other access port. Variations of the locking assembly access include, but are not limited to: keyhole entry, such as that shown in FIG. 3A; cipher access wherein the access is achieved through the setting of a pre-determined numerical, or similar, sequence; and biometric access. Padlocks are well known in the locking arts and a more detailed description and discussion of their varied configurations is not required for an understanding of the present invention.

A variation of the padlock is the cable lock wherein the stem of the padlock is replaced by a cable. Turning to FIG. 3B there is shown a view of a prior art cable lock having a body 40, a flexible cable 42 and a locking assembly access (keyhole type) 44. Access to the locking assembly will release one end of the cable 42 from the body 40, thus allowing the cable 42 to be passed through an opening of the object to be secured before being re-engaged with the body 40 and locked. Cable locks, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3B, are available from a number of manufacturers such as Sturm, Ruger & Company of Southport, Connecticut and Master Lock Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cable locks are popular because they are flexible, accessed in a variety of ways depending ' upon model (key, combination, or biometrics), and can be easily passed through a chamber or ejection port of a rifle or handgun. Cable locks are well known in the locking arts and a more detailed description and discussion of their varied configurations is not required for an understanding of the present invention.

A popular locking device utilized with handguns is the trigger lock which fits over the trigger housing to secure the weapon. In FIG. 3C there is shown a view of a prior art trigger lock having a front portion 50 and a back portion 52 and a locking assembly access (cipher type) 54. Access to the locking assembly will release the front portion 50 from the rear portion 52 which is joined to the front portion 50 by a stem (not shown) that passes from front portion 50 into rear portion 52. Releasing the two portions allows the user to take the front portion and pass the stem through the opening of the trigger housing assembly of a handgun. Once the stem is passed through the opening of the trigger assembly housing, the rear portion 52 is attached to the front portion 50 and the two are locked together to restrict access to the trigger. Trigger locks, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3C, are available from a number of manufacturers or suppliers such as Master Lock or Noble Security Systems, Inc. of Encino, California. Trigger locks are well known in the locking arts and a more detailed description and discussion of their varied configurations is not required for an understanding of the present invention.

Lock boxes (not shown) come in a variety of types that include simple boxes with key locks, wall mounted locks and sleeves, and biometric scan access only boxes from such manufacturers as Smith & Wesson Corp. of Springfield, Massachusetts. Lock boxes are well known in the locking arts and a more detailed description and discussion of their varied configurations is not required for an understanding of the present invention.

Turning then to FIG. 4A, there is shown a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing a revolver as the weapon platform and wherein the locking device 60 is mounted on the trigger guard 68 to form a trigger guard locking assembly. The trigger guard locking assembly can be slid along track 66 from a rearward position, as shown, to a forward position by applying pressure to the back of the trigger guard 68 and pushing the trigger guard locking assembly forward along track 66 until the assembly locks into position. Depending upon the configuration of the locking device 60, the lock can engage when the assembly is pushed forward and be released by accessing the locking assembly access 62; or, the lock can be engaged by the action of accessing the locking assembly access 62 with a key or other required action. It should be noted that locking assembly access 62 can utilize any one of several access types such as key entry, cipher entry, or similar device. When the trigger guard locking assembly is in the forward and locked position, then the trigger guard 68 is brought forward, blocking the trigger 64, and prohibiting the trigger 64 from being pulled back to discharge the weapon (see FIG. 6B). When the weapon user releases the trigger guard locking assembly by utilizing the locking assembly access 62 to release the trigger guard locking assembly and allowing the trigger guard locking assembly to be pushed back along track 66, then the trigger 64 can be pulled to discharge the weapon (see FIG. 6A).

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4B where there is shown a view of the present invention utilizing a revolver as the weapon platform and wherein the locking device 74 is separately mounted on the weapon assembly.

The trigger guard 70 can be slid along track 76 from a rearward position, as shown, to a forward position by applying pressure to the back of the trigger guard 70 and pushing the trigger guard forward along track 76 until the trigger guard 70 engages locking device 74 and locks into position. Depending upon the configuration of the locking device 74, the lock can engage when the assembly is pushed forward and be released by accessing the locking assembly access 78; or, the lock can be engaged by the action of accessing the locking assembly access 78 with a key or other required action. It should be noted that locking assembly access 78 can utilize any one of several access types such as key entry, cipher entry, or similar device.

When the trigger guard locking assembly is in the forward and locked position, then the trigger guard 70 is brought forward, blocking the trigger 72, and prohibiting the trigger 72 from being pulled back to discharge the weapon (see FIG. 6B). When the weapon user releases the trigger guard 70 by utilizing the locking assembly access 78 to release the trigger guard 70 and allowing the trigger guard 70 to be pushed back along track 76, then the trigger 72 can be pulled to discharge the weapon (see FIG. 6A).

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5A where there is shown a view of the present invention utilizing a semi-automatic pistol as the weapon platform and wherein the locking device 88 is mounted on the trigger guard 80 to form a trigger guard locking assembly. The trigger guard locking assembly can be slid along track 86 from a rearward position, as shown, to a forward position by applying pressure to the back of the trigger guard 80 and pushing the trigger guard locking assembly forward along track 86 until the assembly locks into position. Depending upon the configuration of the locking device 88, the lock can engage when the assembly is pushed forward and be released by accessing the locking assembly access 84; or, the lock can be engaged by the action of accessing the locking assembly access 84 with a key or other required action. It should be noted that locking assembly access 84 can utilize any one of several access types such as key entry, cipher entry, or similar device.

When the trigger guard 80 is in the forward and locked position, then the trigger guard 80 is brought forward, blocking the trigger 82, and prohibiting the trigger 82 from being pulled back to discharge the weapon (see FIG. 6B). When the weapon user releases the trigger guard locking assembly by utilizing the locking assembly access 84 to release the trigger guard locking assembly and allowing the trigger guard locking assembly to be pushed back along track 86, then the trigger 82 can be pulled to discharge the weapon (see FIG. 6A). An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5B where there is shown a view of the present invention utilizing a semi-automatic pistol as the weapon platform and wherein the locking device is separately mounted on the weapon assembly.

The trigger guard 90 can be slid along track 100 from a rearward position, as shown, to a forward position by applying pressure to the back of the trigger guard 90 and pushing the trigger guard 90 forward along track 100 until the trigger guard 90 engages locking device 96 and locks into position. Depending upon the configuration of the locking device 96, the lock can engage when the assembly is pushed forward and be released by accessing the locking assembly access 98; or, the lock can be engaged by the action of accessing the locking assembly access 98 with a key or other required action. It should be noted that locking assembly access 98 can utilize any one of several access types such as key entry, cipher entry, or similar device.

When the trigger guard 90 is in the forward and locked position, then the trigger guard 90 is brought forward, blocking the frigger 92, and prohibiting the trigger 92 from being pulled back to discharge the weapon (see FIG. 6B). When the weapon user releases the trigger guard 90 by utilizing the locking assembly access 96 to release the trigger guard 90 and allowing the trigger guard 90 to be pushed back along track 100, then the trigger 92 can be pulled to discharge the weapon (see FIG. 6A).

FIG. 6A there is shown a view of the weapon's trigger guard in the standard or firing position wherein the trigger 112 is not encumbered by the trigger guard 110; however, in FIG. 6B there is shown a view of the weapon's trigger guard 120 in the forward position, with the locking blade 124 engaged by the locking assembly 126, and awaiting release from locking assembly access 128.

Turning to FIG. 7 there is shown a view of a locking device suitable for use in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The locking device, comprising: knife blade 152, a spring 154, a tumbler housing 156, a set of tumblers 158, a set of springs 160, a gasket 162, a key access 164 and a locking assembly access device 166 engages an elongate post blade 150 that is mounted on the forward end of a trigger guard (not shown). The elongate post blade 150 has an indentation 168.

As the elongate post blade 150 is brought forward, it engages the knife blade 152 and locks it into indentation 168. The use of the locking assembly access device 166 rotates the tumblers 158 and causing the knife blade 152 to rotate out of its engagement with the indentation 168. Locking devices are well known in the locking arts and a more detailed description and discussion of their varied configurations and the interplay of their movement is not required for an understanding of the present invention.

Turning finally to FIG. 8 there is shown a view of a slidably mounted trigger guard assembly 200. As the elongate post blade 204 is brought forward, the slide bar 206 slides within the main gun frame track 208 until the trigger 202 is blocked by the trigger guard 200 to prevent the trigger 202 from being pulled and thus discharging the weapon.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a number of variations or embodiments of the subject invention are possible. These variations include, but are not limited to: the sliding means for sliding the trigger guard forward to engage the lock; the internal configuration of the locking assembly; the material used to construct the locking assembly; and, the method for accessing the locking assembly.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for disabling a firearm comprising the steps of:

(a) mounting a trigger guard in a frame of said firearm wherein said trigger guard is slidably mounted in said frame and wherein:

(i) when said trigger guard is in a rear position, then a trigger mounted in said frame can be pulled back to cause said firearm to fire; and

(ii) when said trigger guard is in a forward position, then said trigger cannot be pulled back and said firearm cannot be fired;

(b) mounting a lock mechanism on the forward end of said trigger guard;

(c) sliding said trigger guard forward; and

(d) engaging said lock mechanism.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said lock mechamsm is a key lock.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said lock mechanism is a cipher lock.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said lock mechanism is a touchpad lock.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said lock mechanism is integrally attached to said trigger guard.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said lock mechanism and said trigger guard are molded together.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said lock mechanism and said trigger guard are independently slidably mounted on said frame and are interoperably connected so as to slide together on said mount.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said engaging step further comprises the steps of:

(a) initiating said lock mechamsm engagement by accessing said lock mechanism through an access means within said lock mechamsm which further causes said lock mechanism to engage a lock plate integrally mounted on, or contained within, said frame; and

(b) securing said locking mechanism to said lock plate until said mechanism is unlocked and slid rearward along said mounting.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said engaging step further comprises the steps of:

(a) initiating said lock mechanism engagement by accessing said lock mechamsm through an access means within said lock mechanism which further causes said lock mechanism to engage a lock plate integrally mounted on, or contained within, an exterior surface of said firearm; and (b) securing said locking mechanism to said lock plate until said mechanism is unlocked and slid rearward along said mounting.

10. A method for disabling a firearm comprising the steps of:

(i) when said trigger guard is in a rearward position, then a trigger mounted in said frame can be pulled back to cause said firearm to fire; and

(b) mounting a lock mechanism on an exterior portion of said firearm such that when said trigger guard is in said rear position then said frigger guard is not engaged by said lock mechamsm and when said trigger guard is in said forward position then said trigger guard is engaged by said lock mechamsm;

(c) sliding said trigger guard forward; and

(d) engaging said lock mechanism.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said lock mechanism is a key lock.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein said lock mechamsm is a cipher lock.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein said lock mechanism is a touchpad lock.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein said engaging step further comprises the steps of:

(a) initiating said lock mechanism engagement by accessing said lock mechanism through an access means within said lock mechanism which further causes said lock mechanism to engage a lock plate integrally mounted on, or contained within, an exterior surface of said firearm; and

(b) securing said lock mechanism to said trigger guard until said mechanism is unlocked and slid rearward along said mounting;

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of engaging a spring subassembly within said lock mechanism for causing said trigger guard to be released when said lock mechanism is unlocked.

16. A safety lock for a firearm comprising:

(a) a frame comprised of one or more parts;

(b) a trigger guard mounted in said frame with mounting means for slidably mounting said trigger guard and wherein said trigger guard is slidably mounted in said frame and wherein:

(i) when said trigger guard is in a rear position, then a trigger mounted in said frame can be pulled back to cause said firearm to fire; and (ii) when said trigger guard is in a forward position, then said trigger cannot be pulled back and said firearm cannot be fired;

(c) a lock mechanism on the forward end of said trigger guard;

(d) a lock plate integrated with said frame so that when said trigger guard is slid forward said lock mechanism will engage said lock plate and secure said trigger guard in said forward position.

17. The safety lock of claim 16, wherein said lock mechanism is integrally attached to said trigger guard.

18. The safety lock of claim 16, wherein said lock mechanism and said trigger guard are molded together.

19. The safety lock of claim 16, wherein said lock mechanism and said trigger guard are independently slidably mounted on said frame and are interoperably connected so as to slide together on said mount.

20. The safety lock of claim 16, wherein said lock mechanism is a key lock.

21. The safety lock of claim 16, wherein said lock mechanism is a cipher lock.

22. The safety lock of claim 16, wherein said lock mechanism is a touchpad lock.

23. A safety lock for a firearm comprising:

(a) a firearm frame comprising one or more parts;

(b) a trigger guard slidably mounted in said frame of said firearm wherein:

(c) slide mounting means with a track for mounting said trigger guard and for allowing said trigger guard to be slid forward or slid back on said track; and

(d) a lock mechanism mounted on said frame of said firearm such that when said trigger guard is in said rear position then said trigger guard is not engaged by said lock mechanism and when said trigger guard is in said forward position then said trigger guard is engaged by said lock mechanism.

24. The firearm of claim 23, wherein said lock mechanism is a key lock.

25. The firearm of claim 23, wherein said lock mechanism is a cipher lock.

26. The firearm of claim 23, wherein said lock mechanism is a touchpad lock.