Firearm Disabling System and Method of Use

Abstract

A firearm disabling geofencing system is disclosed. The system comprises a suppression chip installed in the firearm, a mobile application for configuring the firearm and managing geofencing zones, and WiFi or Bluetooth emitters to transmit continuous suppression signals within these zones. The suppression chip disables the firearm upon receiving the suppression signal. The chip is tamper-proof, rendering the firearm permanently inoperative if tampering or removal is detected. The mobile application enables users to define and manage geofencing zones, ensuring firearms are only operational outside these zones. The system provides an added layer of security, preventing accidental or unauthorized firearm use in sensitive public spaces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 696,596, which was filed on Sep. 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of geofencing systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel system that disables a firearm within a designated area. The system includes a chip inside the firearm which is adapted to disable the firearm when a suppression signal is received from a local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth router. A geofence is defined using a mobile application and local Wi-Fi routers are adapted to continuously send signals which when picked up by the chip renders the firearm disabled. The chip has a tamper-proof design that disables the firearm if the chip is removed or tampered. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.BACKGROUND

[0003] By way of background, many areas are designated as “firearm-free” zones to enhance public safety. Such zones include schools, venues, concerts, rallies, parades, hospitals, churches, malls, and other public spaces where the presence of firearms is prohibited to prevent potential harm. Currently, manual methods, such as checking and frisking individuals are used for ensuring compliances for these venues. Despite these efforts, individuals may still find ways to conceal and carry firearms into these restricted areas, posing significant risks.

[0004] Firearms in “firearm-free” zones can lead to tragic incidents, including accidents and intentional acts of violence. The lack of an effective technological solution to enforce firearm-free zones exacerbates the problem. While manual checks provide a layer of security, they are not foolproof and cannot guarantee that all firearms are detected and prevented from entering these spaces. Moreover, once a firearm is inside a designated firearm-free zone, there is currently no mechanism to disable the firearm based on the location thereof. This limitation enables firearms to be used to commit crimes in areas meant to be safe for the public. Individuals desire a system that can automatically and reliably prevent the use of firearms in designated zones.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a system that prevents a user from committing a crime with a firearm. There is also a long felt need in the art for a novel firearm geofencing system that prevents a firearm from being used within a specific “firearm free” zone. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a firearm geofencing system that prevents a firearm from being used within a specific “firearm free” zone by disabling the firearm. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique firearm disabling geofencing system that automatically disables firearms when they enter designated safe zones. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique firearm disabling system that has specialized suppression chip within the firearm. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a system that includes signals from local routers to disable the firearm. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a system that renders firearms inoperative within defined areas and provides an additional layer of safety and ensures compliance with firearm-free zone regulations.

[0006] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a firearm disabling geofencing system. The system comprises a suppression chip installed in a firearm, wherein the suppression chip is configured to render the firearm inoperative upon receiving a suppression signal, a mobile application executable on an electronic computing device, the mobile application is configured to define and manage geofencing zones, and select WiFi or Bluetooth emitters within a geofencing zone to transmit continuous suppression signals.

[0007] In this manner, the firearm disabling system of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a novel system that automatically disables firearms within designated safe zones and prevents the possibility of firearm-related incidents in sensitive areas such as schools, venues, concerts, rallies, parades, hospitals, churches, and malls. The system reduces the reliance on human intervention and ensures that firearms are rendered inoperative immediately upon entering a safe zone. Users such as school principals, store owners, and gun owners can customize the boundaries and settings of the zones according to their specific needs, ensuring flexible and effective firearm control. By disabling firearms in specific areas, the Safe Zone system prevents unauthorized use and potential misuse of firearms in public spaces. The Safe Zone system is designed to be easily integrated into firearms during manufacturing and configured via a user-friendly mobile application.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a firearm disabling geofencing system. The system comprises a suppression chip installed in a firearm, wherein the suppression chip is configured to render the firearm inoperative upon receiving a suppression signal, a mobile application executable on an electronic computing device, the mobile application is configured to define and manage geofencing zones, and select WiFi or Bluetooth emitters within a geofencing zone to transmit continuous suppression signals.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, a firearm disabling geofencing system is disclosed. The system comprises a tamper-proof suppression chip integrated into a firearm, wherein the suppression chip is configured to detect tampering or removal and render the firearm permanently inoperative upon such detection, wherein the suppression chip is configured to render the firearm inoperative upon receiving a suppression signal, a mobile application configured to pair with the suppression chip and manage firearm settings, and a WiFi or Bluetooth emitter configured to continuously transmit suppression signals within a geofencing zone defined by the mobile application.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method for disabling a firearm using a geofencing system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of installing a suppression chip into a firearm, configuring the firearm in a mobile application, the mobile application executable on an electronic computing device, selecting a WiFi or Bluetooth emitter using the mobile application to create a geofencing zone, transmitting continuous suppression signals from the WiFi or Bluetooth emitter within the geofencing zone, receiving the suppression signal by the suppression chip when the firearm enters the geofencing zone, and disabling the firearm upon the suppression chip receiving the suppression signal.

[0012] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which when executed by a processor of an electronic computing device causes the processor to configuring a firearm by pairing it with a suppression chip, defining and managing geofencing zones, selecting WiFi or Bluetooth emitters to transmit continuous suppression signals within the geofencing zones, and activating the suppression chip to disable the firearm upon the firearm entering the geofencing zones.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the firearm is re-enabled when the firearm exits the geofencing zone and the suppression chip no longer receives the suppression signal.

[0014] Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

[0015] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of firearm disabling geofencing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a process of disabling the firearm using the safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of disabling the firearm upon tampering or removal of the suppression chip in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of configuration of a safe zone using the mobile application in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface displayed by the mobile application 106 for adding a safe zone in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary user interface displayed by the mobile application 106 for configuring firearms in accordance with the disclosed architecture.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0024] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a system that prevents a user from committing a crime with a firearm. There is also a long felt need in the art for a novel firearm geofencing system that prevents a firearm from being used within a specific “firearm free” zone. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a firearm geofencing system that prevents a firearm from being used within a specific “firearm free” zone by disabling the firearm. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique firearm disabling geofencing system that automatically disables firearms when they enter designated safe zones. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique firearm disabling system that has specialized suppression chip within the firearm. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a system that includes signals from local routers to disable the firearm. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a system that renders firearms inoperative within defined areas and provides an additional layer of safety and ensures compliance with firearm-free zone regulations.

[0025] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method for disabling a firearm using a geofencing system. The method comprises the steps of installing a suppression chip into a firearm, configuring the firearm in a mobile application, the mobile application executable on an electronic computing device, selecting a WiFi or Bluetooth emitter using the mobile application to create a geofencing zone, transmitting continuous suppression signals from the WiFi or Bluetooth emitter within the geofencing zone, receiving the suppression signal by the suppression chip when the firearm enters the geofencing zone, and disabling the firearm upon the suppression chip receiving the suppression signal.

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a firearm disabling geofencing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The firearm disabling system 100 of the present invention is designed as a geofencing safety system for firearms to enhance public safety by preventing the use of guns in specific areas such as schools, venues, concerts, rallies, parades, hospitals, churches, malls, and more. More specifically, the safe zone system 100 includes a specialized firearm suppression chip 102 installed in a firearm 104. The chip 102 is preferably installed in the firearm 104 during manufacturing of the firearm 104. The chip 102 is designed to interact with external signals to control the gun's / firearm's functionality as described later in the disclosure. The chip 102 is tamper-proof and is adapted to render the firearm 104 completely inoperative when the chip 102 is removed or tampered.

[0028] A mobile application 106 installed in an electronic computing device 108 helps in creating and managing geofencing zones also known as safe zones via Wi-Fi routers or emitters 110. The mobile application 106 provides different user interfaces for defining safe zones such as a building, a mall, a school, and more, using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth emitters or routers. A firearm with integrated suppression chip 102 is disabled in a safe zone defined for the firearm 104 by the mobile application 106. The mobile application 106 can be configured with one or more firearms and thereby enables a user such as a school principal, store owner, gun owner, and more to create a safe zone for automatic disabling of the firearm inside the safe zone.

[0029] The mobile application 106 is configured to adapt the local Wi-Fi router or Bluetooth emitter 110 positioned in a safe zone to transmit continuous firearm suppression digital signals. When a geofence is selected or created in the application 106, the routers or emitters 110 of the safe zone transmit WiFi or Bluetooth signals and when the chip 102 receives the suppression signal, the chip 102 is automatically activated to disable the firing mechanism of the firearm 104 to disable the firearm and thus providing safety to the individuals. The safe zone system 100 provides an extra layer of security, preventing accidental or unauthorized use of guns in public spaces. When the firearm 104 leaves the geofenced area, the chip 102 is then automatically disabled and the firearm 104 becomes operational.

[0030] The mobile application 106 can be downloaded from a mobile application store and includes instructions that enable the processor of the electronic device 108 to display different user interfaces for enabling a user to create, update, delete safe zones. The system 100 leverages the local Wi-Fi routers of premises to send suppression signals which are detected by the chip 102. The system 100 creates a safer environment by disabling the firearms and reducing the potential for misuse in public spaces.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a process of disabling the firearm using the safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, a safe zone is setup using the Safe zone app 106. A user can select a location such as a school, a hospital, a church, or a mall to create a safe zone (Step 202). The setting up of the safe zone also includes configuring the Wi-Fi routers of the safe zone area to transmit suppression signals.

[0032] Once a Safe zone is configured, WiFi or Bluetooth emitters (i.e., routers) in the safe zone area continuously broadcast suppression signals (Step 204). In situations where local Wi-Fi routers are not present in the area, then, one or more new routers can be installed for configuration using the application 106. Then, the chip 102 installed in the firearm 104 detects the suppression signals emitted by the WiFi or Bluetooth routers when the gun enters the Safe zone (Step 206). Finally, upon receiving and verifying the suppression signal, the chip disables the firearm, rendering the firearm inoperative while within the Safe zone (Step208).

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of disabling the firearm upon tampering or removal of the suppression chip in accordance with the disclosed structure. Initially, the suppression chip 102 is integrated into the firearm 104 during the manufacturing process of the firearm 104 or as an aftermarket modification (Step 302). After installing the chip 102, the firearm 104 is configured using the Safe zone mobile application 106 to link the firearm 104 with the user's account and settings of the mobile application (Step 304).

[0034] The suppression chip is designed with tamper detection and when an attempt is made to tamper with or remove the chip, the chip detects the unauthorized action (Step 306). Finally, upon detecting tampering or removal of the chip 102, the automated firearm suppression system 100 activates a fail-safe mechanism to disable the firearm permanently (Step 308).

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of configuration of a safe zone using the mobile application in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the first step, the Safe zone mobile application 106 is downloaded onto a smartphone or another device (Step 402). After installing the app, the firearm is configured in the application (Step 404). Each firearm may have a unique identifier for identifying the firearm in the application 106 and in the system 100. The firearm can be configured by pairing the firearm and the application via Bluetooth or WiFi.

[0036] In the next step, the WiFi or Bluetooth routers in a selected safe zone are used to create the safe zone (Step 406). One or more WiFi or Bluetooth routers from a list of available devices can be selected for configuration of the safe zone. Finally, the safe zone having a geofenced area and the routers is configured in the application (Step 408).

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface displayed by the mobile application 106 for adding a safe zone in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The application 106 displays the interface 502 which shows a real-time digital map 504 for selecting a location 506 for creating a safe zone. The selected location 506 may include one or more local Wi-Fi routers 508 which are also displayed on the interface 502 using the router display icon 510. The user can select one or more routers using the icon 510 for transmitting suppression signals. Once the location and the routers are selected, then, the safe zone is added using the “Save Safe zone” icon 512. The location or any other parameters can also be updated of a safe zone using the icon “Update Safe zone”514.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary user interface displayed by the mobile application 106 for configuring firearms in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the interface 602 displays a list of firearms 604 configured with the application. The application in such a scenario can be with a firearm owner who owns a plurality of firearms. The interface 602 displays the status 606 of each firearm and a new firearm can also be added using the “Add Firearm” icon 608 and an existing firearm can also be removed using the “Remove Firearm” icon 610.

[0039] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “automated firearm suppression system”, “safety system”, “firearm disabling geofencing system”, “firearm disabling system”, and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the automated firearm disabling system 100 of the present invention.

[0040] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the automated firearm disabling system 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the automated firearm disabling system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the automated firearm disabling system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the automated firearm disabling system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the automated firearm disabling system 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and / or that suits the user's needs and / or preferences.

[0041] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0042] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 696,596, which was filed on Sep. 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of geofencing systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel system that disables a firearm within a designated area. The system includes a chip inside the firearm which is adapted to disable the firearm when a suppression signal is received from a local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth router. A geofence is defined using a mobile application and local Wi-Fi routers are adapted to continuously send signals which when picked up by the chip renders the firearm disabled. The chip has a tamper-proof design that disables the firearm if the chip is removed or tampered. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.BACKGROUND

[0003] By way of background, many areas are designated as “firearm-free” zones to enhance public safety. Such zones include schools, venues, concerts, rallies, parades, hospitals, churches, malls, and other public spaces where the presence of firearms is prohibited to prevent potential harm. Currently, manual methods, such as checking and frisking individuals are used for ensuring compliances for these venues. Despite these efforts, individuals may still find ways to conceal and carry firearms into these restricted areas, posing significant risks.

[0004] Firearms in “firearm-free” zones can lead to tragic incidents, including accidents and intentional acts of violence. The lack of an effective technological solution to enforce firearm-free zones exacerbates the problem. While manual checks provide a layer of security, they are not foolproof and cannot guarantee that all firearms are detected and prevented from entering these spaces. Moreover, once a firearm is inside a designated firearm-free zone, there is currently no mechanism to disable the firearm based on the location thereof. This limitation enables firearms to be used to commit crimes in areas meant to be safe for the public. Individuals desire a system that can automatically and reliably prevent the use of firearms in designated zones.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a system that prevents a user from committing a crime with a firearm. There is also a long felt need in the art for a novel firearm geofencing system that prevents a firearm from being used within a specific “firearm free” zone. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a firearm geofencing system that prevents a firearm from being used within a specific “firearm free” zone by disabling the firearm. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique firearm disabling geofencing system that automatically disables firearms when they enter designated safe zones. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique firearm disabling system that has specialized suppression chip within the firearm. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a system that includes signals from local routers to disable the firearm. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a system that renders firearms inoperative within defined areas and provides an additional layer of safety and ensures compliance with firearm-free zone regulations.

[0006] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a firearm disabling geofencing system. The system comprises a suppression chip installed in a firearm, wherein the suppression chip is configured to render the firearm inoperative upon receiving a suppression signal, a mobile application executable on an electronic computing device, the mobile application is configured to define and manage geofencing zones, and select WiFi or Bluetooth emitters within a geofencing zone to transmit continuous suppression signals.

[0007] In this manner, the firearm disabling system of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a novel system that automatically disables firearms within designated safe zones and prevents the possibility of firearm-related incidents in sensitive areas such as schools, venues, concerts, rallies, parades, hospitals, churches, and malls. The system reduces the reliance on human intervention and ensures that firearms are rendered inoperative immediately upon entering a safe zone. Users such as school principals, store owners, and gun owners can customize the boundaries and settings of the zones according to their specific needs, ensuring flexible and effective firearm control. By disabling firearms in specific areas, the Safe Zone system prevents unauthorized use and potential misuse of firearms in public spaces. The Safe Zone system is designed to be easily integrated into firearms during manufacturing and configured via a user-friendly mobile application.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a firearm disabling geofencing system. The system comprises a suppression chip installed in a firearm, wherein the suppression chip is configured to render the firearm inoperative upon receiving a suppression signal, a mobile application executable on an electronic computing device, the mobile application is configured to define and manage geofencing zones, and select WiFi or Bluetooth emitters within a geofencing zone to transmit continuous suppression signals.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, a firearm disabling geofencing system is disclosed. The system comprises a tamper-proof suppression chip integrated into a firearm, wherein the suppression chip is configured to detect tampering or removal and render the firearm permanently inoperative upon such detection, wherein the suppression chip is configured to render the firearm inoperative upon receiving a suppression signal, a mobile application configured to pair with the suppression chip and manage firearm settings, and a WiFi or Bluetooth emitter configured to continuously transmit suppression signals within a geofencing zone defined by the mobile application.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method for disabling a firearm using a geofencing system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of installing a suppression chip into a firearm, configuring the firearm in a mobile application, the mobile application executable on an electronic computing device, selecting a WiFi or Bluetooth emitter using the mobile application to create a geofencing zone, transmitting continuous suppression signals from the WiFi or Bluetooth emitter within the geofencing zone, receiving the suppression signal by the suppression chip when the firearm enters the geofencing zone, and disabling the firearm upon the suppression chip receiving the suppression signal.

[0012] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which when executed by a processor of an electronic computing device causes the processor to configuring a firearm by pairing it with a suppression chip, defining and managing geofencing zones, selecting WiFi or Bluetooth emitters to transmit continuous suppression signals within the geofencing zones, and activating the suppression chip to disable the firearm upon the firearm entering the geofencing zones.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the firearm is re-enabled when the firearm exits the geofencing zone and the suppression chip no longer receives the suppression signal.

[0014] Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

[0015] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of firearm disabling geofencing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a process of disabling the firearm using the safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of disabling the firearm upon tampering or removal of the suppression chip in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of configuration of a safe zone using the mobile application in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface displayed by the mobile application 106 for adding a safe zone in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary user interface displayed by the mobile application 106 for configuring firearms in accordance with the disclosed architecture.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0024] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a system that prevents a user from committing a crime with a firearm. There is also a long felt need in the art for a novel firearm geofencing system that prevents a firearm from being used within a specific “firearm free” zone. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a firearm geofencing system that prevents a firearm from being used within a specific “firearm free” zone by disabling the firearm. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique firearm disabling geofencing system that automatically disables firearms when they enter designated safe zones. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique firearm disabling system that has specialized suppression chip within the firearm. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a system that includes signals from local routers to disable the firearm. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a system that renders firearms inoperative within defined areas and provides an additional layer of safety and ensures compliance with firearm-free zone regulations.

[0025] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method for disabling a firearm using a geofencing system. The method comprises the steps of installing a suppression chip into a firearm, configuring the firearm in a mobile application, the mobile application executable on an electronic computing device, selecting a WiFi or Bluetooth emitter using the mobile application to create a geofencing zone, transmitting continuous suppression signals from the WiFi or Bluetooth emitter within the geofencing zone, receiving the suppression signal by the suppression chip when the firearm enters the geofencing zone, and disabling the firearm upon the suppression chip receiving the suppression signal.

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a firearm disabling geofencing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The firearm disabling system 100 of the present invention is designed as a geofencing safety system for firearms to enhance public safety by preventing the use of guns in specific areas such as schools, venues, concerts, rallies, parades, hospitals, churches, malls, and more. More specifically, the safe zone system 100 includes a specialized firearm suppression chip 102 installed in a firearm 104. The chip 102 is preferably installed in the firearm 104 during manufacturing of the firearm 104. The chip 102 is designed to interact with external signals to control the gun's / firearm's functionality as described later in the disclosure. The chip 102 is tamper-proof and is adapted to render the firearm 104 completely inoperative when the chip 102 is removed or tampered.

[0028] A mobile application 106 installed in an electronic computing device 108 helps in creating and managing geofencing zones also known as safe zones via Wi-Fi routers or emitters 110. The mobile application 106 provides different user interfaces for defining safe zones such as a building, a mall, a school, and more, using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth emitters or routers. A firearm with integrated suppression chip 102 is disabled in a safe zone defined for the firearm 104 by the mobile application 106. The mobile application 106 can be configured with one or more firearms and thereby enables a user such as a school principal, store owner, gun owner, and more to create a safe zone for automatic disabling of the firearm inside the safe zone.

[0029] The mobile application 106 is configured to adapt the local Wi-Fi router or Bluetooth emitter 110 positioned in a safe zone to transmit continuous firearm suppression digital signals. When a geofence is selected or created in the application 106, the routers or emitters 110 of the safe zone transmit WiFi or Bluetooth signals and when the chip 102 receives the suppression signal, the chip 102 is automatically activated to disable the firing mechanism of the firearm 104 to disable the firearm and thus providing safety to the individuals. The safe zone system 100 provides an extra layer of security, preventing accidental or unauthorized use of guns in public spaces. When the firearm 104 leaves the geofenced area, the chip 102 is then automatically disabled and the firearm 104 becomes operational.

[0030] The mobile application 106 can be downloaded from a mobile application store and includes instructions that enable the processor of the electronic device 108 to display different user interfaces for enabling a user to create, update, delete safe zones. The system 100 leverages the local Wi-Fi routers of premises to send suppression signals which are detected by the chip 102. The system 100 creates a safer environment by disabling the firearms and reducing the potential for misuse in public spaces.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a process of disabling the firearm using the safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, a safe zone is setup using the Safe zone app 106. A user can select a location such as a school, a hospital, a church, or a mall to create a safe zone (Step 202). The setting up of the safe zone also includes configuring the Wi-Fi routers of the safe zone area to transmit suppression signals.

[0032] Once a Safe zone is configured, WiFi or Bluetooth emitters (i.e., routers) in the safe zone area continuously broadcast suppression signals (Step 204). In situations where local Wi-Fi routers are not present in the area, then, one or more new routers can be installed for configuration using the application 106. Then, the chip 102 installed in the firearm 104 detects the suppression signals emitted by the WiFi or Bluetooth routers when the gun enters the Safe zone (Step 206). Finally, upon receiving and verifying the suppression signal, the chip disables the firearm, rendering the firearm inoperative while within the Safe zone (Step208).

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of disabling the firearm upon tampering or removal of the suppression chip in accordance with the disclosed structure. Initially, the suppression chip 102 is integrated into the firearm 104 during the manufacturing process of the firearm 104 or as an aftermarket modification (Step 302). After installing the chip 102, the firearm 104 is configured using the Safe zone mobile application 106 to link the firearm 104 with the user's account and settings of the mobile application (Step 304).

[0034] The suppression chip is designed with tamper detection and when an attempt is made to tamper with or remove the chip, the chip detects the unauthorized action (Step 306). Finally, upon detecting tampering or removal of the chip 102, the automated firearm suppression system 100 activates a fail-safe mechanism to disable the firearm permanently (Step 308).

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of configuration of a safe zone using the mobile application in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the first step, the Safe zone mobile application 106 is downloaded onto a smartphone or another device (Step 402). After installing the app, the firearm is configured in the application (Step 404). Each firearm may have a unique identifier for identifying the firearm in the application 106 and in the system 100. The firearm can be configured by pairing the firearm and the application via Bluetooth or WiFi.

[0036] In the next step, the WiFi or Bluetooth routers in a selected safe zone are used to create the safe zone (Step 406). One or more WiFi or Bluetooth routers from a list of available devices can be selected for configuration of the safe zone. Finally, the safe zone having a geofenced area and the routers is configured in the application (Step 408).

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface displayed by the mobile application 106 for adding a safe zone in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The application 106 displays the interface 502 which shows a real-time digital map 504 for selecting a location 506 for creating a safe zone. The selected location 506 may include one or more local Wi-Fi routers 508 which are also displayed on the interface 502 using the router display icon 510. The user can select one or more routers using the icon 510 for transmitting suppression signals. Once the location and the routers are selected, then, the safe zone is added using the “Save Safe zone” icon 512. The location or any other parameters can also be updated of a safe zone using the icon “Update Safe zone”514.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary user interface displayed by the mobile application 106 for configuring firearms in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the interface 602 displays a list of firearms 604 configured with the application. The application in such a scenario can be with a firearm owner who owns a plurality of firearms. The interface 602 displays the status 606 of each firearm and a new firearm can also be added using the “Add Firearm” icon 608 and an existing firearm can also be removed using the “Remove Firearm” icon 610.

[0039] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “automated firearm suppression system”, “safety system”, “firearm disabling geofencing system”, “firearm disabling system”, and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the automated firearm disabling system 100 of the present invention.

[0040] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the automated firearm disabling system 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the automated firearm disabling system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the automated firearm disabling system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the automated firearm disabling system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the automated firearm disabling system 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and / or that suits the user's needs and / or preferences.

[0041] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0042] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

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Claims

1. A safe zone system with firearm suppression comprising:a chip;a firearm;a mobile application;an electronic computing device;a Wi-Fi emitter; anda geofence zone;wherein said chip installed in said firearm;wherein said mobile application installed in said electronic computing device;wherein said mobile application establishes said geofence zone;wherein said Wi-Fi emitter transmits said geofence zone; andfurther wherein said chip interacts with external signals from said geofence zone to control a firearm's functionality.

2. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 1, wherein said chip is a suppression chip for suppression of said firearm's functionality in said geofence zone.

3. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 2, wherein said geofence zone is a safe zone boundary.

4. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 3, wherein said safe zone boundary defining an area selected from the group consisting of a building area, a mall area, a school area, a venue area, a concert area, a rally area, and a parade area.

5. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 2, wherein said Wi-Fi emitter is a Bluetooth emitter.

6. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 2, wherein said Wi-Fi emitter continuously transmits said geofence zone to continuously control said firearm's functionality.

7. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 2, wherein said suppression chip is activated inside said geofence zone and deactivated outside said geofence zone.

8. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 7, wherein said suppression chip renders said firearm inoperative upon detection of tampering of said suppression chip.

9. A safe zone system with firearm suppression comprising:a chip;a firearm;a mobile application;an electronic computing device;a Wi-Fi emitter; anda geofence zone;wherein said chip installed in said firearm;wherein said mobile application installed in said electronic computing device;wherein said mobile application establishes said geofence zone;wherein said Wi-Fi emitter transmits said geofence zone;wherein said chip interacts with external signals from said geofence zone to control a firearm's functionality;wherein said chip is a suppression chip for suppression of said firearm's functionality in said geofence zone;wherein said geofence zone is a safe zone boundary; andfurther wherein said suppression chip is activated inside said geofence zone and deactivated outside said geofence zone.

10. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 9, wherein said safe zone boundary defining an area selected from the group consisting of a building area, a mall area, a school area, a venue area, a concert area, a rally area, and a parade area.

11. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 9, wherein said Wi-Fi emitter is a Bluetooth emitter.

12. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 9, wherein said Wi-Fi emitter continuously transmits said geofence zone to continuously control said firearm's functionality.

13. The safe zone system with firearm suppression of claim 9, wherein said suppression chip renders said firearm inoperative upon detection of tampering of said suppression chip.

14. A method of establishing a firearm safe zone, the method comprising the steps of:providing a chip, a firearm, a mobile application, an electronic computing device, a Wi-Fi emitter, and a geofence zone;installing said chip in said firearm;installing said mobile application in said electronic computing device;establishing said geofence zone with said mobile application;transmitting said geofence zone with said Wi-Fi emitter; andinteracting external signals from said geofence zone with said chip for controlling a firearm's functionality.

15. The method of establishing a firearm safe zone of claim 14, wherein said chip is a suppression chip for suppression of said firearm's functionality in said geofence zone.

16. The method of establishing a firearm safe zone of claim 15, wherein said geofence zone is a safe zone boundary.

17. The method of establishing a firearm safe zone of claim 16, wherein said safe zone boundary defining an area selected from the group consisting of a building area, a mall area, a school area, a venue area, a concert area, a rally area, and a parade area.

18. The method of establishing a firearm safe zone of claim 15, wherein said Wi-Fi emitter is a Bluetooth emitter.

19. The method of establishing a firearm safe zone of claim 15, wherein said Wi-Fi emitter continuously transmits said geofence zone to continuously control said firearm's functionality.

20. The method of establishing a firearm safe zone of claim 15, wherein said suppression chip is activated inside said geofence zone and deactivated outside said geofence zone.

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