A firearm repository

Abstract

The present invention discloses a firearm repository (100) for storing firearms (101), comprising a body (102) formed with a plurality of compartments that are each installed with a storage rack (110), the storage rack (110) comprising a front wall (111) for enclosing the compartment; a side wall (112) extending inwardly from the front wall (111) and providing at least one surface for the firearm (101) to be engaged thereon; and a sliding mechanism (113); wherein the storage rack (110) is configured to be slidably movable in and out of the compartment by the sliding mechanism (113) to respectively cover and expose the side wall (112).

Description

[0001]

[0002] A FIREARM REPOSITORY

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a repository. More particularly, the invention relates to a firearm repository for storing firearms.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Firearms are commonly used by various organizations such as armed forces, police forces, and paramilitary organizations due to the nature of job to maintain law and order in a society. In compliance with various firearm control acts, the firearms and / or ammunitions are required to be safeguarded in a secured firearm repository when not in use due to lethality of the firearms. The firearm repository provides access prevention and / or authentication to a user when attempting to access to the stored firearms. This is to prevent unlawful or unauthorised access to the firearms that could result in threats to public safety.

[0007] Over the years, various firearm repositories have been developed to improve security of the firearms storing. For instance, Singapore Patent No. 10202201926Y discloses a weapon storage unit comprising a cabinet body. The cabinet body generally comprises a plurality of storage compartments, a horizontal beam member, a vertical guide rod, a shutter door system, a cam mechanism, and an emergency lever. The cam mechanism is connected to the horizontal beam member, whereas the emergency lever is linked with the cam mechanism. Additionally, the shutter door system comprises at least one shutter door for each compartment. When the emergency lever is rotated to an open configuration, the cam mechanism rotates in a similar direction causing all the shutter doors to be opened simultaneously. When in use, the shutter door is required to be opened by swinging to withdraw firearms stored in the compartment, which results in a delay in response in an event of emergency. Furthermore, the shutter door of each compartment is opaque, whereby the compartment is not visible through the shutter door for visual inspection. Consequently, status of the compartments can be falsified, which leads to unauthorised use of the firearms.

[0008] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a firearm repository that overcomes the abovementioned problems. This invention provides a solution to the problems.

[0009] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] One objective of the invention is to provide a firearm repository for storing firearms that improves response time of a user in an event of emergency. Particularly, the firearm repository is provided with a storage rack having a sliding mechanism such that the storage rack is slidably movable in and out of a compartment by the sliding mechanism.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a firearm repository for storing firearms that allows visual inspection of storage rack to minimize risk of abuse of the firearm and falsified deposition and / or withdrawal of the firearm. Particularly, each of the storage compartment of the firearm repository is provided with a front wall having a viewing component that is at least partially visible such that status of the storage rack can be inspected visually.

[0012] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a firearm repository for storing firearms, comprising a body formed with a plurality of compartments that are each installed with a storage rack, the storage rack comprising a front wall for enclosing the compartment; a side wall extending inwardly from the front wall and providing at least one surface for the firearm to be engaged thereon; and a sliding mechanism; wherein the storage rack is configured to be slidably movable in and out of the compartment by the sliding mechanism to respectively cover and expose the side wall.

[0013] Preferably, the front wall comprises a viewing component that is partially or fully transparent to allow viewing of interior of the compartment.

[0014] Preferably, the viewing component is made of polycarbonate.

[0015] Preferably, the firearm repository further comprises a control system for controlling accessibility to the storage rack.

[0016] Preferably, the firearm repository further comprises a locking mechanism controlled by the control system and operably connected to the storage racks for individually switching the storage rack between a locked state where the storage rack is inaccessible and an unlocked state where the storage rack is accessible.

[0017] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises at least a hook provided at the body that is adjacent to the front wall; and at least an opening formed on the front wall for receiving the hook; wherein the hook is movable to engage with the opening during the locked state, and disengage from the opening during the unlocked state.

[0018] Preferably, the control system comprises a biometric authentication module operably connected to the locking mechanism for reading metrics related to human characteristics of a user when attempting to access the storage rack.

[0019] Preferably, the firearm repository further comprises an identification module operably connected to the biometric authentication module for reading an identification member of the firearm upon a successful biometric authentication such that information in the identification member matches the metrics of the user.

[0020] Preferably, the firearm repository further comprises a plurality of light indicator, each corresponds to each of the storage rack and operably connected to the identification module for providing visual indication related to a current status of the storage rack.

[0021] Preferably, the control system comprises a scheduled control module operably connected to the locking mechanism for controlling accessibility of the storage rack based on schedule of the user.

[0022] Preferably, the control system further comprises an alert module for providing a visual and / or an audio alert in an event of emergency.

[0023] Preferably, the firearm repository further comprises an emergency release mechanism configured to operate with the locking mechanism for simultaneously unlocking all the storage racks in the event of emergency.

[0024] Preferably, the side wall is formed with perforations to allow any one or a combination of a barrel holder to be removably attached thereon for receiving a barrel portion of the firearm, at least one stock rest to be detachably attached thereon for receiving a stock of the firearm, at least one container removably attached thereon for storing accessories and / or cartridges of the firearms, and an ammunition holder removable attached thereon for storing ammunitions of the firearm..

[0025] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of a firearm repository in which storage racks are fully concealed.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an isometric view of the firearm repository in which one of the storage racks is exposed.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front wall of the storage rack.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an isometric view of the storage rack.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a locking mechanism of the firearm repository.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the locking mechanism and a spring mechanism when the storage rack is switched to an unlocked state.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the locking mechanism and the spring mechanism when the storage rack is switched to a locked state.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a firearm repository (100) for storing firearms (101). Preferably, the firearm repository (100) is used for storage of elongate firearms (101), which refers to firearms (101) having an extended barrel portion, in which the barrel portion varies in length and width depending on types of the elongate firearms (101). The types of the elongate firearms (101) may include but not limited to assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, sniper rifles, carbines, rocket launchers, and rocket-propelled grenade.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the firearm repository (100) generally comprises a body (102) formed with a plurality of compartments. Preferably, the firearm repository (100) is in the form of a cuboidal structure. By way of example, the firearm repository (100) may have a dimension of 1625 mm in length, 1500 mm in height, and 500 mm in width. Optionally, the firearm repository (100) may have a customized dimension that is suitable for a desired storage capacity. Each of the compartments is installed with a storage rack (110) for accommodating the firearm (101). The storage rack (110) generally comprises a front wall (111), a side wall (112), and a sliding mechanism (113), wherein the storage rack (110) is configured to be slidably movable in and out of the compartment by the sliding mechanism (113) to respectively cover and expose the side wall (112). Preferably, each of the compartments (200) accommodates one of the firearms (102) of a user. Preferably, the user refers to personnel affiliated with armed forces, police forces, and / or paramilitary organisations. By way of example, the firearm repository (100) preferably comprises 10 storage compartments.

[0039] The front wall (111) of the storage rack (110) provides enclosure to the compartment such that the firearms (101) are securely stored in storage space within the storage rack (110) in the compartment. Referring to Fig. 3, the front wall (111) comprises a viewing component (114) that is partially or fully transparent to allow viewing of interior of the individual compartment. Advantageously, this allows visual inspection of status of the storage racks (110), thereby minimizing risk of abuse of the firearm (101) and falsified deposition and / or withdrawal of the firearm (101). Preferably, the viewing component (114) can be made of materials that provide transparency and durability, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, and tempered glass. More preferably, the viewing component (114) is made of polycarbonate. The viewing component (114) is preferably fully transparent to allow a clearer visual inspection of the status of the storage racks (110). Additionally, each of the front walls (111) comprises a knob (115) disposed on an outer surface of the front wall (111) for facilitating opening of the respective storage rack (110).

[0040] Preferably, the viewing component (114) is designed with a thickness for improved durability. This allows the viewing component (114) to withstand external force and / or impact arose from a violent attempt to access the storage rack (110) by shattering or smashing for a predetermined time. Preferably, the thickness of the viewing component (114) is at least 10 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the viewing component (114) is 20 mm. The predetermined time refers to an estimated time for a reinforcement team to arrive at a location of a building where the violent attempt to access the storage rack (110) occurs. The predetermined time depends on the location of the building and / or the layout of the building. Preferably, the predetermined time is at least 10 minutes. Preferably, the viewing component (114) is positioned within the front wall (111) such that the viewing component (114) is surrounded by the front wall (111), which further improves the durability of the viewing component (114).

[0041] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the side wall (112) extends inwardly from the front wall (111) and provides at least one surface for the firearm (101) to be engaged thereon. Preferably, the side wall (112) extends inwardly from a longitudinal side of the front wall (111), whereby the side wall (112) and the front wall (111) together form an L-shaped structure having the surface on which the firearm (101) can be engaged. Alternatively, the side wall (112) extends inwardly from a middle portion of the front wall (111), whereby the side wall (112) and the front wall (111) together form a T- shaped structure having two surfaces on which the firearm (101) can be engaged thereon in a back-to-back manner. Such configuration allows storage of at least two firearms (101) in a single storage rack (110).

[0042] Preferably, the side wall (112) is formed with perforations on the surface where the firearm (101) is engaged thereon, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The perforations allow any one or a combination of a barrel holder (106), at least one stock rest (107), at least one container (108), and an ammunition holder (109) to be removably attached on the side wall (112). The barrel holder (106) is provided for receiving a barrel portion of the firearm (101), whereas the stock rest (107) is provided for receiving a stock of the firearm (101) such that the firearm (101) is stored in a substantially upright position. The barrel holder (106) and the stock rest (107) stabilize the position of the firearm (101) stored in the storage rack (110). In addition, the container (108) is provided for storing accessories and / or cartridges of the firearm (101) in an orderly manner. The accessories of the firearms (101) can be but not limited to a suppressor, a laser scope, a night-vision scope, and a tactical flashlight. Furthermore, the ammunition holder (109) is provided for holding ammunitions of the firearm (101) in an orderly manner. A sensor is preferably provided in the storage space for detecting the presence of the ammunition holder (109) in the storage space that is associated with the user. By way of example, the sensor can be an infrared sensor or an RFID sensor. The ammunition holder (109) additionally functions as a counter that detects the amount of the ammunitions stored such that a comparison between a current amount and a previous amount of the ammunitions can be made to determine whether shots were made during possession of the firearm (101). Preferably, the ammunition holder (109) comprises a plurality of slots, each shaped like the ammunition for insertion of the ammunition therein. When in use, the ammunition holder (109) counts the ammunition stored therein by way of an electrical circuitry that detects metal object that is shaped like the ammunition and can be fit into each of the slots. Advantageously, the perforations on the side wall (112) allow customization of the storage space within the storage rack (110) such that the storage space are effectively utilised for storage of various firearms (101). By way of example, the perforation allows the barrel holder (106) to be replaced with a more suitable barrel holder (106) at a suitable height position on the side wall (112) based on the type of the firearm (101) to be stored as different types of the firearms (101) have different lengths and widths of the barrel portion. This further allows the stock rest (107), the containers (108), and / or the ammunition holder (109) to be rearranged accordingly to effectively utilize the storage space.

[0043] The sliding mechanism (113) comprises a sliding track extended inwardly from a lower end the front wall (111) and a roller member disposed at a side surface of the compartment that corresponds to the position of the sliding track. The roller member is engaged to the sliding track to realize the sliding movement of the storage rack (110) in and out of the compartment. An additional sliding track and roller member may be provided for facilitating the sliding movement of the storage rack (110). The additional sliding track preferably extends inwardly from an upper end of the front wall (111) and the additional roller member is preferably disposed at the side surface of the compartment corresponds to the position of the additional sliding track. The sliding mechanism allows ease of access to the storage space within the storage rack (110) to deposit and / or withdraw the firearm (101) as compared to a conventional firearm repository having a hinged door. Advantageously, this allows the user to deposit and / or withdraw the firearm (101) at a reduced time spent, thereby achieving a swifter response in an event of emergency.

[0044] Preferably, the firearm repository (100) further comprises a cover formed by a top panel, a rear panel, and two opposing side panels for receiving the body (101), as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. Advantageously, this allows cable and / or wire connections to be hidden, thereby improving aesthetic and safety aspects of the firearm repository

[0045] (100). A plurality of wheels may be provided beneath the body (101) such that the body

[0046] (101) can be moved out from the cover (103) with ease for maintenance. In addition, a handle is disposed at each side of the body (101) to facilitate moving of the body (101) in and out of the cover (103).

[0047] The firearm repository (100) further comprises a control system for controlling accessibility of the storage rack (110). Preferably, a locking mechanism (120) controlled by the control system is provided and operably connected to the storage racks (110), as illustrated in Fig. 5. When in use, the locking mechanism (120) individually switches the storage rack (110) between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the storage rack (110) is in the locked state, the storage rack (110) is inaccessible, whereby the storage rack (110) cannot be moved out from the compartment and the storage space is fully concealed, as illustrated in Fig. 1. On the contrary, when the storage rack (110) is in the unlocked state, the storage rack (110) is accessible, whereby the storage rack (110) can be moved out from the compartment and the storage space is substantially or fully exposed, as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0048] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the locking mechanism (120) comprises at least a hook (121) and at least an opening (122) for receiving the hook (121). The hook (121) is provided at the body (102) and positioned adjacent to the front wall (111), whereas the opening (122) is formed on the front wall (111). When in use, the control system controls the locking mechanism (120), whereby the hook (121) is movable to engage with the opening (122) during the locked state and disengage from the opening (122) during the unlocked state. Preferably, the hook (121) is provided on a panel (123) positioned in front of the body (102) and adjacent to at least a longitudinal side of each of the compartments such that the hook (121) is in proximity to the opening (122) formed on the front wall (111) for engaging with the opening (122). More preferably, a pair of the panel (123) provided, each positioned adjacent to the longitudinal sides of each of the compartments that are opposing to one another, thereby forming a pair of the hooks (121) for engaging with a pair of the openings (122) formed on the opposing longitudinal sides of the front wall (111) for improved engagement during the locked state. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least four of the hooks (121) are provided on each of the panel, thereby forming four pairs of the hooks (121) for further enhancing the engagement during the locked state.

[0049] The control system further comprises a spring mechanism and a motor for realizing movement of the hooks during switching of the storage rack between the locked state and the unlocked state. Preferably, the spring mechanism comprises a spring (124) having a first end (124a) connected to the panel (123) and a second end (124b) connected to the compartment on the body (102), as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. Additionally, the panel (123) comprises a slot in which the second end (124b) of the spring (124) is slidable therein when the storage rack (110) is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state. When the locking mechanism (120) is operated to switch the storage rack (110) from the locked state to the unlocked state, the motor lifts the panels (123) upward, which subsequently causes a downward movement of the second end (124b) of the spring (124) along the slot and compression of the spring (124), as illustrated in Fig. 6. This causes the hook (121) to be moved to a position whereby the hook (121) aligns with the opening (122) to form an unobstructed sliding path for the sliding movement of the storage rack (110) out of the compartment. On the contrary, when the locking mechanism is operated to switch the storage rack (110) from the unlocked state to the locked state, the motor releases the panel (123) downward, which subsequently causes an upward movement of the second end (124b) of the spring (124) along the slot and relaxation of the spring (124), as illustrated in Fig. 7. This causes the hook (121) to be moved to a position whereby the hook (121) engages with the opening (122), thereby obstructing the sliding path to prevent sliding movement of the storage rack (110) out of the compartment. Optionally, the hook (121) can be moved by the motor in another direction such as sideways when switching the storage rack (110) between the locked state and the unlocked state, depending on position and setup of the control system and the locking mechanism (120) in the firearm repository (100).

[0050] Referring back to Figs. 1 and 2, the control system further comprises a biometric authentication module (104) operably connected to the locking mechanism (120) for reading metrics related to human characteristics of the user when attempting to access the storage rack (110). The biometric authentication module (104) is preferably arranged on the body (102) of the firearm repository (100). By way of example, the biometric authentication module (104) can include but not limited to fingerprint scanner, iris scanner, or any other biometric scanners known in the art. Upon a successful biometric authentication of the user, the biometric authentication module (104) transmits a signal to the locking mechanism (120) such that the storage rack (110) corresponds to the user is switched to the unlocked state for deposition and / or withdrawal of the firearms (101). In the event of an unsuccessful biometric authentication of the user, the biometric authentication module (104) transmits a signal to the locking mechanism (120) such that the storage rack (110) corresponds to the user remains at the locked state to prevent deposition and / or withdrawal of the firearms (101). Furthermore, the locking mechanism (120) automatically switches the storage rack (110) from the unlocked state to the locked state when the storage rack (110) is left unopened for a predetermined duration after being unlocked. The predetermined duration can be configurable by a person in charge of the firearm repository (100) and / or higher authorities. Preferably, the predetermined duration is between 5 seconds to 20 seconds. Preferably, the biometric authentication module (104) notifies the person in charge of the firearm repository (100) and / or the higher authorities regarding the unsuccessful biometric authentication such that risk of unauthorised access can be minimized.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 4, the firearm repository (100) preferably further comprises an identification module (105) operably connected to the biometric authentication module (104) for reading an identification member of the firearm (101) upon a successful biometric authentication. This ensures that information in the identification member matches the metrics of the user obtained by the biometric authentication module (104) prior to withdrawal and / or deposition of the firearm (101). Preferably, the identification module (105) is disposed in each of the storage rack (110). By way of example, the identification module (105) can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) module and the identification member can be an RFID tag attached or embedded in the firearm. Preferably, the identification module (105) is disposed in an enclosure that is removably attached to the perforations on the side wall (112). This allows customization of position of the enclosure on the side wall (112) based on the type of firearm (101) stored in the storage rack (110). Additionally, the enclosure provides protection to the identification module (105) to minimize risk of damaging the identification module (105). Preferably, position of the identification module (105) in the enclosure can be further customized based on the type of firearm (101) stored in the storage rack (110). In the event of mismatch between the information in the identification member and the metric of the user, the identification module (105) notifies the person in charge of the firearm repository (100) and / or the higher authorities such that risk of falsified deposition and / or withdrawal can be minimized. Advantageously, the biometric authentication module (104) operates in conjunction with the identification module (105) to provide a two-factor authentication when accessing the firearm repository (100), thereby enhancing security of the firearm repository (100).

[0052] Preferably, the control system further comprises a scheduled control module operably connected to the locking mechanism (120) for controlling accessibility of each of the storage rack (110) based on schedule of the corresponding users. For example, a schedule from 12:00 am to 9:00 am assigned to the user indicates an authorized schedule for the user to be armed with the firearm (101). The scheduled control module is provided such that the storage rack (110) is only accessible by the user during the assigned schedule. When the user attempts to access the storage rack (110) outside the assigned schedule, the scheduled control module transmit a signal to the locking mechanism (120) such that the corresponding storage rack (110) is remained in the locked state, despite the successful biometric authentication. Advantageously, the scheduled control module limits possession of the firearm (101) by the user within the assigned schedule, thereby minimizing risk of abuse of the firearm (101) by the user.

[0053] Furthermore, the control system further comprises an alert module for providing a visual and / or an audio alert in an event of emergency. For example, when the violent attempt to access the storage rack (110) occurs, the alert module may provide an audio alert to the personnel in charge and / or the higher authority such that reinforcement team can be deployed. In another example, when the user attempts to access the storage rack (110) outside the assigned schedule, the alert module may provide the audio alert to the personnel in charge and / or the higher authority such that disciplinary action can be taken against the user if necessary.

[0054] Preferably, the firearm repository (100) further comprises a display module for displaying messages and / or information related to operation of the firearm repository (100). The message and / or information include but not limited to the current status of each of the storage racks (110), authentication outcomes of the biometric authentication module (104) and the identification module (105), and the visual alert provided by the alert module.

[0055] Preferably, the firearm repository (100) further comprises an emergency release mechanism configured to operate with the locking mechanism (120) for simultaneously unlocking all the storage racks (110) in the event of emergency. Referring back to Figs. 1 and 2, the emergency release mechanism is provided on the body (102) and covered by a security door (130), which can be accessed using a security key held by the personnel in charge and / or the higher authority. The emergency release mechanism comprises an emergency lever. When the emergency lever is rotated, all the storage racks (110) are simultaneously unlocked to allow the firearms (101) to be withdrawn immediately. The emergency release mechanism is configured in such a way that the biometric authentication module (104) and the identification module (105) can be overridden in the event of emergency. Advantageously, this allow the user to be readily equipped in the event of emergency.

[0056] Additionally, the firearm repository (100) further comprises a plurality of light indicators. Each of the light indicators corresponds to each of the storage racks (110) and operably connected to the identification module (105) for providing visual indication related to the current status of the storage rack (110). Preferably, the light indicator comprises a light-emitting diode that lights up in different colours to represent the current status of the storage rack (110). Alternatively, the light indicators may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diode that each lights up in its distinct colour to represent the current status of the storage rack (110). By way of example, a green light indicates a vacant storage rack (110), a red light indicates an occupied storage rack (110), whereas a yellow light indicates an error due to mismatch between the information in the identification member of the firearm (101) and the metric of the user.

[0057] In another embodiment of the invention, the firearm repository (100) preferably further comprises a server that is in communication with the biometric authentication module (104) and the identification module (105). The server can be a local server or a cloud server. Preferably, the server comprises a database that stores data related to the user. The data can include but not limited to name, rank, the metric related to the user’s human characteristics, the information in the identification member related to the firearm (101) that corresponds to the user, and the schedule assigned to the user. The database also stores information related to the access of the storage rack (110), such as dates and times of accessing the storage rack (110) by the user regardless of the assigned schedule, mismatch between the the information in the identification member and the metric of the user, and the emergency release of the storage rack (110). Additionally, the server preferably comprises a reporting module that generates a detailed report that contains the information related to the access of the storage rack (110). Advantageously, the server improves efficiency and transparency in inventory control of the firearm repository (100).

[0058] The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A firearm repository (100) for storing firearms (101), comprising: a body (102) formed with a plurality of compartments that are each installed with a storage rack (110), the storage rack (110) comprising a front wall (111) for enclosing the compartment; a side wall (112) extending inwardly from the front wall (111) and providing at least one surface for the firearm (101) to be engaged thereon; and a sliding mechanism (113); wherein the storage rack (110) is configured to be slidably movable in and out of the compartment by the sliding mechanism (113) to respectively cover and expose the side wall (112).

2. The firearm repository (100) according to claim 1, wherein the front wall (111) comprises a viewing component (114) that is partially or fully transparent to allow viewing of interior of the compartment.

3. The firearm repository (100) according to claim 2, wherein the viewing component(114) is made of polycarbonate.

4. The firearm repository (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control system for controlling accessibility to the storage rack (110).

5. The firearm repository (100) according to claim 4, further comprising a locking mechanism (120) controlled by the control system and operably connected to the storage racks (110) for individually switching the storage rack (110) between a locked state where the storage (110) rack is inaccessible and an unlocked state where the storage rack (110) is accessible.

6. The firearm repository (100) according to claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism(120) comprises at least ahook (121) provided at the body (102) that is adjacent to the front wall (111); and at least an opening (122) formed on the front wall (111) for receiving the hook (121); wherein the hook (121) is movable to engage with the opening (122) during the locked state, and disengage from the opening during the unlocked state.

7. The firearm repository (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control system comprises a biometric authentication module (104) operably connected to the locking mechanism (120) for reading metrics related to human characteristics of a user when attempting to access the storage rack (110).

8. The firearm repository (100) according to claim 7, further comprising an identification module (105) operably connected to the biometric authentication module (104) for reading an identification member of the firearm (101) upon a successful biometric authentication such that information in the identification member matches the metrics of the user.

9. The firearm repository (100) according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of light indicators, each corresponds to each of the storage rack (110) and operably connected to the identification module (105) for providing visual indication related to a current status of the storage rack (110).

10. The firearm repository (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the control system comprises a scheduled control module operably connected to the locking mechanism (120) for controlling accessibility of the storage rack (110) based on schedule of the user.

11. The firearm repository (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the control system further comprises an alert module for providing a visual and / or an audio alert in an event of emergency.

12. The firearm repository (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, further comprising an emergency release mechanism configured to operate with the locking mechanism (120) for simultaneously unlocking all the storage racks (110) in the event of emergency.

13. The firearm repository (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (112) is formed with perforations to allow any one or a combination of a barrel holder (106) to be removably attached thereon for receiving a barrel portion of the firearm (101), at least one stock rest (107) to be detachably attached thereon for receiving a stock of the firearm (101), at least one container (108) removably attached thereon for storing accessories and / or cartridges of the firearms (101), and an ammunition holder (109) removable attached thereon for storing ammunitions of the firearm (101).

Images