Patent attributes
A gun mounting lock and a method of using the same to secure a gun to a support surface. The gun mounting lock includes first and second arms positioned opposite each other and a ratchet assembly positioned between lower ends of the arms. The ratchet assembly engages gears provided on the lower ends of the arms. When the assembly is pushed downwardly by placing part of a gun thereon, the downward movement of the assembly causes the two arms to pivot towards each other simultaneously, capturing the gun between the arms and the assembly. The assembly is locked against movement in the reverse direction by a pin of a solenoid contacting a toothed flange on one of the arms. The assembly can be unlocked using a key or by providing power to the solenoid. The gun mounting lock housing is adjustably engaged with a track mounted on the support surface.