U.S. patent application number 10/352438 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for non-lethal exoskeleton weapon.
Invention is credited to Frahm, Leslie Alan.
Application Number | 20040154071 10/352438 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32823732 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040154071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frahm, Leslie Alan |
August 12, 2004 |
Non-lethal exoskeleton weapon
Abstract
An improved electrical stun weapon for the temporary
immobilization of a living being, in which the power source,
electronics package, trigger mechanism and discharge contacts are
securely contained within an insulated glove worn on the human
hand. The stun weapon employs a simple and durable triggering
mechanism allowing it to be armed and ready for use while
permitting its user to engage a combatant or handle a detainee with
both hands free. The stun weapon comprises a widened discharge gap
and variable power settings providing improved stun effectiveness
and improved control over the stun application.
Inventors: |
Frahm, Leslie Alan;
(Bloomfield Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mr. Leslie Alan Frahm
3020 Middlebury Lane
Bloomfield Hills
MI
48301
US
|
Family ID: |
32823732 |
Appl. No.: |
10/352438 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/0024 20130101;
F41H 13/0018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/160 |
International
Class: |
A41D 019/00 |
Claims
Having disclosed one possible preferred embodiment of the
invention, it being understood that the scope of the protection
hereof may not limit such disclosure, I claim:
1. A device to be worn by the user for applying an electric shock
to a living being, said device comprising: an electrically
non-conductive glove with finger members; and two insulating layers
of rubber encapsulating all electrical components within the glove;
and a self-contained, power source, arming switch and high-voltage
producing means; and a trigger contact means; and a discharge
contact means.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said glove further comprises at
least one said trigger contact means embedded within and externally
exposed on at least one said finger member and electrically coupled
to the negative side of said power source.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said glove further comprises at
least one said discharge contact means embedded within and
externally exposed on at least one said finger member and
electrically coupled to the ground output side of said high-voltage
producing means.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said glove further comprises a
second said trigger contact means embedded within and externally
exposed on an adjacent said finger member to first said trigger
contact means and electrically coupled to negative input side of
said high-voltage producing means for selectively energizing said
high voltage producing means.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said glove further comprises a
second said discharge contact means embedded within and externally
exposed on a non-adjacent said finger member to first said
discharge contact means, electrically coupled to the hot output
side of said high-voltage producing means, for variably increasing
the effective discharge gap distance between the two said discharge
contact means as the said finger members are variably spread apart
by the user.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the positive output side of said
power source is electrically coupled to the input side of said
arming switch which further comprises an integral variable resistor
means for applying variable voltage levels from said power source
electrically coupled to the positive input side of said
high-voltage producing means, thus producing variable output
voltage levels from said high-voltage producing means.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the device can be armed and ready
for use by moving said arming switch to the desired power on
level.
8. The device of claim 6 wherein the device being armed by said
arming switch is visibly indicated as being armed by the energizing
of a blinking light emitting diode electrically coupled between
said power source and said arming switch.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein electrical drain on said power
source only occurs when said trigger contact means are touched
together completing an electrical circuit between said power source
and said high-voltage producing means.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein said high-voltage producing means
is capable of producing a menacing discharge display of electricity
between said discharge contact means when the device is armed and
triggered by said trigger contact means with said discharge contact
means in close proximity to one another and not in contact with any
matter other than the atmosphere.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein the embodiment of said power
source, arming switch, high-voltage producing means, trigger
contact means and discharge contact means within said electrically
non-conductive glove allows its user to engage a combatant or
handle a detainee or prisoner with both hands free or to freely
manipulate other objects.
12. A method for the triggering of a device to be worn by the user
for applying an electric shock to a living being, said device
comprising: an electrically non-conductive glove with finger
members; and two insulating layers of rubber encapsulating all
electrical components within the glove; and a self-contained, power
source, arming switch and high-voltage producing means; and a
trigger contact means; and a discharge contact means; and said
method comprising the steps of: (a) touching or gripping a living
being with the device wherein said discharge contact means are
physically touching the living being; (b) crossing of the user's
middle finger member over and down on top of the user's index
finger member, thereby bringing together the first said trigger
contact means embedded within and externally exposed on the bottom
side tip of the middle finger member and the second said trigger
contact means embedded within and externally exposed on the top
side tip of the index finger member completing an electrical
circuit between said power source and said high-voltage producing
means thereby permitting high voltage to flow from said discharge
contacts means into the living being; (c) Un-crossing of the user's
middle and index finger members and optionally removing the device
from contact with the living being.
13. A device to be worn by the user for applying an electric shock
to a living being, said device comprising: I. an electrically
non-conductive glove including; (a) four finger members and one
thumb member; (b) trigger contact means embedded within and
externally exposed on the middle and index finger members; (c)
discharge contact means embedded within and externally exposed on
the thumb and small finger members; (d) a power source; (e) a
high-voltage producing means; (f) two insulating layers of rubber
encapsulating all electrical components within the glove,
protecting the user from electrical shock; II. An electronics
package including; (a) a power source; (b) a high-voltage producing
means comprised of an electronic circuit for the generation of
medium level oscillating voltage of low amperage for supply to a
voltage multiplying transformer; (c) an arming switch with variable
resistor for connecting the power source to the high-voltage
producing means and varying its voltage level. (d) a Light Emitting
Diode for visual indication of an armed state.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to a class of weapons for
immobilization and capture referred to as "stun guns" and more
specifically to a subclass of weapons having a pair of electrically
opposed conductors between which a current is generated to disable
a human or animal target when the conductors are energized and
intentionally placed in contact with said target.
[0006] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0007] In general, electrical shock devices or electrical stun
weapons for use in non-lethal applications are well known and have
been in manufacture for over 20 years. These weapons generate their
electrical shock with circuits similar to those disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,253,132, titled "Power Supply For Weapon For
Immobilization And Capture" issued to Cover in February, 1981.
[0008] Lesser-known adaptations in the form of "exoskeleton" or
wearable devices have been patented but not commercialized, to the
best of the applicant's knowledge, due to impracticalities in
design or the limited available technology of the day. Examples of
these include, U.S. Pat. No. 1,915,721 issued to Diaz in March,
1932; U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,715 issued to Laird in December, 1980
('715 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,696 issued to Darrell in
January, 1983 for "Electrified Glove" ('696 patent); U.S. Pat. No.
4,485,426 issued to Kerls in November, 1984 ('426 patent), and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,282,481 issued to Ziemer in February, 1994 ('481
patent).
[0009] While the device in the '696 patent may function as
described, it contains two technical flaws which render it
impractical for use in hand-to-hand combat. The circuit package
designated as number 13 is described as externally attached to a
glove by means of Velcro. This form of attachment material, also
known as "hook and loop", was designed to provide easy attachment
and removal of an object. This would be highly undesirable in a
combat scenario, likely leading to the deliberate or accidental
separation of the circuit package from the user's glove rendering
the weapon ineffective. Further, the device of '696 patent lacks a
convenient triggering mechanism. Only an On/Off switch is described
limiting its usefulness by requiring the user to consciously turn
on the device during hand-to-hand combat.
[0010] Another example of such wearable devices is disclosed in the
'481 patent as strap-on unit allowing for an alternate embodiment
of the device to be mounted on a glove with insulated fingers and a
separate activation switch mounted on the powering unit. While this
device may also function as described, it too contains technical
flaws that limit its effectiveness during an attack. For instance,
the lower housing unit encompassing shock probes designated as
number 10 and the triggering mechanism require the user to make a
fist and punch the attacker before the device can deliver the
electrical shock. This may be effective while boxing, however it
would be more likely capable of delivering an incapacitating stun
to the user as opposed to the attacker.
[0011] All of the aforementioned patents contain technical flaws in
one or more areas. For instance, the use of mace or pepper sprays,
an electrically conductive liquid, in conjunction with any
electrical stun weapon could present the danger of shock to the
user of the device. The '426 patent depicts an embodiment within a
glove but makes no mention as to how the arrangement would insulate
the user from being shocked by the device's potential delivered at
contact points P1 and P2 of FIG. 7. Additionally, prior
developments in conventional "stun gun" technology have shown that
increasing the gap between the discharge contacts to as much as 7
inches delivers a more effective stun to a larger muscle area. The
'426, '481, '696 and '715 patents all have relatively small
discharge contact gaps and further completely lack a convenient
trigger mechanism as compared to the improved design described in
the present invention.
[0012] The increase of terrorism and civil unrest in the world has
prompted military and government leaders to seek new less-lethal or
non-lethal weapons technologies as an alternative to weapons of
deadly force. Examples of this need are numerous and include, the
need to protect airline pilots while en-route, law enforcement
officers in riot or domestic violence scenarios, the US Army's
Soldier of the Future program and DARPA's Exoskeletons for Human
Performance Augmentation program. Excessive force litigation
against Law Enforcement agencies has increased presenting the need
for alternative methods for immobilization and capture without
physically harming the arrestee. Civilian assaults are also on the
rise which presents the need for a lower powered, albeit effective,
version of a stun device for use in numerous applications
including, people walking to their cars from work or shopping
centers, joggers, delivery personnel in dangerous areas and
security personnel. Reaction time combined with the freedom of full
dexterity in both hands in fast paced, high stress combative
scenarios is key to successful suspect apprehension, prisoner
compliance, threat deterrence and hand to hand combat outcomes. The
aforementioned issues and requirements present a true need for a
substantially improved and practical electrical stun weapon as
described in the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved
electrical stun weapon in which the power source, electronics
package, trigger and discharge contacts are securely contained
within an insulated glove.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved, simple and durable triggering mechanism.
[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an electrical stun weapon that is armed and ready for use without
draining power from the power source allowing its user to engage a
combatant or handle a detainee or prisoner with both hands free or
freely manipulate other objects such as a firearm.
[0016] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an electrical stun weapon comprising a wider gap between the
discharge contacts.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
electrical stun weapon that incorporates a variable power setting
control.
[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
electrical stun weapon that includes a blinking Light Emitting
Diode indicating an armed state.
[0019] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an electrical stun weapon capable of producing a menacing
electrical discharge display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention revealing the electronics package, discharge contacts and
first trigger contact on the middle finger.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention revealing the voltage-multiplying transformer, second
trigger contact on the index finger and glove zipper.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a view of the invention shown in contact with the
arm muscles of a combatant.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a view of the invention shown in use as a visual
deterrent.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting the major electrical
components and their relation to one another.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] The electrical stun weapon in the accompanying figures
depicts one possible embodiment, power source and electronics
package, which does not limit other possible embodiments, power
sources or electronic configurations. The electronic circuit is
conventional in respect to similar circuits of the prior art and is
therefore not described in detail. The physical placement of the
electronics package and the voltage-multiplying transformer are
considered to be part of the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] The electrical stun weapon 10 depicted in FIG. 1 of the
present invention is embodied in an insulated glove portion 11 and
gauntlet portion 11a comprised of a material such as Kevlar,
Spectra, Neoprene, Synthetic Leather or other electrically
non-conductive exterior shell as appropriate for its application.
Contained within the glove and gauntlet shell are Latex or similar
rubber insulating layers 12 and 13 encapsulating all electrical
components and connecting wires, and a final cotton interior liner
14 to wick away moisture and provide user comfort. A zippered
pocket 11b on the underside gauntlet portion of the glove provides
an enclosure for the electronics package 15 comprised of a durable
electrically non-conductive material such as Polycarbonate plastic.
The electronics package houses the power source 16, a dry cell
battery, the master on/off switch with variable power control 17, a
blinking light emitting diode (LED) 18, which serves as a power-on
indicator, and the electrical stun circuitry 19. Opening the
zippered pocket provides access to the master on/off switch and
allows for battery replacement via battery compartment cover
15a.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, moving the master on/off switch
17 to its on position completes a circuit from the positive side of
the battery through the LED to the negative side of the battery
causing the LED to begin blinking, indicating an armed state. The
master on/off switch contains an integral slide potentiometer that
varies the low-level voltage, depending on its position, delivered
to the positive input side of the electrical stun circuitry from
the positive side of the battery. Trigger wire 20 connects the
negative side of the battery to the secondary trigger contact 30
embedded within and extruding through the top exterior tip of the
glove's index finger. Trigger wire 21 connects the negative input
side of the electrical stun circuitry to the primary trigger
contact 31 embedded within and extruding through the bottom
exterior tip of the glove's middle finger. The circuit between the
negative side of the battery and the negative input side of the
electrical stun circuitry is completed when the user simply crosses
their middle finger over and down on top of the index finger
bringing the two trigger contacts together. This novel triggering
method energizes the input side of the electrical stun circuitry
providing a rapid on/off pulsing current of medium-level voltage to
be present on connecting wires 22 and 23 of the output side of the
electrical stun circuitry.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts the electrical stun weapon 10 in a top view
of the glove portion 11 and gauntlet portion 11a. An access zipper
11c is sewn within an elastic border 11d, which is in turn sewn
within the top of the glove portion extending through and evenly
dissecting the top gauntlet portion of the glove. When this zipper
is open, the user's hand can be easily inserted or removed. When
the zipper is closed, the glove is secured to the user's hand by
drawing the gauntlet portion in around the wrist. The elastic
allows for varying wrist sizes and provides user comfort.
Connecting wires 22 and 23 wrap around from the bottom wrist
portion of the glove to the top forehand location supplying
medium-level voltage to the input side of the voltage-multiplying
transformer 24 as a result of the aforementioned triggering event.
High-level voltage produced on the output side of the
voltage-multiplying transformer is conducted via discharge wires 26
and 25 to discharge contacts 32 and 33 respectively. Discharge
contact 32 is embedded within and extrudes through the bottom
exterior tip of the glove's small finger and discharge contact 33
is embedded within and extrudes through the bottom exterior tip of
the glove's thumb.
[0029] FIG. 3 depicts the present invention in use. When the user
is holding or gripping the target 40, a prisoner, arrestee or
combatant, and the electrical stun weapon is triggered, the
high-level pulsing voltage is transferred into the target's muscles
and local nervous system with an incapacitating result. The gap
between the discharge contacts 32 and 33 may be varied from narrow
to as wide as the natural spread of the user's hand allowing for
various types of stun application. For instance, a wider gap will
spread the electrical discharge over a wider muscle region
resulting in a much more effective stun application than possible
with conventional stun weapons of the prior art. A narrow gap
combined with a quick touch to the body of an unruly individual
could encourage directive compliance without actually applying a
full stun. The electrical stun weapon may also be used as a
deterrence to frighten an assailant as depicted in FIG. 4, by
positioning the user's fingers in a gripping position, similar to
holding a baseball, and triggering the device. In this case the
thumb and small finger's tips are within close proximity of each
other causing a menacing discharge of electricity 41 to arc between
discharge contacts 32 and 33. This alone, in some scenarios, may be
adequate enough to deter attack or derive compliance without an
actual stun application. The electrical stun weapon can only be
energized by the user deliberately crossing their middle and index
fingers and therefore can be safely left in an "armed state" and
ready for use. The overall size and thickness of the glove portion
is similar to a typical duty officer's glove thus allowing the user
to manipulate objects or operate a firearm unimpeded. The top side
of the glove and gauntlet may also contain numerous vent holes for
improved user comfort.
[0030] The electrical stun weapon described in the preferred
embodiment may also serve as a convenient platform for the
inclusion or attachment of additional devices. Possibilities
include, a high-intensity LED flashlight and strobe light
incorporated on the exterior top side of the glove in front of the
voltage-multiplying transformer. A wireless personal digital
assistant/communication device combination could be mounted on the
top gauntlet portion of the glove hinging over the zipper.
* * * * *