U.S. patent application number 10/688894 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-21 for straight handle baton with mushroom cap.
Invention is credited to Goleskie, Eric J., Macierowski, Glenn E..
Application Number | 20050083679 10/688894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34521270 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050083679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Macierowski, Glenn E. ; et
al. |
April 21, 2005 |
Straight handle baton with mushroom cap
Abstract
A straight baton includes a bulbous or mushroom shaped cap which
releasably receives a light device with a light element, multiple
shaft sections including at least first, second, and third shaft
sections, and a striking end. The first, second, and third shaft
sections are cylindrically shaped, and each shaft section has
predetermined inner and outer diameters, a predetermined length,
and opposing ends. The inner diameter of the first shaft section is
larger than the outer diameter of the second shaft section, and the
inner diameter of the second shaft section is larger than the outer
diameter of the third shaft section. The first shaft section is
configured to enable the second shaft section to releasably retract
into or extend out of the first shaft section, and the second shaft
section is configured to enable the third shaft section to
releasably retract into or extend out of the second shaft
section.
Inventors: |
Macierowski, Glenn E.;
(Sparta, NJ) ; Goleskie, Eric J.; (Piscataway,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. BOX 15035 CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
34521270 |
Appl. No.: |
10/688894 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 15/027
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/102 |
International
Class: |
A45B 003/02 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A straight baton comprising: a cap which releasably receives a
light device with a light element; multiple shaft sections
including at least first, second, and third shaft sections; and a
striking end.
2. The straight baton according to claim 1, wherein said first,
second, and third shaft sections are cylindrically shaped, and each
shaft section has predetermined inner and outer diameters, a
predetermined length, and opposing ends.
3. The straight baton according to claim 2, wherein the inner
diameter of the first shaft section is larger than the outer
diameter of the second shaft section, and the inner diameter of the
second shaft section is larger than the outer diameter of the third
shaft section, the first shaft section being configured to enable
the second shaft section to releasably retract into or extend out
of the first shaft section, and the second shaft section being
configured to enable the third shaft section to releasably retract
into or extend out of the second shaft section.
4. The straight baton according to claim 3, wherein the cap
includes a bulbous/mushroom shaped head which releasably receives
the light device and the light element.
5. The straight baton according to claim 4, wherein the cap has a
threaded end for removably attaching the cap to a threaded end of
the first shaft section, and the cap is configured for releasably
receiving a battery power source to power the light element.
6. The straight baton according to claim 4, wherein the head of the
cap has a predetermined circular outer diameter that is larger than
the predetermined outer diameter of the first shaft section of the
baton to enable a user to maintain better retention of the baton if
the baton is grabbed by a subject and pulled away from the user,
and to aid the user in rapidly retrieving the baton when the baton
is dropped.
7. The straight baton according to claim 4, wherein a portion of
the head is transparent to allow the light element to emit light
through the transparent portion of the head.
8. The straight baton according to claim 3, wherein the first shaft
section of the baton includes two ends, an aperture defined in a
side of the first shaft section proximate one of the ends that is
configured for releasably receiving a threaded end of the cap.
9. The straight baton according to claim 3, wherein the second
shaft section of the baton includes two ends, an aperture defined
in a side of the second shaft section proximate one of the ends,
and a spring plunger mechanism configured to lock the second shaft
section into an extended position via the aperture of the first
shaft section when the second shaft section extends from the first
shaft section.
10. The straight baton according to claim 9, further comprising
split rings or O-rings to form a shock absorber stop mechanism for
the baton when the baton is opened with force.
11. The straight baton according to claim 3, wherein the third
shaft section of the baton includes two ends and a spring mechanism
plunger mechanism configured to lock the third shaft section into
an extended position via an aperture of the second shaft section
when the third shaft section extends from the second shaft
section.
12. The straight baton according to claim 11, wherein one of the
ends is threaded to, releasably receive a threaded end of the
striking end.
13. The straight baton according to, claim 11, further comprising
split rings or O-rings to form a shock absorber stop mechanism for
the baton when the baton is opened with force.
14. The straight baton according to claim 1, wherein the striking
end of the baton is made of metal and is configured without arcuate
edges to prevent cutting/ripping of flesh, and includes a threaded
end configured for releasably enaging with a threaded end of the
third shaft section.
15. The straight baton according to claim 1, in combination with a
side handle configured for being attached to a side of the straight
baton, the side handle including a gripping portion and a stepped
top with a canopy cover.
16. The straight baton according to claim 15, further comprising a
spray canister and a connection device contained within the side
handle, the spray canister being configured to carry a chemical eye
irritant, and the connection device being configured to
interconnect the side handle with the straight baton.
17. The straight baton according to claim 16, further comprising a
spray actuator attached to a top of the spray canister, the spray
actuator including a base portion with an inner diameter form
fitted for compressively receiving the top of the spray canister,
and including an L-shaped channel contained within the gripping
portion of the side handle.
18. The straight baton according to claim 17, wherein the spray
actuator includes a safety flap, a built-in hinge point, and a
squared off forward section.
19. The straight baton according to claim 18, wherein the L-shaped
channel leads to a nozzle under the squared off forward section,
the squared off forward section being configured to enable the
spray actuator to be placed in the side handle in only one
direction, and being configured to hold the spray actuator and the
canister in place while inside the side handle to preclude
dislodgement of the spray canister from the side handle, and the
nozzle being configured to release fluid from the spray canister at
a predetermined angle associated with a direction of light emitted
from the light element of the baton.
20. The straight baton according to claim 19, wherein the safety
flap of the spray actuator remains in a down position until a user
flips up the safety flap to access a push button on the spray
actuator, and absence of force on the safety flap results in
automatic closure of the safety flap.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to batons and, more
particularly, to an expandable straight baton with a mushroom cap
that may be converted into an expandable side handle baton.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Law enforcement individuals, such as police officers,
security personnel, or the like, commonly carry a number of items
with them during their on duty rotations. One of the devices police
officers often carry is a baton to offer them assistance during
potentially threatening public encounters. During such encounters,
the baton may be dislodged from the hands of the police officer
and, being cylindrically shaped, may roll down an incline and be
difficult to find after the encounter. It would be desirable for
law enforcement individuals to have access to a baton with a handle
that facilitates the ability to find the baton quickly after being
dropped and/or dislodged. It would also be desirable for law
enforcement individuals to have access to a baton equipped with
elements capable of assisting them before and/or during threatening
encounters.
[0005] The related art is represented by the following references
of interest.
[0006] U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0163799 A1,
issued on Nov. 7, 2002 for Craig A. Kukuk, describes a
multi-functional law enforcement tool. The Kukuk application patent
does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom cap according to
the claimed invention.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 1,066,540, issued on Jul. 8, 1913 to George A.
Smithwick, describes a combined club and flashlight. The Smithwick
patent does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom cap
according to the claimed invention.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,206,095, issued on Nov. 26, 1916 to Joseph
A. Coy, describes a baton with a light at one end. The Coy
application does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom cap
according to the claimed invention.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 1,489,305, issued on Apr. 8, 1924 for Walter
S. Calkins, describes a combination club and searchlight. The
Calkins patent does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom
cap according to the claimed invention.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 1,950,369, issued on Mar. 6, 1934 to Maurice
A. Klein, describes a baton with a flashlight in the grip portion
of the baton. The Klein patent does not suggest a straight baton
with a mushroom cap according to the claimed invention.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,257,227, issued on Sep. 30, 1941 to Maurice
M. Dater, describes a night stick with a light at the end opposite
the handle end. The Dater patent does not suggest a straight baton
with a mushroom cap according to the claimed invention.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 2,260,639, issued on Oct. 28, 1941 to William
A. Powell, describes a billy club with a flashlight at the end
opposite the handle end. The Powell patent does not suggest a
straight baton with a mushroom cap according to the claimed
invention.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,737,649, issued on Jun. 5, 1973 to Norman C.
Nelson et al., describes a combination baton-flashlight. The Nelson
et al. patent does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom cap
according to the claimed invention.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,171, issued on Oct. 23, 1984 to Gregg B.
Mains, describes a side arm baton with a flashlight. The Mains
patent does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom cap
according to the claimed invention.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,137, issued on Apr. 4, 1989 to Robert J.
Hamilton, describes a multi-purpose self defense baton with a
flashlight connected within the handle portion of the baton. The
Hamilton patent does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom
cap according to the claimed invention.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,123, issued on Oct. 22, 1991 to Charles
S. Arnold, describes a billy with a flashlight in a twist-on
flashlight. The Arnold patent does not suggest a straight baton
with a mushroom cap according to the claimed invention.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,377, issued on Feb. 4, 1992 to Bert
Roberts, describes a non-lethal self defense weapon with a
centrally positioned grip and a flashlight at one end of the
weapon. The Roberts patent does not suggest a straight baton with a
mushroom cap according to the claimed invention.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,140, issued on Nov. 3, 1992 to Paul D.
Starrett, describes an expandable police baton. The Starrett patent
does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom cap according to
the claimed invention.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,436, issued on Sep. 13, 1994 to Arthur
C. Clyde et al., describes a combined flashlight-baton with a
flashlight mechanism t one end of the baton. The Clyde et al.
patent does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom cap
according to the claimed invention.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,215, issued on Jun. 25, 1996 to Rondal
T. Banks et al., describes a personal defense baton with a defense
spray container at one end. The Banks et al. patent does not
suggest a straight baton with a mushroom cap according to the
claimed invention.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,726 B1, issued on May 14, 2002 to Glenn
E. Macierowski et al., describes a hand-held personal
defense/police baton that includes an elongated, telescoping main
cylinder having an extendable first end and a second end including
a rounded, shatterproof light that is secondarily useable for
jabbing maneuvers, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference. The Macierowski et al. patent does not suggest a
straight baton with a mushroom cap according to the claimed
invention.
[0022] Germany Patent Application Publication No. DE 38 08 362 A1 ,
published on Oct. 13, 1988, describes a multipurpose baton. The
Germany '362 application does not suggest a straight baton with a
mushroom cap according to the claimed invention.
[0023] Germany Patent Application Publication No. DE 38 11 037 A1,
published on Oct. 12, 1989, describes a walking stick which
includes a light source arranged so the stick can serve as a
warning lamp and can light up the user's path. The Great Britain
'443 application does not suggest a straight baton with a mushroom
cap according to the claimed invention.
[0024] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed. Thus a straight baton with a mushroom cap solving the
aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention is a straight baton with a bulbous
head or mushroom cap. A straight baton includes a bulbous or
mushroom shaped cap which releasably receives a light device with a
light element, multiple shaft sections including at least first,
second, and third shaft sections, and a striking end. The first,
second, and third shaft sections are cylindrically shaped, and each
shaft section has predetermined inner and outer diameters, a
predetermined length, and opposing ends. The inner diameter of the
first shaft section is larger than the outer diameter of the second
shaft section, and the inner diameter of the second shaft section
is larger than the outer diameter of the third shaft section. The
first shaft section is configured to enable the second shaft
section to releasably retract into or extend out of the first shaft
section, and the second shaft section is configured to enable the
third shaft section to releasably retract into or extend out of the
second shaft section.
[0026] The cap includes a removable bulbous or mushroom shaped
head. The head of the cap releasably receives a light device with a
light element. The cap has a threaded end for removably attaching
the cap to a threaded end of the first shaft section. The cap also
releasably receives a battery power source to power the light
element.
[0027] The head of the cap has a predetermined circular outer
diameter that is larger than the predetermined outer diameter of
the first shaft section of the baton. The dimensional relationship
between the outer diameter of the head of the cap and the outer
diameter of the first shaft section is a critical characteristic of
the invention. The fact that the head of the cap has a
predetermined circular outer diameter that is larger than the
predetermined outer diameter of the first shaft section enables a
user to maintain better retention of the baton if the baton is
grabbed by a subject and pulled away from the user. In addition,
the dimensional relationship between the outer diameter of the head
of the cap and the outer diameter of the first shaft section of the
baton aids the user in rapidly retrieving the baton when the baton
is dropped, because if the baton is dropped on the ground, inclined
or not, the baton will circle about the striking end of the baton
and will not roll away in a longitudinal manner. A portion of the
head is transparent to allow the light element to emit light
through the transparent portion of the head.
[0028] The side handle enables an individual, such as a law
enforcement individual, the versatility of choosing between a
straight handle baton and a side handle baton according to their
needs. The side handle also enables an individual to be equipped
with three tools that may be actuated with a single hand.
[0029] Accordingly, it is a principal aspect of the invention to
provide a straight baton including a cap which releasably receives
a light device with a light element, multiple shaft sections
including at least first, second, and third shaft sections, and a
striking end.
[0030] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a straight
baton including a cap which releasably receives a light device with
a light element, multiple shaft sections including at least first,
second, and third shaft sections, and a striking end, wherein said
first, second, and third shaft sections are cylindrically shaped,
and each shaft section has predetermined inner and outer diameters,
a predetermined length, and opposing ends, wherein the inner
diameter of the first shaft section is larger than the outer
diameter of the second shaft section, and the inner diameter of the
second shaft section is larger than the outer diameter of the third
shaft section, the first shaft section being configured to enable
the second shaft section to releasably retract into or extend out
of the first shaft section, and the second shaft section being
configured to enable the third shaft section to releasably retract
into or extend out of the second shaft section.
[0031] It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a
straight baton including a cap which releasably receives a light
device with a light element, multiple shaft sections including at
least first, second, and third shaft sections, and a striking end,
wherein the cap includes a bulbous/mushroom shaped head which
releasably receives the light device and the light element, the cap
having a threaded end for removably attaching the cap to a threaded
end of the first shaft section, and the cap being configured for
releasably receiving a battery power source to power the light
element.
[0032] Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a
straight baton including a cap which releasably receives a light
device with a light element, multiple shaft sections including at
least first, second, and third shaft sections, and a striking end,
wherein the cap includes a bulbous/mushroom shaped head having a
predetermined circular outer diameter that is larger than a
predetermined outer diameter of the first shaft section of the
baton to enable a user to maintain better retention of the baton if
the baton is grabbed by a subject and pulled away from the user,
and to aid the user in rapidly retrieving the baton when the baton
is dropped.
[0033] Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a straight
baton in combination with a side handle, the baton including a cap
which releasably receives a light device with a light element,
multiple shaft sections including at least first, second, and third
shaft sections, and a striking end, and the side handle the side
handle including a gripping portion and a stepped top with a canopy
cover, a spray canister, a connection device, the spray canister
being configured to carry a chemical eye irritant, and the
connection device being configured to interconnect the side handle
with the straight baton.
[0034] It is an aspect of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0035] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a straight baton in an
extended position according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2A is a side view of the straight baton shown in FIG. 1
in an extended position.
[0038] FIG. 2B is a side view of the straight baton shown in FIG. 1
in a retracted position.
[0039] FIG. 2C is a side view of the mushroom cap of the straight
baton in FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 3A is an exploded front perspective view of the
straight baton shown in FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the mushroom cap of
the straight baton shown in FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a removable side handle
for the straight baton shown, in FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view of the removable side
handle shown in FIG. 4 attached to the straight baton shown in FIG.
1.
[0044] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] The present invention is a straight baton with a mushroom
cap. The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of
embodiment in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and
described herein below in detail are preferred embodiments of the
invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present
disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention
and does not limit the invention to the illustrated
embodiments.
[0046] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a straight baton 10
according to the invention. The baton 10 includes a cap 20,
multiple shaft sections 30, 40, 60, and a striking end 70. The
multiple shaft sections 30, 40, 60 are cylindrically shaped. Each
shaft section 30, 40, 60 has predetermined inner and outer
diameters, a predetermined length, and opposing ends. The inner
diameter of the first shaft section 30 is larger than the outer
diameter of the second shaft section 40, and the inner diameter of
the second shaft section 40 is larger than the outer diameter of
the third shaft section 60. The first shaft section 30 is
configured to enable the second shaft section 40 to releasably
retract into or extend out of the first shaft section 30, and the
second shaft section 40 is configured to enable the third shaft
section 60 to releasably retract into or extend out of the second
shaft section 30. As such, the first shaft section 30 is configured
to releasably receive the second and third shaft sections 40, 60.
For example, the baton 10 may have an overall length of about
twenty-four inches when second and third shaft sections 40, 60 are
fully extended from the first shaft section 30, and may have an
overall length of about twelve inches when the second and third
shaft sections 40, 60 are fully retracted into the first shaft
section 30.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the cap 20 includes a removable
bulbous or mushroom shaped head 12. The head 12 of the cap 20
releasably receives a light device 16 with a light element 18 which
may be any type of light element, such as an incandescent light, a
light emitting diode, a halogen light, etc. The cap 20 has a
threaded end 22 for removably attaching the cap 20 to a threaded
end 34 of the first shaft section 30. The cap 20 also releasably
receives a chargeable and/or re-chargeable battery power source 24
(see FIG. 5) to power the light element 18.
[0048] The head 12 of the cap 20 has a predetermined circular outer
diameter that is larger than the predetermined outer diameter of
the first shaft section 30 of the baton 10. The dimensional
relationship between the outer diameter of the head of the cap and
the outer diameter of the first shaft section 30 is a critical
characteristic of the invention. The fact that the head 12 of the
cap 20 has a predetermined circular outer diameter that is larger
than the predetermined outer diameter of the first shaft section 30
enables a user to maintain better retention of the baton 10 if the
baton 10 is grabbed by a subject and pulled away from the user. In
addition, the dimensional relationship between the outer diameter
of the head 12 of the cap 20 and the outer diameter of the first
shaft section 30 of the baton aids the user in rapidly retrieving
the baton 10 when the baton 10 is dropped, because if the baton 10
is dropped on the ground, inclined or not, the baton will circle
about the striking end 70 of the baton 10 and will not roll away in
a longitudinal manner.
[0049] A portion of the head 12 is transparent to allow the light
element 18 to emit light through the transparent portion of the
head 12. The transparent portion of the head 12 is formed of shock
resistant and durable material, such as transparent polycarbonate,
LEXAN, etc. The remainder of the cap 20 and head 12 are formed of
shock resistant and durable material such as aluminum, steel, etc.,
to enable the cap 20 and head 12 to be shock resistant and
weatherproof to withstand daily climate changes and striking
maneuvers administered by a user.
[0050] The first shaft section 30 of the baton 10 includes ends 34
and 36. The first shaft section 30 also includes an aperture 32
defined in the side of the first shaft section proximate the end
36. The end 34 is threaded and is configured for releasably
receiving the threaded end 22 of the cap 20 the second Shaft
section 40 of the baton includes ends 44 and 50, and an aperture 42
defined in the side of the second shaft section 40 proximate the
end 50. The second shaft section 40 also includes a spring plunger
mechanism 46 and split rings and/or O-rings 48. The spring plunger
mechanism 46 is configured to lock the second shaft section 40 into
an extended position via aperture 32 of the first shaft section 30
when the second shaft Section 40 extends from the first shaft
section 30. The split rings and/or O-rings 48 form a shock absorber
stop mechanism for the baton 10 when opened with force (e.g., the
second and third shaft sections 40, 60 extend from the first shaft
section 30 with force).
[0051] The third shaft section 60 of the baton 10 includes ends 64
and 68. The end 68 is threaded to releasably receive the threaded
end 72 of the striking end 70. The third shaft section 60 also
includes a spring plunger mechanism 64 and split rings and/or
O-rings 66. The spring plunger mechanism 64 is configured to lock
the third shaft section 60 into an extended position via aperture
42 of the second shaft section 40 when the third shaft section 60
extends from the second shaft section 40. The split rings and/or
O-rings 66 form a shock absorber stop mechanism for the baton 10
when opened with force as described above. Other than the split
and/or O-rings 48, 66, the first, second, and third shaft sections
30, 40, 60 of the baton 10 are formed of shock resistant and
durable material such as aluminum, steel, etc.
[0052] The spring plunger mechanisms 46,6 64 of the second and
third shaft sections 40, 60 each have a dual function which allows
air to be released and let in while the shaft sections 40, 60 are
extended from and/or retracted into the baton 10, and allows the
shaft sections 40, 60 to smoothly extend from and retract into the
baton 10. When the baton is extended to full capacity, the spring
plunger mechanisms 46, 64 of the second and third shaft sections
40, 60, lock the sections 40, 60 into place and cannot be retracted
until the user pushes the plunger mechanisms 46, 64 down and
collapses the shaft sections 40, 60.
[0053] The striking end 70 of the baton 10 is preferably made of
metal and may be configured in a variety of sizes to enable a user
to interchanging various size striking ends 70 to optimize the
range and effectiveness of strikes of the baton 10 made by the
user. The striking end 70 is preferably rounded or shaped in a way
such that there are no arcuate edges to prevent cutting and/or
ripping of the flesh. The striking end 70 of the baton 10 includes
a threaded end 72 configured for releasably enaging with the
threaded end 68 of the third shaft section.
[0054] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an example of a side handle 100
which may be attached to the side of the straight baton 10.
However, other side handles may be configured for being attached to
the straight baton 10. The side handle 100 includes a gripping
portion 110 and a stepped top 112 with a canopy cover 114. A spray
canister 118 and a connection device 120 are contained within this
particular side handle 100. The spray canister 118 is preferably a
standard 3/4 ounce canister, but may be any type of spray canister.
The connection device 120 is configured to interconnect the side
handle 100 with the straight baton 10, and is configured to carry a
chemical eye irritant, such as Mace.RTM. or the like.
[0055] A spray actuator 130 is attached to the top of the spray
canister 118. The spray actuator 130 is a one piece injection
molded item, and may be injection molded from durable material,
such as polycarbonate material, etc. The spray actuator 130
includes a base portion 132 with an inner diameter form fitted for
compressively receiving the top of the spray canister 118. The
spray actuator 130 also includes an L-shaped channel 138 contained
within the gripping portion 110 of the side handle 100. The spray
actuator 130 includes a safety flap 140, a built-in hinge point
142, and a squared off forward section 144.
[0056] The L-shaped channel 138 leads to a nozzle under the squared
off forward section 144. The squared off forward section 144 is
configured to enable the spray actuator to be placed in the side
handle in only one direction. The squared off forward section 144
is also configured to hold the spray actuator 130 and the canister
118 in place while inside the side handle so a user can still
administer offensive and defensive maneuvers without having to
worry about the spray canister 118 popping out of the side handle
100. The nozzle is configured to release fluid from the spray
canister at a predetermined angle associated with the direction of
light emitted from the light element 18 of the baton 10.
[0057] The safety flap 140 of the spray actuator 130 remains in the
down position until a user flips up the safety flap 140 with their
thumb/finger to access a push button 136 on the spray actuator 130.
If a user pulls their thumb/finger away from the push button 136
and safety flap 140, the continued resistance on the safety flap
140 will automatically close the safety flap 140 and cover the push
button 136 to prevent accidental discharge of liquid from the spray
canister 118. The safety flap 140 also has an aperture defined in
the safety flap at the end opposite the squared off end 144. This
aperture is configured for use in conjunction with the canopy top
114 of the side handle 100. The canopy cover 114 has a spring pin
which engages the aperture on the safety flap when the canopy cover
is in a closed position. When the spring pin engages the aperture
of the safety flap, the user is able to push the canopy cover
forward to access the safety flap and push button and then pull the
canopy cover rearward. However, the user is unable to freely pull
the canopy cover rearward until they press the spring pin up and
release the canopy cover.
[0058] The side handle 100 enables an individual, such as a law
enforcement individual, the versatility of choosing between a
straight handle baton and a side handle baton according to their
needs. The side handle 100 also enables an individual to be
equipped with three tools that may be actuated with a single
hand.
[0059] While the invention has been described with references to
its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true
spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications
may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the
teaching of the invention without departing from its essential
teachings.
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