U.S. patent application number 10/953055 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for non-lethal projectile systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to PepperBall Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nunan, Scott C., Vasel, Edward J..
Application Number | 20050188886 10/953055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46302941 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050188886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vasel, Edward J. ; et
al. |
September 1, 2005 |
Non-lethal projectile systems
Abstract
A non-lethal projectile system for non-lethally inhibiting a
living target, multi-functional launching devices for delivering
the non-lethal projectile systems to a target, methods of
assembling the non-lethal projectiles, and tactical methods of the
use of the non-lethal projectile, the non-lethal projectile
consists of a projectile body to be impacted with a living target
and an inhibiting substance within the projectile body, wherein
upon impact with the target, the inhibiting substance is dispersed
on and about the target. In a variation, the projectile body
ruptures upon impact releasing the substance. In another variation,
the inhibiting substance is a powdered substance comprising a
powdered pepper derived substance, for example, oleoresin capsicum
or capsaicin.
Inventors: |
Vasel, Edward J.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Nunan, Scott C.; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITCH EVEN TABIN AND FLANNERY
120 SOUTH LA SALLE STREET
SUITE 1600
CHICAGO
IL
60603-3406
US
|
Assignee: |
PepperBall Technologies,
Inc.
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
46302941 |
Appl. No.: |
10/953055 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10953055 |
Sep 28, 2004 |
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10208727 |
Jul 29, 2002 |
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10208727 |
Jul 29, 2002 |
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09543289 |
Apr 5, 2000 |
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6543365 |
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10208727 |
Jul 29, 2002 |
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09289258 |
Apr 9, 1999 |
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6393992 |
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10208727 |
Jul 29, 2002 |
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08751709 |
Nov 18, 1996 |
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5965839 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/502 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 6/10 20130101; F41B
15/02 20130101; F42B 12/50 20130101; F41B 11/62 20130101; H02M 7/48
20130101; F41B 11/57 20130101; F41H 9/10 20130101; F42B 12/40
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/502 |
International
Class: |
F42B 030/00 |
Claims
What is claims is:
1. A non-lethal projectile, comprising: a first part having a
hollow portion; a second part secured with the first part to seal
the hollow portion defining a volume within; an inhibiting powder
contained within the volume; a plurality of stabilizing fins
secured with the first part; wherein the projectile is
non-spherical; and wherein upon impact the inhibiting powder is
dispersed into a cloud.
2. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the second part is at least
partially hollow defining a portion of the volume; and the volume
is configured to rupture upon impact radially dispersing the
inhibiting powder into a cloud.
3. The projectile of claim 2, further comprising a lid, and the
second part further includes a fill aperture such that the lid
secures with the second part to close the fill aperture of the
second part.
4. The projectile of claim 2, wherein the first part has a first
length and a diameter, such that the length is greater than the
diameter; the second part has a second length, wherein the first
length is greater than the second length; and the first part has a
cross-section that tapers to a smaller cross-section proximate the
plurality of stabilizing fins.
5. The projectile of claim 4, wherein the first part and the
plurality of stabilizing fins are formed as a single continuous
part, and the fins are curved.
6. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the second part includes
structurally weakening features such that upon impact with a target
the second part ruptures, radially dispersing the inhibiting powder
proximate to the target into the cloud.
7. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the inhibiting power
comprises one or more capsaicinoids.
8. A system comprising: non-spherical projectile to be impacted
with a target; the projectile comprising a first part having a
first hollow portion, a second part sealed with the first part
providing a volume formed within and defined by at least the first
hollow portion, wherein the volume ruptures upon impact with the
target; the first part having a length greater than a length of the
second part; fins secured with an exterior of the first part; and
an inhibiting powder contained within the volume, wherein upon the
volume rupturing upon impact the inhibiting powder is dispersed
into a cloud proximate the target.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the fins are curved.
10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a lid, and the second
part further includes a fill aperture such that the lid secures
with the second part to close the fill aperture of the second
part.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the inhibiting substance
comprises a pepper-derived substance.
12. A method for delivering an inhibiting substance at a target,
comprising: directing a plurality of projectiles at a target along
a generally vertical pattern, wherein the projectiles include a
volume containing an inhibiting substance; and impacting the target
along the generally vertical pattern with the plurality of
projectiles such that the inhibiting substance is dispersed.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the directing the plurality of
projectiles along the generally vertical pattern includes initially
directing at least one of the plurality of projectiles toward a
lower portion of the target and directing later projectiles of the
plurality of projectiles up along the target following the
generally vertical pattern.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the impacting includes
impacting the target with the plurality of the projectiles, wherein
the plurality of the projectiles are impacted with the target at
locations on the target ranging from a first region of the target
to a second region of the target.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first region comprises an
inferior region of a torso of the target and the second region
comprises a superior region of the torso of the target inhibiting
the target.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the directing the plurality of
projectiles includes directing at least one of final projectiles of
the plurality of projectiles toward a head of the target.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: altering a path of
an intended direction from the generally vertical path.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein directing the plurality of
projectiles includes rapid firing the plurality of projectiles from
a rapid fire weapon to rapidly deliver the plurality of projectiles
to the target.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the inhibiting substance
comprises a pepper-derived substance.
20. A system for use in delivering an inhibiting substance,
comprising: a shell; a projectile positioned within the shell,
wherein the shell contains an ignitable substance for launching the
projectile such that the projectile impacts with a target; and an
inhibiting substance contained within the projectile, wherein upon
impact with the target, the inhibiting substance is radially
dispersed proximate to the target.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the ignitable substance
comprises primer.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the ignitable substance
comprises only primer.
23. A system for use in delivering an inhibiting substance,
comprising: a projectile without a cartridge containing an
ignitable powder for launching the projectile, the projectile to be
impacted with a target; and an inhibiting substance within the
projectile, wherein upon impact with the target, the inhibiting
substance is radially dispersed proximate to the target.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the projectile comprises a
frangible projectile, wherein upon impact with the target, the
frangible projectile ruptures, dispersing the inhibiting
substance.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the frangible projectile has a
length greater than a width and further having a volume formed
within, wherein the inhibiting substance is contained within the
volume.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the projectile comprises a
compressed gas launchable projectile.
27. A method of non-lethally inhibiting a living target using a
projectile system comprising a projectile containing a substance,
the method comprising: impacting the target with the projectile,
such that the projectile ruptures; radially dispersing the
substance from the projectile on and about the target; and
contacting the target with the dispersing substance, such that the
target is inhibited thereby.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of impacting the
target with the projectile comprises contacting the anterior region
of the target's torso; and wherein the step of contacting the
target with the dispersing substance comprises contacting the
target's face with the substance.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of impacting the
target with the projectile further comprises marking the target by
impacting the target with sufficient force to bruise the
target.
30. A method of non-lethally inhibiting a living target by
launching, at the target, a projectile system comprising a
projectile containing a substance, the method comprising impacting
the target's torso with a plurality of projectiles, wherein, upon
impact with the target, the projectiles rupture and disperse their
contents about the target and wherein the projectiles are impacted
with the target in a vertical direction from a superior region of
the target's torso down to an inferior region of the target's
torso, such that the target hunches forward into the substance
dispersing from the projectiles.
31. A method of inhibiting a living target by launching, at the
target, a projectile system comprising a projectile containing a
substance, the method comprising impacting the target's torso with
a plurality of projectiles, wherein, upon impact with the target,
the projectiles rupture and disperse their contents about the
target and wherein the projectiles are impacted with the target in
a vertical direction from an inferior region of the target's torso
up towards a superior region of the target's torso.
32. The method of inhibiting a living target according to claim 31,
further comprising impacting the target's head with at least one
projectile.
33. A method of non-lethally inhibiting a living target by
launching, at an object in proximity to the target, a projectile
system comprising a projectile containing a substance, the method
comprising impacting the object in proximity to the target with a
plurality of projectiles, wherein, upon impact with the object, the
projectiles rupture and disperse their contents about the target,
such that the dispensing substance contacts the target's face
region.
34. A method of non-lethally inhibiting a living target located
behind a glass-like barrier, the method comprising: impacting the
glass-like barrier with a projectile system comprising a frangible
projectile, such that the projectile both fractures the glass-like
barrier and ruptures; repeating the impacting of the glass-like
barrier as necessary to result in a hole in the glass-like barrier
through which additional projectile systems can be fired without
rupture of the projectiles; firing at least one frangible
projectile through the glass-like barrier, which frangible
projectile comprises an inhibiting substance; and impacting the
frangible projectile with an object in proximity to the target,
such that the frangible projectile ruptures and disperses the
inhibiting substance about the target.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of impacting the
glass-like barrier with a frangible projectile comprises impacting
the glass-like barrier with a frangible projectile containing a
substance selected from the group consisting of solid substances
and particulate substances, such that the substance facilitates
fracture of the glass-like barrier.
36. A system comprising: a non-spherical projectile to be impacted
with a target, wherein, upon impact with the target, the projectile
ruptures; a substance, contained within the projectile, wherein the
substance comprises a powder; and primer positioned proximate the
non-spherical projectile for launching the non-spherical projectile
at the target.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein the primer does not contain
flaked gun powder and no additional gun powder is used in launching
the non-spherical projectile.
38. The system of claim 36, further comprising a shell wherein the
primer is contained within the shell and the non-spherical
projectile is housed within the shell prior to being launched; and
wherein only the primer is ignited to generate a force that
launches the non-spherical projectile.
39. A system comprising: a primer launchable projectile to be
impacted with a target; and an inhibiting powdered contained within
the primer launchable projectile, wherein upon impact with the
target, the inhibiting powdered is radially dispersed proximate to
the target.
40. The system of claim 39, wherein the primer launchable
projectile is launched without added gun powder other than that in
a primer.
41. A method for launching a non-lethal projectile at an
individual, comprising: aiming a means for launching a non-lethal
projectile at an intended individual; and activating the means for
launching such that the means for launching launches the projectile
at the individual so that the projectile contacts the individual
and disperses an inhibiting substance; wherein the projectile
comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein at least one
of the first and second portions is frangible such that the at
least one of the first and second portions ruptures dispersing the
inhibiting substance, and at least one of the first and second
portions is at least partially hollow forming a volume such that
the inhibiting substance is retained within the volume and at least
50% of the volume is filled with the inhibiting substance.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein: the first part includes the
hollow portion; the second part is secured with the first part to
seal the hollow portion defining the volume within; a plurality of
stabilizing fins secured with the first part; wherein the
projectile is non-spherical; and wherein upon impact the inhibiting
substance is dispersed into a cloud.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the second part is at least
partially hollow defining a portion of the volume; and the second
part is configured to rupture upon impact radially dispersing the
inhibiting powder into a cloud.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising a lid, and the
second part further includes a fill aperture such that the lid
secures with the second part to close the fill aperture of the
second part; wherein the first part has a first length and a
diameter, such that the length is greater than the diameter, the
second part has a second length, wherein the first length is
greater than the second length, and the first part has a
cross-section that tapers to a smaller cross-section proximate the
plurality of stabilizing fins; and wherein the second part includes
structurally weakening features such that upon impact with the
individual the second part ruptures radially dispersing the
inhibiting substance proximate to the individual into the
cloud.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein the inhibiting power comprises
one or more capsaicinoids.
46. The method of claim 42, further comprising: directing a
plurality of the projectiles at the individual along a generally
vertical pattern wherein the plurality of the projectiles impact
the target along the generally vertical pattern such that the
inhibiting substance is dispersed.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the directing the plurality of
projectiles along the generally vertical pattern includes initially
directing at least one of the plurality of projectiles toward a
lower portion of a torso of the individual and directing later
projectiles of the plurality of projectiles up along the torso of
the individual following the generally vertical pattern.
48. The method of claim 41, further comprising: a shell wherein the
projectile is positioned within the shell, and the shell contains
an ignitable substance for launching the projectile, wherein the
ignitable substance comprises primer.
49. The method of claim 41, wherein the means for launching
comprises a launcher body, a light comprising a bulb and a
reflector, wherein the light is located within the launcher body, a
launch barrel within the launcher body, wherein the launch barrel
extends through a portion of the launcher body, a propellant
canister within the launcher body, wherein the propellant canister
contains compressed gas, a bolt assembly located within the launch
barrel, wherein the bolt assembly positions the non-lethal
projectile within the launch barrel, and an actuator coupled to the
propellant canister, wherein the actuator releases a portion of the
compressed gas from the propellant canister, wherein the compressed
gas is directed behind the non-lethal projectile located within the
launch barrel to launch the non-lethal projectile.
50. A method for launching a non-lethal projectile at an
individual, comprising: identifying an individual as a target;
aiming a launcher at the target individual, where the launcher
contains at least one non-lethal projectile; and activating the
launcher so that the non-lethal projectile is launched at the
individual to contact the individual and disperse an inhibiting
powder; wherein the projectile comprising a shell wherein at least
a portion of the shell is rigid and has a thickness, the shell
includes a volume formed within, where at least the rigid portion
ruptures upon impact with the individual, the inhibiting substance
is contained within the volume and occupies at least about 50% of
the volume, and upon impact with the individual the rigid frangible
shell ruptures radially dispersing the powdered inhibiting
substance proximate to the individual into a cloud.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein the launcher comprises a
launcher body comprising: means for launching one or more of the
non-lethal projectiles contained within the launcher body; one or
more means contained within the launcher body selected from the
group of means consisting of: lighting means for providing a beam
of light to be emitted from the launcher body, laser targeting
means for the aiming of the launcher towards the individual,
spraying means for spraying one or more substances towards the
individual, transmitting means for transmitting a radio frequency
signal, siren means for emitting a sound, and striking means for
delivering a kinetic blow to the target.
52. The method of claim 50, wherein the launcher comprises, a
handle, a trigger coupled to the handle, a cylinder coupled to the
handle, a plurality of chambers within the cylinder, a barrel
coupled to the cylinder, and a hammer coupled to the cylinder,
wherein a non-lethal projectile system is contained within one of
the plurality of chambers.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the non-lethal projectile
system comprises a casing, a propellant canister containing a
compressed gas within the casing, and an actuator coupled to the
propellant canister, where the projectile is positioned within the
casing proximate to the actuator and the propellant canister; and
wherein upon firing, the hammer causes the actuator to puncture the
propellant canister, releasing the compressed gas behind the
projectile body, whereby launching the projectile body from the
casing through the barrel.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein the aiming comprises
illuminating the target with a light built in the launcher.
55. The method of claim 52, wherein the non-lethal projectile
system comprises a casing such that a seal is established to
enhance pressure applied to the projectile.
56. The method of claim 50, wherein the projectile comprises a
first portion and a second portion wherein at least one of the
first and second portions is the rigid portion such that the at
least one of the first and second portions ruptures upon impact
with the individual.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein: the first part includes the
hollow portion; the second part is secured with the first part to
seal the hollow portion defining the volume within; a plurality of
stabilizing fins secured with the first part; wherein the
projectile is non-spherical; and wherein upon impact the inhibiting
substance is dispersed into a cloud.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/208,727 filed Jul. 29, 2002, which is a
Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of application Ser. No. 09/543,289,
filed Apr. 5, 2000, which is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of
application Ser. No. 09/289,258, filed Apr. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,393,992, which is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of application
Ser. No. 08/751,709, filed Nov. 18, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No.
5,965,839, the entirety of which applications and patents (as
issued, as filed, and as amended during pendency) are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a non-lethal projectile
systems and launching devices and, more specifically to non-lethal
projectiles that deliver an inhibiting and/or marking substance to
a target, especially a living target. Even more specifically, the
present invention relates to non-lethal projectile systems
including a projectile body, most preferably a generally spherical
projectile body, containing an inhibiting and/or marking substance,
multi-functional launching devices for launching the projectile
systems that incorporate other utilitarian functions within the
device, methods of making such non-lethal projectile systems, and
tactical methods for using the non-lethal projectile systems in
combination with a launch device that delivers the non-lethal
projectile systems in order to most effectively inhibit, impair,
repel or disable the living target in a less-than-lethal way.
[0003] Steadily rising crime rates have led to an increased need
for technologically enhanced crime devices. Furthermore, excessive
use of force claims against law enforcement have increased as the
public is becoming more aware of and sensitive to the use of lethal
force, typically by law enforcement officials, in situations where
lethal force may not be required, such as in situations where
suspects are armed with non-lethal objects, such as sticks, rocks,
or screwdrivers. There is particularly a need for non-lethal
devices that are capable of at least temporarily incapacitating,
slowing, repelling or inhibiting a suspected criminal and/or
marking such individuals for later identification. As populations
increase, the risk that a criminal will be surrounded by or in
close proximity to innocent persons when officers are trying to
subdue him/her also increases without the application of lethal
force. Whereas non-permanently injuring an innocent bystander,
while subduing a suspected criminal, is acceptable, killing the
bystander is not. Thus, there is great need for non-lethal (or
less-than-lethal), highly effective weapons that may be used by
officers and others to slow, stop, repel and/or mark criminals.
Presently available, non-lethal devices include, for example, stun
guns, mace, tear gas, and liquid pepper spray devices that impair
the vision, breathing or other physical or mental capabilities of
the target.
[0004] One attempt to provide a non-lethal device for delivering an
inhibiting substance is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,614, issued to
Fogelgren for a COMPRESSED GAS OPERATED GUN HAVING VARIABLE UPPER
AND LOWER PRESSURE LIMITS OF OPERATION, which patent is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Fogelgren
describes a gas-operated gun and associated projectiles. In one
illustrated embodiment, a projectile consists of a projectile
casing that houses a structure in which a firing pin is situated so
as to detonate a primary charge upon impact of the projectile with
a target. Deterioration of the primary charge causes the expulsion
of a load carried in a load chamber. The load chamber may contain
various types of load, such as tear gas, dye, flash-powder or
wadding.
[0005] Another embodiment illustrated in the Fogelgren patent
consists of a projectile casing that encloses a body member, which,
together with a frontal member, defines a load chamber. The body
member and the frontal member are attached so as to be readily
separable in flight to enable the load to escape from the load
chamber and to proceed to the desired target. In this embodiment,
the load is buckshot or plastic pellets.
[0006] A further embodiment of the projectile shown by Fogelgren
stores a portion of a compressed gas, utilized to expel the
projectile, to be used to expel a load upon striking a target. Upon
firing, an outer body member separates from an inner body member
thereby exposing and releasing a holding pin, which holding pin
prevents premature release of the projectile's load. Apertures,
from which the load is expelled upon impact, are sealed with wax to
prevent expulsion of the load before the projectile impacts the
target. The portion of the compressed gas used to expel the load is
stored in a rear chamber of the projectile during flight, while the
load is stored in a forward chamber. When the projectile strikes
the target, the compressed gas is released, forcing the load
through the apertures and out of the projectile.
[0007] An additional embodiment of the projectile shown by
Fogelgren consists of outer members that form a container into
which is fitted a breakable glass vile. Rearward of the breakable
vile, padding is provided to prevent breakage of the vile upon
firing of the projectile. Forward of the vile is a firing pin
assembly against which the breakable vile impacts, as it shifts
forward within the members forming the container, upon impact. As
with the above embodiment, a holding pin, which normally prevents
the breakable vial from shifting forward in the container, is
expelled as an outer body member separates from an inner body
member. This allows the breakable vial to shift forward upon
impact, shattering the breakable glass vial against the firing pin.
The breakable vile contains a load to be delivered to the target,
which is delivered through apertures near the front of the
projectile upon the shattering of the breakable glass vial. The
vile may be charged with a compressed gas so as to provide a
charged load.
[0008] Disadvantageously, the projectiles described by Fogelgren,
particularly those projectiles described that would be suitable for
delivering loads such as tear gas or dye, are complicated and
expensive to manufacture. The embodiment employing pressurized gas
to both expel the projectile and to expel the load upon impact with
the target requires a great amount of pressurized gas, that is, a
sufficient quantity to both fire the projectile and to provide the
portion of pressurized gas necessary to ensure expulsion of the
load. In addition, such embodiment requires complicated and tedious
methods to manufacture components such as a microminiature ball
valve (through which the portion of the pressurized gas enters the
rear chamber upon firing), wax sealer within each of the plurality
of apertures and a holding pin that must fall away from the
projectile in flight.
[0009] The embodiment employing the breakable glass vial is also
complicated to manufacture, because it also employs a holding pin
that must fall away during the flight of the projectile and employs
numerous structures that must be precisely fitted together to allow
them to separate during firing and in flight. This embodiment also
must be carefully handled so that the breakable glass vial does not
shatter while being handled by the user. This can be particularly
problematic, for example, when the Fogelgren device is being used
by a police officer in pursuit of a fleeing criminal (or when used
by a police officer threatened by a suspected criminal). Thus,
significant room for improvement still exists in the development of
non-lethal projectiles.
[0010] Another approach to providing non-lethal projectiles for
delivering an inhibiting substance to a living target is suggested
in passing in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,379, issued to Kotsiopoulos, et
al., for a PAINT BALL, which patent is hereby incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety. The Kotsiopoulos, et al., device is
directed primarily to a paint ball projectile for delivering a load
(or blob) of paint to a target, and for expelling the blob of paint
onto the target upon impact, and is to be used primarily for paint
ball sporting games. The paint ball shown by Kotsiopoulos, et al.
consists of a shell that fractures upon impact with a target.
Additionally, the Kotsiopoulos, et al. disclosure includes a only
passing reference to the use of such a paint ball for delivering
dyes, smoke or tear gas to a target; however, provides no mechanism
for dispersing an inhibiting load upon explosion of the projectile,
which is important for a non-lethal inhibiting projectile to be
effective. Specifically, when the Kotsiopoulos, et al. projectile
impacts the target, by-design, the load is dispersed rather
locally. Thus, even if one skilled in the art were to act upon the
passing reference to using tear gas in the Kotsiopoulos, et al.
patent, the present inventors believe that such a device would be
generally ineffective because the tear gas would not be dispersed
to the target's face, where it needs to be to be effective.
Furthermore, as Kotsiopoulos, et al. is an unpressurized
projectile, the amount of tear gas delivered would necessarily be
limited to an unpressurized volume having dimensions of a paint
ball. Additionally, the Kotsiopoulos, et al., reference does not
describe any details about the specific type of tear gas, how to
fill the paint ball with the tear gas, or any techniques to
adequately disperse the tear gas upon impact with the target.
[0011] To elaborate on the importance of localized dispersion of
loads carried by the Kotsiopoulos et al. projectile, Kotsiopoulos,
et al. describe a device for delivering a blob of paint to a target
dictating a relatively confined dispersion, i.e., a blob of about 3
to 6 or 8 inches in diameter on the target. This limited amount of
dispersed paint in the context in which the Kotsiopoulos, et al.,
device is used (as a paint ball) would be ineffective as a
non-lethal device unless the target was hit near the eyes in order
to blind a target. However, such a direct hit in the eyes or face
could prove dangerous to the target. In contrast, for applications
where an inhibiting substance is to be delivered using the paint
ball of Kotsiopoulos et al., wide dispersion is not only desired
but extremely important, particularly when the projectile impacts
the target with force, and the inhibiting substance (e.g. tear gas)
must be taken in through facial openings in order to be effective.
Since the device of Kotsiopoulos et al., has a low dispersion, the
device would require an impact at or very near the facial openings.
Because firing even a non-lethal or less-than-lethal projectile at
or within a few inches of a target's face is extremely dangerous,
potentially causing permanent injury or death, which is, of course,
contrary to the objective of non-lethal projectiles, devices such
as those suggested by the teachings of Kotsiopoulos, et al., would
be considered undesirable by those of skill in the art to achieve a
non-lethal inhibition of a target.
[0012] Still other non-lethal projectiles are described, for
example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,164, issued to Grinberg (Apr. 23,
1991), U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,809 issued to Cuadros (Jun. 22, 1993)
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,649, issued to Tougeron, et al. (Oct. 15,
1996), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety. Grinberg describes a projectile that changes its shape
upon impact with a target, thereby reducing the danger of
penetration into a live target. For example, Grinberg uses a double
leaf construction to facilitate rupture of the projectile upon
impact. Cuadros describes a projectile that increases in size
either during flight or upon impact to spread its force over a
large area to provide a knock-down effect without body penetration,
and Tougeron, et al., describe a self-propelled projectile intended
to deliver an active substance to a living target. While each of
the devices described by these patents attempts to provide a
projectile that may be used to stop or slow a living target without
causing lethal injury, all of the devices have proven to be less
than ideal and some have even proven to be fatal when fired at
close range to the target. They are complicated and expensive to
manufacture, and they are variously difficult to use and unreliably
effective. As a result of these problems and others, there is no
widely commercially accepted non-lethal projectile in use by law
enforcement or military personnel today that delivers an inhibiting
substance to a target.
[0013] A significant disadvantage to the prior art devices is that
none takes into consideration the need to deliver an inhibiting (or
active) substance under fairly precise dispersal conditions to
insure effectiveness thereof. When a target is impacted with a
projectile delivering a substance thereto, to be maximally
effective, the substance should disperse in a generally radial
manner (or transverse to the motion of the projectile) such that
the target's face is quickly and fully contacted thereby. At the
same time, the projectile should, most desirably, be able to be
aimed with a degree of precision so as to be able to avoid hitting
the target in, for example, the face. At the same time, the
dispersion of the inhibiting substance must be sufficient that, for
example, a projectile impacting on a target's chest delivers
inhibiting substance to the target's face where it can be
effective. Unfortunately, prior art projectiles, not only rarely
contemplate these problems, but also frequently fail to provide for
dispersal of the inhibiting substance to a target's face after
impacting the target at a remote area. Specifically, for example,
while powdered inhibiting substances, in the view of the inventors,
offer distinct advantages over the vast majority of prior art
devices that deliver inhibiting substances to a target, no
commercially viable device known to the inventors has ever been
produced that addresses the problem of both accurately delivering
the projectile to the target at a location remote from the target's
face, and dispersing a powdered inhibiting substance in a
cloud-like, radial manner so as to assure that the powdered
inhibiting substance reaches the target's face. Yet, there remains
a significant commercial market and tactical advantage to a
non-lethal or less-than-lethal projectile that can be accurately
delivered to a target, impacting the target in an area other than
the target's face, while at the same time providing dispersal of a
powdered inhibiting substance to the target's face, where it is
effective. Unfortunately, using devices heretofore known to the
inventors, targets are often able to escape and/or minimize their
exposure to the delivered substance.
[0014] A further disadvantage to most non-lethal weapons heretofore
known is that they either operate at close ranges, for example,
pepper spray canisters, or operate at long ranges, for example,
rubber bullet devices, but do not operate at both close and long
ranges. The inventors are not aware of any prior devices that are
both sufficiently safe to be used at close range and, at the same
time, effective at longer ranges, such as 10 feet or more, e.g., 20
or 30 feet or more. In particular, the close range weapons are
generally not deployed with sufficient force to travel further than
a few meters, and the longer range weapons generally are not
"muzzle safe" in that they cannot be safely deployed at very short
distances because of the chemical/explosive nature of the launching
mechanism. Thus, presently, law enforcement and military personnel
are required to employ two different technologies, one for close
range applications, and another for long range applications. At the
same time, the advantages of using a single device for both
applications are numerous, and readily apparent. For example, cost
is a significant factor recognized universally by governmental
agencies, but perhaps even more importantly is a tactical
disadvantage imposed by the use of both short range and long range
non-lethal or less-than-lethal technologies. Specifically, all
technologies known to the present inventors require that a user
make a decision as to whether a particular situation calls for a
short range non-lethal technology or a long range non-lethal
technology. This requires not only spending time to assess a
situation in order to determine whether non-lethal or lethal
technology should be employed, but also requires expenditure of
more time determining which non-lethal technology is appropriate,
that is whether the situation calls for short-range technology or
long-range technology. As a result, non-lethal and less-than-lethal
projectiles are rarely used by law enforcement and military
personnel, and, when used, are generally used only in situations
where sufficient time exists for the user to make the chain of
decisions necessary to first select non-lethal technology and
second, to select what range of non-lethal technology is
appropriate. Furthermore, most non-lethal technologies are "single
shot" devices that require may time and effort to reload the
device, reducing the effectiveness of the non-lethal device and the
reducing the users decision to employ the non-lethal device over
traditional lethal devices.
[0015] Cost becomes an important consideration in these tactical
issues as well. Because two types of non-lethal technology must,
using heretofore known technology, be available, many, if not most,
law enforcement and military agencies cannot afford to fully equip
their personnel. This cost constraint is further exacerbated
because heretofore available non-lethal technologies, at least the
ones that are effective, and thus actually useable, are complicated
and highly specialized and most non-lethal devices do not offer a
low-cost inert training version. Thus, training is costly and
therefore, use is infrequent. As a result, even if currently
available technologies could be used at both short and long ranges
(thus presumably providing tactical and cost advantages), the
actual costs of currently available devices is still prohibitive
and therefore dictates only limited deployment.
[0016] Furthermore, there are currently, no effective projectile
systems available on the market for delivering powdered substances
to a living target. One reason for this unavailability is that such
heretofore contemplated projectile systems are difficult to
manufacture or are ineffective. While dispensing a powdered
substance into a cup is straightforward, dispensing the substance
into two parts of an apparatus that must subsequently be sealingly
joined together, without loss of any of the powdered substance, is
not so straightforward. Kotsiopoulos, et al., for example, show
completely filling their paint ball through a small hole using a
capillary. Such an approach, however, cannot be used to fill the
Kotsiopoulos, et al. device with a powder, as it is known that
powder generally cannot be conducted through a capillary as can a
liquid or gas. This manufacturing difficulty combined with the
aforementioned difficulties in insuring adequate dispersal of the
substance, especially powdered substances, has prevented
manufacturers of non-lethal projectile systems from entering the
market with powder-filled devices. Today, to the knowledge of the
present inventors, there is no heretofore commercially viable,
non-lethal or less-than-lethal projectile for delivering a powdered
inhibiting substance to a target. While powdered inhibiting
substances are known, there is presently no delivery mechanism
available for accurately delivering and dispersing such an
inhibiting substance in a non-lethal, short or long range
manner.
[0017] Finally, an additional problem faced, in particular with law
enforcement personnel, is that an officer essentially becomes
"bogged down" with too many physical devices. For example, an
officer may carry a short range weapon (e.g. pistol), a long range
weapon (e.g. rifle), a "baton", a radio, a flashlight, an
inhibiting spray canister and a non-lethal device as taught by the
prior art above. Disadvantageously, the officer must carry all of
these items on his or her person in order to be ready for a variety
of situations. Due to size considerations of the various devices
and the available real estate, it is very difficult to fit all of
these types of devices on the officer's person, on a belt, for
example. The devices simply take up too much physical space. Such
an assortment of devices may actually bog down the officer such
that the officer will not be able to move as quickly if pursuing a
suspect, or the officer will be delayed in selecting the
appropriate device to use. The reality is that an officer typically
does not have much time to "sort through" such a variety of devices
in order to select the appropriate weapon or device needed. What is
needed is a multi-functional non-lethal projectile launching device
that increases the available real estate on an officer's belt by
incorporating the functionality of several other devices within its
physical structure.
[0018] An example of a prior art attempt at combining multiple
devices into a single integrated unit is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,153,927, issued to Owens for a "MULTI-FUNCTION CLIPBOARD
APPARATUS, which patent is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. Owens teaches a clipboard for police officers to write
tickets, and includes a built in flashlight, a gun that can fire a
bullet or a tear gas cartridge, a camera, and can act as a shield
against projectiles. Such a device, in the form of a clipboard
would not be practical for law enforcement officers other than in
the standard traffic stop to issue a ticket. The clipboard would
not be useful to an officer conducting a drug raid or pursuing a
suspect, since the clipboard itself is bulky and not conducive to
fitting on the belt of an officer.
[0019] Thus, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,
significant improvements are needed in non-lethal projectiles for
delivering inhibiting and/or marking substances to targets,
especially to living targets. For example, muzzle safe projectile
systems that provide optimum dispersal of the substances contained
therein are desirable. Further, projectile systems that may be
readily incorporated into existing officer training programs would
be advantageous, as such systems would insure that officers could
be quickly, cost effectively, and easily trained in the use of the
system, which, in turn would be of particular advantage to the
officer when attempting to use the system under stressfull
situations, as would normally be the case. Also, projectile systems
that incorporate other utilitarian functions, e.g. a flashlight or
club, into their basic structure would be advantageous, since they
would increase the real estate available on an officer's belt.
Additionally, non-lethal projectile systems designed to impact a
living target in such a way as to actually facilitate the
effectiveness of the system are desirable, as are methods of
employing such projectile systems to maximize effectiveness
thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention advantageously addresses the
above-identified needs, as well as other needs, by providing a
non-lethal or less-than-lethal projectile system for delivering a
substance to a target, especially a living target, such as a human
or animal target, wherein the projectile system is specially
designed to maximize its effectiveness by providing a kinetic
impact against the target at a first location on or near the target
combined with optimum dispersal of the substance on and/or about
the target at a second location. The projectile systems of the
present invention provide an improved mechanism for delivering the
inhibiting substance to the target's face, without requiring that
the projectile impact the target's face, or even the target at all,
due to a non-local dispersal or atomization of the inhibiting
substance in a "cloud" that may envelop the target. Further, the
projectile system is designed such that deployment facilitates its
effectiveness by creating sufficient force, upon impact with the
target, to cause the target to move his, her or its face into the
dispersing substance, while at the same time experiencing
impairment, or temporary disability as a result of the impact.
Specifically, the non-lethal projectiles are able to be launched
with sufficient non-lethal force to immediately slow and/or stop a
moving target, before the inhibiting substance carried thereby
affects the target. Thus, a synergism is created between the
stunning effect and the inhibiting effect of the inhibiting
substance, such that the net result of the stunning and the
inhibiting is greater than each effect separately. Additionally,
the projectile systems of the present invention are easier and
cheaper to manufacture than heretofore known projectiles, are
effective at safer, stand-off distances as well as at close range
distances, are easily integrated into normal officer training
programs, and can be used with conventional, as well as custom
multi-functional, launching devices.
[0021] In one aspect, the projectile system employs an
inhibiting/impairing substance and/or a marking substance, such as
a colored dye or chemical compound having a particularly offensive
odor (i.e. malodorant), to slow/stop, repel and/or mark for
identification (either by a dye or through attendant bruising of
the target as a result of the kinetic impact), a living target. In
another aspect, the projectile system includes a projectile body,
for example, a capsule, filled at least about to 50%, preferably at
least about to 75% to 99%, more preferably at least about to 85% to
95% and most preferably to about 90% to 98%, of its volume with an
inhibiting/impairing substance and/or marking substance and/or
inert substance, such that upon impact with a target, the substance
is radially (or transversely to the motion of the projectile
system) dispersed on and/or about the target. In a still further
aspect, the present invention provides a projectile system that
operates by impacting a living target with sufficient force to
cause the target to move or hunch towards the projectile thereby
bringing his/her face more proximate to the nearly simultaneously
dispersing cloud of inhibiting/marking substance.
[0022] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention
advantageously are filled with any of the following substances: an
inhibiting substance, either in liquid or powder form, such as
oleoresin capsicum (also referred to as "OC"), capsaicin (i.e., one
or more of the hottest active ingredients or capsaicinoids within
oleoresin capsicum), tear gas (e.g., CS or CN); a marking or
tagging substance, such as a colored dye; UV dye; IR dye; a
malodorant; and/or an inert substance, such as baby powder, talcum
or water; or any combination thereof. For example, it is
contemplated herein, by the present inventors, that a projectile
system in accordance with one embodiment could include a
combination of oleoresin capsicum and talcum (or alternatively, a
combination of capsaicin and talcum), at a desired ratio, and to an
appropriate fill level in order to improve dispersion of and the
effect of the oleoresin capsicum to a desired level.
[0023] Alternatively, a combination of oleoresin capsicum, and/or
other inhibiting substance, and a colored dye, malodorant and/or
other marking substance, may be employed to simultaneously
incapacitate the target and mark him/her for later identification.
In one embodiment of a marking substance, a chemical marker or
chemical fingerprinted paint, such as produced by Yellow Jacket,
Inc. of California, can be used which effectively leaves a chemical
ID or chemical fingerprint on the target, which can be used by the
police to verify a person was struck by a non-lethal projectile. As
such, the chemical marker includes a chemical ID, identifying the
batch of the marker, that is formulated into the marker during
manufacture. For example, a fleck of the chemical marker found on a
suspect two weeks after the being impacted with the chemical
marker, can be chemically identified and traced to the shooter;
thus, the suspect may be linked to a crime scene by the chemical
marker. In yet another alternative, it may be desirable to employ
only a marking substance or only an inert substance, such as talcum
or water, in the projectile system, such as when the projectile
system is being used for training purposes. In a still further
embodiment, the projectile system may have no substance contained
therein. In this embodiment, the projectile system may be used to
mark a living target by bruising him/her upon impact.
[0024] In a particular embodiment, the projectile system comprises
a projectile body, for example, a spherical capsule (although other
shapes of projectile bodies may be used) separable into two about
equal halves (e.g. a first part and a second part), wherein the
halves contain a powdered impairing substance sufficient in amount
so that the projectile body about or greater than 50% full and
preferably between about 60% and 99% full, for example, from
between 75% and 95%, for example, about 90% filled with a powdered
substance and wherein, to facilitate manufacture of the projectile
system, the powdered substance within each half is compressed into
a ball, tablet, mount and placed in one half and sealed with the
other half. Alternatively, the powder(s) could be compressed into
each separate half and retained therein by a thin membrane, for
example a paper foil, which contacts the inhibiting substance
during assembly of the spherical capsule. In this preferred
embodiment, the thin membrane is preferably sufficiently strong to
retain the desired substance within the capsule as it is
manufactured or assembled, yet frangible enough to readily rupture
subsequent sealing of the capsule and prior to, or at least
simultaneously with, impact with the target. The inhibiting
substance may, for example, contain at least 0.5% oleoresin
capsicum, e.g., between 1% and 30%, e.g., between 5% and 20%, with
a remainder of the inhibiting substance being either an inert
substance or a marking substance or a different inhibiting
substance, such as tear gas liquid or powder or a liquid or powder
marking or malodorant. Alternatively, the inhibiting substance may,
for example, comprise at least 0.1% capsaicin (which is the active
ingredient within oleoresin capsicum in either natural form or
pharmaceutical produced form), and preferably at least 0.5%
capsaicin with the remainder of the inhibiting substance as either
a marking substance, an inert substance, and/or a malodorant.
Similarly, more than one inhibiting substance may be combined to
provide a total of at least 0.1% to about 30% or more of inhibiting
substances within the capsule depending on the target to be
impacted, e.g. a higher percentage may be required for impacting
large animals. The active ingredient is dose dependent for its
application.
[0025] In a further embodiment, the projectile system comprises the
projectile body, e.g., spherical capsule, separable into two about
equal halves, wherein the halves contain the powdered impairing
substance sufficient in amount so that the projectile is at least
about or greater than 50% full and preferably is between about 60%
and 99% full, for example, from between 75% and 95%, e.g. about 90%
filled with the powdered substance and wherein, to facilitate
manufacture of the projectile system, the powdered substance within
each half is compacted using, for example, a mandrel, whereby
respective portions of the powdered substance each remain packed
within a respective half during assembly of the halves into a
spherical (or other suitably shaped projectile body) capsule. As
indicated above, the powdered impairing substance may, for example,
contain at least 0.1% oleoresin capsicum, e.g., between 1% and 30%,
e.g., between 5% and 20%, with a remainder of the powdered
substance being an inert substance, a marking substance or a
different inhibiting substance. Alternatively, the powdered
impairing substance may, for example, contain at 0.1% capsaicin,
preferably at least 0.5% capsaicin, and more preferably at least 1%
capsaicin with the remainder of the powdered substance being either
a marking substance, an inert substance, and/or a malodorant.
[0026] In some variations, the inhibiting substance may include
fragments of solid material to enhance dispersion of the inhibiting
substance. For example crushed walnut shells, rice, wood shavings,
metal particles, such as metal powder or metal particles, or the
like may be added to the inhibiting substance to help carry the
inhibiting substance away from a point of impact of the projectile
against the target. The solid material, having a greater density
and mass than the powdered inhibiting substance, inert substance or
marking substance, tends to project further from the point of
impact, there by facilitating dispersion of the substance as it is
carried by the solid material.
[0027] In yet other variations, a weighting substance, for example
metal balls, metal shot metal beads, wood pieces or other high mass
and/or high density materials, such as higher density powders or
granules, can be added to or in place of the inhibiting substance
to not only facilitate dispersion of a powdered substance, but to
also increase the kinetic impact of the projectile against the
target, thus enhancing the initial impact effectively of the
projectile. This variation can be used to enhance the already
synergistic combination of kinetic impact and inhibiting substance,
which act, for example, serially, in order to initially stun a
target with the kinetic impact, and then debilitate the target with
the inhibiting substance. Alternatively, this variation may be
employed, where one or more targets are located behind a glass or
similar barrier, to break the glass, thereby providing access to
other targets.
[0028] In use, these higher kinetic force projectiles may, or
optionally may not, contain an inhibiting substance. And, if such
high kinetic impact projectiles do not contain an inhibiting
substance, such projectile bodies may optionally be, for example,
solid, rather than hollow projectile bodies, e.g., capsules, and
thus may be made from solid steel, rubber, glass, plastic, or the
like. These kinetic projectiles may be used alone or intermixed
with projectiles containing inhibiting substance. When intermixed,
a pattern of one kinetic projectile for every X inhibiting
projectiles may be utilized, where X may be, for example, from
between 1 and 10. Or, kinetic projectiles may be used to initially
subdue a target, followed by inhibiting projectiles to impair the
target. In addition, these kinetic projectiles may be arranged such
that successive projectiles carry an increasing kinetic impact, so
that an initial impact would be of relatively low kinetic force,
and successive kinetic impacts would be of relatively higher
forces. In this approach, kinetic projectile bodies may be
intermixed with inhibiting capsules, or may themselves carry an
inhibiting substance. Also, each successive round may be of
increasing kinetic force, or a group of projectiles at a given
kinetic force may be fired before a subsequent group of high
kinetic force.
[0029] In further variations, a visible marking agent, a covert UV
or IR visible dye, malodorant, or other taggant can be added to the
inhibiting substance in order to provide a mechanism for
identifying the target at a later time. This feature of this
variation may be particularly useful in law enforcement or military
applications, where evidence gathering may be enhanced if the
target can be marked. By combining a marking agent with an
inhibiting substance a significant synergism is achieved. In
another aspect, marking can be effected by bruising of the target
due to the kinetic impact of the projectile against the target.
[0030] In one embodiment of a marking substance, the projectile
body, e.g., capsule of the projectile system may contain a chemical
compound that has a particularly offensive odor, also referred to
as a malodorant. In use, the projectile system can be launched at a
suspect, such that the suspect will have an unwelcome odor on his
or her person. Such odor will effectively "mark" the person.
Additionally, a projectile body containing a malodorant may be used
to repel or keep persons away from a particular area. As such,
several projectile systems can be launched at the ground or wall,
for example, of an area that it is desired to others away from. The
area will typically smell so offensive that it will keep others
from coming near the smell. The malodorant has applications in
crowd dispersal and crowd control, as well. On example of a
malodorant that has a particularly offensive odor is called
"Dragons Breath" which is an organic sulfur compound produced by
DeNovo Industries, of The Woodlands, Tex. In variations of this
embodiment, a specially designed projectile body, e.g., capsule, is
produced that includes a glass capsule contained within the
projectile body. The glass capsule seals within itself certain
malodorants, such as Dragons Breath and other sulfur compounds,
that have solvent properties that can eat through a plastic variety
projectile body. The glass capsule within the projectile body is
ruptured upon impact of the projectile body, releasing the
malodorant. In further variations, the glass capsule is guided
centrally within the projectile body with protrusions formed within
the projectile body. These protrusions center the glass capsule
within the projectile capsule and additionally may provide pressure
points to assist in the fracturing of the glass capsule upon
impact.
[0031] In yet a further variation, a powdered inhibiting substance
can be combined with a liquid or gas irritant, or other agent to be
delivered. The liquid or gas, and the powdered irritant can be
carried in separate chambers, in for example, separate halves of
the projectile using the membranes described herein to contain the
powdered inhibiting substance and the other agent, keeping them
separated, if needed. If a liquid or gas is contained by one or
both of the membranes, such membranes can be made, for example out
of plastic, vinyl, rubber or the like.
[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the projectile body, e.g.,
capsule of the projectile system is constructed to facilitate
rupture thereof upon impact with a target. In one aspect, the
projectile body has a plurality of structurally weakening dimples
within its exterior or interior surface, and, more particularly,
the structurally weakening dimples have a minimum depth of about
15%, preferably about 20%-75% and most preferably about 30% to 60%
of the thickness of the projectile body. In one embodiment, as few
as two structurally weakening dimples, e.g. located at each pole of
a spherical capsule, will be sufficient to enhance the rupturing of
the projectile system upon impact. Advantageously, these dimples
also provide enhanced aerodynamic qualities, thus serving a dual
and synergistic combination of uses. Alternatively, the projectile
body employs a matrix of global surface scoring in its exterior
and/or interior surface to provide a weakened surface and
facilitate rupture upon impact. Further alternatively, a
combination of dimples, with surface scoring connecting the dimples
may be employed to provide both enhanced aerodynamic qualities and
to facilitate rupturing of the projectile body upon impact.
[0033] In a further embodiment, a three-part projectile is produced
which contains a three-part projectile body, e.g., a three-part
capsule. The first and second parts are typically two halves of the
projectile body (or capsule); however, one of the halves has a fill
hole formed therein. A third part, or lid is designed to seal the
fill hole of the second part once a substance or substances
(whether liquid, solid, powder or gas) are filled into the
three-part capsule. Thus, advantageously, the substances are able
to be filled into the capsule, after sealing the first and second
parts together, through the fill hole. The fill hole is large
enough to fill the volume to at least about 50%, more commonly at
least about 80%, and even at least about 90% of the available
volume without spillage occurring, at least in a controlled use.
The substances, especially if a powdered substance, may then be
compressed using shaking, a mandrel or similar device, and
refilled. Further advantageously, this embodiment allows for a
single apparatus that may be filled with either liquids or powders
effectively. Thus, advantageously, the need to design a separate
projectile body for liquids and for powders is not required.
[0034] In other embodiments, the contents of projectile system as
described herein may be pressurized, for example, by producing the
projectile in an increased pressure environment or atmosphere, or
by adding compounds to the substance contained within the
projectile that release gases or expand upon warming up to a room
temperature. As such, since the contents of the projectile body are
pressurized, upon impact, the dispersal of the contents on and
about a target is enhanced.
[0035] In another embodiment, stabilizing fins are coupled,
attached, bonded, or otherwise formed into the body of the
projectile body. These fins assist in stabilizing the flight of the
projectile body so that the projectile body can travel farther
distances. These fins may be straight fins or, alternatively, may
be curved fins such that the flight of the projectile body is spin
stabilized.
[0036] In another embodiment, the projectile may be comprised of
and/or contain a glow-in-the-dark material such that the projectile
bodies may be seen and used during the evening or at night. As
such, users will be able to see the flight of the projectile bodies
and also determine by sight if a target has been impacted, or be
used to "light up" a darkened room so officers can better use
"night vision" equipment.
[0037] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a
method of assembling the projectile system herein comprising the
steps of filling each half of the projectile body, e.g., the
capsule, with a portion of the substance to be delivered to the
target, covering the substance within each half of the projectile
body, e.g., the capsule, with a thin membrane to retain the
substance therein and sealingly attaching the two halves to one
another. In a particular embodiment, the two halves of the capsule
are welded to one another using ultrasound, glue or a suitable
solvent. Or alternatively, the two halves may be formed with
interlocking flanges, so as to snap together without need for the
use of solvent, glue or ultrasonic welding, or so as to provide a
mechanical closure, while, for example, a solvent or glue is used
to provide hermeticity to the projectile body, thereby preventing
contamination of, for example, a powder irritant with, for example,
water vapor, which can cause clumping of the powder irritant, and
thus reduce the ability of the powder irritant to disperse. In a
still further embodiment, the sealed capsule is shaken or otherwise
subjected to forces sufficient to rupture the membranes therein,
after sealing thereof.
[0038] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a
method of assembling the projectile system herein comprising the
steps of filling each half of the projectile body, e.g., capsule,
with a portion of the substance to be delivered to the target,
shaking for settlement, compressing (or tamping) the substance
within each half, such as with a mandrel, to retain the substance
therein, and sealingly attaching the two halves to one another. As
above, in a particular embodiment, the two halves of the capsule
are welded to one another using ultrasound, glue of a suitable
solvent. Or alternatively, the two halves may be formed with
interlocking flanges, so as to snap together without need for the
use of solvent, glue or ultrasonic welding, or so as to provide a
mechanical closure, while, for example, a solvent or glue is used
to provide hermeticity to the capsule, thereby preventing
contamination of, for example, a powder irritant with, for example,
water vapor, which can cause clumping of the powder irritant, and
thus reduce the ability of the powder irritant to disperse.
[0039] In still other embodiments, the fill material may be one or
more pesticides, fungicides, flea powder and/or other similar
substances or combinations of substances for pest control on
animals. A veterinarian or animal care taker can easily and quickly
deliver (e.g., shoot at low velocities) a projectile near or on an
animal that is filled with, for example, flea and/or tick powder or
liquid without having to get too close to the animal and/or
tranquilize the animal. Marking agents, such as paint, can be added
and mixed with the fee and/or tick powder or other chemical to help
distinguish which animals in a herd were treated and which still
need to be treated.
[0040] Advantageously, the structure provided by the embodiments
herein provides a highly accurate, muzzle safe projectile. By
making available an option of using existing paint ball launcher
technology, the inventors provide not only a highly accurate launch
device, but one that is readily available, and extremely cost
effective for law enforcement agencies and military branches.
[0041] Advantageously, present training programs for law
enforcement and military personnel include training such personnel
to target a target's chest area when using lethal weaponry. Use of
the above methodology with the above non-lethal or less-than-lethal
projectile does not change this tactic, and thus, both the above
method and above projectile are readily deployable with and readily
compatible with the training of current law enforcement and
military personnel.
[0042] In a variation, rapid firing of projectiles, such as for
example from an automatic or semi-automatic weapon, in accordance
with the embodiments herein can be used to enhance both kinetic
stunning, and impairing of the target with the inhibiting
substance. Such rapid firing can be effected with projectiles
having successively more concentrated fills of inhibiting
substance, such as 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and possibly higher mixes
of inhibiting powder with inert powder, in order to initially
deliver a minimum of inhibiting substance, gradually increasing
strength of the inhibiting substance with successive projectiles.
Several projectiles at each strength may be used followed by
several at a next higher strength or each successive projectile may
contain substance at an increasing strength or any combination of
strengths may be employed.
[0043] Whether or not projectiles with successively more
concentrated fills are employed, or, for example, a single fill
concentration is employed, the rapid firing of projectiles at a
target offers an advantage in that a larger more diffuse cloud of
inhibiting substance is created with each impact of a projectile
against or near the target. Thus, in effect, successively greater
amounts of inhibiting substance are delivered to the target with
each successively impacting, rapidly rifled projectile.
[0044] When rapid firing is employed, a pattern of projectile
impacts beginning near a target's shoulder, and moving toward a
target's groin may be particularly advantageous at causing the
target to move his or her face into the cloud of powdered
inhibiting substance, or irritant, as he or she hunches over and
turns to protect him or herself from the pattern of projectile
impacts. Similarly, a pattern beginning near the target's groin,
and moving toward the target's shoulder may also be effective and
advantageous. This latter approach particularly lends itself to use
when an aggressive target may ultimately need to be targeted in an
extremely aggressive manner, such as at the target's head.
Specifically, a pattern of projectile impacts beginning near a
target's groin can move up the target's torso, and, if needed,
terminate with projectile impacts on or near the target's head. The
inventors envision that the targeting of a target's head be used
only in extreme cases, perhaps only in cases that would justify the
use of deadly force.
[0045] Thus, in yet a further embodiment, the invention
contemplated herein includes a method of impairing a human target
by impacting the target's upper torso, especially upper chest area,
with a projectile system in accordance herewith, with sufficient
force to cause the target's upper torso to move posteriorly and the
target's head to move anteriorly that is, to hunch forward towards
the projectile. This effect is enhanced by the target's natural
propensity to close around a point of impact, and to protect a
wounded area. Upon impact with the target, the projectile body,
e.g., the substance radially disperses on and about the target. For
example, the capsule ruptures, causing the radial dispersion of the
substance contained therein. And thus, as the target's head moves
anteriorly, it moves toward a cloud of radially dispersing
substance. As a result, the substance comes in contact with the
target's face, and, especially, the mucous membranes, such as, of
the target's airway, thereby maximizing the inhibiting effects of
the substance. As a further advantage of the present method, the
target will naturally be caused to inhale as his or her face is
moved anteriorly, and, thus, the target is forced to inhale the
substance from the cloud, causing a significantly enhanced
effectivity as compared to commercially available device of which
the present inventors are aware.
[0046] In another aspect of the present invention, frangible
projectile bodies, e.g., capsules, in accordance herewith,
containing breaker balls, such as steel balls, ceramic balls,
plastic, nylon, polymer balls, glass balls or other materials
having enhanced mass/weight characteristics, may be fired
initially, for example, from a rapid fire rifle, so as to open a
passage through a barrier, for example glass, acrylic or similar
glass-like material, followed by firing of one or more projectiles
filled with an inhibiting substance, i.e., irritant. This variation
provides a particular advantage in situations such as car chases,
where a target can be impaired while stopped momentarily in traffic
as he or she attempts to elude law enforcement personnel.
Specifically, while stopped, an officer can fire a series of
breaker balls followed by projectiles containing inhibiting
substance. The use of breaker balls can also, for example, be
useful in situations such as hostage situations where a target is
located inside a building behind glass that first needs to be
broken before inhibiting projectiles can be fired into the building
toward the target. Most advantageously, because the capsules
containing the breaker balls are frangible and break upon impact
with the glass-like barrier, they are less dangerous to the living
targets than would be a non-encapsulated breaker ball.
[0047] In a further method, the projectiles of the above
embodiments need not strike the target to be effective. Instead the
projectiles can be aimed at a wall, a ceiling, or at another
structure near, especially above, the target, whether or not the
target is not visible. Specifically, for example, a target hiding
behind a wall can be effectively inhibited by the widely dispersed
cloud of inhibiting substance, e.g., powder, produced upon impact
of the projectile against a nearby structure. This method is
useful, for example, in armed robbery situations, prison riots,
cell extractions, and the like, where targets may be intentionally
hiding from law enforcement or military personnel.
[0048] Thus, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a
projectile system for delivering a desired substance, especially an
impairing/inhibiting substance and/or a marking substance to a
target, which projectile system provides optimum dispersal, and
therefore effectiveness, of the substance(s) on and/or about the
target.
[0049] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the
technologies used to produce common paint ball launchers are used
in creating custom, multi-functional launching devices. Such
multi-functional launching devices incorporate other utilitarian
functions into the non-lethal projectile launcher other than the
ability to fire non-lethal projectiles. In one embodiment of the
present invention, a multi-functional launch device is incorporated
into a flashlight body such that the resulting launcher is able to
launch non-lethal projectiles and provides a sight function, i.e.
the flashlight. Therefore, advantageously, the non-lethal
projectile launcher could be used at night or in darkly lit areas
without the use of a separate flashlight. Furthermore, a targeting
laser beam could be incorporated into the launcher in order to aid
in aiming the launching device. The launcher body could further be
constructed of a rigid material to provide a kinetic function in
enabling the launcher to be used as a physical striking weapon, as
well.
[0050] In additional embodiments, the flashlight launcher may also
incorporate an inhibiting spray canister (i.e. pepper spray (OC),
"mace" or tear gas) and/or a siren canister (i.e. a "screamer").
Furthermore, the flashlight launcher may also include a radio
transmitter that transmits a signal to other police officers
requesting backup or transmits a signal to a security system that
automatically dials the police or a security station when the
launcher is used to fire a non-lethal projectile. Thus, the
multi-functional custom launch device of the present invention
would replace several devices currently being carried by police
officers, e.g. a separate flashlight, a separate non-lethal
projectile launcher, a separate "nightstick" or club, a separate
inhibiting spray canister (i.e. mace), and a separate siren
canister. Thus, an officer is less burdened by a variety of devices
since the officer only has to carry one multi-functional custom
launch device on his or her belt to perform all of these
functions.
[0051] In another embodiment, the multi-functional custom launch
device may take the form of a PR-24 police baton. In this
embodiment, non-lethal projectiles of the present invention are
fired from the "arm" of the baton, while the device remains a fully
functioning baton that can be used to subdue or strike suspects.
Additionally, the multi-functional custom launcher may also include
inhibiting spray canisters and siren canisters incorporated into
the "handle" or other portions of the baton, such that the custom
launch device will perform the functions of a non-lethal projectile
launcher, a baton, an inhibiting spray, and a siren spray. Again,
advantageously, this multi-functional custom launch device would
replace several different devices that would be carried by law
enforcement personnel, resulting in more available space or real
estate on the belt of the officer for other devices. Furthermore,
such multi-functional launch devices incorporate combinations of
known technologies, e.g. paint ball launchers, flashlights, batons,
inhibiting canisters, and electronics, to create to single
integrated multi-functional launch device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be more apparent from the following more
particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the
following drawings wherein:
[0053] FIG. 1 is a side view of a projectile including a projectile
body, embodied as a capsule, for delivering an inhibiting
substance, such as oleoresin capsicum, capsaicin, tear gas,
malodorant or the like, to a living target, such as a human target,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of two halves (i.e. a
first part and a second part) of the capsule of a projectile system
in accordance herewith, illustrating the use of membranes, within
each half, to retain the substance contained therein, during
assembly;
[0055] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the two capsule
halves of FIG. 2 in a rotated position as they would be during
assembly, when brought together;
[0056] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a sealed capsule of
a projectile system in accordance herewith, illustrating the
membranes employed to retain the substance within the capsule;
[0057] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fully assembled
capsule in accordance with preferred embodiments herein,
illustrating optimal fill of the capsule with a substance to be
delivered to a living target;
[0058] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of two capsule halves, in
accordance with preferred projectile systems herein, during
assembly of the capsule, illustrating use of a mandrel to compress
the substance within the capsule half, thereby preventing spillage
during assembly of the capsule.
[0059] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of two capsule halves
during assembly of a two-part capsule in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention;
[0060] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing alternative, preferred
methods of assembly of a projectile system in accordance
herewith;
[0061] FIG. 8 is a side-view of a capsule in accordance with the
projectile systems herein, illustrating a preferred snap-together
structure employing mated flanges;
[0062] FIGS. 9A through 9C are side views of projectiles made in
accordance with several variations of the projectile of FIG. 1
modified to include exterior or interior dimples arranged in
various patterns that serve one or more of the tripartite purposes
of decreasing drag, increasing lift, and facilitating atomization
or dispersal of the inhibiting substance of the projectile upon
impact with a target;
[0063] FIG. 9D is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an
example of an exterior dimple of the variations of the projectile
as shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C;
[0064] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of one half of a capsule of
the present projectile system made in accordance with a further
variation of the projectile system of FIG. 1 modified to include a
matrix pattern of exterior global scoring and also showing the male
flange of an embodiment of a snap-together capsule;
[0065] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the complimentary, female,
half of the capsule illustrated in FIG. 10A, also illustrating the
matrix pattern of exterior global scoring and further showing an
example of a female flange of the embodiment of the snap-together
capsule;
[0066] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional perspective view of an
alternative capsule in accordance with the projectile systems
herein, wherein the capsule halves are not joined and illustrating
interior scoring of the capsule;
[0067] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule of
FIG. 11A;
[0068] FIG. 11C is an additional cross-sectional perspective view
of the capsule of FIGS. 11A and 11B;
[0069] FIG. 12A is an illustration of the components of a
three-part projectile capsule as a variation to the projectile of
FIG. 1 and the two-part projectiles of FIGS. 2-8 and 10A-11C in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the lid of the three-part
projectile of FIG. 12A;
[0071] FIG. 13A is an illustration of an assembled three part
projectile of FIGS. 12A and 12B containing one or more of an
inhibiting substance, a marking substance, malodorant, and an inert
substance;
[0072] FIG. 13B is a cross sectional view of the lid as assembled
into a second part or component of the three part projectile of
FIG. 13A;
[0073] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the steps
performed in assembling and filling the three-part projectile of
FIGS. 13A and 13B;
[0074] FIGS. 15A through 15D are simplified side views of various
embodiments of a two-part projectile, variously including
structurally weakening features, such as exterior or interior
scoring (longitudinal and/or latitudinal) and/or exterior or
interior dimples;
[0075] FIG. 16A is a simplified side view of a three-part
projectile similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 13A without any
structurally weakening features;
[0076] FIGS. 16B-16E are simplified side views of various
embodiments of the three-part projectile of FIG. 16A, variously
including structurally weakening features, such as exterior or
interior scoring (longitudinal and/or latitudinal) and/or exterior
or interior dimples;
[0077] FIG. 17A is a side view of an embodiment of the projectile
of FIG. 1 including a glass capsule within the projectile capsule
for containing particularly difficult to contain malodorants until
such time as upon impact with a target;
[0078] FIG. 17B is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the
interior of the projectile of FIG. 17A including protrusions to
guide or position the glass capsule within the projectile capsule
and facilitate the fracturing or rupturing of the glass capsule
upon impact with the target;
[0079] FIG. 18 is a side view of an embodiment of a variation of
the projectile of FIG. 16A, illustrating a fins coupled to a
portion of the projectile so as to assist in stabilizing the flight
of the projectile;
[0080] FIG. 19 is a side view of a variation of the projectile of
FIG. 18, illustrating a three-part projectile in which a bottom or
a first part of the capsule is an integrated body including
stabilizing fins and further illustrating a non-spherical
projectile capsule;
[0081] FIGS. 20A and 20B are end views of variations the
stabilizing fins of FIGS. 18 and 19, illustrating straight fins and
curved fins, respectively;
[0082] FIG. 21 is a side-view of a projectile system made in
accordance with a still further variation of the system of FIG. 1,
wherein the capsule is modified to include both a matrix pattern of
exterior global scoring and a pattern of exterior dimples;
[0083] FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view of a further variation of
the projectile systems described herein, wherein solid material,
such as walnut shells or rice, has been added to the substance
contained within the capsule;
[0084] FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view of another variation of
the projectile systems described herein, wherein metal filings have
been added to the substance contained within the capsule;
[0085] FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional view of still another
variation of the projectile systems described herein, wherein metal
shot has been added to the substance contained within the
capsule;
[0086] FIG. 22D is a cross-sectional view of a still further
variation of the projectile systems described herein, wherein metal
balls have been added to the substance contained within the
capsule;
[0087] FIG. 22E is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the
projectile systems described herein, wherein a liquid or gas
substance is contained within one half of the capsule and a
powdered substance is contained in the other half of the
capsule;
[0088] FIG. 23 is a side view of a projectile system, such as are
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 9A-9D, 13A, 15A-15D, 16A-16E and 17,
as it impacts a target;
[0089] FIG. 24 is a side view of a projectile system, such as are
illustrated in FIG. 22A or 22C, as it impacts a target;
[0090] FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 are a sequence of profile views of a
human target as he/she is impacted with a projectile system in
accordance herewith;
[0091] FIG. 28 is a frontal view of a human target with a preferred
firing pattern, for the projectile systems herein, illustrated on
his/her body;
[0092] FIG. 29 is a frontal view of a human target with two
alternatively preferred firing patterns, for the projectile systems
herein, illustrated on his/her body;
[0093] FIG. 30 is a side view of a tactic, contemplated herein, for
stopping a car under chase using the projectile systems described
herein;
[0094] FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a further tactic
contemplated herein, for delivering projectile systems in
accordance herewith, to a target within a building;
[0095] FIG. 31B is a perspective view of a further tactic
contemplated herein, for delivering projectile systems and
inhibiting a target, for example, by impacting an object, such as a
ceiling, near the target;
[0096] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a projectile for
delivering an inhibiting substance to a target in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the embodiment
of FIG. 1 is employed to carry the inhibiting substance, and a
stabilizer portion is employed to increase range;
[0097] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a projectile made in
accordance with one variation of the projectile of FIG. 32, wherein
a plunger is employed to explode a capsule containing the
inhibiting substance;
[0098] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a projectile made in
accordance with another variation of the projectile of FIG. 32,
wherein the plunger employed to explode the capsule containing the
inhibiting substance is aerodynamically-shaped;
[0099] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a projectile made in
accordance with a further variation o of the projectile of FIG. 32,
wherein the plunger is employed to explode a capsule containing the
inhibiting substance, and wherein an atomization matrix made up of
forward pointing exit orifices is located at a rearward end of the
projectile in order to increase a spray pattern area on the
target;
[0100] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a projectile made in
accordance with a variation of the projectile of FIG. 35, wherein
the plunger is employed to puncture a membrane behind which the
inhibiting substance is encapsulated;
[0101] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a projectile for
delivering an inhibiting substance to a living target in accordance
with a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
pressurized canister is employed to carry the inhibiting substance,
and a stabilizer section is employed to increase range;
[0102] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the projectile for
delivering an inhibiting substance to a living target, wherein a
pressurized canister is employed to carry the inhibiting substance,
and a stabilizer section is employed to increase range, and wherein
the projectile employs an adhesive material and a mechanical
attachment system to attach the projectile to the target during
delivery of the inhibiting substance to the target and further
employs forward pointing exit orifices to increase a spray pattern
area on the target;
[0103] FIG. 39A is a cross-sectional view of a projectile for
delivering an inhibiting substance to a living target in accordance
with an additional embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
twelve-gauge shotgun shell is packed with a rosin bag (or
alternatively a spherical capsule) that contains an inhibiting
substance, such as powdered or liquid oleoresin capsicum or
capsaicin;
[0104] FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative of the
projectile of FIG. 39A, wherein the twelve-gauge shotgun shell is
packed with one or more spherical capsules, for example, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, which capsules preferably contain an
inhibiting substance, such as oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin.
[0105] FIG. 40 is an end cross-sectional view of the projectile for
delivering an inhibiting substance in accordance with the
additional embodiment of FIG. 39A;
[0106] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a launch device useable
in combination with the projectile for delivering an inhibiting
substance to a living target in accordance with an additional
embodiment of the present invention, wherein the launch device
assumes the form of a PR24 police baton thus allowing dual use of
the launch device, i.e., as a launch device and as a PR24 police
baton;
[0107] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a launch device
suitably used with the projectile for delivering an inhibiting
substance to a living target in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention, wherein the launch device assumes the
form of a flashlight thus allowing dual use of the launch device,
i.e., as a launch device and as a flashlight;
[0108] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of an adaptation of the
launch device of FIG. 41 for delivering ball-type projectiles;
[0109] FIG. 44 is a side cross-sectional view of an adaptation of
the launch device of FIG. 42 for delivering ball-type projectiles,
wherein a plurality of barrels, such as two, are employed so as to
allow for the firing of multiple projectiles without reloading;
and
[0110] FIG. 45 is an end cross-sectional view of the adaptation of
the launch device of FIG. 44 illustrating the plurality of
barrels.
[0111] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the multi-functional launch device of FIG. 41 useable in
combination with the non-lethal projectiles as variously described
herein and for delivering an inhibiting substance to a living
target in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the launch device assumes the form of a PR24
police baton;
[0112] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-spray cartridge
attachment which attaches to the multi-functional launch device of
FIG. 46, in which more than one type of pressurized substance may
be sprayed at one time;
[0113] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the multi-functional launch device of FIG. 42, suitably used with
the projectile for delivering an inhibiting substance to a living
target in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the multi-functional launch device assumes the
form of a flashlight thus allowing dual use of the launch device,
i.e., as a launch device and as a flashlight;
[0114] FIG. 49 is an end cross-sectional view of the adaptation of
the multi-functional launch device of FIG. 48 illustrating the
flashlight portion and the barrel for launching the non-lethal
projectiles;
[0115] FIG. 50 is an illustration of the operation of the
multi-functional launch device of FIGS. 48 and 49 such that while
the flashlight is being operated, non-lethal projectiles may be
launched from the barrel of the multi-functional launch device, and
wherein an RF signal may be automatically transmitted to a
respective security system;
[0116] FIG. 51 is an illustration of a "six gun style" or revolver
style non-lethal projectile launcher in accordance with a further
embodiment of the present invention and capable of launching
several of the embodiments and variations of the non-lethal
projectiles described herein;
[0117] FIG. 52 is an illustration of a projectile system that may
be used in firing the "six gun style" projectile launcher of FIG.
51;
[0118] FIG. 53 is an illustration of a variation of the projectile
of FIG. 52 to be used when firing the "six gun style" projectile
launcher of FIG. 51; and
[0119] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a hand-held,
multi-functional, non-lethal projectile launcher in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention.
[0120] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
components throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0121] The following description of the presently contemplated best
mode of practicing the invention is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general
principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be
determined with reference to the claims.
[0122] As used herein, the term "projectile system" or "projectile"
or "non-lethal projectile" refers generally to the entire
projectile apparatus of the various embodiments of the present
invention that travels to the target. For example, in all
embodiments contemplated herein, the projectile system or
projectile at least includes a projectile body that contains a
substance for delivery to the target. For example, this projectile
body may be embodied as a capsule having a hollow volume within
that contains the substance. The terms "capsule", "casing" and
"shell" are used interchangeably herein to refer to an embodiment
of the projectile body as being a container portion of the
projectile system within which the substance is contained, whether
or not a deliverable substance is actually contained therein. This
projectile body may be a variety of shapes, for example, the
projectile body may be spherical or oblong, depending on the
specific embodiment. In some embodiments (discussed near the end
this patent document), the projectile body may be embodied as a
stabilizer body, for example, which apparatus travels to the
target.
[0123] Non-Lethal Projectile Systems
[0124] Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view is shown of a
projectile 10 (also referred to as a projectile system) for
delivering an inhibiting liquid or powder substance, such as,
capsaicinoid, a plurality of capsaicinoids, pepper spray, oleoresin
capsicum, Capsaicin, Capsaicin II, Oleoresin Capsaicin (OC), PAVA,
nonivamide, tear gas (e.g., CS and CN), malodorant, marking
substance, water, baby powder, talcum powder, weighting substance,
inert substance for training, and the like, to a living target,
such as a human target, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. The projectile system 10 includes a projectile
body 12 (here embodied as a capsule 12) that contains the substance
11 to be delivered to the target. Upon impact with the target, the
substance 11 is dispersed at and about the target, thereby
inhibiting, repelling, and/or marking the target. In a preferred
embodiment, the projectile body 12 ruptures upon impact with the
target dispersing the substance 11, and the substance 11 contains
an inhibiting substance.
[0125] Preferably, the inhibiting substance comprises finely
powdered oleoresin capsicum, such as may be purchased from Defense
Technology of America in Casper, Wyo. (for example, Blast Agent
oleoresin capsicum 943355, Cas. No. 8023-77-6, #T14, #T16, #T21
and/or #T23).
[0126] Oleoresin capsicum, a pepper substance, contains one or more
active ingredients or capsaicinoids primarily responsible for the
inhibiting or irritant effects including capsaicin,
dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin,
homodihydrocapsaicin and pelargonic acid vanillylamide (PAVA), also
known as nonivamide. Capsaicinoids are naturally occurring or
synthetically reproduced, for example, one form of Oleoresin
capsicum includes a synthetically produced version of nonivamide.
Individual capsaicinoids function similarly to a collection of
capsaicinoids. Oleoresin capsicum functions as an inhibiting
substance due to the presence of one or more capsaicinoids.
[0127] In the present embodiment, the oleoresin capsicum powder, to
be used for the substance 11 in some embodiments (referred to with
respect to the present embodiment as "powder") is preferably
purchased at a concentration of at least about 0.1%, e.g., between
0.5% and 30%, e.g., 3% and 10%, e.g. about 5% by volume. Thus, the
substance should be at least 0.1% oleoresin capsaicin by volume,
more preferably at least 0.5%, and most preferably at least 1% by
volume.
[0128] Alternatively, in terms of capsaicin, the powdered
inhibiting substance should comprise at least 0.1% capsaicin by
volume to be effective, preferably at least 0.5% capsaicin, most
preferably at least 1% capsaicin. In either case, the powder may be
diluted, to a desired concentration, by mixing with an inert
powdered substance, such as talcum, corn starch or other inert
substances. Depending on the application of the device, e.g.
homeowner (civilian) or peace officer, the powder may be more or
less dilute. For example, in peace keeping applications the powder
may be preferably stronger or more concentrated than for private
use by a homeowner or business owner. In a preferred embodiment,
the powder used in homeowner or business owner, i.e., civilian,
applications maybe up to, or more than one-third as less
concentrated as strengths used by peace officers depending on the
composition of the powder. Police often want to arrest, while
civilians want to repel.
[0129] Thus, in the broadest sense, in a preferred embodiment, the
substance should in part comprise a pepper-derived powder
substance, including for example, one or more of oleoresin
capsicum, capsaicin, PAVA, nonivamide, dihydrocapsaicin,
nordihydrocapsaicin, or combinations of the above pepper-derived
substances.
[0130] Furthermore, in the powdered embodiments, it is advantageous
that the substance 11 is a finely ground powdered substance such
that the particle sizes or grain are less than 1000 microns in
diameter, and preferably less than 500 microns, more preferably
less than 250 microns, and most preferably less than 100 microns.
It has been found that the generally the smaller the particle
diameter in a powdered substance, the more effective the radial
dispersal of the substance upon impact and the larger the volume of
the dispersal. Likewise, the larger the particle diameter, the less
effective the radial dispersal of the powdered substance and the
less volume is covered by the dispersal, or the less "cloud-like"
the dispersal becomes. For example, particle diameters above 500
microns and specifically above 1000 microns, tend to simply
splatter, spray, or scatter on the target and/or quickly fall to
the ground. Furthermore, particle diameters generally above 250
microns and above 500 microns are easily prevented from entering a
targets nostrils or mouth by placing a handkerchief thereagainst.
Furthermore, a powdered substance having, for example, a particle
size of greater than 500 microns, or greater than 1000 microns, may
only disperse into a very small volume, whereas a finely ground
powdered substance will create a cloud of a much larger volume.
[0131] It is preferable to produce a "cloud" of the powdered
substance to disperse radially and envelop a large volume upon
impact with the target and rupture of the capsule 12, for example,
a cloud that is formed when clapping erasers together. As will be
seen, it is advantageous that the substance produce a fine cloud of
the powdered substance such that the cloud will be dispersed on and
about the target, such that the target inhales the substance.
[0132] In preferred embodiments, the substance comprises a powdered
oleoresin capsicum powder or capsaicin powder that has a particle
size of less than 500 microns, preferably less than 100 microns,
and more preferably less than 20 microns, e.g. 5 to 10 microns in
diameter. Thus, when such powder is contained within a small
capsule 12, such as shown in FIG. 1, which may be paint ball sized,
the capsule 12 upon impact and rupture, will produce a cloud of
finely powdered substance 11 at least 2 feet in diameter, and
preferably at least 3 feet in diameter. This cloud advantageously
"wafts" in the air for several seconds, for example, between 6 and
10 seconds before settling, allowing sufficient time to inhale the
powdered substance.
[0133] Furthermore, and advantageously, the powdered pepper-derived
substances, such as oleoresin capsicum and capsaicin, are more than
topically acting substances. These substances react internally by
entering the mouth and nostrils of the target and contacting the
lung tissue, for example, causing a temporary inability to breathe,
whereby the target is inhibited for an amount of time appropriate
to apprehend the individual. For example, the individual may be
inhibited for up to, or more than approximately 10 minutes
depending on the combination and strength of substances used.
[0134] In other embodiments, the projectile 10 may also be used to
deliver other substances such as marking substances, including for
example, dyes (e.g., UV and IR dyes), or visible paint, or the
like, to a living or an inanimate target, and may also be used to
deliver inert substances, such as talcum or corn starch powder.
Such dyes may be colored dyes, such as those found in common paint
ball technologies, or may contain other markers, such as a neon or
glow-in-the-dark marker, or UV and/or IR dyes which may be useful
for marking a suspect at night, making it easier for law
enforcement personnel to see the marked suspect at night or by
using "night vision" technology. In one embodiment of a marking
substance, a chemical marker or chemical fingerprinted paint, such
as produced by Yellow Jacket, Inc. of California, can be used which
effectively leaves a chemical ID or chemical fingerprint on the
target, which can be used by the police to verify that a person was
struck by a specific non-lethal projectile and place the suspect at
a crime scene. As such, the chemical marker includes a chemical ID
formulated into the paint substance during manufacture, identifying
the batch of the chemical marker. For example, a fleck of the
chemical marker found on a suspect two weeks after the being
impacted with the chemical marker, can be chemically identified and
traced to the shooter; thus, the suspect may be linked to a crime
scene by the chemical marker.
[0135] Furthermore, chemical compounds having a particularly
offensive odor, i.e. malodorants, may be contained within the
projectile 10, to be used to mark suspects by scent or to repel or
keep people away from desired areas. One example of a malodorant
that is particularly effective is called "Dragons Breath", which is
an organic sulfur compound and is produced by DeNovo Industries of
The Woodlands, Tex. In still further embodiments, the projectile
may be used to deliver both inhibiting and marking substances, or
even inert substances to the target.
[0136] In accordance with the present embodiment, the substance 11
including an inhibiting substance is encapsulated within a plastic,
gelatinous or similar material projectile body 12 (also referred to
as a capsule 1,2 which is a specific embodiment of a projectile
body). The capsule 12, or shell, may be made from various known
substances, such as acrylic, vinyl, plastic, polystyrene and/or
other polymers, sodium alginate, calcium chloride, coated alginate
and/or polyvinyl alginate (PVA). Furthermore, the capsule 12 may be
spherical or oblong or have another desirable shape according to
the specific embodiment; however, some capsule shapes may provide
for better dispersal of the substance contained within upon impact.
Additionally, the capsule may be made out of colored materials or
even glow-in-the-dark materials to enhance the night time use of
such projectiles.
[0137] In a preferred embodiment, the projectile systems
contemplated herein include a projectile body that is a generally
spherical hollow capsule, preferably formed of a polymer substance,
for example and without limitation, polystyrene, polyvinyl, vinyl
or acrylic. Preferably, the outer diameter of the spherical capsule
12, or shell, is from between about 1.0 cm and 15.0 cm, e.g., 1.8
cm; however, these dimensions depend upon the specific application
of the non-lethal projectile. The inner-diameter of the shell 12
(which defines the volume in which the substance is carried)
preferably has a diameter of from between about 0.3 cm and 15.0 cm,
e.g., 1.7 cm. In preferred embodiments described in detail herein,
the capsule 12 is filled at least about to 50%, preferably 60% to
less than 100%, more preferably 85% to 95%, and most preferably to
about 90%, of its volume with a substance, for example an
inhibiting and/or marking substance, to be delivered to a target,
for example a human target. The capsule 12 is preferably formed, in
halves, by injection molding or by being hot pressed; however other
methods are also suitable. For example, the spherical capsules of
U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,379, incorporated herein by reference,
(hereinafter the '379 patent) are formed using a carefully
temperature controlled draw of polystyrene. Production of the
capsule of the '379 patent in this fashion can be time consuming
and, where being manufactured for the purpose of delivering paint
to a target, requires careful attention to feed rates and
maintenance of temperature differences between injection feeds of
the paint and forming of the capsules. In contrast, and as
discussed further herein, the preferred capsules of the present
invention may be quickly formed, filled and sealed at very high
production rates, in part, because the capsules are formed in
halves, or multiple parts, then appropriately filled, joined and
sealed.
[0138] It has been discovered, by the present inventors, that the
effectiveness of projectile systems employing capsules to deliver
powdered non-lethal substances, such as powdered oleoresin capsicum
or powdered capsaicin, to a target are maximized by filling the
capsules to at least greater than 50%, preferably 60% to less than
100%, more preferably 85% to 95% of their maximum volume, and most
preferably to about 90% of their maximum volume. This is somewhat
counterintuitive as it would be expected that a capsule that is
full or nearly full of a powdered substance would, upon rupture,
disperse its contents in a rather small, local area (i.e., as a
lump or blob) and therefore be of minimal effectiveness unless
facial openings of a target were directly targeted. However, it
would also be expected that a capsule that is only about half-full
or less with a powdered substance would disperse more effectively,
which is not proven to be the case.
[0139] For example, capsule fills of less than about 40% have been
found by the inventors to not disperse with sufficient transverse
or radial motion to reach the critical face region of the target
but rather provide only local application of the inhibiting
substance, i.e., produce only a lump or blob of powder on the
target. Similarly, and as expected, where capsule fills are full,
i.e., approach 100% of their total volume, the substances do adhere
to themselves and clump, moving as though they were a large
particle rather than dispersing in a radial, cloud-like
fashion.
[0140] Thus, the present inventors discovery of an optimal fill
range, i.e., at least about to 50% and preferably from between 60%
and less than 100%, e.g., between 75% and 99%, e.g., 95%,
represents a significant improvement, one that enables the use of
powdered inhibiting substances, for the first time known to the
inventors, in a commercially viable non-lethal or less-than-lethal
projectile. For the reasons above, this optimal fill range further
represents an unexpected result. However, at the same time, this
optimal fill range poses a different problem, which is addressed
herein below, that is, how to fill two halves of a spherical
capsule so that a resultant capsule has the optimal fill range,
without significant spillage of the substance contained therein
during closure of the two capsule halves.
[0141] To further facilitate maximum dispersal of the contents of
the capsule in a non-lethal projectile system, the inhibiting
substance should be formulated so that it is not strongly cohesive.
For example, where a liquid substance is employed, it should be
selected to have very low surface tension (or should be placed
under pressure), and where powders are concerned, highly structured
surfaces are to be avoided. Thus, for example corn starch is a
smooth surfaced powder that will readily disperse in a cloud-like
manner; whereas other powders may require micro-grinding or micro
encapsulation to remove structured surfaces. Various substances,
well known to those of skill in the art, may be used in the present
projectile systems. Particularly preferred herein, however, is
powdered oleoresin capsicum, which is a pepper-derived substance,
i.e., essentially a food product, or powdered capsaicin (which is
the active ingredient in oleoresin capsicum), which is found
naturally in oleoresin capsicum or in a synthetically derived or
pharmaceutical version thereof. When powdered oleoresin capsicum or
other capsaicin is delivered to a target, in accordance with the
apparatus and methods described herein, the target inhales the
substance into its lungs, which not only is painful to the target
but also results in a temporary inability to breathe effectively.
Although the inability to breathe is temporary, it is of sufficient
duration to cause panic in the individual, thereby providing
adequate time for apprehension. Furthermore, like the liquid form,
powdered oleoresin capsicum/capsaicin causes significant irritation
and pain when it contacts the mucous membranes, such as for
example, eyes, nose, mouth or throat, of a living target. Again,
powdered oleoresin capsicum, preferred for use herein, may be
purchased from Defense Technology of America in Casper, Wyo. (for
example, Blast Agent oleoresin capsicum 943355, #T14, #T16, #T21
and/or #T23), or pharmaceutical capsaicin (Nonivamide) which may be
purchased from Boehringer Ingelhem Chemicals.
[0142] As mentioned above, the use of optimal fills with powdered
inhibiting substances in a spherical projectile poses a serious
practical problem, i.e., how to fill two halves of a spherical
capsule with enough powder so that, when assembled the capsule
contains an optimal fill, without spillage of the powder. As one of
skill will appreciate, spillage is a problem in nearly any
environment, but when the material spilled is as inhibiting as
oleoresin capsicum powder or capsaicin powder, the elimination of
such spillage becomes important to the safety of persons performing
the assembly. Furthermore, as those of skill will readily
appreciate, where a liquid substance may be dispensed into a
capsule using a capillary, a powdered substance cannot be so
dispensed with any sort of accuracy. Thus, the inventors herein
have had to devise a method of filling capsules to about at least
50% of their volume, with a powdered substance, in accordance
herewith.
[0143] Referring then to FIGS. 2-6B, illustrated are the stages of
several preferred assembly methods of a projectile system (600), in
accordance herewith, comprising a capsule (613) (also referred to
generically as a projectile body), illustrated as a spherical
capsule (613) containing a powdered substance (605, 607 & 611).
FIG. 2 shows cross sectional views of the two halves of a capsule
604, 610 (also referred to as a bottom or first part 604 and a top
or second part 610 of the capsule) in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4,
the problem of spillage during assembly is overcome in this
embodiment by employing a thin membrane 602, 608, within each half
of the capsule 604, 610 after the each is filled to a desired level
with a powdered substance 605, 607 (the two portions of substance
605, 607 together constituting the optimal fill of the capsule
613). The membranes 602, 608 retain respective portions of the
substance 605, 607 within each half 604, 610 to facilitate assembly
of the halves 604, 610 to form the capsule 613 without spilling the
substance 605, 607 during assembly. Each half 604, 610 is
preferably a generally hemispherical, symmetrical half of the
capsule.
[0144] FIG. 2, then, illustrates the two capsule halves 604, 610
after being filled to their desired level with the powdered
substance 605, 607 and then covered with a membrane 602, 608. Next,
as can be seen in FIG. 3, the two halves 604, 610 are rotated
toward one another and brought together so that a sphere is formed.
FIG. 4 shows the capsule 613 after the halves are joined to one
another. Upon joining of the two halves 604, 610 into a closed
spherical capsule 613, the capsule 613 is then, optionally, sealed
along the point of joining (606 FIGS. 18-22) by, for example,
ultrasound welding or use of a glue or solvent. In some preferred
embodiments, the capsule 613 is hermetically sealed along the
joining seam, such that moisture and/or other contaminants cannot
enter the capsule, spoiling its contents. In a still further
preferred aspect, the sealed capsule of the projectile system 600
FIG. 4 is shaken or otherwise subjected to sufficient force to
cause rupture of the membranes within the capsule 613, such that
the substance 611 within the capsule becomes mixed and moves
relatively freely within the capsule 613. It is noted that the
glue/solvent is not illustrated in FIG. 4 or 5 because they are cut
away views of the projectile system 613. Also, not illustrated are
the remnants of the membranes 602, 608 in FIG. 5 following rupture
of the same, as just described.
[0145] In an alternative preferred assembly method, illustrated in
FIG. 6A, a mandrel, 614 or other similar tool, may be employed to
mechanically compress or tamp the powdered substance 607 within
each half capsule 604,610 to retain the substance therein during
the remainder of the assembly process. In FIG. 6A, one half of the
capsule 604 is shown as having had its contents compressed, while
the second half 610 is shown with the mandrel 614 therein. It will
be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the mandrel or
other similar tool may be, and preferably is, a part of a machine
(not illustrated) used to mechanically assemble the capsules in,
accordance herewith.
[0146] Referring next to FIG. 6B, a cross-sectional view is shown
of two capsule halves during assembly of a two-part capsule in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Shown is a
two-part capsule including the first part 604 and the second part
610 (i.e. the respective capsule halves 604 and 610), and a vacuum
compressed ball 609. The vacuum compressed ball 609 is formed using
known vacuum compression techniques in which the substance, in this
case a powder, to be contained within the capsule is sucked into a
cavity which includes a vacuum vent having a filter formed within
the cavity. The cavity, through the vent, pulls the substance
within the cavity such that the substance is tightly compressed.
For example, the powder is compressed by being sucked together and
forming the vacuum compressed ball 609. This is similar to forming
a snow ball by applying pressure to snow to form the snow into a
snow ball; however, the pressure is applied by pulled the substance
into a cavity with a vacuum through a vacuum vent. The cavity may
be spoon shaped or hemispherically shaped, for example, or any
other cavity shape as known in the art. Once the vacuum compressed
ball 609 is formed, it is placed into one half of the capsule, for
example, the first part 604. This is done by positioning the cavity
over the first part 604, releasing the vacuum, and allowing the
vacuum compressed ball 609 to sit into the first part 604. The
second part 610 is then placed over the first part 604 and sealed
thereto, for example, by using any of the sealing techniques
described herein.
[0147] It is noted that in this embodiment, some of the powdered
substance may begin to decompress and fall into the seal area or
interface 606 between the first part 604 and the second part 610,
shown as the edge of the first part 604 that will contact the edge
of the second part 610. The seal may still be effectuated by
actually excessively sealing the first part and the second part
together (by using an excessive amount of adhesive or sealant, or
by excessively friction bonding or ultrasonically bonding the first
part 604 to the second part 610) such that the small portion of the
substance at the interface 606 is contained within the seal between
the first part and the second part 610.
[0148] Advantageously, the capsule is thus filled so that a
substantial portion of the interior volume contains the substance
without using the membranes or mandrels, as described above.
Furthermore, a greater amount of substance may be placed into the
capsule using this technique.
[0149] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart is shown illustrating
in detail preferred methods of assembly of a projectile system 600,
in accordance herewith, wherein the projectile system 600 comprises
a capsule 613 formed from two about equal halves 604, 610 shown in
FIGS. 2-6A as hemispherical halves, the structures of which are
described above, which capsule 613 contains a powdered substance,
especially a powdered inhibiting substance and most preferably a
powdered oleoresin capsicum or a powdered capsaicin composition.
The method illustrated includes some of the preferred alternatives
for assembly.
[0150] Thus, in a preferred method, each half 604, 610 (FIGS. 2, 3
& 6A) is fabricated using suitable molding or forming
techniques (Block 702), and each is filled (Block 704) to about 90%
of its volume with the substance 605, 607, respectively, to be
delivered to the target, especially a powdered substance, and most
preferably an oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin composition. In one
alternative, a thin membrane 602, 608 is then placed (Block 706)
into each half of the capsule 604, 610 to cover the substance 605,
607 contained therein. In a second alternative a mandrel 614, or
other tool, is used to mechanically compress the substance within
each half (Block 705). At this point in the method, the halves 604,
610 are substantially as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, with and without
membranes, respectively.
[0151] In practice, the two halves 604, 610, after having been
covered by the membranes 602, 608 or mechanically compressed, are
then preferably rotated about 90, towards one another and brought
together (Block 708). The halves 604, 610 are then preferably
sealed to one another (Blocks 709, 710, 712, 714), such as using
ultrasonic welding techniques (Block 709), or using an appropriate
solvent or glue (Block 710) or by snapping the halves together
(Block 712). For example, if polystyrene is used, many known
solvents are available that will dissolve the polystyrene just
enough to result in sealing of the same as the plastic hardens upon
evaporation of the solvent. Polystyrene is commonly used for
plastic models, and thus, various modeling glues are available that
provide suitable sealing.
[0152] With respect to the alternative of sealing of the halves by
snapping them together, FIG. 8 illustrates capsule halves 604, 610
that have been formed with interlocking flanges 800, 802 thereon
such that the two halves may be mated and so snapped together
(Block 712). Subsequent to mating the capsule halves and
optionally, the capsule may be sealed (Block 714), such as by
addition of a solvent, along the seam, which solvent essentially
melts the plastic of the halves into one another as described
above. In a most preferred embodiment herein, the flanges are
formed with grooves 802 and tongues 800 such that the two halves
(female and male, respectively) interlock when snapped together,
providing at least a nearly hermetic seal to the capsule. (See, for
example, FIGS. 8 and 10A through 11C.)
[0153] Referring then to FIG. 8, two capsule halves 604, 610 are
shown with the above-mentioned interlocking flanges 800, 802. As
can be seen, the flanges 800, 802 are slightly flared, so as to be
slightly frustoconical in shape. Slight deformation of the
respective flanges 800, 802 during assembly, and reformation as
these flanges 800, 802 snap together, places these frustoconical
shapes against one another, and thus holds the halves 604, 610
tightly in place against one another. As mentioned above, a droplet
of solvent can be placed at the seam of the halves 604, 610, once
the halves 604, 610 are assembled, thereby providing not only
mechanical assembly of the halves but also insuring hermetic
sealing thereof, which may be important in environments where, for
example, water vapor may contaminate the substance contained in the
capsule. Alternatively, the membranes 602, 608 (FIG. 2), previously
described, may serve as a first and last line of defense against
contaminants to the substance 605, 607, where the membranes are
maintained in tact following assembly rather than being forcibly
ruptured prior to use thereof. Further still, the flanges 800, 802
of the capsule halves 604, 610 may be designed to alone provide at
least a near hermetic seal. Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, once
the halves 604, 610 are assembled into a spherical capsule 600 and,
optionally, sealed, the projectile system 600 is complete (Block
716).
[0154] In embodiments employing membranes, the membranes 602, 608
are selected to be strong enough to retain the substance 605, 607
within the halves 604, 610, as the two halves are joined, yet thin
enough to readily rupture on or before impact of the projectile
system 600 with the target. Most preferable, in this regard, are
thin, circular cut, paper membranes that will tension against
respective inner walls of the halves 604, 610 sufficiently to
retain the substances 605, 607 therein. For example, the membrane
may tension within an interior scoring of the capsule half (see,
e.g. FIGS. 22A-22E, discussed further herein), where such is
provided. In those embodiments employing membranes, the membranes
602, 608 are preferably gently air-cleaned along the circular
contact surface after placement within the halves 604, 610 and
prior to rotation of the halves 604, 610 to bring them together for
welding, snapping and/or other sealing.
[0155] It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the
membranes useful in these embodiments may be formed of any number
of materials, including for example, paper, plastic or other
polymer, rubber or even foam sponge. Generally, the membranes will
be circular cut to be slightly larger than the interior
circumference of the capsule half at the point where it is to
contact that interior surface. Thus, when placed into the capsule
half and, preferably, compressed, the membrane will tension against
the interior surface of the capsule and thereby retain the
substance therein. The membranes are preferably from between about
1 to about 5 mm thick, most preferably about 3 mm; however, other
thickness are likewise contemplated herein, especially depending
upon the specific substance contained within the capsule. For
example, where both a liquid and a powdered substance are to be
included in the capsule, it may be advantageous to provide a
slightly thicker membrane to insure separation of the two
substances until rupture of the capsule on or about the target.
[0156] As previously described, the spherical capsule of this
embodiment of the present invention preferably has an outer
diameter of about 1.8 cm and an inner diameter of about 1.7 cm.
While these capsule dimensions are preferred for use in the present
embodiments, other dimensions are likewise possible. The exact
dimensions and specific percentages of the inhibiting substance or
substances within different embodiments of the capsule will vary
depending on the specific application, the launching device to be
used, the range of the projectile, and the type of target to be
impacted (for example, human targets may generally require a less
percentage of inhibiting substance than large wildlife, for
example), to name just a few factors.
[0157] While a spherical capsule 600 is illustrated, it will be
readily appreciated by those of skill in the art that the
projectile body, e.g., the capsule, or shell, may be of any
convenient shape. What is of particular importance is that the
capsule be optimally filled to, for example, at least about 50%,
preferably about 60% to less than 100%, more preferably about 85%
to 95%, e.g., about 90%, of its total volume with the substance
611. It is at these optimal fill levels that optimum dispersal of
the substance is achieved and, therefore, that the effectiveness of
the projectile system, whether to mark an individual target for
later identification or to impair a target by, for example,
irritating skin, mucous membranes, vision and/or lungs, is
maximized.
[0158] Referring next to FIGS. 9A through 21, various embodiments
of the projectile systems 600 described herein are illustrated
wherein the projectile body, for example, the capsule, includes
structurally weakening features or fracture points on the exterior
or interior surface thereof, which fracture points primarily
facilitate rupture of the projectile body, e.g., capsule, upon
impact with a target. In particular, for example, the exterior or
interior surface of the capsule is optionally provided with
scorings (FIGS. 10A-11C) or with indentations/dimples (FIGS. 9A-9D)
or with both (FIG. 15B, 15D, 16E and 21), thereby providing
structural weak points within the capsule along which the capsule
may readily fracture. Furthermore, alternative designs are shown
for three-art capsules in comparison to the two-part capsules as
shown above.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 9A, a side view is shown of a projectile
system 600 made in accordance with one variation of the projectile
system 10 (FIG. 1), described above, that has been modified to
include a pattern of exterior dimples 22 in the capsule 613 that
serve the tripartite purposes of facilitating fracture of the
capsule 24 and atomization or dispersal of the substance contained
therein, upon impact with the target and of improving flight of the
projectile system 600 by decreasing drag and increasing lift
thereof. Alternatively, these dimples may be on an interior surface
of the capsule 613.
[0160] The projectile body, e.g., the capsule 613, of the
projectile system 600 of FIG. 9A is similar in materials,
dimensions and manufacture to the capsule 12 of the projectile
system 10 shown in FIG. 1, but employs the pattern of exterior
dimples 22 so as to facilitate rupture of the capsule 613 upon
impact with a target and to provide lower drag and greater lift to
the projectile system 600 during flight, thus potentially making
possible longer distances of flight. Importantly, the dimples 22
provide structural weak points at which the capsule 613 can burst
upon impact with the target, thereby improving atomization or
dispersal of the inhibiting substance contained within the shell
613. This, in combination with the optimized fill specifications
described herein, results in a larger and finer cloud of
inhibiting/impairing substance being dispersed proximate to the
target immediately following impact of the projectile system 600
with the target. The larger and finer cloud of inhibiting substance
provides for more effective inhibition of the target than has
heretofore been possible with conventional non-lethal or
less-than-lethal projectiles.
[0161] The dimples 22 are most preferably round at their exterior
edge, have a frustioconical-shaped wall and a flat, circular
innermost surface, or basal portion. The dimples 22 preferably have
a depth of at least about 0.05 mm preferably between about 0.05 mm
and 2.0 mm, e.g., between about 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, e.g., between
about 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm, e.g., about 0.3 mm and preferably have a
minimum depth of about 15% to 75%, e.g. 20% to 40% of the thickness
of the casing or shell. Preferably, there are several dimples, for
example, from between six and 50 dimples 22 (e.g., 20 dimples), on
the shell/capsule 613 so as to provide omnidirectional atomization
or dispersal of the inhibiting substance upon impact and a maximal
decrease in drag and increase in lift.
[0162] The dimples 22 may be formed in the capsule 613 using known
methods, for example, as a part of the injection molding process,
using laser ablation techniques, or using other known plastics
forming techniques.
[0163] Referring next to FIG. 9B, a side view is shown of a
projectile system 600 made in accordance with another variation of
the present invention, modified to include a different pattern of
exterior dimples 32 (which may alternatively be on the interior
surface of the capsule) in the shell 613 which dimples continue to
serve the tripartite purposes of facilitating rupture of the
capsule and atomization or dispersal of the inhibiting substance,
upon impact with the target (whether a living target or a
non-living target), and of decreasing drag and increasing lift of
the projectile system during flight thereof.
[0164] As can be seen, there are a greater number of exterior
dimples 32 in the variation of FIG. 9B in comparison to that of
FIG. 9A, which may further improve rupture and atomization and
further decrease drag and increase lift. Preferably, the dimples 3e
are arranged in a pattern in the exterior surface of the casing 613
so that each of six equal sectors of the casing show at least one
dimple 32 thereon. Other dimple arrangements, such as are known in
the golfing arts, may also be suitable. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
4,560,168, issued to Aoyama, for a GOLF BALL, incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0165] Referring next to FIG. 9C, a side view is shown of a
projectile made in accordance with another variation of the
projectile of FIG. 1 modified to include two exterior dimples 22
(which alternatively may be formed on the interior surface of the
capsule) in the shell 613, located at each pole of the projectile
600, that serves the tripartite purposes of decreasing drag,
increasing lift, and facilitating atomization or dispersal of the
inhibiting substance upon impact with the living target. As can be
seen, this embodiment of the present invention contains only two
exterior dimples compared to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9A and
9B. Thus, even with as few as two exterior dimples 22, the
projectile 600 will have an enhanced rupturing upon impact with a
target. The two exterior dimples 22 are located at both poles of
the projectile, e.g. the north pole and the south pole; however,
the skilled artist may easily alter the location the two exterior
dimples 22, or alternatively, only use one dimple.
[0166] Referring next to FIG. 9D, a partial cross-sectional view is
shown of an example of a structure for the exterior dimples 22, 32
of the above-described capsules 613, as shown in FIGS. 9A through
9C. As can be seen, the dimples 22, 32 have frustioconical-shaped
interior walls 40 and a flat innermost surface 42, or basal
portion, with a depth of at least about 0.05 mm, preferably between
about 0.05 mm and 2.0 mm, e.g., between about 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm,
e.g., between abut 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm, e.g., about 0.3 mm and
preferably have a minimum depth of about 15% to 75%, e.g. 20% to
40% of the thickness of the casing or shell. As mentioned above,
the dimples 22, 32 can be produced using laser ablation techniques,
by forming them into the shell using injection molding techniques
or using other known forming techniques.
[0167] Alternatively, the dimples 22, 34 may be formed within an
interior surface of the capsule 613, instead of at the exterior
surface. The interior dimple may be formed the same as the exterior
dimple, although positioned at the interior surface of the capsule
613.
[0168] FIGS. 10A and 10B are prospective views of two complimentary
halves of a capsule 604, 610 (also referred to as a bottom or first
part 604 and a top or second part 610 of a projectile body, e.g.,
capsule) made in accordance with a still further variation of the
system of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the capsule 604 and 610
together is modified to include a matrix pattern of exterior global
scoring 46 that serve the tripartite purposes of facilitating
rupture of the capsule and atomization of the inhibiting substance,
upon impact with the living target, and of decreasing drag and
increasing lift during flight of the projectile system.
[0169] The capsule halves 604, 610 of FIGS. 10A and 10B are similar
in materials, dimensions and manufacture to those previously
described, but employ the matrix pattern of exterior global scoring
46 as an added feature. The scoring provides a lattice of
structural weak points at which the casing can burst upon impact
with the target. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, this
results in a larger and finer cloud of inhibiting substance being
dispersed proximate to the target, immediately following impact of
the projectile system with the target. Such dispersal provides for
more effective inhibiting of the target than has heretofore been
possible with conventional projectile approaches. The scoring 46 is
preferably "V"-shaped in cross-section with an angled or slightly
flat bottom portion of the "V" providing a basal portion of such
scoring. The scoring preferably has a depth of from between about
0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, e.g., between about 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm, e.g.,
about 0.6 mm and preferably has a minimum depth of about 15% to
75%, e.g. 20% to 40% of the thickness of the casing or shell 604,
610. Preferably, there are from between about 2 and 10, e.g.,
between 4 and 7, circumferential (i.e., latitudinal) scores and
from between about 2 and 10, e.g., between 6 and 8 longitudinal
scores in the surface of the shell 604,610 so as to provide
omnidirectional atomization or dispersal of the inhibiting
substance upon impact and a maximal decrease in drag and increase
in lift for the projectile.
[0170] Furthermore, a feature illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B is
that there are both longitudinal and latitudinal scoring 46 in the
capsule halves 604, 610. Having both longitudinal and latitudinal
scoring allows for a greater dispersal than simply having either
longitudinal or latitudinal scoring alone since the substance
contained within will be able to disperse radially along both
longitudinal and latitudinal fractures of the capsule 613. Although
a capsule without these structurally weakening features or dimples
may fracture similarly, the fracturing process is more randomized
or at best fractures about an axis of manufacture. Furthermore, if
the walls of a capsule are not thick enough, the capsule may not
fracture at all, but simply flex upon impact. The addition of
structurally weakening scorings, and in particular, to the
placement of these scorings along both longitudinal and latitudinal
axises allow for the controlled fracturing or predictable
fracturing of the capsule in such a way that maximizes the
dispersal of the substance contained therein. Thus, the walls of
the capsule may be made slightly thicker, so that the force upon
impact is concentrated along the scoring (whether exterior or
interior as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B), which advantageously
causes the capsule to fracture at the scoring.
[0171] FIGS. 11A through 11C are cut-away perspective and side
views of yet another alternative embodiment of the capsules 613 of
the present projectile systems. In these embodiments, interior
surface scoring 47 is used to facilitate rupture of the capsule 613
and atomization or dispersal of the substance contained therein
(not illustrated), upon impact of the projectile system with a
living target. The structure and dimensions of the capsule 613 is
as previously described. Similarly, the structure and dimensions of
the interior scoring is the same as just described for the exterior
scoring. The interior scoring 47 is preferably formed into the
capsule halves 604, 610 (also referred to as a bottom or first part
604 and a top or second part 610 of the capsule) during manufacture
thereof, for example during molding of the capsule halves.
Alternatively, the interior scoring 47 may be added to the capsule
halves 604, 610 after manufacture and before filling of the halves,
such as by laser ablation. Again, advantageously, in this
embodiment both longitudinal and latitudinal scoring are
implemented to control and optimize the dispersal of the substance
within the capsule.
[0172] Referring next to FIG. 12A, an illustration is shown of the
components of a three-part capsule (also referred to more
generically as a three-part projectile body) of a projectile or
projectile system as a variation of the projectile of FIG. 1 and a
variation of the two-part capsules of the projectiles of FIGS. 2-8
and 10A-11C in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. Furthermore, while referring to FIG. 12A, concurrent
reference will be made to FIG. 14, which is a flowchart 1400 of one
embodiment of the steps performed in assembling and filling of the
three-part capsule of FIGS. 12A through 13B.
[0173] Shown in FIG. 12A are two halves 604, 610 and a lid 618 of a
three-part capsule. The two halves 604 may also be referred to as a
bottom or first part 604 and a top or second part 610. The lid 618
may also be referred to as a third part 618. The first part 604 and
the second part 610 are similar to the halves 604 and 610 described
above. As an initial step in the assembly of the three-part
projectile, the parts of the three-part capsule are fabricated
(Step 1402 of FIG. 14), using similar techniques as described with
reference to FIG. 7. The first part 604 includes a flange 800 that
is designed to mate with a flange 802 of the second part 610. These
flanges 800 and 802 may snap together, glued together, or otherwise
bonded together, e.g. ultrasonic bonding, similar to the techniques
described with reference to FIG. 7 and in the formation of hermetic
seals.
[0174] Furthermore, the top or second part 610 includes a fill hole
614 formed at the pole of the second part 610. The fill hole
includes a flange 616 at its perimeter that is designed to receive
a lid 618 or third part 618. The lid 618 includes a rim 620 that is
adapted to be inserted into the fill hole 614 against the flange
616 such that the top surface of the lid 618 fits preferably flush
with the exterior surface of the second part 610. Note also, that
interior surface scorings 47, both in a longitudinal and
latitudinal pattern are formed within the first and second part 604
and 610. Such interior scorings 47 are not required, but are
preferred since they provide a controlled fracturing of the
projectile which optimizes the dispersal of substances contained
therein.
[0175] The addition of the fill hole 618 formed in the second part
610 advantageously allows for a simple and effective operation of
filling the capsule with either liquid or powder substances in a
manner wherein a majority of the volume contained within the
capsule is filled with the substances. For example, using the
three-part capsule, the capsule may be filled with at least 90% of
its interior volume with either a liquid or a powder substance.
This is a departure from prior art attempts to filling a capsule
with a powder substance or even a liquid substance such that
greater than 50% of the interior volume is filled with the
substance. The prior art, such as discussed above in U.S. Pat. No.
5,254,379 (Kotsiopoulos et al.) attempts to fill paint balls with a
small capillary during the formation of the paint ball.
Furthermore, it is not feasible to pour a powdered substance
through a small capillary since a powdered substance will not pour
effectively through a capillary, resulting in spillage. This is
especially problematic when using inhibiting substances, such as
oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin, either in powder or liquid form,
since spillage potentially poses a risk to the manufacturers.
[0176] In contrast, the three-part capsule is manufactured by
adhering and sealing the first part 604 to the second part 610
(Step 1404 of FIG. 14) similarly as described above with reference
to FIG. 7, for example, by snapping, glueing or otherwise bonding
the first part 604 to the second part 610 and includes forming
hermetic seals as well. Then, the substance or substances to be
delivered within the projectile are inserted into the volume of the
combination of the first part 604 and the second part 610 through
the fill hole 614 in the second part 610 (Step 1406 of FIG. 14).
The fill hole 614 is large enough such that the substance, whether
liquid or powder, may be poured into the capsule without spilling,
at least when properly filled. Advantageously, the fill hole is
large enough such that spillage rarely occurs with the proper
techniques, for example, using a pipe, funnel or similar pouring
and/or guiding device. As an optional step, particularly for use
with a powdered substance, the powdered substance is compressed
(Step 1408 of FIG. 14), for example, with a mandrel or similar
object that can be placed within the fill hole 614 to mechanically
compress the powder within the volume of the first and second parts
604, 610. Then, typically, the volume is refilled (Step 1410 of
FIG. 14), which fills the remainder of the volume with the
substance, or at least fills the volume to a desired level. Thus,
the capsule may literally be filled such almost the entire interior
volume of the capsule is taken up by the substance or substances,
e.g. at least 80%, or at least 90% or even at least 98%.
Advantageously, a higher fill allows the projectile to fly farther
and in a straighter flight path.
[0177] Once the substance is filled into the capsule, the lid 618
is placed or positioned into the fill hole 614 (Step 1412 of FIG.
14) such that the rim 620 extends into the interior volume of the
second part 610 and fits snugly against the flange 616 of the
second part 610. The exterior surface of the lid 618 is then
substantially flush with the exterior surface of the second part
610. To complete the assembly of the three-part capsule, the lid or
third part 618 is fixed and sealed within the fill hole 614 (Step
1414 of FIG. 14), for example, by adhering, snapping the lid into
the fill hole, heat bonding, ultrasonically bonding, friction
bonding, or other wise bonding the lid within the fill hole 614
such as described above with reference to FIG. 7. In preferred
embodiments, a hermetic seal is created between the first part 604
and the second part 610, as well as between the lid 618 and the
fill hole 614. Thus, at completion of the assembly a three-part
projectile is created.
[0178] It is noted that the use of membranes, such as described
above, or other devices to hold a substance or substances within
respective halves, is not required. This provides a much simpler
assembly. Further advantageously, a single capsule design will
support the filling of both liquid substances and powder
substances. Thus, a manufacturer does not need to design two types
of capsules, one to be filled with a liquid substance and one to be
filled with a powder substance.
[0179] Referring next to FIG. 12B, a perspective view is shown of
the lid 618 of the three-part capsule of FIG. 12A. The lid 618 or
third part 618 includes an exterior surface and a rim 620 that is
adapted to extend into the volume of the second part 610. Although
the lid 618 may simply be a cutout from the second part 610, e.g.
like a pumpkin lid, the lid is advantageously formed separately to
include the rim 620, which aids in the sealing between the second
part 610 and the lid 618.
[0180] Referring next to FIG. 13A, an illustration is shown of an
assembled three-part projectile of FIGS. 12A and 12B containing one
or more of an inhibiting substance, a marking substance,
malodorant, and an inert substance. The three-part projectile 630
is shown including the first part 604, sealed within the second
part 610 at flanges 800 and 802, the lid 618 or third part 618
sealed within the fill hole of the second part 610. Note that in
this embodiment, the projectile body comprises the first, second
and third parts 604, 610 and 618. The rim 620 of the lid 618
extends into and is sealed into the fill hole and engages the
flange 616 such that the exterior surface of the lid 618 is
substantially flush with the exterior surface of the second part
610. Also shown are the interior scoring 47, along both
longitudinal and latitudinal axises. Further illustrated is the
substance 611 contained within the three-part projectile 630. The
substance 611 may actually comprise one or more substances, and may
be either liquid and powder, as described above. Further
illustrated is the approximate fill of the three-part projectile
630. It can be seen that the three-part capsule 630 may
advantageously be filled almost entirely with the substance 611,
for example, at least 90% of the volume within the three-part
projectile 630.
[0181] Referring next to FIG. 13B, a cross sectional view is shown
of the lid as assembled into the second part or component of the
three part projectile of FIG. 13A. The lid 618 which includes the
rim 620 is inserted into the fill hole formed within flange 616 of
the second part 610. The rim 620 engages the flange 616 and the
flange 616 also provides a seat for the lid 618. Once bonded
together, a hermetic seal is typically created between the lid 618
and the second part 610.
[0182] Referring next to FIGS. 15A through 15D, simplified side
views are shown of various embodiments of a two-part projectile,
such as produced according to FIG. 7, variously including
structurally weakening features, such as exterior or interior
scoring (longitudinal and/or latitudinal) and/or exterior or
interior dimples, and containing one or more substances to be
delivered to a target upon impact with the target as described
above.
[0183] FIG. 15A is a variation of a projectile 1500 including a
first part 604 and a second part 610 and further including
latitudinal (or vertical) scorings 48. These latitudinal scoring 48
may be either on the exterior surface or the interior surface of
the projectile 1500.
[0184] FIG. 15B is another variation of a projectile 1502 including
a first part 604, a second part 610, latitudinal scorings 48, and
dimples 22 at each pole of the projectile 1502. These dimples 22,
as well as the latitudinal scorings 48, may be either on the
exterior surface or the interior surface of the projectile
1502.
[0185] FIG. 15C is yet another variation of a projectile 1504
including a first part 604, a second part 610, latitudinal scorings
48, and longitudinal (or horizontal) scorings 49. The latitudinal
and longitudinal scorings 48 and 49, may be either on the exterior
surface or the interior surface of the projectile 1504.
[0186] FIG. 15D is a further variation of a projectile 1506
including a first part 604, a second part 610, latitudinal scorings
48, longitudinal scorings 49, and dimples 22 at the poles of the
projectile 1506. The latitudinal and longitudinal scorings 48 and
49, as well as the dimples 22, may be either on the exterior
surface or the interior surface of the projectile 1506.
[0187] Furthermore, in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 15A
through 15D, the number and location of the scoring and dimples may
be altered to control and optimize the dispersal of the substance
or substances contained within the various projectiles.
[0188] Referring next to FIG. 16A, a simplified side view is shown
of a three-part projectile 1602 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1
and 13A, and assembled, for example, according to the method of
FIG. 14, without any structurally weakening features. The three
part projectile 1602 includes a projectile body (e.g., a capsule)
including a first part 604, second part 610, lid 618 (or third
part) and contains one or more substances to be delivered to a
target upon impact with the target as described above.
[0189] Referring next to FIGS. 16B-16E, simplified side views are
shown of various embodiments of the three-part projectile of FIG.
16A, variously including structurally weakening features, such as
exterior or interior scoring (longitudinal and/or latitudinal)
and/or exterior or interior dimples.
[0190] First, referring to FIG. 16B, a projectile 1604 is shown
that includes the first part 604, second part 610, lid 618, and
latitudinal scorings 48. These latitudinal scorings 48 may be on
the exterior or the interior of the projectile 1604.
[0191] Referring next to FIG. 16C, a projectile 1606 is shown that
includes the first part 604, second part 610, lid 618, latitudinal
scorings 48 and longitudinal scorings 49. These latitudinal and
longitudinal scorings 48 and 49 may be on the exterior or the
interior of the projectile 1606.
[0192] Referring next to FIG. 16D, a projectile 1608 is shown that
includes the first part 604, second part 610, lid 618 and dimples
22 formed in the projectile 1608. Again, the dimples 22 may be on
the exterior or the interior of the projectile 1608. Furthermore,
these dimples 22 may be circular in shape or oblong or
elliptical.
[0193] Referring next to FIG. 16E, a projectile 1610 is shown that
includes the first part 604, second part 610, lid 618, latitudinal
scorings 48 and dimples 22, shown as elliptical dimples 22. Again,
these latitudinal scorings 48 and dimples 22 may be on the exterior
or the interior of the projectile 1610.
[0194] Furthermore, in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 16B
through 16E, the number and location of the scoring and dimples may
be altered to control and optimize the dispersal of the substance
or substances contained within the various projectiles.
[0195] Referring next to FIG. 17A, a side view is shown of an
embodiment of the projectile of FIG. 1 including a glass capsule
within the projectile capsule for containing particularly difficult
to contain malodorants until such time as upon impact with a
target. Shown is the projectile 1700 including the first part 604,
the second part 610, each optionally including latitudinal and/or
longitudinal scorings 48 and 49 (either exterior or interior). Also
shown is a glass capsule 1702 containing a malodorant 1704.
[0196] The glass capsule 1702 is formed using conventional methods,
for example by fire sealing or fire welding, such that the
malodorant 1704 is sealed within the glass capsule 1702. For
example, the glass capsule 1702 may contain at least 20% of its
volume with the malodorant 1704 and preferably at least 50%, and
most preferably at least 80%. The glass capsule 1702 is preferably
formed to have an exterior dimension slightly smaller than an
interior dimension of the first part 604 and the second part 610.
Furthermore, there may be guides or protrusions formed within the
interior surface of the first and second parts 604 and 610 (see
FIG. 17B) such that the glass capsule 1702 is centered within the
first and second parts 604 and 610. In an alternative embodiment,
an inhibiting substance, an inert substance and/or a marking
substance, in either powder or liquid form may be within the
capsule 604, 610, between the glass capsule 1702 and the inner
surface of the capsule 604, 610.
[0197] Sealing the malodorant 1704 within the glass capsule 1702 is
important for embodiments of the non-lethal projectiles that use
compounds such as Dragons Breath made by DeNovo Industries of The
Woodlands, Tex. Such a malodorant 1704 is an organic sulfur
compound and will readily seep through, or eat through, or
otherwise breach the plastic or similar construction of the first
and second parts 604 and 610. As such, the malodorant 1704 has a
solvent effect that will penetrate most plastic type capsules.
Thus, the glass capsule 1702 within the first and second parts 604
and 610 acts to contain the malodorant 1704 until such time as
being impacted at a target. It is noted that other materials, other
than glass, may be used by the skilled artist to effectively
contain such a malodorant 1704. Furthermore, the projectile 1700
retains several other useful features which will assist in the
fracturing of the first and second parts 604 and 610 and in the
dispersal of the malodorant 1704.
[0198] Referring next to FIG. 17B, a cross sectional view is shown
of one embodiment of the interior of the projectile 1700 of FIG.
17A including protrusions 1706 to guide or position the glass
capsule 1702 within the projectile capsule and facilitate the
breakage or rupturing of the glass capsule 1702 upon impact with
the target. The protrusions 1706 are illustrated as points that
extend from the inner surface of the capsule. They may
alternatively be described as rounded bumps, or ridges that extend
a length (with either pointed or rounded edges). The protrusions
1706 serve to guide the glass capsule 1702 centrally within the
capsule, protect the glass capsule 1702 during the stresses of
launching, and also to assist in the fracturing of the glass
capsule 1702 upon impact by concentrating the stresses of impact on
specified points on the glass capsule 1702. Conveniently, the
protrusions 1706 are evenly spaced or spaced in a desired pattern
to optimize the fracturing of the glass capsule 1702 as the
projectile capsule ruptures. Alternatively, an inhibiting
substance, marking substance and/or an inert substance may be
positioned between the inner surface of the capsule 604, 610 and
the glass capsule 1702 in addition to or instead of the protrusions
1706.
[0199] Furthermore, in any of the above described embodiments, the
substance or substances contained within the projectiles,
particularly within the two-part and three part projectiles
described in FIGS. 1 through 17B, whether the substances are gas,
liquid, solid, or powder, the contents of the projectile may be
pressurized. Such pressurization will further assist in the
atomization or dispersal of the contents of the projectile upon
impact with a target. Several techniques may be used to effectively
pressurize the contents of the projectiles to a desired level of
internal pressure which is dependent upon the materials and
construction of the specific projectile.
[0200] First, the projectile may be produced within a pressurized
atmosphere, such that upon completion of the assembly and removal
into a normal pressure atmosphere, the sealed contents of the
projectile will be at a higher internal pressure than the outside
atmosphere. Second, a cold seltzer water may be added to the
contents of the projectile. Such cold seltzer water produces carbon
dioxide when heated up (or returning to room temperature) which
would increase the pressure within the projectile. Third, a small
particle of a cryogenic material, such as dry ice or liquid
nitrogen, and preferably non-volatile, may be added to the contents
of the projectile. Fourth, the contents of the projectile may be
frozen which will be most effective typically for liquid contents.
Fifth, liquid carbon dioxide may be mixed in with the contents of
the projectile. These methods are conventional methods of
increasing an internal pressure of a container.
[0201] Referring next to FIG. 18, a side view is shown of an
embodiment of a variation of the projectile of FIG. 16A,
illustrating a fins coupled to a portion of the projectile so as to
assist in stabilizing the flight of the projectile. Shown is the
projectile 1800 including the first part 604, the second part 610,
the third part 618, and fins 1802. Also shown are optional
structurally weakening features, such as scorings, for example,
latitudinal and longitudinal scorings 48 and 49. The fins 1802 may
be individual fins that are attached, bonded, or molded to a
portion of the (projectile body) capsule, for example, to the first
part 604 so as to help stabilize the projectile 1800 in flight in
order to increase the range of the projectile 1800. The fins 1802
may be made of the same material as the capsule. Furthermore, the
fins 1802 may be individual fins or may be a single fin body
including more than one fin 1802, for example, four fins 1802, that
are attached or bonded to the portion of the capsule. Note that
although shown as a three-part projectile, the projectile 1800 may
be a two-part projectile.
[0202] Referring next to FIG. 19, a side view is shown of a
variation of the projectile of FIG. 18, illustrating a three-part
projectile in which a first or bottom part of the projectile body,
e.g., capsule, is an integrated body including stabilizing fins and
further illustrating a non-spherical projectile capsule. Shown is a
variation of a projectile 1900 including a second part 610, third
part 618, fins 1802, and a modified first part 1804. Also shown are
optional structurally weakening features, such as scorings, for
example, latitudinal and longitudinal scorings 48 and 49. The first
part 1804 in this embodiment is modified so as to be integrated
with the fins 1802 and is typically no longer hemispherical in
shape. The modified first part 1804 is illustrated as cup shaped
and is configured to carry a larger payload of material within the
body of the projectile 1900 than the projectile 1800 of FIG. 18.
Thus, the capsule of this embodiment is not spherical. Again, the
fins 1802 add stability for a greater flight range as well as a
greater payload of the projectile 1900.
[0203] Referring next to FIGS. 20A and 20B, end views are shown of
variations the stabilizing fins 1802 of FIGS. 18 and 19,
illustrating straight fins 1802 and curved fins 1802',
respectively. The view is, for example, looking up underneath the
views as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. In one embodiment, straight fins
1802 may be implemented to stabilize the flight of the projectile.
In another embodiment, curved fins 1802' may be implemented that
add an additional radial stability or spin stabilization to the
projectile in flight.
[0204] FIG. 21 is a side-view of a projectile system 600 made in
accordance with a still further variation of the system of FIG. 1.
In this embodiment, the capsule 613 is modified to include both a
matrix pattern of exterior global scoring 46 and a pattern of
dimples 32, which dimples are, preferably, interconnected by the
matrix pattern of scoring. This combination of dimples and scoring
serves tripartite purposes of facilitating rupture of the capsule,
and atomization of the substance contained therein, upon impact
with the living target and of decreasing drag and increasing lift
during flight of the projectile system. As the exterior
structurally weakening features of dimples and scoring are
substantially as described above with reference to FIGS. 9A through
10B, further description of the structure, shape and dimensions of
the dimples and scoring in FIG. 21 is not made herein.
[0205] The scoring and the dimples, illustrated in FIG. 21, provide
a lattice of structural weak points interconnecting structurally
weakening dimples, at all of which the capsule 613 can burst upon
impact with the target. As with the above embodiments, this results
in a larger and finer cloud of inhibiting substance being dispersed
proximate to the target, immediately following impact of the
projectile system 600 with the target. Such dispersal provides for
more effective inhibiting of the target than has heretofore been
possible with conventional projectile approaches. It is noted that
these scorings and dimples may alternatively be located or formed
within interior surfaces of the projectile.
[0206] Next, referring to FIGS. 22A through 22E, several
embodiments are shown which focus on the contents of the non-lethal
projectiles, as variously described above. The use of various
additions to the substance or substances to be contained within the
projectiles may further assist in the improved dispersal of the
substance or substances contained therein upon impact with a
target. The projectiles may be any of the embodiments described
above.
[0207] Referring first to FIG. 22A, a cross sectional view is shown
of a further variation of the projectile systems described herein.
The projectile system 900 is similar in structure and contents to
the projectile systems as described above, except that solid
material 902 has been added to the substance 605, 607 e.g., a
powdered inhibiting substance, within the capsule. As can be seen,
the halves 604, 610 (or first part 604 and second part 610), the
membranes 602, 608 and the inhibiting substance 605, 607 are shown,
and are substantially the same as described above, for example,
with reference to FIGS. 2-4. Assembly is substantially as
illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 2-6A and as described in FIG. 7
for a two-part projectile, but with the addition of the solid
material to the substance within the capsule. Although FIGS. 22A
through 22E primarily illustrate the two part projectile, it is
noted that the same principals apply to a three-part projectile (as
assembled in FIG. 14) as described above. The solid material 902
may be, for example, crushed walnut shells, rice, metal particles,
such as metal powder or filings, wood particles, such as wood
shavings or wood dust, or any other readily available solid that
can be added to the substance 605. Facts such as cost, density, and
toxicity factor into selection of the solid material 902.
[0208] Advantageously, the solid material 902 helps to disperse the
substance 605, 607 by carrying the substance 605, 607 quickly away
from the point of impact in a generally radial (or lateral)
direction. Further discussion of the radial dispersion of the
substance 605, 607 is made herein below, both with respect to
projectiles carrying a solid material 902, and projectiles not
carrying solid material.
[0209] Referring next to FIG. 22B, a projectile system 1000 is
shown in accordance with a further variation of the embodiments
described herein. Shown are the halves 604, 610, the membranes 602,
608, and the substance 605, 607 therein. Also shown are metal
filings 1002, such as iron, steel, tungsten or bismuth filings,
added to and intermixed with the substance. Alternatively, any of
the previously mentioned solid substances, including for example
metal powders, such as powdered iron, steel, tungsten or bismuth,
may be used in lieu of the metal filings. The metal filings 1002
function in a manner similar to the manner in which the solid
material 902 (FIG. 22A) functions in that, upon impact, the metal
filings, being more dense than the substance 605,607 are flung
radially, thereby breaking up the substance, atomizing the
substance and carrying the substance radially, perhaps further than
the substance would be dispersed absent the metal filings 1002. In
addition, the metal filings increase the mass of the projectile,
thereby increasing the kinetic force applied by the projectile
against the target upon impact of the projectile against the
target. As a result, the variation shown may offer as an advantage,
not only enhanced inhibiting of a target, due to a more widely
dispersed cloud of inhibiting substance, but also enhanced kinetic
"thumping" against the target, thereby increasing the initial
stunning blow delivered by the projectile. This increase in kinetic
force may also enhance the ability of the projectile to leave a
bruise on the target, thereby enhancing the projectile's ability to
serve not only as a tool for inhibiting a target, but also as an
evidentiary tool, should doubt arise as to whether a certain
individual is one that has been hit by a projectile of the
embodiments specified herein. Furthermore, the "thumping" from the
impact of the projectile should be with a sufficient force to
temporarily stun the target, e.g. at least 2 to 3 ft-lbs of force
or greater for a human target, preferably at 6 ft-lbs, and most
preferably at least 10 ft-lbs of force, which slows the target and
allows the inhibiting substance to work more effectively. In
comparison a typical paint ball impacts at about 10 ft-lbs of force
and a non-lethal bean bag type projectile impacts at about 120
ft-lbs (i.e. at about 90 mph).
[0210] The projectile systems may be arranged such that
successively fired projectiles or groups of projectiles are of
relatively greater mass than previous projectiles or groups of
projectiles, thereby gradually increasing the kinetic force of
"thump" experienced by a target, assuring that both adequate
kinetic force is used to achieve stunning of the target, while at
the same time assuring that a minimum amount of kinetic force is
applied to any given target. For example, a child or female target
is much more likely to be affected by earlier, lower kinetic forces
or "thumps" than will be a large male. This, combined with the
possible inclusion of a powdered inhibiting substance of a
prescribed concentration or of an increasing concentration,
provides law enforcement and military personnel with a non-lethal
approach suitable for delivering a minimumly necessary amount of
non-lethal or less-than-lethal technology to a target of virtually
any size, shape or tolerance level.
[0211] Referring next to FIG. 22C, a projectile system 2000 is
shown in accordance with a further additional variation of the
embodiments described herein. Shown are the halves 604, 610, the
membranes 602, 608, and the substance 605, 607, therein. Also shown
are metal shot 2002, such as iron or steel shot or, alternatively,
metal, wood or ceramic balls which are added to and intermixed with
the substance 605, 607. The metal shot 2002 function in a manner
similar to the manner in which the metal filings 1002 (FIG. 22B)
function, and thus, to that extent, further explanation of their
functionality is not made herein. The metal shot 2002 have the
added benefit that they may, in some circumstances, also provide an
additional source of discomfort for the target, as the metal shot
2002 impact against the target after the projectile explodes.
[0212] Referring next to FIG. 22D, a projectile system 3000 is
shown in accordance with a further additional variation of the
embodiments described herein. Shown are the halves 604, 610, the
membranes 602, 608, and the substance 605, 607 contained therein.
Also shown are relatively large, metal balls 3002, such as iron or
steel balls, (or alternatively ceramic, plastic or glass balls),
added to each half of the capsule 604, 610 and generally surrounded
by the substance 605, 607. The metal balls 3002 function in a
manner similar to the manner in which the metal shot 2002 (FIG.
22C) function, and thus, to that extent, further explanation of
their functionality is not made herein. The metal balls 3002,
however, also have the added benefit that they may, in some
circumstances, provide an additional source of discomfort for the
target, as the metal balls 3002 impact against the target after the
projectile explodes.
[0213] Furthermore, the addition of solid substances or heavy
powders (e.g., barium, sulphate, and the like) into the substance
or substances contained within the capsule, such as the solid
substances, metal filings, metal shot, and metal balls provide a
synergistic effect of increasing the effectivity of the projectiles
as non-lethal weapons. For example, as described above, the
"thumping" or kinetic force of the projectiles alone provides a
stunning effect to a living target. This stunning effect
temporarily stalls or slows the target which allows the dispersing
substance within to more effectively disperse onto and around the
target. This stunning effect is greatly amplified if a target is
impacted with multiple projectiles in short succession. For
example, a target may feel as if the target has been "shot", which
will psychologically slow or stop the target. If inhibiting
substances such as oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin are contained
within the projectile, they will be more effective since the target
may have temporarily stopped movement. In practice, a target may be
inhibited with fewer hits if those hits produce a kinetic thump.
Thus, the thumping effect and the inhibiting substance or
substances synergistically work together to produce more effective
results than either technique alone.
[0214] Referring next to FIG. 22E, a cross sectional view is shown
of yet another variation of the embodiments described herein. Shown
are the halves 604, 610, the membranes 602, 604 and the substance
605, 607. In this variation, one of the halves 604 is filled with
the powdered substance 605, as described above, while the other
half 610 is, for example, filled with a liquid or gas substance
4002, which substance may be an irritant, a marking agent or may
serve as additional weight to the projectile system 4000. In this
variation, the benefits of an additional irritant (i.e., in
addition to the powdered substance 605) lie in the particular
application to which the teachings herein are put. With respect to
marking, the evidentiary benefits will be apparent to the skilled
artisan, and lie primarily in situations when a target temporarily
eludes law enforcement officers. In this situation, it is important
for law enforcement to be able to identify a target as having been
the same target that was hit by a projectile fired by law
enforcement personnel, e.g., as the target is escaping from a crime
scene. Where the second substance 4002 is added to increase the
mass of the projectile, then the benefit of increased kinetic force
upon impact of the projectile against the target, and thus an
increased ability to initially stun a target is realized.
[0215] It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that
numerous variations of these alternative embodiments are possible,
and thus, are equally contemplated hereby. For example, in one
alternative, one half of the capsule may be filled to about 90% or
more of its volume with a powdered inhibiting substance and covered
with a membrane as previously described. The other half of the
capsule may then have, for example, a liquid marking/tagging
substance placed therein, occupying about 60% or less of the total
volume of the second half. A membrane may then be placed over the
liquid substance and additional powdered substance placed on top of
the membrane. Preferably the powdered substance added to the second
half of the capsule containing the liquid marking substance will be
in an amount equal to about 30% or more of the volume of the half
capsule. The half capsule containing only powdered substance is
then placed atop the second half capsule (containing the liquid and
powder) and the two halves are joined, and, preferably sealed.
Thus, the completely assembled capsule, according to the present
alternative, will contain liquid marking substance at a volume of
about 30% or less of the total volume of the capsule and will
contain powdered substance at a volume of about 60% or more of the
total volume of the capsule. Other combinations, including those
employing more than two membranes, will be readily appreciated by
those of skill in the art. Of course, those embodiments wherein the
capsule contains both a liquid substance and a powder substance
will preferably include membranes that rupture only upon impact,
such that the liquid and powder are kept separate until
deployed.
[0216] Advantageously, the projectile systems contemplated herein
are muzzle safe, that is they may be safely and effectively fired
at close range, including, for example, at arm's length. The
present embodiment is contemplated to be used at both close and
long range distances. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,
the preferred range is between zero and twenty-five feet. In
contrast, other long range non-lethal projectiles have not proven
to be safe immediately outside a muzzle. A further important
feature of the present projectile systems is that they are not only
easy to manufacture in large quantities, but they are also very
inexpensive compared with prior art projectiles.
[0217] Applications and Tactics for Using Non-Lethal
Projectiles
[0218] Thus, having specified numerous variations and embodiments
of the projectile, and methods of manufacture, FIGS. 23 through 31B
show various applications and tactics for using the projectile
embodiments. Such figures are described hereinbelow.
[0219] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, side views are shown of the
projectile systems described and illustrated above, for example, in
FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 9A-9D, 13A, 15A-16E, and 21, and the projectile
system of FIG. 22A-22C, respectively, as they impact against a
target 5000. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 23, the optimal
fill, described above, results in a wide dispersion of the
substance, substantially radially away from the point of impact and
away from an axis defined by the projectile's 600 trajectory as it
impacts the target. Similarly, FIG. 24 illustrates the solid
material 902 being projected radially with the substance 611,
thereby driving the substance 611 more radially away from the
projectile 600, and enhancing its dispersion pattern. (It is noted
that the substance 611 is the same as 11, 605, 607, for example, in
those figures illustrating capsule halves although illustrated as a
rapidly dispersed cloud 611 of a very fine powdered substance,
containing, for example, powdered oleoresin capsicum and/or
powdered capsaicin. (See for example, FIG. 5.)
[0220] As described earlier, in preferred embodiments, the
substance 611 that forms the cloud advantageously is a finely
ground powder that has particles having diameters generally, less
than 1000, microns, preferably less than 500 microns, more
preferably less than 250 microns, and most preferably less than 100
microns. Thus, the smaller the particle diameter, as well as using
low surface tension particles, the more finely the resulting
"cloud" will be radially dispersed and the larger the volume the
cloud will cover.
[0221] In preferred embodiments, the substance comprises a powdered
oleoresin capsicum powder or capsaicin powder that has a particle
size of less than 500 microns, preferably less than 100 microns,
more preferably less than 20 microns, and most preferably less than
10 microns, e.g. 5 microns in diameter. Thus, when such powder is
contained within a small capsule 600, the capsule 600, upon impact
and rupture, will produce a cloud of finely powdered substance 611
at least 2 feet in diameter, and preferably at least 3 feet in
diameter. This cloud 611 advantageously "wafts" in the air for
several seconds, for example, between 6 and 10 seconds before
settling, allowing sufficient time to inhale the powdered
substance. Furthermore, the cloud 611 generated is such that the
substance would easily go through a handkerchief placed against the
mouth of the target, due to again, the small size of the particles
comprising the powdered substance.
[0222] Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, the substance
contains a powdered pepper-derived substance, such as oleoresin
capsicum and capsaicin, that is internally reacting, rather than
simply a topical agent only. The radial dispersal of the substance
611 is dispersed and enters the mouth and nostrils of the target
5000 and contacting the lung tissue, for example, causing a
temporary inability to breathe, whereby inhibiting the target
5000.
[0223] It should be noted that although a human target 5000 is
illustrated, the projectiles of the various embodiments of the
present invention may be impacted on a variety of targets, living
(human or non-human) or non-living. For example, the projectiles
may be employed against animals, such as dogs or other wildlife. In
particular, projectiles containing inhibiting substances, such as
oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin, are very effective at inhibiting
dogs and other animals, as well as humans. Furthermore, the
projectiles may be impacted upon non-living targets, such as walls
or ceilings, such that upon impact with the non-living target, the
dispersed material, or very finely dispersed cloud, in the case of
a fine powder substance, is dispersed. Advantageously, living
persons or animals located next to underneath, or otherwise near
the impact, will be enveloped with the cloud of the dispersed
substance (shown as 611) and; thus, the living persons and/or
animals will be inhibited although, even though not actually
impacted with the projectile.
[0224] The embodiments of the projectile systems described herein
are particularly advantageous in that their use may be readily
incorporated into existing officer training programs. This is
because the projectiles are designed to be fired at a target's
upper torso (See e.g., FIG. 25), which is the same area officers
are trained to aim at when using lethal weapons. When officers are
confronted with a situation in which they must use force, whether
or not that force must be lethal, they are, of course, stressed.
Having to take additional time to decide where to aim a weapon
depending upon the projectiles contained therein can actually be
dangerous for the officer. By providing a non-lethal projectile
system that may be aimed in the same manner and at the same point
on a target as are other, lethal, projectiles, an officer is more
likely to be able to react quickly and accurately in firing such
projectiles.
[0225] Referring to FIGS. 25 through 27, a sequence of profile
views are shown of a target 5000, as he or she is impacted with a
projectile system 600 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 25, the
target 5000 is first impacted with a projectile system 600 of the
present embodiment. The target's head 5002, at the time of impact,
is illustrated as in a generally upright forward-looking position.
Nearly immediately upon impact, the capsule of the projectile
system ruptures, dispersing its contents 5004 in a radial,
cloud-like manner on and about the target 5000 and radially away
from the point of impact. About simultaneously with dispersal of
the contents 5004 of the capsule, the target 5000 begins to hunch
towards the point of impact of the capsule on his/her body in
reaction to the impact. (See FIG. 26) Thus, the target's back side
moves in a generally posterior (rearward) direction, while his/her
head and upper chest region move in a generally anterior (forward)
and inferior (down) direction so as to hunch around the point of
impact. Quite advantageously for the purposes of the present
embodiment, such movement is a natural reaction for people when
they are hit by something with such force. Within a matter of
seconds, and as illustrated in FIG. 27, the target's head 5002 is
essentially surrounded by the dispersing cloud of inhibiting and/or
marking substance 5004. Where an inhibiting substance is employed,
the target 5000 will feel pain as the inhibiting substance contacts
his/her mucous membranes (i.e., his/her eyes, nose, mouth and
throat), and as the target inhales the substance (also a natural
reaction), he/she will experience significant pain in his/her
lungs, will temporarily be unable to breathe and will begin to
panic. Under such circumstances, even the most aggressive target is
easily subdued and apprehended. Thus, the target's movements, in
response to impact of the projectile, combined with the radial
dispersement of the substance on and about the target, provides a
particularly effective non-lethal inhibition of the target.
[0226] This present embodiment, then, provides a method of slowing
and/or stopping and/or marking a living target. According to this
method, the projectile system is fired at a target; the mechanical
force of the impact causes rupture of the capsule, thereby
permitting dispersal of the capsule contents, additionally, the
force is sufficient to cause the target to move towards the
dispersing substance, resulting in inhalation of the same, as the
target attempts to catch his/her breath following the impact. As
the substance is inhaled and/or contacts the mucous membranes in
the face region, the target is stunned, that is physically
impaired, and thus, collapses.
[0227] Further contemplated herein, is providing a projectile
system wherein the projectile, especially a generally spherical
capsule, is sufficiently hard and is delivered with sufficient
force to result in bruising of the target at and surrounding the
point of impact. In this way, the target is not only exposed to an
inhibiting substance, but is also temporarily marked for later
identification. For example, if any confusion arises as to who has
been hit by the non-lethal projectiles, such as where the target is
able to recover from or escape the effects of the inhibiting
substance before officers are able to apprehend him/her, then the
target may later be identified by the bruising, should he/she
ultimately be apprehended. Those of skill in the art, will readily
appreciate that the force required to fire a projectile system in
accordance herewith, at a target, such that the projectile ruptures
upon impact with the target, will generally also be sufficient to
cause bruising to the target. It will further be appreciated by
those of skill in the art that the capsules of the present
embodiment may alone be used to mark a target, by bruising of the
same, with or without delivery of any substances.
[0228] Referring next to FIGS. 28 and 29, front views are shown of
various firing patterns that may be used when firing the
projectiles of the present embodiment, which firing patterns offer
particular advantages when used in combination with the projectile
systems described herein and with rapid firing techniques.
[0229] Quite advantageously, the projectile system of the present
embodiment may be rapid fired, for example using a compressed air
pistol, compressed air rifle, a fully automatic launcher, a
dual-use modified PR24 police baton, and/or a dual-use modified
flashlight.
[0230] A rapid fire weapon can be rapid fired in a vertical
direction, such as illustrated in FIG. 28, from the top (superior
region) of the target's torso, for example, near his/her shoulder,
down to the bottom (inferior region) of the torso and body, for
example, near his/her groin. It has been discovered, by the
inventors, that this firing method exploits the targets tendency to
retract a stricken portion of their body, and to follow (i.e.,
hunch around) a pattern of impacts, thereby resulting in the target
moving his/her body ever more downward and into the dispersing
substance, resulting in maximum incapacitation of the target. In
this instance, the target moves in a manner similar to that shown
in FIGS. 25 through 27, however, the movement of the target's head
into the cloud is even more dramatic when the illustrated rapid
firing method is employed. (FIG. 28).
[0231] Note that while the rapid firing method has been discovered
to offer particular advantages, traditional wisdom dictates a
horizontal sweeping of the target's body with projectile impacts.
The inventors are aware of no heretofore employed methods that
specify vertical sweeping of a target's body with non-lethal or
less-than-lethal projectiles.
[0232] Referring next to FIG. 29, a front view of a target, similar
to that of FIG. 28, is shown. In this variation, however, the
pattern of projectile impacts move from the lower (inferior region)
of the target's torso/body up to the top (superior region) of the
torso/body, e.g., from the target's groin area towards either the
target's shoulder or head, with the "head pattern" being shown in
dashed lines.
[0233] The variation illustrated in FIG. 29 is particularly
advantageous in highly volatile, highly dangerous situations, such
as when confronting targets under the influence of powerful drugs.
While normally use of non-lethal projectiles would dictate that a
target's head be avoided as a target area, this firing pattern
provides a user with an option to move the projectile impact
pattern to the target's head in the even that all other efforts
fail to subdue the target. If, on the other hand, the target is
subdued, the firing pattern can move safely to the target's
shoulder. The inventors contemplate that this pattern of projectile
impacts will be slightly less effective in getting a target to move
his or her head into the cloud of substance; however, it does offer
the advantage of providing a severe option, when, for example,
deadly force would be justified.
[0234] Referring next to FIG. 30, a side view is shown of a tactic
for stopping a car under chase. Contemplated herein is loading a
weapon with both impairing capsules and kinetic capsules, that is,
respectively, frangible capsules containing an inhibiting and/or
marking substance and frangible capsules that are hollow or that
contain an inert substance. Alternatively, breaker balls, e.g.,
stainless steel, tungsten, bismuth, ceramic, plastic or glass
balls, contained in a frangible capsule in accordance herewith, may
be substituted for kinetic capsules.
[0235] Thus, for example, as the weapon is rapid fired at a
suspected criminal who is within a vehicle, the first rounds of
capsules would be kinetic capsules or breaker balls that simply
break the windows (solid line shows trajectory) of the vehicle to
facilitate entry of the subsequent, impairing capsules that would
then fill the vehicle (dashed line shown trajectory), at least in
the vicinity of the criminal, with the inhibiting substance,
thereby rendering the target unable to operate his or her
vehicle.
[0236] Referring next to FIG. 31A, a perspective view of a tactic
for delivering an inhibiting substance to a target within a
building is shown. As with the tactic above, an initial one or more
kinetic capsules are used to break glass or other glass-like, i.e.
frangible, material of the building, such as, for example, acrylic,
plexi-glass or the like. These "glass-breaker" capsules are
followed by impairing capsules that deliver the inhibiting
substance to the target. Again, as with the tactic described with
respect to FIG. 30, frangible capsules in accordance herewith,
containing breaker balls may be employed as the first round of
projectile systems in order to break the glass-like barrier behind
which the target is located.
[0237] Advantageously, the impairing capsules need not actually
impact the target to be effective. Specifically, so long as the
capsules impact sufficiently near the target that the cloud is
inhaled by the target, or otherwise affects the target's
respiration or other mucus membranes, such capsules will be
effective at achieving their intended purpose, i.e., inhibiting or
impairing the target. Thus, for example, where an animal, such as a
dog or large cat, e.g. mountain lion, is being targeted, the
capsules, in accordance herewith, may be impacted on the ground
near the animal's face or on another object near the animal's head
or may be targeted directly to the animal's head or body. In this
case, (except, perhaps where the animal's head is targeted) the
present embodiment provides a non-lethal means for subduing an
animal that may pose a danger to humans or that may be in need of
assistance itself.
[0238] Thus, in accordance with the present aspect, and quite
advantageously, the projectile systems, because their dispersal
mechanism is so optimized, may be used to inhibit a target when the
target cannot actually be targeted. By way of further example, an
individual hiding within a bathroom stall cannot be seen and thus
for law enforcement personnel to attempt to confront the individual
could place the law enforcement personnel in great danger. However,
with the projectile systems of the present system, the officer need
simply fire the projectiles at the wall above the stall within
which the target is hiding or at a solid object near the target
individual. The capsules of the system will rupture and the
contents thereof will waft down into the stall, where they will be
inhaled by the target and/or contact the target's mucous membranes,
thereby incapacitating him/her. In fact, the inventors have tested
this scenario using the projectiles of the present embodiment and
have found the results to be quite impressive. The individual could
not escape the effects of the inhibiting substance and was well
incapacitated thereby.
[0239] A further advantage of embodiments described herein lies in
the discovery that common, household hair spray performs well as a
sealer to maintain a powdered inhibiting substance, such as
powdered oleoresin capsicum or powdered capsaicin, against a
surface. Thus, for example, a target that has been hit with one or
more projectiles, as well as a surrounding area, can be sprayed
with hair spray prior to being handled by law enforcement or
military personnel in order to prevent said personnel from having
to cope with powdered inhibiting substance residues that may be on
a target or in an area around a target following use of embodiments
described herein. As with many other aspects of the present
embodiments, the use of hair spray to seal a powdered inhibiting
substance to a surface following use of such embodiments, provides
a low cost, practical, commercially viable, approach to a problem
that, to the inventors' knowledge is unaddressed in the prior art.
It is expected that various other spray adhesives, will similarly
perform this sealing function, and thus, should be understood to be
contemplated herein, by the inventors.
[0240] In any case, absent a solution to the problem of residual
inhibiting substance or irritant, it is highly questionable whether
any law enforcement or military agency (particularly law
enforcement agency) would adopt a powder-filled projectile as a
non-lethal or less-than-lethal solution. Presently, all
commercially viable non-lethal or less-than-lethal approach used by
law enforcement and the military, at least to the best of the
inventors' knowledge, either do not employ a chemical irritant, or
employ a gas, which is diluted and carried away by ambient air
currents. In the case of tear gas, however, for example, residual
tear gas is a significant problem for personnel operating in an
area after tear gas has been deployed. For example, if medical
personnel are needed in an area, they are required to wear a
breathing apparatus, such as a gas mask, following the use a tear
gas, at least until an area can be vented. With the present
approach, however, an area can be sealed with hair spray or another
spray adhesive following use of a powdered irritant projectile,
after which personnel, such as medical personnel, can operate in
the area almost immediately without the need for cumbersome and
awkward breathing apparatuses with which such personnel may not
have any training. Further, if, for example, mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation needs to be performed, the present technology allows
medical or law enforcement personnel to perform this type of
resuscitation without first moving a victim out of an area
contaminated by an inhibiting substance. Thus, the ability to seal
both a target and an area around a target following use of the
projectiles described herein provides a significant, and heretofore
unaddressed, solution to a very real problem with heretofore
available non-lethal or less-than-lethal projectiles that employ a
chemical inhibiting substance or irritant.
[0241] Next referring to FIG. 31B, a perspective view is shown of a
further tactic contemplated herein, for delivering projectile
systems and inhibiting a target, for example, by impacting an
object, such as a ceiling, near the target. Shown is a person to be
inhibited by the projectile system, and law enforcement, launching
non-lethal projectiles at and impacting a target near the person.
For example, in a prison riot, or in a cell extraction, prisoners
may barricade themselves or hide behind objects, such as the
mattress shown, such that it is difficult for an officer to
directly hit the prisoner with a projectile system, without risking
injury or attack. In practice, the officer impacts an area near the
prisoner, for example, the ceiling above the prisoner. The
resulting dispersed "cloud" containing one or more inhibiting
substances expands such that the substance is inhaled into the
prisoner's lungs. Shortly thereafter, typically within seconds, the
prisoner is inhibited. For example, the prisoner is temporarily
unable to breath, which will typically cause the prisoner to panic
and fall to the ground. This allows the officers ample time to
subdue and control the prisoner. Advantageously, even though the
prisoner is obstructed from direct view by the object, for example,
by the mattress, the projectile system can effectively inhibit the
prisoner by impacting one or more projectile systems at a target
near the prisoner. Firing multiple projectile system further
enhances the "cloud" of dispersed substances.
[0242] This tactic applies to any situation where a suspect is not
in a direct line of fire with law enforcement. For example, the
suspect may be hiding behind a wall, or within a bathroom stall.
The officer merely shoots the projectile systems at a target near
the suspect, e.g. a ceiling or a bathroom stall wall, and waits for
the resulting finely dispersed cloud containing an inhibiting
powder, for example, a powdered oleoresin capsicum or a powdered
capsaicin, expands to enter the suspect's lungs. Thus, the suspect
is effectively inhibited without actually impacting the suspect.
Furthermore, this tactic may apply to inhibit a living animal, such
as dog or other animal that may be hiding out of a direct line of
fire, for example, behind a rock. The projectiles used may be any
of the projectiles as described above, although in this
application, powder containing substances are preferable.
[0243] Alternative Projectile System Designs
[0244] Turning now to FIGS. 32 through 40, various alternative
designs for projectiles, in accordance with the present embodiment,
are shown. Each of these embodiments, with the exception of the
embodiments of FIGS. 36 through 40, employ some variation of the
spherical projectile described above, and offer alternative designs
suitable for some applications. The inventors, however, are
presently of the opinion that the non-lethal projectile embodiments
of FIGS. 1-22E are preferred, from the standpoint of effectivity,
simplicity and cost.
[0245] Referring then to FIG. 32, a cross-sectional view is shown
of a projectile system 50 for delivering an inhibiting substance to
a living target in accordance with alternative embodiment of the
present invention, wherein the projectile system 10 of the
embodiment of FIG. 1 is employed to carry the inhibiting substance,
and a stabilizer body 52 (which is one embodiment of a projectile
body) is employed to increase range.
[0246] The projectile system 50 of FIG. 32 employs an inhibiting
substance encapsulated within the shell 12, such as described
previously above. Alternatively, the shell 12 may have a
non-spherical shape, such as a bullet shape, e.g., elliptical,
parabolical, prolate spheroidal, two-sheet hyperboloidal, or the
like. The shell 12 is mounted to the stabilizer body 52, which has
a stabilizer section 54, a puncture tube 56, and an atomization
matrix 56. The shell 12 is mounted to the stabilizer body 52 on a
forward edge 58 of the atomization matrix 56, and rests on a tip 60
of the puncture tube 56. Wax or adhesive may be used to hold the
shell 12 in place.
[0247] Upon impact with the target, the shell 12 is forced
backwards (relative to the direction of flight of the projectile)
into the tip 60 of the puncture tube 56, which punctures the shell
12. This releases the inhibiting substance contained within the
shell 12 into an interior region 62 of the atomization matrix 56.
From the interior region 62 of the atomization matrix 56, the
inhibiting substance is released through a plurality of exit
orifices 64 passing through the periphery of the atomization
matrix. There are preferably from between 2 and 20, e.g., 10 exit
orifices 64 in the atomization matrix 56. Each exit orifice 64
preferably has a circular shape and a diameter of from between
about 0.5 mm and 4 mm, e.g., 1 mm.
[0248] The stabilizer body 52 is preferably circular in
cross-section (taken normal to its direction of flight), having an
outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the shell 12, i.e.,
from between about 1.0 cm and 5.0 cm, e.g., 1.8 cm. The length of
the stabilizer body 52 is from between about 1.5 cm and 5 cm, e.g.,
3 cm, and the overall length of the projectile system 50 (i.e., the
stabilizer body and the shell) is from between about 2.5 cm and 10
cm, e.g., 5 cm. The stabilizer body 52 is preferably made from
plastic or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), and the
stabilizer section 54 has a hollow rear section 66 that has a
hollow interior with an inner diameter of from between 1.0 cm and 5
cm, e.g., 1.8 cm, and a depth of from between about 1 cm and 5 cm,
e.g., 2 cm. The hollow rear section 66 serves to decrease the mass
of the stabilizer body 52 without significant detrimental effect on
the aerodynamics of the projectile system 50. The stabilizer body
52 can be made using known plastics molding techniques, such as
injection molding.
[0249] Referring next to FIG. 33, a cross-sectional view is shown
of a projectile system 70 made in accordance with one variation of
the projectile 50 of FIG. 32, wherein a plunger 72, or impact
piston, is employed to explode the shell 12 containing the
inhibiting substance.
[0250] The projectile system 70 has a stabilizer body 74 (which is
one embodiment of a projectile body), similar in function,
dimensions and manufacture, to the stabilizer body 52 described
above, and the impact piston 72 is slidable within a piston
cylinder 76. The piston cylinder 76 is formed at a forward portion
of an atomization matrix 78, similar to the atomization matrix 56
described above. The stabilizer body 74 also employs a stabilizer
section 80, similar to the stabilizer section described above. The
shell 12 is located between a pair of puncture tubes 82, 84, one of
which forms a rearward portion of the impact piston 72, and one of
which forms a forward portion of the stabilizer section 80. The
shell 12 is located within the atomization matrix 78.
[0251] Upon impact with the target, the impact piston 72 is forced
rearward by its impact against the target, squeezing the shell 12
between the puncture tubes 82, 84, ultimately causing the shell 12
to rupture. This releases the inhibiting substance within the shell
12 into an interior region 86 of the atomization matrix, from which
the inhibiting substance escapes via exit orifices 88 similar to
the exit orifices 64, described above.
[0252] Referring next to FIG. 34, a cross-sectional view is shown
of a projectile system 90 made in accordance with another variation
of the projectile system 50 of FIG. 32, wherein an impact piston 92
is employed to explode a shell 12 containing the inhibiting
substance.
[0253] The projectile system 90 of FIG. 34 is similar in structure
and operation to the projectile system 50 of FIG. 32 except as
noted below. The projectile system 90 of FIG. 34 employs the impact
piston 92 having a bullet-shaped, e.g., elliptic paraboloid,
prolate spheroid, two-sheet hyperboloid, or the like, forward end
94. Advantageously, this bullet-shaped forward end 94 provides
improved aerodynamics for the projectile system 90, thus
facilitating firing over longer distances and/or facilitating use
of a lower-powered weapon than is needed to fire the projectiles of
FIG. 32 or 33.
[0254] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a further variation of
a projectile system 100, wherein a variation of the impact piston
110 is employed to explode the capsule 12 containing the inhibiting
substance, and wherein the atomization matrix 104 is located at a
rearward end of the projectile system 100.
[0255] Shown are the shell 12 mounted to a stabilizer body 106
(which is another embodiment of a projectile body), which has a
puncture tube 108. An impact piston 110 is slidable within a piston
cylinder 111 formed at a forward portion of the atomization matrix
104. The shell 12 is located between the impact piston 110 and the
puncture tube 108. Advantageously, the atomization matrix 104 is
located at a rearward section of the projectile system and exit
orifices 114 that make up the atomization matrix 104 are angled
forward so as to direct inhibiting substance escaping therethrough
toward the front of the projectile, i.e., toward the target. The
impact piston 110 of the present embodiment preferably includes a
rubber tip 116 aimed at minimizing damage to the target.
[0256] Upon impact with the target, the impact piston 110 is forced
rearward by impact against the target, squeezing the shell 12
between the impact piston 110 and the puncture tube 108, ultimately
causing the shell 12 to rupture. Such rupturing of the shell 12
releases the inhibiting substance within the shell 12 into an
interior region 118 of the atomization matrix 104, from which the
inhibiting substance escapes via the exit orifices 114 which
orifices direct the escaping substance toward the target.
[0257] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a projectile system 200
made in accordance with a variation of the projectile system of
FIG. 35, wherein the impact piston 110 is employed to puncture a
membrane 202 behind which is contained the inhibiting substance.
The membrane may be made from, for example, wax, plastic, acrylic
or polyvinylchloride. In all other respects, the projectile system
200 is substantially identical to the projectile system 100 of FIG.
35, and therefore further explanation of its structure and
functionality is not made herein.
[0258] Referring next to FIG. 37, a cross-sectional view is shown
of a projectile system 109 for delivering an inhibiting substance
to a living target in accordance with a further embodiment of the
present invention, wherein a pressurized canister 112 is employed
to carry the inhibiting substance, and a stabilizer section 114
(i.e., yet another embodiment of a projectile body) is employed to
increase range.
[0259] Shown are a plurality of radially oriented exit orifices 116
emanating from a central release chamber 118 into which a valve 120
expels inhibiting substance upon being rearwardly displaced. Also
shown are the stabilizer body 80 and a piston 92. The piston 92 is
bullet-shaped, similar to the piston 92 shown in FIG. 33 above,
with a puncture tube 82 located on a rearward portion thereof. The
piston 92 is housed in a cylinder 122 that forms a forward portion
of the stabilizer body 114. Alternatively, the pressurized canister
112 may be long enough to itself act also as the target piston 92,
thus eliminating the need for a separate piston such as the
illustrated piston 92. The stabilizer body 114 also includes a
stabilizer section 80 similar to the stabilizer sections 80
described above.
[0260] Upon impact, the piston 92 is displaced rearwardly within
the cylinder 122, which forces the puncture tube 82 into the valve
120. In response to a force applied by the puncture tube 82, the
valve 120 is rearwardly displaced. In response to such rearward
displacement, the valve 120 releases the inhibiting substance into
the central release chamber 118, from which the inhibiting
substance escapes through the exit orifices 116, thereby dispersing
the inhibiting substance proximate to the target. Preferably the
exit orifices 116 are angled forward so as to better direct the
inhibiting substance to the target.
[0261] The inhibiting substance is contained within the canister
112 which is formed in, or inserted into a portion 124 of the
stabilizer body 114 in front of the stabilizer section. Within the
canister 112, the inhibiting substance is pressurized so that it is
readily expelled when the valve 120 is opened. The inhibiting
substance may be pressurized using, e.g., compressed air techniques
or aerosol techniques, such as are known in the art.
[0262] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the projectile system
250 for delivering an inhibiting substance to a living target,
wherein a pressurized canister 112 is employed to carry the
inhibiting substance, and a stabilizer section 114 (i.e., a further
embodiment of a projectile body) is employed to increase range, and
wherein the projectile system 250 employs an adhesive material 252
and a mechanical attachment system 254 to attach the projectile to
the target during delivery of the inhibiting substance to the
target.
[0263] Shown are a plurality of radially oriented exit orifices 116
emanating from a central release chamber 118 into which a valve 120
expels the inhibiting substance upon being rearwardly displaced.
Also shown are the stabilizer body 80 and a piston 92. The piston
92 is bullet-shaped, similar to the piston shown in FIG. 37 above.
The piston 92 is housed in a cylinder 122 that forms a forward
portion of the stabilizer body 114. The stabilizer body 114 also
includes a stabilizer section 80, which is similar to the
stabilizer section 80 described above.
[0264] Upon impact the piston 92 is displaced rearwardly within the
cylinder 122, which forces the pressurized canister 112 into the
valve 120. In response to the force on the valve 120, the valve 120
is rearwardly displaced causing it to open and release the
inhibiting substance into the central release chamber 118, from
which the inhibiting substance escapes through the exit orifices
116, thereby dispersing the inhibiting substance proximate to the
target.
[0265] Concomitantly with the rearward displacement of the piston
92, piston locks 256 lock the piston in its displaced position,
which in turn locks the pressurized canister 112 in its displaced
position, holding the valve 120 in an open state. The piston locks
256 may, for example, operate in a ratchet fashion.
[0266] The adhesive material 252 and mechanical attachment system
254, which may comprise a plurality of barbed tips 254, assure that
once the projectile system 250 impacts the target it will attach to
the target during release of the inhibiting substance, so as to
increase the effectivity of the inhibiting substance against the
target. The adhesive material is preferably centrally located on a
forward end of the piston 92, whereas the barbed tips 254
preferably are located peripherically around the forward end of the
piston 92. (Note that in variations of the present embodiment
either the adhesive material 252 or the mechanical attachment 254
may be used alone, instead of in combination with each other.)
[0267] FIGS. 39A and 39B are side cross-sectional views of
alternative projectile systems 300 for delivering an inhibiting
substance to a living target in accordance with additional
embodiments of the present invention, wherein a twelve-gauge
shotgun shell 302 is packed with a rosin bag 304 (i.e., a further
embodiment of a projectile body) FIG. 39A that contains an
inhibiting substance, such as oleoresin capsicum, or, alternatively
and preferably, is packed with one or more capsules 303 (i.e., an
embodiment of a projectile body) containing an inhibiting substance
303 FIG. 39B, such as, for example, is shown in the various
embodiments described herein. Advantageously, the modified shotgun
shells in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 39A
and 39B may be used with standard, commercially available
shotguns.
[0268] Shown in FIG. 39A are the twelve-gauge shotgun shell 302,
the rosin bag 304, an airtight seal 306, wadding 308, and black
powder or gun powder 310. Shown in FIG. 39A are the twelve-gauge
shotgun shell 302, three spherical capsules 303, protective
diaphragms 305 between the capsules, an airtight seal 306, wadding
308, and black powder or gun powder 310. It will be appreciated by
those of skill in the art that the diaphragms 305 may be formed of
various materials such as, for example, sponge foam, cotton,
plastic or other polymer, paper, wadding or similar cushioning
material.
[0269] Upon firing of the twelve-gauge shotgun shell 302, the black
powder 310 is ignited, which causes the expansion of gases forcing
the wadding 308 and the rosin bag 304 or capsules 303 and
diaphragms 305 out of the twelve-gauge shotgun shell 302. Such
forcing out of the wadding 308 and the rosin bag 304 or capsules
303 and diaphragms 305 breaks the airtight seal 306. With respect
to rosin bag 304 of FIG. 39A, it contains oleoresin capsicum in
powder form, as mentioned above, which, upon impact with the
target, causes the target to be inhibited. (The rosin bag 304 is,
as is known in the art, porous, so as to allow release of the
powdered inhibiting substance upon impact of the rosin bag 304 with
the target.) With respect to the capsules 303 and diaphragms 305 of
FIG. 39B, the capsules 303 rupture upon impact with the target, as
previously described, thereby dispersing the oleoresin capsicum and
inhibiting the target. The diaphragms 305 may impact the target or
may fall short of the target. The primary purpose of the
diaphragms, which are optionally included in this embodiment, is to
prevent premature rupture of the capsules during shipment, carrying
and/or loading of the shotgun shell 302.
[0270] Referring next to FIG. 40, an end cross-sectional view is
shown of the projectile system 300. Shown are the twelve-gauge
shotgun shell 302 and the rosin bag 304. As can be seen, the rosin
bag 304 is folded within the twelve-gauge shotgun shell 302 so as
to fit tightly within the twelve-gauge shotgun shell 302. Upon
firing of the twelve-gauge shotgun shell 302, the rosin bag 304
expands and unfolds prior to impact with the target so as to
maximize exposure of the target to the rosin bag 304, thus
maximizing its inhibiting effect.
[0271] Projectiles similar to these described above may be made in
calibers other than 12 gauge to fit different types of
launchers.
[0272] Multi-Functional Custom Launch Devices
[0273] Referring to FIGS. 41 through 53, several exemplary
embodiments of delivery devices suitable for launching the
projectiles described above at a target are shown. Advantageously,
several of the embodiments of launching devices or delivery devices
are multi-functional custom launch devices, such that in addition
to performing the function of launching the projectiles described
above, the launching devices perform other utilitarian functions as
well. This multi-functionality is an important feature since it
enables persons, such as law enforcement personnel, to physically
carry fewer physical devices.
[0274] As can be imagined, law enforcement personnel or individuals
may become "bogged down" with an assortment of devices. For
example, a law enforcement agent may carry a gun or similar weapon,
a baton, a flashlight, an inhibiting sprayer (e.g. tear gas), a
radio, or other devices common to such professions, in addition to
carrying a launching device that delivers the above mentioned
non-lethal projectiles. Furthermore, in a time of need, the law
enforcement agent may find it difficult to sort through the
available devices quickly to select the appropriate device for use
in a particular situation. Disadvantageously, the sheer number of
devices carried by law enforcement personnel may become cumbersome
and reduce mobility.
[0275] Thus, several of the embodiments shown below combine various
functioning devices within the non-lethal projectile launching
device, essentially enabling the user to carry one multi-functional
launch device. The inventors of multi-functional launch devices are
not aware of a prior art recognition of the problem of persons, in
particular, law enforcement personnel, becoming bogged down with
equipment and a subsequent need to free space occupied by many
differently functioning devices by combining several functions into
one integrated device. Some of the specific functions intended to
be combined with the non-lethal projectile launching device are:
flashlight functions, striking functions (e.g. a club or baton
shaped launcher), siren/alarm functions, inhibitor spray functions
(e.g. tear gas), marking functions (e.g. dyes and other marking
sprays or malodorants), and pager functions.
[0276] While various devices are shown, it is to be appreciated
that the projectiles described above with reference to FIGS. 1-22E,
for example, can be satisfactorily launched using commercially
available paint ball equipment, such as, for example, compressed
gas paint ball launchers, which are of course readily available in
the commercial market, and very inexpensive compared to heretofore
available equipment for launching or firing the non-lethal or
less-than-lethal projectiles of the prior art. For example,
semi-automatic compressed gas launchers may be purchased for
Tippmann Pneumatics, Inc. of Fort Wayne, Ind., or Airgun Design, of
Chicago, Ill., and fully automatic compressed gas launchers may be
purchased from Advanced Tactical Systems, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Advantageously, the multi-functional launch devices described below
incorporate common paint ball launcher and compressed gas launcher
technologies into the bodies of other well known devices, such as a
flashlight or a baton, to create a single, integrated
multi-functional launch device that also functions as a flashlight
or baton, respectively.
[0277] Referring first to FIG. 41 a cross-sectional view is shown
of a custom launch device 400 useable in combination with
projectiles described herein for delivering an inhibiting substance
to a living target. Advantageously, the launch device depicted is
in the form of a PR24 police baton, such as those commonly used by
law enforcement officers. Thus, the launch device 400 combines the
kinetic functions, enabling the user to strike a victim as a baton
as well as function as a projectile launcher. Shown are a plurality
of projectile systems 402 loaded within a chamber 404 of the launch
device. The chamber 404 also houses a spring 406, which is used to
push the projectile systems 402 into position for firing. A flapper
valve 408 retains the projectile systems 402, allowing only a
single projectile system 418 to move into the barrel 410 for
firing. The chamber 404 and the barrel 410 together form the baton
portion of the PR24 police baton.
[0278] Within a handle portion of such baton, a valve switch 412
and a propellent cylinder 414 are housed. A removable cap 416 on an
end of the handle portion can be used to load the propellant
cylinder 414 into the device 400. When launch of a projectile is
desired, the valve 412 is opened by operation of a button or
trigger (not shown) which releases a measured amount of propellent
from the propellent cylinder 414 into the barrel 410 behind the
single projectile system 418. This propellent is preferably
CO.sub.2 or another compressed gas, such as nitrogen and air, for
example, and propels the single projectile 418 down the barrel and
out the end of the launch device toward a target. When reloading of
the device is desired, another removable cap 420 is removed, along
with the spring 406, and a plurality of projectiles are loaded into
the chamber 402 behind the flapper valve 408.
[0279] Advantageously, the user of this embodiment of the custom
launch device 400 does not have to carry a separate non-lethal
projectile launcher and a separate baton since both functions are
conveniently provided for in the same apparatus. Thus, less
physical space is occupied on the person of a law enforcement
officer, for example.
[0280] An additional benefit of the multi-functional launch devices
described in FIG. 41 as well as the multi-functional launch devices
to be described in, for example, FIGS. 42 through 50, is that the
non-lethal projectile launchers do not "look" like a weapon capable
of firing a projectile. In other words, the launchers are not
shaped like guns or launchers, but are shaped like other, less
threatening, devices. From a suspect's or the publics' point of
view, the non-lethal projectile launchers look like a flashlight or
a baton. Thus, a suspect may underestimate the ability that the
officer has to subdue him or her. Additionally, people may not be
frightened or intimidated when the launchers are in plain view to
the public.
[0281] Referring next to FIG. 42, a cross-sectional view is shown
of another custom launch device 450 useable with projectiles
described above for delivering an inhibiting substance in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Advantageously the launch device 450 assumes the form of a
flashlight, including batteries 452, an on/off switch 454 and a
reflector housing 456 of conventional design.
[0282] Optionally, a laser targeting system 1241 may be
incorporated into (or attached to) the launcher. In a preferred
embodiment, the laser targeting system 1241 may consist of a laser
beam incorporated into the front of the launching device to help
aim the device. A laser beam may also serve as a warning to a human
target. Also shown are a propellent cylinder 458 (or canister or
cartridge), a valve switch 460, a projectile system 462, a barrel
464 and a removable cap 466.
[0283] Advantageously, the custom launch device 450, with or
without a laser targeting system, combines the functions of acting
as a flashlight (i.e. illuminating function), a projectile
launcher, and depending on the construction of the flashlight,
could provide a kinetic function to be used as a striking device as
well. As a multi-functional device, a flashlight-launching
combination will have variable sizes depending on the
specifications of the launcher and flashlight. However, in a
preferred embodiment, a device measuring 16 inches will enable
functionality of both the launcher and flashlight in a relatively
compact size. Therefore, a user does not have to carry a separate
flashlight and a separate non-lethal projectile launcher since both
functions are integrated into the same apparatus.
[0284] When firing of the projectile system 462 is desired, the
removal cap 466, which may be attached on one side, such as by a
hinge, is opened, the device 450 is aimed at the target and the
valve switch 460 is opened by the depression of a button or trigger
(not shown). The opening of the valve switch 460 releases
propellent gas from the propellent cylinder 458 into the barrel 464
behind the projectile system 462, thus propelling the projectile
system 462 down the barrel 464 toward the target whereat it
delivers the inhibiting substance to the target.
[0285] In FIG. 43, a cross-sectional view of an adaptation of the
custom launch device 500 of FIG. 41, for delivering ball-type
projectile systems in rapid successive firings, is shown. The
spring 502, the projectile chamber 504, the valve 506, the
propellent cylinder 508, the barrel 510, the flapper valve 512, the
projectile system in position for launch 514, the removable cap 516
and the other removable cap 518 can be seen. Operation of the
launch device 500 depicted in FIG. 43 is substantially identical to
operation of the launch device 400 depicted in FIG. 41 and
therefore further explanation of the functionality and structure
depicted is not made herein.
[0286] Referring next to FIG. 44, a cross-sectional view is shown
of an adaptation of a custom launch device 550 for delivering
ball-type projectile systems, wherein a plurality of barrels 566,
568 are employed to allow the simultaneous or rapid successive
firing of projectile systems 562, 565 without reloading. Shown are
the batteries 552, the on/off switch 554, the reflector housing
556, the propellent cylinder 558 (or canister or cartridge), the
valve switch 560 and the removable cover 570. The propellant
cartridge 558, the valve switch 560, the removable cover 570, the
projectile systems 562, 565 and the barrels 566, 568 are housed
within an enlarged portion 570 of the launch device 550 so as to
accommodate the two barrels 566, 568 within the circumference of
the launch device 550.
[0287] Except as noted hereinabove, the structure and operation of
the launch device depicted in FIG. 44 is substantially identical to
the structure and function of the launch device depicted in FIG.
42, and therefore further explanation of the launch device of FIG.
44 is not made herein except to note that the valve switch 560 is
preferably selective, such that the firing of a projectile from
only one of the barrels 566, 568 at a time occurs. For example, a
first depression of a button, may cause the valve switch 560 to
direct a measured amount of propellant gas into one of the barrels
566, and a second depression of the button may cause the valve
switch 560 to direct the measured amount of propellant gas into the
other of the barrels 568. Other embodiments may allow simultaneous
firing of projectiles from both barrels 566, 568 or manual
selection of from which barrel 566, 568 to fire, and therefore
selection of which projectile to fire. This latter embodiment may
be useful for example when two different projectiles, carrying two
different substances, for example, an inhibiting substance and
marking substance are utilized.
[0288] Referring next to FIG. 45, an end view is shown of the
launch device 550 described in FIG. 44, wherein two or more barrels
566, 568 allow multiple, simultaneous or rapid successive
projectile launches.
[0289] Referring next to FIG. 46, a cross sectional view is shown
of an embodiment of a multi-functional custom launch device 1100,
similar to the device of FIG. 41, useable in combination with
projectiles described herein for delivering an inhibiting substance
to a living target. Shown is a multi-functional custom launch
device 1100 having generally a launcher body 1101 including a
handle portion 1102 and a baton portion 1104. The handle portion
1102 includes a chamber 1106, a loader 1105, guard 1108, removable
cap 1109, projectiles 1110, and first spring 1112. The baton
portion 1104 includes a bolt assembly 1114 having a central
passageway 1128, regulator 1116, actuator assembly 1118, propellant
canister 1120 (also referred to as a gas cartridge), barrel 1122,
secondary canister 1124, spray nozzle 1126, and trigger (not shown,
but typically located under the guard 1108).
[0290] Advantageously, the launch device 1100 and launcher body
1101 depicted is in the form of a PR24 police baton, similar to the
launch devices as depicted in FIGS. 41 and 43, such as those
commonly used by law enforcement officers. Thus, the launch device
1100 combines the kinetic functions, enabling the user to strike or
subdue a suspect as a baton as well as function as a projectile
launcher. A plurality of projectiles 1110 are loaded within a
chamber 1106 (also referred to as a magazine) of the launch device
1100. The chamber 1106 is located in the handle portion 1102 of the
launch device 1100 and is loaded through the removable cap 1109 and
guard 1108. The chamber 1106 also houses a loader 1105 and the
first spring 1112 which applies pressure to the loader 1105; thus,
holding the projectiles 1110 up against the bolt assembly 1114. The
bolt assembly 1114 moves back and forth within the barrel 1122;
thus, loading and steadying the projectiles 1110 at firing. The
bolt assembly 1104 is caused to move by the bursts of compressed
gas from the regulator 1116.
[0291] The user activates the launch device 1100 by pushing the
trigger (not shown), which causes the actuator assembly 1118 to
puncture the propellant canister 1120 and release a regulated (or
unregulated) burst of compressed gas, as is common in the art or
paint ball and compressed gas launchers. The propellant canister
1120 is typically a compressed gas, such as CO.sub.2, Nitrogen, air
or another gas, and is replaceable upon depletion. The burst of
compressed gas is directed by the regulator 1116 (which acts as a
valve switch) such that the bolt assembly 1114 is moved back
allowing a projectile 1110 to be positioned in the barrel 1122 by
the loader 1105 and first spring 1112. The regulator 1116 directs a
portion of the burst of compressed gas through a central passageway
1128 of the bolt assembly 1114 at the projectile; thus, propelling
the projectile 1110 down the barrel toward the target.
[0292] Advantageously, the user of this embodiment of the custom
launch device 1100 does not have to carry a separate non-lethal
projectile launcher and a separate baton since both functions are
conveniently provided for in the same apparatus. Thus, less
physical space is occupied on the person of a law enforcement
officer, for example.
[0293] In some embodiments, a secondary canister 1124 is used which
may comprise an inhibiting spray canister, a marking spray, or a
siren, for example. In operation, the baton shaped launching device
1100 can be turned such that the barrel 1122 is pointing down
toward the ground and the spray nozzle 1126 is depressed by the
user, which causes a spray of compressed material to be released
from the secondary canister 1124. For example, the secondary
canister 1124 may be a tear gas canister, as is known in the art,
or may contain liquid oleoresin capsicum (liquid OC) or liquid
capsaicin. Again, advantageously, the multi-functional launch
device 1100 replaces a baton, a non-lethal projectile launcher, and
an inhibiting sprayer. In additional embodiments, the secondary
canister 1124 may contain a marking substance or malodorant that is
used to mark or tag suspects for identification. The secondary
canister 1124 may also be a siren (also referred to as a
"screamer"), which functions as a panic alarm by emitting a loud
scream when the spray nozzle 1126 is depressed. Such secondary
canisters 1124 should be designed to withstand a physical blow in
the event the multi-functional launcher is used as a baton, and
preferably has a cap or lock over the secondary canister (not
shown), such that the secondary canister 1124 is not activated
accidentally.
[0294] Referring next to FIG. 47, a view is shown of a multi-spray
cartridge attachment to the multi-functional launch device 1100
shown in FIG. 46 that incorporates two types of spray canisters.
Shown are a cartridge body 1150 including a first canister 1152,
first nozzle 1154, a second canister 1156, second nozzle 1158,
button 1160, and button guard (not shown).
[0295] The cartridge body 1150 contains two types of spray
canisters instead of the one secondary canister 1124 as shown in
FIG. 46. The cartridge body 1150 is adapted to be placed into the
baton shaped launcher in place of a secondary canister 1124 and
produces two different effects upon activation. For example, the
first canister 1152 may contain a pressurized inhibiting (e.g. tear
gas or liquid oleoresin capsicum/capsaicin) spray while the second
canister 1156 may contain a pressurized siren or "screamer".
[0296] In operation, the user simply depresses the button 1160
which applies pressure to both spray nozzles 1154 and 1158,
releasing a spray of inhibitor (tear gas/OC) and at the same time
releases a loud shrieking noise as a panic alarm. Additionally, the
spray canisters may contain any other of the types of pressurized
contents discussed, including markers, malodorants, etc, as
described throughout the specification. Thus, advantageously, the
baton-shaped multi-functional launch device 1100 of FIG. 46 can be
configured to include two separate spray functions, in addition to
functioning as a baton and non-lethal projectile launcher. Again, a
button guard (not shown) may be used to prevent accidental use of
first canister 1152 and the second canister 1156.
[0297] Referring next to FIG. 48, a cross sectional view is shown
of another embodiment of a multi-functional custom launch device
1200, which is similar to the device of FIGS. 42, 44, and 45, in
the form of a flashlight body (i.e. an example of a launcher body)
useable in combination with projectiles described herein for
delivering an inhibiting substance to a living target. Shown is a
multi-functional custom launch device 1200 fashioned out of a
flashlight body 1201 (i.e., launcher body 1201) that includes a
chamber 1202, projectiles 1204, loader 1206, first spring 1208,
removable cap 1210, barrel 1212, bolt assembly 1214, propellant
canister 1216 (similar to propellent cylinder 414 and also referred
to as a gas cartridge), regulator 1218, actuator assembly 1220, and
retaining assembly (not shown). The flashlight portion includes a
reflector 1224, bulb 1226, on/off switch 1228, and batteries (not
shown), all of a conventional design. Also included are electronics
portion 1232 and electronics button 1230.
[0298] In practice, the multi-functional custom launch device 1200
advantageously combines a non lethal projectile launch device into
a flashlight body 1201 to form a single multi-functional launch
device. Thus, law enforcement personnel do have to carry a separate
non-lethal projectile launcher and a separate flashlight. As
compared to the launching device as shown in FIGS. 42 and 44, the
multi-functional launch device launches projectiles 1204 from its
front end, not from the back end of the flashlight body 1201. This
is an important feature of the embodiment shown in FIG. 47. This
feature allows the user to operate the launch device at night as a
flashlight, and at the same time, launch non-lethal projectiles at
a target while the target is illuminated by the beam of the
flashlight. The devices of FIGS. 42 and 44 have to be turned around
backwards to be fired, such that either the flashlight is turned
off when being fired or the flashlight remains on, possibly
interfering with the user's vision when being fired.
[0299] Furthermore, the multi-functional launch device 1200 can
fire multiple projectiles without having to be reloaded since
multiple projectiles 1204 are stored in the chamber 1202. The
multiple projectiles may be fired in rapid succession (i.e. rapid
fire) by using existing paint ball launching techniques that cause
the loader 1206 to reload a new projectile 1204 into the barrel
1212 immediately after firing. Projectiles 1204 are loaded into the
device through the removable cap 1210 and then stored in the
chamber 1202. The embodiment shown holds 6 projectiles 1204, but
can be configured to hold more or less depending on the ultimate
size of the projectile 1204 (i.e. diameter) and the length of the
chamber 1202 within the multi-functional launch device 1200. The
projectiles 1204 are held into place within the chamber 1202 by a
loader 1206 and the first spring 1208. The loader 1206 is
positioned within the front end (i.e. the end toward the bulb 1226
or the front of the flashlight body 1201) of the chamber 1202 such
that the loader 1206 prevents projectiles from entering the barrel
1212 until the launch device 1200 is ready to fire. The first
spring 1208 places pressure on the loader 1206 which slides easily
within the chamber 1202.
[0300] In firing the multi-functional custom launch device 1200,
the trigger (not shown) is pressed by the user which causes the
actuator assembly 1220 to puncture the propellant canister 1216.
The trigger may have a locking clip or cover that will not allow
the trigger to be pressed unintentionally. The actuator assembly
1220 engages the regulator 1218 (which acts similar to the valve
switch 460 of FIG. 42) and punctures the propellant 1216 canister
which releases a flow of pressured gas through to the regulator
1218. The actuator assembly 1220 is typically a needle shaped valve
that punctures one end of the propellant canister 1216, thus
releasing an amount of pressurized gas from within the propellant
canister 1216. The propellant canister 1216 typically contains a
form of pressurized gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), air, or
nitrogen, for example. Additionally, the propellant canister 1216
is intended to be replaceable upon depletion.
[0301] The actuator assembly 1220 and the regulator 1218 either
release a metered, regulated or an unregulated burst of high
pressure gas. The pressurized gas then flows through a central
passageway (not shown) of the bolt assembly 1214, which supports
the projectile within the barrel 1212. In this embodiment, the bolt
assembly 1214 is stationary (as opposed to the movable bolt
assembly 1114 of FIG. 46). The pressurized gas is directed through
the central passageway at the projectile, propelling the projectile
through the barrel 1212 toward the target. At the same time, a
portion of the pressurized gas is directed into the chamber 1202
such that the projectiles and the loader 1206 are pushed toward the
front (towards the first spring 1208) of the chamber 1202, which
"loads" the next projectile 1204 into the barrel 1212 against the
bolt assembly 1214 for firing. This feature enables a rapid fire
function of the launch device, since while one projectile 1204 is
being "launched", the next projectile 1204 is being "loaded" into
the barrel 1212.
[0302] Depending on the specific launcher configuration, a single
depression of the trigger may cause the actuator assembly 1220 to
release a continuous flow of pressurized gas which will cause
projectiles 1204 to be rapidly fired until there are no more
projectiles or there is no more pressurized gas in the propellant
canister 1216. Alternatively, metered pressurized bursts of gas may
be released and timed such that the bursts are released in rapid
succession. For example, as many as 3-6, and up to 12 projectiles
may be launched a second. In another embodiment, a single
depression of the trigger may cause only sufficient pressurized gas
to be released to launch one projectile 1204. Thus, to launch
several projectiles, the user must physically press the trigger
several times.
[0303] The projectiles are prevented from rolling out (or falling
out) of the barrel by the retaining assembly (not shown), in the
event the launch device is held at a downward angle. The retaining
assembly is typically a small bump, or similar structure, which
holds the projectile in place against the bolt assembly 1214 in the
barrel 1212, but does not prevent the projectile 1204 from
firing.
[0304] In an alternative embodiment, the multi-functional custom
launch device 1200 may include an inhibiting spray function. As
such a pressurized canister of an inhibiting substance (not shown),
such as tear gas, oleoresin capsicum, capsaicin, marker, or a
malodorant may be attached into the end of the chamber at the
removable cap similar to the secondary canister 1124 shown in FIG.
46 and the multi-spray cartridge attachment shown in FIG. 47. The
inhibiting spray canister (not shown) includes a spray nozzle (not
shown) and is simply molded into a cartridge (not shown) that fits
into the end of the chamber where the removable cap 1210 is
located. Thus, the flashlight body 1201 is held such that the beam
of light from the bulb 1226 shines downward in order to spray the
inhibiting spray forward. The inhibiting spray cartridge would then
face up such that the spray nozzle can be pressed releasing the
inhibiting substance in a spray. Alternative cartridges may contain
marking substances, malodorants, siren or other irritants.
[0305] In a further embodiment, an electronics portion 1232 and an
electronics button 1230 are included. The electronics button 1230
is a simple push (on/off) button that activates the functionality
of the electronics section 1232 (i.e. electronics circuitry).
Alternatively, the electronics button 1230 may actually be several
buttons, depending on the functionality of the electronics portion
1232.
[0306] In one embodiment, the electronics button 1232 activates a
panic feature such that a radio frequency (RF) transmitter (not
shown) within the electronics section 1232 sends an RF signal from
the multi-functional custom launch device 1200. The RF signal
function may simply send a signal to an appropriate RF receiver in
a custom home security system. For example, the RF signal instructs
the home security system to automatically call the police or
security. This feature may automatically occur during the launch of
projectiles. This feature is very useful in a home security
application, such that if a user (e.g. home owner) is required to
use the launch device 1200 against an intruder, the electronics
section 1232 will automatically send an RF signal to the home
security system, which will respond by dialing the police or other
security according to home security system protocol. Alternatively,
the RF transmitter may send an RF signal to a nearby police vehicle
which is then instructed to call in for backup. For example, the
police vehicle that receives the RF signal from the
multi-functional launch device 1200 will automatically radio
headquarters or other nearby officers for backup according to a
configured protocol.
[0307] The launching components of the multi-functional custom
launch device 1200 (except for the projectiles 1204 themselves) are
well known in the art of paint ball launchers. Rapid fire
techniques and the structure enabling such techniques are further
known in the art of paint ball launchers. The multi-functional
custom launch device is a combination of known paint ball launching
technologies and other known technologies incorporated into
conventional flashlight packaging; thus, further explanation of the
operation and construction of the launch device is not needed.
[0308] Referring next to FIG. 49, an end cross section view of the
multi-functional custom launch device 1200 of FIG. 48 is shown. The
end view illustrates the both the flashlight portion and the barrel
of the non-lethal projectile launcher. Shown are the flashlight
body head 1240, the bulb 1226, reflector 1224, and the barrel 1212.
As can be seen, advantageously, the multi-functional custom launch
device fires projectiles from the same end as the beam of the
flashlight is emitted; thus, a target can be illuminated while
firing a non-lethal projectile.
[0309] Referring next to FIG. 50, an illustration is shown of the
operation of the multi-functional launch device of FIGS. 48 and 49.
Shown are the flashlight shaped multi-functional launch device 1200
including an RF transmitter 1253, beam of light 1250, non-lethal
projectile 1204, target 1252, radio frequency signal 1254 (referred
to as "RF signal 1254"), security system 1256 including an RF
receiver 1257.
[0310] In operation, the user (for example, a home owner) is able
to illuminate a target 1254 with the beam of light 1250 from the
multi-functional launch device 1200, while at the same time, firing
a non-lethal projectile 1204 at the target 1254. In this
embodiment, upon firing a non-lethal projectile 1204, the RF
transmitter 1253 of the multi-function launch device 1200
automatically sends an RF signal 1254 to the security system 1256,
which is received by the RF receiver 1257. In response to the RF
signal 1254, the security system 1256 automatically dials the
police or other security for help.
[0311] Alternatively, this embodiment could be used by police
officers, such that the RF signal 1254 is sent to an appropriate
receiver within the police officer's squad car. The receiver in the
squad car then radios other officers or police headquarters for
backup. Thus, the multi-functional launch device 1200 provides
paging functions, as well as the lighting functions and launcher
functions. As can be readily seen in FIG. 50, the embodiment shown
offers an advantage over the flashlight style custom launch devices
shown in FIGS. 42, 44, and 45, since it does not have to be "turned
backwards" to fire a non-lethal projectile. Turning the flashlight
backwards, may interfere with the vision of the user, or enable the
target to escape if the flashlight is turned off. Furthermore,
advantageously, the launching of projectiles from the
multi-functional launch device 1200 will automatically transmit an
RF signal that causes the security or backup to be alerted,
providing paging functions.
[0312] Referring next to FIG. 51, an illustration is shown of a
"six-gun style" or "revolver-style" non-lethal projectile launcher
in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention
and capable of launching several of the embodiments and variations
of the non-lethal projectiles described herein. Shown is the
launcher 5100 including a trigger 5102, spring driven hammer 5104
(also referred to as the hammer 5104), projectile cylinder 5106
(also referred to as the cylinder 5106) containing chambers 5110,
and a barrel 5108.
[0313] In operation, non-lethal projectiles, such as described with
reference to FIGS. 52 and 53 may be launched from a launcher 5100
very similar to pistol or cap gun. The trigger 5102 actuates the
spring loaded hammer 5104 and moves a common cam and gear drive
system that advances or rotates the cylinder 5106 to the next
chamber 5110 for firing. The hammer 5104 contacts the rear of the
projectile contained within the chamber 5110 causing the projectile
be launched through the barrel 5108.
[0314] Next referring to FIG. 52, an illustration is shown of a
projectile system that may be used in firing the "six gun style"
projectile launcher 5100 of FIG. 51. The projectile system 5200
includes a casing 5202, propellant canister 5204 (also referred to
as a propellant or gas cartridge), canister seals 5206 (also
referred to as o-rings 5206), an actuator 5208 (also referred to as
a puncture pin), a projectile retaining seal 5212 (also referred to
as o-ring 5212), wall 5210, and a projectile 5214 including
optional scorings, either exterior or interior, as described
above.
[0315] The casing 5202 is shaped to fit within a chamber 5110 of
the cylinder 5106. The casing 5202 includes a propellant canister
5204 that contains a compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide, air,
or nitrogen, at a relatively high pressure (e.g. between 400 and
4000 psi). The propellant canister 5204 is held in position within
the casing 5202 by first the canister seals 5206. Ideally, these
canister seals 5206 allow the propellant canister 5204 to be moved
into the casing 5202 without allowing the propellant canister 5204
to slip or fall out of the casing 5202. Furthermore, they seal or
prevent released compressed gas from exiting the rear of the casing
5202.
[0316] In operation, the hammer 5104 of the launcher 5100 impacts
the propellant canister 5204, moving or forcing it into the
actuator 5208, which contains a sharpened point or end. The
actuator 5208 punctures the propellant canister 5204 and allows the
compressed gas to escape the canister 5204. The compressed gas
follows a path typically extending through a hollow opening within
the actuator 5208 (i.e., the actuator 5208 is hollow in this
embodiment), which extends through wall 5210, directly behind the
projectile 5214 to be launched. The projectile 5214 is held in
position by the projectile retaining seal 5212. However, the
release of the compressed gas behind the projectile 5214 and
against the wall 5210 of the casing 5202 applies enough pressure
against the projectile 5214 such that the projectile 5214 is pushed
past or overcomes the retaining force of the projectile retaining
seal 5212 and is propelled through the barrel 5108 at a high speed.
Thus, the projectile 5214 is launched while the remainder of the
casing 5202 remains in the chamber or is ejected from the chamber
like a shotgun shell. Note that the propellant canister 5204 is
held by the canister seals 5206 such that the canister 5204 is
prevented from being pushed back away from the actuator by the
first o-rings 5206 and the hammer 5104 contacting the propellant
canister 5204. Furthermore, the canister seals 5206 prevent the
released compressed gas from exiting the rear of the casing 5202
between the canister seals and the canister 5204; thus,
substantially all of the pressure of the compressed gas is released
behind and launches the projectile 5214 through the barrel 5108.
Each projectile system 5200 is typically designed as a one-shot
device, such that multiple projectile systems 5200 are loaded into
the multi-chamber 5110 cylinder. The projectile systems 5200 may be
discarded after use. It is noted that the skilled artist could
easily slightly alter the interior of the projectile system 5200,
such as the various components of the projectile system 5200, for
example, the canister seals 5206, the projectile retaining seal
5212, and/or the shape and design of the actuator 5208, wall 5210,
and propellant canister 5204 depending on the specific use of the
projectile system 5200.
[0317] Referring next to FIG. 53, an illustration is shown of a
variation of the projectile system of FIG. 52 to be used in firing
the "six gun style" projectile launcher 5100 of FIG. 51. This
embodiment of a projectile system 5300 is identical to the
projectile system 5200 of FIG. 52 except that the projectile 5302
is shaped differently than the projectile 5214 of FIG. 52. The
projectile 5302 is shaped as having a flat rear surface 5304.
Advantageously, the flat rear surface 5304 provides a large surface
for the released compressed gas to effectively "push" against.
Thus, the projectile 5302 may more easily overcome the projectile
retaining seal 5212 than the projectile 5214 of FIG. 52.
[0318] And finally, referring next to FIG. 54, a perspective view
is shown of a handheld, multi-functional non-lethal projectile
launcher capable of launching non-lethal projectile systems as
described above and also capable of being used as an inhibiting
spray device. Shown is the multi-functional launch device 5400
having a launcher body 5402 including the launch barrel 5404 at one
end of the launcher body 5402 and extending into the launcher body
5402, and a non-lethal projectile 5406 being fired from the launch
barrel 5404. Further illustrated at the other side or end of the
launcher body 5402 is a spray nozzle 5408 coupled to a spray
canister (not shown) contained within the launcher body 5402. The
spray nozzle 5408 emits a spray of an inhibiting substance (shown
as spray 5410), such as pepper spray, tear gas, mace, etc. upon
depressing the spray nozzle 5408. The spray nozzle 5408 may be
equipped with a cap or other structure that prevents the spray
nozzle 5408 from being depressed accidentally. Also shown is a
firing button 5412 which, when engaged, causes the non-lethal
projectile 5406 to be fired from the launch barrel 5404. Similarly,
a safety feature may be included that prevents accidental launching
of one or more non-lethal projectiles 5406. This safety feature may
be embodied at the location of firing button 5412, such that the
firing button is placed at another location on the launcher body
5402.
[0319] This embodiment is intended to be a small handheld personal
safety device that may be placed in a pocket or purse to inhibit a
target, e.g. an attacker before the attacker gets too close, for
example, by launching a non-lethal projectile at the attacker.
Advantageously, the device further includes a spray nozzle 5408 and
canister to be used at very close ranges and eliminates the need to
have two separate personal safety devices, contained, for example,
within a user's purse.
[0320] Although, the specific internal composition is not shown,
the skilled artist could easily construct such an embodiment given
the earlier descriptions, for example, with reference to FIGS. 46
through 49, by simply conforming the components found in
conventional paint ball launchers and the components found in
conventional hand held inhibiting spray devices into a body of a
small hand held personal safety device, or multi-functional
non-lethal projectile launcher. For example, hand held spray
devices are known in the art and include spray nozzles and spray
canisters.
[0321] Additionally, such hand held paint ball launcher technology
is well known in the art; however, in this case is simply being
applied in a different size constraint, for example, a differently
sized and shaped launcher body 5402. For example, the launcher body
5402 may include, as earlier described, an inhibiting spray
canister, a spray nozzle, a propellant canister, an actuator
(controlled by the firing button 5412) for releasing pressurized
gas from the canister behind a non-lethal projectile, a bolt
assembly (or equivalent thereof), a regulator, a retaining assembly
and a reservoir holding, for example, up to 6 non-lethal
projectiles 5406.
[0322] Further, no known devices can be currently used to deliver
pain compliance, kinetic impact and an irritant all directed to a
specific target from a distance in a single projectile.
[0323] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by
means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous
modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled
in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as set
forth in the claims.
* * * * *