U.S. patent application number 14/021116 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for tactical apparatus and method for mounting a multi-cartridge firing electric discharge weapon.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mitchel M Marquez. Invention is credited to Mitchel M Marquez.
Application Number | 20130340311 14/021116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44368979 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130340311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marquez; Mitchel M |
December 26, 2013 |
Tactical Apparatus and Method for Mounting a Multi-Cartridge Firing
Electric Discharge Weapon
Abstract
Embodiments include an apparatus having a frame, at least one
handle, a control housing, and a mounting plate wherein a plurality
of firing cartridges from a multi-cartridge electric discharge
weapon may mounted on the mounting plate, permitting an available
multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon to be converted from a
fixed or vehicle mounted position to a hand-carried position where
it may be carried, aimed, and fired as a conventional weapon.
Certain embodiments disclose a rail system permitting handles and
accessories to be mounted thereupon and used in conjunction with
the mounted electric discharge weapon. A method for converting a
multi-cartridge firing electrical discharge weapon from a fixed or
vehicle-mounted status to a hand-carryable status.
Inventors: |
Marquez; Mitchel M;
(Sacramento, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marquez; Mitchel M |
Sacramento |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44368979 |
Appl. No.: |
14/021116 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13026288 |
Feb 13, 2011 |
8549783 |
|
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14021116 |
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61304433 |
Feb 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/72 ;
29/401.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/12 20130101;
F41B 15/00 20130101; Y10T 29/49716 20150115; F41H 13/0025 20130101;
F41C 7/00 20130101; F41A 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/72 ;
29/401.1 |
International
Class: |
F41B 15/00 20060101
F41B015/00 |
Claims
1. A tactical apparatus for mounting a multi-cartridge firing
electric discharge weapon, comprising: a frame having a first end
and second end, said frame shaped to define a rail on at least one
surface, wherein said rail may accept accessories fitted thereupon,
wherein said housing is shaped to define a fire control housing
recess; at least one handle having a grip surface and a coupling
surface, wherein the coupling surface is adapted to slidably fit on
said rail, wherein said coupling surface has locking means to
permit said handle to engage said rail, wherein said locking means,
when engaged, prevents further movement on said handle; a fire
control housing, having a body and cover, wherein the body is
affixed to said fire control housing control recess, said cover
securable to said body; wherein said housing may accommodate a fire
control unit; a mounting surface coupled to the second end of said
frame, wherein said mounting surface may accommodate an array
housing containing an array of firing cartridges.
2. The tactical apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
said first end is shaped to define a stock.
3. The tactical apparatus of claim 2, wherein said stock is
foldable.
4. The tactical apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a stock
affixed to said first end.
5. The tactical apparatus of claim 4, wherein said stock is
foldable.
6. The tactical apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting surface
comprises: a downwardly sloping mounting plate.
7. The tactical apparatus of claim 6, wherein said plate is shaped
to define a straight terminal aspect.
8. The tactical apparatus of claim 6, wherein said plate is shaped
to define an arcuate terminal aspect.
9. The tactical apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an
accessory, wherein at least of portion of said accessory contains a
mounting that may slidingly engage said rail, wherein said mounting
has a locking means to engage said rail.
10. The tactical apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame has a top
surface and bottom surface, said frame shaped to define a rail on
the top surface and a pair of rails on the bottom surface of said
frame, wherein said top rail and bottom rail may accept accessories
fitted thereupon, wherein said housing is shaped to define a fire
control housing recess; wherein said fire control housing is shaped
to define a fire button aperture, a safety arming switch aperture,
a charge aperture, a re-energize aperture, and go aperture, wherein
said apertures correspond to the switches, buttons, and lamps of a
SHOCKWAVE fire control unit; a mounting surface coupled to the
second end of said frame, wherein said mounting surface may
accommodate an array housing containing an array of firing
cartridges and a mounting bracket, wherein said mounting surface is
downwardly sloped 4 degrees, wherein said mounting plate is shaped
to define mounting apertures, further comprising an annular spacer,
wherein said spacer is disposed upon said mounting plate, further
comprising a bolt passing through spacer and mounting aperture,
wherein the array housing may be secured to said mounting plate by
said bolt, wherein the mounting bracket is boltably affixed to said
mounting plate.
11. A method of converting a stationary or vehicle-mounted electric
discharge weapon from a fixed status to a hand-carried status,
comprising: providing a multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon,
wherein said weapon has a fire control unit having a fire button,
and a plurality of firing cartridges, a housing containing the
plurality of firing cartridges; fixing the multi-cartridge
discharge weapon in a fixed location; providing a hand-holdable
apparatus having a frame, at least one handle coupled to said
frame, a mounting plate, wherein said housing containing the
plurality of firing cartridges may be reversibly attached to said
mounting plate; a fire control housing affixed to said frame,
wherein said fire control unit may be at least partially disposed
within said fire control housing, wherein said fire button is
accessible through the fire control housing; removing the
multi-cartridge discharge weapon from its fixed location; mounting
said fire control unit in the apparatus fire control housing;
mounting said housing containing the plurality of firing cartridges
on the mounting plate; wherein said hand-holdable unit may be
carried, aimed, and fired as a rifle, wherein said hand-holdable
unit may be used to subdue one or more subjects.
12. The method according to claim, 11, wherein said fixing step
further comprises: providing attachable legs, wherein said legs
couple to said multi-cartridge discharge weapon, wherein said
weapon with attached legs is an assembled stationary weapon which
may be stood upon legs and positioned, wherein said removing the
multi-cartridge discharge weapon from its fixed location comprises:
removing said legs from the assembled stationary weapon.
13. The method according to claim, 11, wherein said fixing step
further comprises: providing a vehicle mount, wherein said housing
containing the plurality of firing cartridges may be fixed to said
mount, wherein removing the multi-cartridge discharge weapon from
its fixed location comprises: removing said housing containing the
plurality of firing cartridges from said mount.
14. A tactical apparatus for mounting a multi-cartridge firing
electric discharge weapon, comprising: a frame having a clamp
member; a riser member having a first end and second end, wherein
said riser member may slidingly engage said clamp member, wherein
said riser member is shaped to define a plurality of riser locking
apertures; a mounting platform having a seating surface, said
platform pivotally coupled to the second end of said riser member
and rotatably movable thereupon, wherein said mounting platform is
shaped to define a plurality of locking platform apertures, wherein
said riser locking apertures and platform locking apertures may
align during rotation; a locking pin capable of reversibly
inserting into said riser and platform locking apertures; a
mounting surface coupled to the seating surface, wherein said
mounting surface may accommodate an array housing containing an
array of firing cartridges; wherein said mounting platform and
mounting surface may rotate, wherein the rotational plane is 180
degrees perpendicular to said riser, wherein said mounting platform
and mounting surface may be locked when said locking pin is
inserted into said aperture.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/026,288 filed Feb. 13, 2011, entitled TACTICAL APPARATUS AND
METHOD FOR MOUNTING A MULTI-CARTRIDGE FIRING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE
WEAPON, which is currently pending, which claims the benefit under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application 61/304,433,
filed Feb. 13, 2010, entitled "TACTICAL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
MOUNTING A MULTI-CARTRIDGE FIRING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE WEAPON" which
is incorporated by reference in its entirety and made part of this
specification.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the present invention relates to apparatus for
mounting an electric discharge weapon, generally, and more
specifically to a handheld apparatus for mounting a free-standing
stationary or vehicle-mounted incapacitating device, which permits
the mounted incapacitating device to be carried, aimed, and fired
in a manner similar to a conventional firearm.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Less-lethal methods for subduing dangerous and potentially
dangerous subjects are desirable alternatives for law enforcement,
security, corrections officers, and military personnel. In addition
to conventional firearms, less-lethal methods, such as stun-guns,
are often deployed by a military unit, law enforcement department,
or corrections staff to broaden available options to subdue violent
or dangerous subjects. Some prior art electric discharge weapons
require physical contact to deliver an electric arc between two
electrodes, which produces significant localized pain when placed
in physical contact with a subject. Other electric discharge
weapons, such as handheld TASER brand units, fire dart-like
electrodes from a handheld apparatus, wherein the darts are
tethered to wires which remain electrically connected to the
handheld apparatus. The dart-like electrodes are pointed and barbed
to penetrate clothing and remain in place after contact with the
subject. Electrical current from the handheld apparatus and is
delivered to the subject resulting in neuromuscular incapacitation
which transiently disrupts normal neuromuscular functioning
permitting the subject to be more-safely subdued.
[0004] Relatively recently, as alternatives to hand-held electric
discharge weapons, free-standing stationary units having a single
or multiple array of firing cells or cartridges have been
described. Because they fire several shots simultaneously,
multi-cartridge electric discharge weapons may be particularly
useful to protect an area, provide crowd control, or employed in
specialized situations such as riot control. Additionally,
multi-cartridge electric discharge weapons may be useful in
correctional facilities to control a variety of
commonly-encountered events such as containing violent subjects,
controlling violent prison yard fights involving multiple
combatants, and subduing subjects armed with a weapon under
circumstances where deadly force is not authorized. Additionally,
the use of multi-cartridge firing units, mounted on a vehicle, such
a police vehicle, has been described as well. Without doubt,
stationary and vehicle-mounted multi-cartridge electric discharge
weapons offer law enforcement personnel valuable options.
[0005] In some cases, however, it may be advantageous to quickly
move the system from a fixed status to a mobile hand-carried
status. For example, moving the system may be required where a
tactical decision is made to redefine an area of protection, or
where hostile subjects are too numerous or too dispersed for
effective utilization. Additionally, in some cases, it may be
necessary to rapidly move such a system to prevent hostile subjects
from acquiring control of the device. Furthermore, where the
attendant tactical circumstances require, is desirable to provide
law enforcement personnel with an option to rapidly convert a
stationary or vehicle-mounted system into a system which may be
hand-carried, moved, and fired. Moreover, in some circumstances a
stationary or vehicle mounted system does not provide adequate
targeting accuracy. Human control of a multi-cartridge electrical
discharge weapon may permit a more refined, efficient, and safe
application of force. Further, human control of a multi-cartridge
electrical discharge weapon will serve as a
force-multiplier--allowing a single user to subdue a relatively
large number of hostile subjects. Additionally, there are
applications to use a hand-held multi-cartridge electrical
discharge weapon in circumstances involving a single subject. A
single cartridge weapon requires that both electrodes make
sufficient contact with the subject to complete the circuit and
subdue the subject. In contrast, a hand held multi-cartridge
electrical discharge weapon (which can by example, file 12
electrodes) dramatically increases the probability that at least
two of the electrodes will make sufficient contact to subdue the
subject.
SUMMARY
[0006] One aspect of the present invention permits a stationary
electric discharge weapon system to be quickly mounted on a
hand-held apparatus permitting the system to be transported, aimed,
and fired where it is tactically advantageous. Another aspect of
certain embodiments of the present invention provides an apparatus
which is customizable and allows the use of varied accessory
equipment on the apparatus in conjunction with an electric
discharge weapon. Further aspects of the present invention allow
stationary or vehicle-mounted systems to be more versatilely
deployed and utilized by law enforcement personnel and others.
Another aspect of the invention discloses an apparatus which
permits a user to hold, carry, and fire the apparatus as one would
a conventional rifle. Another aspect of the invention discloses a
method for converting a fixed multi-cartridge electric discharge
weapon to a hand-held status.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded elevation view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the
present invention, with handles attached.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the
present invention with handles removed.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Turning now to the illustrations, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate
apparatus 5 which has a main frame 10 that in one embodiment, may
be comprised of solid material such as metal, plastic, urethane, or
other relatively firm material. In another embodiment frame 10 may
be hollow or partially hollow. In one embodiment, frame 10 may be
shaped to define a rail mounting system 20, such as a
Picatinny-style rail system. Alternatively, rail system 20 may be
formed independently from the frame and attached thereto by, for
example, welding, adhesive, and mechanical affixation with screws,
rivets, and the like. Rail system, 20 may be standardized to
well-known rail system dimensions such as Picatinny or Weaver
spacing dimensions, or may be customized to accommodate any
dimensions. Rail system 20 may also be standardized to military
specifications for weapons using "Mil-spec" components. Rail system
20 is spaced to allow the user to slide off and remove accessories
without disassembly of the entire apparatus.
[0015] In one embodiment, a machined rail system 20 may permit
first handle 30 to be rapidly attached and detached to frame 10 and
moved horizontally along frame 10 to suit the user's positioning
preference. Second handle 40, may be similarly attached to frame
10. Electric discharge weapon fire control housing 50 is mounted on
a recessed portion of frame 10 shaped to accommodate control
housing 50, as illustrated by FIGS. 1-5. In one embodiment, fire
control housing 50 has a body 52 affixed to frame 10 and a fire
control housing cover 54 reversibly affixed to said body 52. In one
embodiment, cover may be affixed to housing body 52 by countersunk
screws, or may be snap fit. Cover 54 may be removed to expose the
inner surface of fire control housing body 52. It should be noted
that in another embodiment, control housing may be located
elsewhere on the frame.
[0016] A fire control unit from an available stationary electric
discharge weapon system, such as the Taser SHOCKWAVE, may placed
within fire control housing body 52 and secured when housing cover
54 is reattached. It should be noted that various mechanisms to
couple an available fire control unit to apparatus 5 are
recognized. In an alternative embodiment, frame 10 may shaped to
define a receptacle to accommodate an available fire control unit,
which may be slidably fit within. In another embodiment, available
fire control unit may be clampably secured. In yet another
embodiment, an available fire control unit may be reversibly
coupled by a quick connect coupler. In another embodiment, fire
control unit may be secured within a modified stock 60. In another
embodiment, as illustrated by FIG. 6, an electric discharge weapon,
such as the SHOCKWAVE, is provided with a multi-strand wire having
threadable couplings on both ends; one end is threadably coupled to
the housing containing the multiple firing cartridges, the second
end is coupled to the apparatus instead of the fire control unit.
The weapon may then be fired by trigger actuation. In one
embodiment, illustrated by FIG. 5 a handle exists opposite housing
50 to accommodate a sling.
[0017] In one embodiment, the apparatus is tailored to correspond
to the SHOCKWAVE fire control unit manufactured by Taser Inc.
specifically. When the SHOCKWAVE fire control unit is inserted and
fully enclosed within control housing 50, apertures in housing 50
corresponding to the SHOCKWAVE switches, buttons, and indicator
lamps, wherein switches allow the SHOCKWAVE's switches, buttons,
and lamps to be accessible and/or visible to the user. In one
embodiment, housing cover 54 is shaped to define apertures
including the safety arming switch aperture 150, fire button
aperture 155, which correspond to the switches and buttons of the
SHOCKWAVE firing control unit specifically. Likewise, cover 54
includes a "charge" aperture 160, "re-energize" aperture 165, and
"go" aperture 170 corresponding indicator lights of the SHOCKWAVE
fire control unit specifically.
[0018] Stock 60 is mounted to the proximal end of frame 10, and in
one embodiment may be affixed by screw. In other embodiments, stock
60 may be maintained in position through a variety of other methods
including a spring peg engaging an aperture, friction fit, or a by
detent locking mechanism. In one embodiment, stock 60 may be
foldable or collapsible, and in another embodiment, stock 60 may be
detachable; folding or collapsible stock solutions are well known
and described in the prior art. In one embodiment, stock 60 may be
affixed by a single fastener to allow a user to slide the stock off
quickly by removing the single fastener. In another embodiment,
stock 60 may be folded to the left or right side to allow the user
to shorten the overall length of apparatus 5, which may be
particularly useful when used in a confined space. In one
embodiment, stock 60 may be omitted which shortens the overall
length of the apparatus.
[0019] As seen by FIGS. 4 and 5, at the distal end of frame 10,
mounting plate 70 is disposed on the top surface of frame 10. An
available aggregate array of cartridges, such as the Taser
SHOCKWAVE system, may be mounted on mounting plate 70. The mounting
plate 70 may be varied in shape; in one embodiment, mounting plate
70 has a straight terminal aspect 72. In an alternative embodiment,
mounting plate 70 may have an arcuate terminal aspect. Varied
shapes of the mounting plate may be useful in accommodating
different array orientation. For example, an arcuate mounting plate
72 may accommodate an array of firing cartridges oriented in a
convex orientation (relative to the subject) which will result in
an increase in dart spread when the system is actuated. In another
embodiment, an arcuate mounting plate may have a concave
orientation relative to the subject which will result in an
increase of dart concentration toward the subject. In one
embodiment, mounting plate 70 may be screwably affixed to the top
surface of frame 10 through countersink fasteners passing through
two countersink apertures 14 in frame 10. In one embodiment, the
bottom of the plate 70 is shaped to define a recess to accommodate
the relatively terminal top portion of frame 10. In other
embodiments, mounting plate 70 may be affixed by welding, adhesive,
or other means, and in another embodiment, mounting plate 70 is
integrally formed with frame 10.
[0020] In one embodiment, the terminal end 80 of frame 10 is sloped
downwardly. In another embodiment, terminal end 80 of frame 10 may
be shaped to without a slope, and in still another embodiment end
80 may be sloped upwardly. The difference in slope of end 80, and
mounting plate 70, will determine the flight angle--i.e. flight
path of the dart relative to the ground. This may be customized to
achieve the desired dart trajectory when an attached electric
discharge weapon system is actuated with the apparatus is held in a
comfortable firing position. The desired slope of the distal end of
frame 10 depends on variables such as the height of the user as
well as subject distance and desired location for the darts to
strike the subject's body. In one preferred embodiment, mounting
plate 70 is downwardly sloped 4 degrees was found to be useful.
[0021] In one embodiment, where an available aggregate array or
firing cartridges contained has an array housing, with a mounting
bracket attached to the housing, the mounting bracket may be
boltably affixed to the mounting plate 70 by bolt 90 passing
through mounting aperture 92 on plate 70. Bolt 90 may pass through
annular spacer 100 which is utilized to secure the array, and may
be comprised of a resilient material to absorb shock, provide
vibration control, and permit snug affixation between an available
multi-cartridge array and plate 70. In one embodiment spacer 100
may be comprised of plastic, or an improved plastic polymer
material such as polyoxymethylene--DELRIN.
[0022] Apparatus 5 is customizable and capable of receiving various
attachments. For example, an optional accessory 110 may be affixed
to at least a portion of rail system 20. Such accessories commonly
can include a light, laser targeting system, or camera, or other
equipment typically used in conjunction with law enforcement or
hand-held weapon systems. In one embodiment, illustrated by FIG. 6,
rail system 20 may be located on the top of frame 10. The rail
system may be any number an on any location and length on frame 10.
Optional equipment such as video recording devices, audio recording
devices, sighting systems, and lighting systems, and the like, may
be placed on the top of apparatus 5. Accessories 110 having a
coupling surface are slid on the rail system and locked in a
fashion well known in the prior art. Various locking means may be
employed to maintain the accessory 110 in a fixed position relative
to rail system 20 including but not limited to thumbscrews, "rail
grabbers" levers, or clamped onto slots between the raised section
of the rail.
[0023] In an alternative embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6, frame 10
is shaped to define a trigger well 120 and trigger 130. An
electrical coupling point 140 is electrically connected to trigger
130. In this embodiment, the fire control unit, or components
comprising the fire control unit are located within a hollow
portion of the apparatus, which may include frame 10 or stock 60.
This embodiment permits the apparatus to be trigger-fired as a
conventional firearm. In another embodiment, a data downloading
port allows an armorer technician to service and troubleshoot the
weapons system, record use data, and measure battery life.
[0024] It will be recognized that variations in the composition of
frame 10, fire control box 50, mounting plate 70, rail system 20,
and stock 60, such as size, shape, and relative dimensions are
possible and anticipated as included in the present invention.
Further, while some embodiments herein are disclosed as components
assembled together, the present invention may be integrally formed.
For example one or more elements such as stock 60, frame 10,
mounting plate 70, handles 30 and/or 40, and control box 50 may be
integrally formed by, for example, thermoplastic injection molding
or by an extrusion process.
[0025] In use, an available stationary or vehicle-mounted electric
discharge weapon, such as the SHOCKWAVE manufactured by Taser,
Incorporated, may be decoupled from any support legs or, where
coupled to a vehicle, removed the vehicle. Fire control housing
cover 54 is uncoupled from fire control housing body 52 and the
available fire control unit may be placed within. Cover 54 may be
replaced and fastened closed. Thumb access to the fire control
unit's fire button may be achieved through aperture 155 in of cover
54.
[0026] The available aggregate array of firing cartridges may be
placed on spacer 100 and mounting plate 70 and fastened
thereupon--in one embodiment bolt 90 passes though the array
housing of an available array and screwably affixes the array
housing to mounting plate 70.
[0027] The user may carry apparatus 5 as a conventional weapon
using first handle 30 and second handle 40. To discharge the
weapon, the user aims the weapon in a conventional manner, removes
the thumb from first handle 30 and depresses the fire control
unit's actuation button to discharge the system.
[0028] The stationary or vehicle-mounted system may be decoupled
from the apparatus in a similar reverse manner.
[0029] Turning now to FIG. 7, In one embodiment, a modified frame
may be utilized to serve as a checkpoint mount. In this embodiment,
checkpoint mount 700 generally has a frame having a clamp member
705, which has a hand-screw and clamping element permitting clamp
member 705 to be reversibly affixed on a structure such as a cement
barricade.
[0030] Riser member 710, having a hand-screw, has a first end and
second end. Riser member 710 may slidingly engage clamp member 705
and may be fixable thereupon where hand-screw is tightened to
secure the riser's position relative to clamp member 705. Riser
member 710 is shaped to define a plurality of riser locking
apertures. Mounting platform 715 has a seating surface 720, and
platform 715 is pivotally coupled to the second end of riser 710 by
pivot point 725 making platform 715 rotatable 180 degrees in a
plane perpendicular to riser 710. Mounting platform 715 is shaped
to define a plurality of locking platform apertures 730, allowing
locking apertures and platform locking apertures 730 to align
during rotation of platform 715. Locking pin 735 is capable of
reversibly inserting into riser and platform 730 locking apertures,
whereupon platform 715 is locked into position. Mounting surface
740 is coupled to seating surface 720, by countersunk bolts 745.
Mounting surface 740 may accommodate an array housing containing an
array of firing cartridges. In one embodiment, multiple housing
units may be used together. For example, three SHOCKWAVE units,
each housing 6 cartridges, may be attached to each other and
mounted on mounting platform 715. This would permit firing of 18
cartridges simultaneously.
[0031] Further disclosed is a method to convert a stationary or
vehicle-mounted electric discharge weapon from a fixed status to a
hand-carried status. A multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon,
such as the SHOCKWAVE manufactured by Taser, Inc., is provided. The
weapon system has a fire control unit having a fire button, and a
plurality of firing cartridges which simultaneously fire when the
fire button is depressed and the safety mechanism is disengaged. A
multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon, such as the SHOCKWAVE
has a housing that contains the plurality of firing cartridges. As
is customary with the use of such weapons, it is set up in a fixed
in a location--assembled with provided legs and stood in a location
of interest, or disposed on a vehicle mount.
[0032] A hand-holdable apparatus 5 is provided which has a frame
10, at least one handle 30 coupled to frame 10, and a mounting
plate 70 coupled to said frame. A fire control housing 50 is
affixed to said frame, wherein said fire control unit may be at
least partially disposed within said fire control housing 50,
wherein the fire button is accessible through the fire control
housing. The mounting plate 70 can accommodate the available
housing containing the plurality of firing cartridges from a unit
such as the SHOCKWAVE and the available housing may be reversibly
attached to mounting plate 70
[0033] Next, the multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon is
removed from its fixed location. In some circumstances this
includes removing provided legs attached to the unit, in other
circumstances, the weapon is detached from the vehicle mount. Next,
the fire control unit is mounted in fire control housing 50, and
next the housing containing the plurality of firing cartridges is
mounted on mounting plate 70. The hand-holdable apparatus 5 may be
carried, aimed, and fired as a rifle and used to subdue one or more
subjects.
[0034] The disclosed method of utilizing hand-held apparatus 5 with
attached weapon system may provide a greater firing accuracy,
increased probability of striking a single subject, permits a
single officer to subdue a number of subjects, serves a force
multiplier, and overall permits a safer and more refined
application of force.
[0035] It should be noted that various embodiments of the present
invention may be applied in a variety of fields. While reference
has been made to law enforcement applications, the apparatus may be
utilized in any circumstances where subdual of a human or animal
subject is desired. Some example applications include but are not
limited to: law enforcement, corrections, veterinary medicine,
animal control, as well as a variety of military and paramilitary
applications.
[0036] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood
that various modifications and variations can be easily made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure
should be interpreted as illustrative only and is not to be
interpreted in a limiting sense. It is further intended that any
other embodiments of the present invention that result from any
changes in application or method of use or operation, method of
manufacture, shape, size, or material which are not specified
within the detailed written description or illustrations contained
herein yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the
art are within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *