U.S. patent application number 14/024132 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-12 for personal defense device with communication capabilities.
The applicant listed for this patent is Virgil C Breeden. Invention is credited to Virgil C Breeden.
Application Number | 20150069082 14/024132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52624527 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150069082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breeden; Virgil C |
March 12, 2015 |
Personal Defense Device with Communication Capabilities
Abstract
A personal defense device and method incorporating Bluetooth
technology into a container with an irritant agent, such as pepper
spray. The container is provided with Bluetooth-enabled wireless
communication circuit that allows generation of an alarm signal
every time pepper spray is dispensed. The alarm signal is capable
of being received by a cellular telephone and capable of generating
a predetermined responsive action by the cellular telephone, such
as activation of a speakerphone, dialing of an emergency number,
and activation of a global positioning system locator. A panic
actuator is optionally provided on the container; the panic
actuator is independently connected to the wireless communication
circuit to generate the alarm signal even if the pepper spray is
not dispensed.
Inventors: |
Breeden; Virgil C;
(Hattiesburg, MS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Breeden; Virgil C |
Hattiesburg |
MS |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52624527 |
Appl. No.: |
14/024132 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/1 ; 222/175;
222/192; 222/402.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 9/10 20130101; F41A
17/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/1 ; 222/175;
222/192; 222/402.1 |
International
Class: |
F41H 9/10 20060101
F41H009/10 |
Claims
1. A personal defense device, comprising: a rigid portable
container retaining a pre-determined quantity of a repellant agent;
a manually activated means for dispensing the repellant agent
mounted on the container, said dispensing means comprising a spray
nozzle; a wireless communication circuit associated with the
container, said wireless communication circuit generating an alarm
signal capable of being received by a cellular telephone and
capable of generating a predetermined responsive action by the
cellular telephone, wherein the predetermined responsive action is
at least one of activation of a speakerphone, dialing of an
emergency number, and activation of a global positioning system
locator.
2. The device of claim 1, comprising an activation switch
operationally connected to the means for dispensing the repellant
agent.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the dispensing means comprises a
depressible member movable in relation to a rigid wall of the
container, the depressible member carrying the spray nozzle, and
the activation switch is operationally connected to the depressible
member such movement of the depressible member causes activation of
the wireless communication circuit through associated movement of
the activation switch.
4. The device of claim 2, said activation switch is a tactile
switch.
5. The device as of claim 1, wherein the alarm signal is
communicated to the cellular telephone through a Bluetooth
connection on the cellular telephone and the wireless communication
circuit.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the repellant agent is pepper
spray.
7. The device of claim 1, said wireless communication circuit
comprising a battery.
8. The device of claim 7, said container being provided with a
recharging port connected to the battery.
9. The device of claim 1, comprising a safety switch operationally
connected to the dispensing means.
10. The device of claim 1, said container carrying a panic actuator
a distance from the dispensing means, said panic actuator being
operationally connected to the wireless communication circuit.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the panic actuator is capable
of generating an alarm signal through the wireless communication
circuit independently from the dispensing means.
12. A method of self-defending against an assailant, comprising the
steps: providing a rigid portable container; depositing a
pre-determined quantity of a repellant agent into the container;
providing a manually activated means for dispensing the repellant
agent mounted on the container, wherein the repellant agent
contains a capsaicin-containing substance; providing a manually
activated means for dispensing the repellant agent mounted on the
container, said dispensing means comprising a spray nozzle;
providing a wireless communication circuit mounted on the
container, said wireless communication circuit generating an alarm
signal capable of being received by a cellular telephone and
capable of generating a predetermined responsive action by the
cellular telephone, wherein the predetermined responsive action is
at least one of activation of a speakerphone, dialing of an
emergency number, and activation of a global positioning system
locator; providing a wireless communication circuit activation
switch on said container and operationally connecting the wireless
communication circuit activation switch to the dispensing means
such that dispensing of the repellant agent causes an alarm signal
to be generated and transmitted to the cellular telephone.
13. The method of claim 12, said activation switch is a tactile
switch.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the alarm signal is
communicated to the cellular telephone through a Bluetooth
connection on the cellular telephone and the wireless communication
circuit.
15. The method of claim 12, comprising a step of providing a
battery incorporated into the wireless communication circuit.
16. The method of claim 15, comprising a step of providing said
container with a recharging port connected to the battery.
17. The method of claim 12, comprising a step of providing a safety
switch operationally connected to the dispensing means which, upon
being moved into position, allows communication between the
activation switch and the wireless communication circuit.
18. The method of claim 12, comprising a step of providing the
container with a panic actuator a distance from the dispensing
means, said panic actuator being operationally connected to the
wireless communication circuit.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the panic actuator is capable
of generating an alarm signal through the wireless communication
circuit independently from the dispensing means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to personal defense devices,
and, more particularly, to an apparatus for providing law
enforcement and private citizens with a single device that
integrates law enforcement tools and mechanisms for the application
of capsaicinoids.
[0002] Capsaicinoids are a group of natural inflammatory products
that are isolated from the dried fruits of chili peppers (e.g.,
Capsicum frutescens) via extraction such as with an organic
solvent. Capsaicinoids are lachrymatory agents (chemical compounds
that can irritate the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary
blindness). The crude extract of peppers is called Oleoresin
Capsicum ("OC") and contains a variety of chemicals including
significant quantities of the capsaicinoids.
[0003] OC and capsaicinoids are used as active components for the
production of self-defense articles known as non-lethal pepper
spray products used by law enforcement and civilians. The
capsaicin-containing products are used by law enforcement agencies
worldwide to assist in the apprehension of non-compliant suspects
and in crowd control. The temporary blindness allows officers to
more easily restrain subjects. Members of the general public also
carry these products to help protect themselves against aggressive
attack by animals and other individuals, while giving an
opportunity to persons using pepper spray for self-defense an
opportunity to escape. Pepper spray causes immediate closing of the
eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing. The duration
of its effects depends on the strength of the spray but the average
full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with
diminished effects lasting for hours.
[0004] However, it is possible that the pepper spray will not
produce the desired result. For instance, the user may press the
activation button when being at a too far distance from the
assailant or the direction of the spray is off-target. In such a
case it is entirely possible that the assailant will continue
his/her aggressive acts. The victim's cries for help may not be
heard or even if recognized by the public--not acted upon. As a
result, no assistance will be rendered to the victim.
[0005] The most effective way of handling a dangerous assault
situation is to promptly alert law enforcement authorities of an
attack. Such information can be delivered to the authorities using
a cellular telephone. However, it may be impractical to attempt to
call authorities during or after an assault. An assailant may
snatch the cell phone from the victim, thus depriving the victim of
the only opportunity to send an alarm signal to the police. Another
method is to include a "panic button" on a necklace or key ring in
radio communication with a transceiver that is connected to a
telephone or similar network. These devices are compact, but have a
very limited range.
[0006] The present invention contemplates provision of a device and
method of activating an alarm signal that will be transmitted to a
monitoring station and from there--to a law enforcement agency even
when the victim is attempting to prevent or stop the attack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a personal defense device that is equipped with a signal
transmitting capability and incorporated in a conventional
self-defense device, such as pepper spray canister.
[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a personal
defense device with wireless communication capabilities compatible
with conventional cell phone technology.
[0009] These and other objects of the invention are achieved
through a provision of a personal defense device that is provided
with a Bluetooth-enabled wireless communication circuit. The
personal defense device is constructed as a rigid portable
container retaining a pre-determined quantity of a repellant agent,
such as pepper spray. A manually activated button causes dispensing
of the repellant agent through a spray nozzle. The wireless
communication circuit associated with the container is capable of
generating an alarm signal capable of being received by a
Bluetooth-enabled paired cellular telephone.
[0010] The wireless communication circuit is capable of generating
a predetermined responsive action by the cellular telephone, such
as activation of a speakerphone, dialing of an emergency number,
and activation of a global positioning system locator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein
[0012] FIG. 1 is perspective view of the personal defense device of
the present invention with a detail view of the activation
switch.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially cutaway view of the
device of the present invention and a schematic illustration of the
wireless distress call transmittal from the personal defense device
to a cellular telephone, and to a police station.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the personal defense device showing
the electronic circuitry embedded in the housing.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a detail view of an optional activation switch for
use in the personal defense device.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a micro switch,
which activates transmission of a distress signal to a cellular
phone for speed dialing of an emergency number.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a micro switch,
which activates transmission of a distress signal to a cellular
phone for speed dialing of an emergency number, activation of a
speakerphone function and activation of a global positioning system
(GPS) function.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a micro switch
"Panic button"), which activates transmission of a distress signal
to a cellular phone.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10
designates a portable container or canister for retaining a
pre-determined quantity of the capsaicin-containing agent according
to this invention. In one aspect of the invention, the canister 10
is a spray-dispensing device capable of emitting a fine mist of
capsaicin-containing product admixed with a marking agent, for
instance glitter powder. The canister 10 can be a pump or an
aerosol-spraying device.
[0020] The canister 10 comprises a rigid hollow cylindrical body 12
with a closed bottom 14 and an open top end 16. A depressible pump
head 18 is fitted in the top open end 16. The pump head 18 is in
fluid communication with the interior of the canister body 12,
where a quantity of the irritant agent is stored. A dip tube (not
shown) extends inside the container body 12. The liquid
irritant-containing agent is drawn up through the dip tube for
dispensing from the container 10.
[0021] An upper part 20 of the canister 10 is provided with an
elongated cutout 22. The pump head 18 extends into the upper part
20 below the cutout 22, while frictionally sliding moving within
the canister body 12. The pump head 18 sealingly engages the inner
wall of the canister body 20 and prevents the liquid irritant agent
from escaping the canister body 12.
[0022] A nozzle opening 24 is formed in the pump head 18. The
nozzle opening 24 is oriented toward the cutout 22. The nozzle
opening 24 is in fluid communication with the interior of the
canister body 12. When depressed by a finger, the pump head 18
bears against the interior wall of the canister 10 and is displaced
in a co-axial orientation with the central axis of the canister
body 12. The pumping action causes pressure differential inside the
canister body 12 and ejection of a small quantity of pressurized
irritant-containing liquid or repellant agent from the nozzle
opening 24 toward a remote target. In one aspect of the invention,
the spray emitted from the nozzle opening 24 contains a
capsaicinoids material.
[0023] Mounted in the pump head 18 is a depressible button 30 which
is in contact with a top surface 26 of the pump head 18. The
depressible button 30 moves downwardly when the user presses on the
top surface 26. The button 30 is operationally connected to a
wireless communication assembly 32 secured in the pump head 18. The
wireless communication assembly operates on a short-wave frequency
radio band using Bluetooth technology or similar protocol. The
Bluetooth technology is widely used by Apple products, Microsoft
platforms, Android phones, etc. A schematic example of a
Bluetooth-enabled cellular phone is shown in FIG. 1 and designated
by numeral 34.
[0024] Depressing the button 30 (when pressing on the pump head 18
to release a pepper spray) causes an alarm signal to be created by
the wireless communication assembly 32. The generated alarm signal
is transmitted to the cellular phone 34. A suitable application
downloaded into the cellular phone 34 enables the phone 34 to
perform a variety of functions. The phone 34 can turn on a
speakerphone in a step 36, dial an emergency number (911) in a step
37, and initiate, in a step 38, the GPS application to pin point
the location of the attack in progress. The victim of the attack
can talk with a police station operator located in a remote police
station 39 using the speakerphone of the cellular phone 34.
[0025] When the user buys the personal defense device 10, the user
first pairs the device 10 with a Bluetooth-enabled phone 34.
Optionally, the user can download a third party application to
extend the functionality of the device 10, as will be described in
more detail hereinafter.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
invention using a tactile (bump) switch 40 located below a pepper
spray dispenser button 42. In this embodiment, the personal defense
device 46 is a container housing a discreet quantity of an
irritant, such as a pepper spray. The device 46 has a wireless
communication circuit 48 built into a sidewall of the container.
The communication circuit can be a Bluetooth-enabled circuit
capable of communicating with Bluetooth enabled cellular phone 58
of the user.
[0027] The wireless communication circuit 48 is connected by
suitable wiring to the tactile switch 40. A rechargeable battery 50
is operationally connected to the wireless communication circuit
48. A recharging port 52 is provided on the closed bottom wall 54
of the canister 46.
[0028] A dispensing opening 56 is formed in an upper part of the
canister 46. When the user presses the irritant dispensing button
42 it presses on the tactile switch 40 and closes the circuit of
the tactile switch 40 with the communication circuit 48. As a
result, the alarm signal generated by the act of pepper spray
activation will cause a response in the cellular phone 58. The
phone 58 can then perform any of the functions discussed above,
such as activation of the speakerphone, dialing of 911, and GPS
locating.
[0029] If desired, the device 46 can be provided with a suspension
ring 60 allowing the device 46 to be suspended from a belt, a purse
strap, etc. of the user.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative activation switch for the
personal defense device. In this embodiment, the device is equipped
with an optional safety switch 62. In this embodiment, the device
46 is powered on by first moving the safety switch 62 into an "on"
position in the direction of arrow 64. In this embodiment, the
safety switch 62 prevents accidental generation of an alarm signal
through depressing of the pepper spray dispensing button and the
activation switch.
[0031] After the user moves the safety switch 62, the user can then
dispense the irritant from the container 46 by pressing the switch
42 and also acting on the tactile switch 40. The wireless
communication functionality is then activated and the communication
is established with the phone 58. The alarm signal generated by the
wireless communication circuit 48 sends instructions to the phone
58 to dial the local emergency number, allowing the user to inform
the authorities of the emergency.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates optional steps that can be performed in
the method of the present invention. Some Bluetooth-enabled devices
cannot natively control the phone functions of turning on the GPS
or speakerphone. To accomplish this step, a third party application
68 needs to be installed on the paired cell phone 58. This
application runs in the background, and upon receiving a signal
generated by the communication circuit 48 activates the
speakerphone 70 and the GPS unit 72. It is envisioned that an
application be available for each target phone running on Apple
operating system, Android, Blackberry, etc.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 7, still another optional element of the
personal defense device is illustrated. In this embodiment a panic
actuator in the form of a panic button 76 is provided on a
container 78. The panic button is spaced apart from the trigger
switches 80, 82. This embodiment may be preferred when the irritant
in the container 78 does not necessarily have to be dispensed. For
instance, if a user notices suspected activity but is too far away
from the reach of the repellant agent, the user may activate the
panic button 76 by moving it upwardly in the direction of arrow
84.
[0034] Moving of the panic button 76 activates the same
functionality as activation of the tactile switch 82 since both the
panic button and the tactile switch 82 are operationally connected
to the wireless communication circuit 86. In this embodiment, the
paired phone 88 will turn on the speakerphone 90 and start dialing
the emergency number, which will connect the user to the
police.
[0035] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the container 78 can be
provided with a key ring 92 for suspending the container 78 from a
key chain, belt, purse strap, and the like.
[0036] Many other changes and modifications can be made in the
device and method of the present invention without departing from
the spirit thereof. I, therefore, pray that my rights to the
present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *