Entangling Projectiles and Systems for thier Use

Abstract

An entangling projectile for use in a projectile deployment system includes a pair of pellets and a flexible tether connecting the pellets. Each of the pellets includes an outer diameter and at least one recessed portion extending inwardly from the outer diameter, the recessed portion having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet such that a pocket is formed in the pellet. The pocket provides an area for accumulation of debris and gasses carried by a pressure wave created by the projectile deployment system. One or more engagement hooks can be coupled to one or both the pellets, or to the tether.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/081,440, filed Mar. 25, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to non-lethal, ranged weapons systems to aid in impeding or subduing hostile or fleeing persons of interest.

[0004] Related Art

[0005] It has been recognized for some time that police and military personnel can benefit from the use of weapons and devices other than firearms to deal with some hostile situations. While firearms are necessary tools in law enforcement, they provide a level of force that is sometimes unwarranted. In many cases, law enforcement personnel may wish to deal with a situation without resorting to use of a firearm. It is generally accepted, however, that engaging in hand-to-hand combat is not a desirable choice.

[0006] For at least these reasons, ranged engagement devices such as the Taser.TM. have been developed to provide an alternative. While such electrical muscular disruption ("EMD") weapons have been used with some success, debates continue as to whether such devices are as safe as claimed or are an appropriate level of force for many situations. Other ranged engagement solutions, such as mace or pepper spray, are very limited in range and are often criticized for the pain caused to subjects and the potential for such solutions to affect police or bystanders.

[0007] As such, designers continue to seek non-lethal solutions that can be effectively used by police or law enforcement especially to impede or subdue fleeing subjects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an entangling projectile for use in a projectile deployment system is provided, the entangling projectile including a pair of pellets and a flexible tether connecting the pellets. One or both or each of the pellets can include an outer diameter and at least one recessed portion extending inwardly from the outer diameter. The recessed portion can have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet such that a pocket is formed in the pellet, the pocket providing an area for accumulation of debris and gasses carried by a pressure wave created by the projectile deployment system.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an entangling projectile for use in a projectile deployment system is provided, the entangling projectile including a pair of pellets and a flexible tether connecting the pellets. An engagement hook can be coupled to one or both of the pellets, or to the tether, the engagement hook being operable to engage clothing worn by a subject engaged by the entangling projectile to aid in retaining the entangling projectile about the subject.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an entangling projectile for use in a projectile deployment system is provided, the entangling projectile including a pair of pellets and a flexible tether connecting the pellets. One or both or each of the pellets can include an outer diameter and at least one recessed portion extending inwardly from the outer diameter. The recessed portion can have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet such that a pocket is formed in the pellet, the pocket providing an area for accumulation of debris and gasses carried by a propelling gas created by the projectile deployment system. One or both or each of the pellets can include an engagement hook coupled thereto, the engagement hook being operable to engage clothing worn by a subject engaged by the entangling projectile to aid in retaining the entangling projectile about the subject.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top, bottom, front or rear view of an entangling projectile extended substantially to its full length in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 2A is a side view of a pellet and a portion of a tether of the projectile of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 2B is an end view of the pellet of FIG. 2A;

[0016] FIG. 3A is a top view of a subject toward which an entangling projectile was launched, shown immediately prior to the entangling projectile engaging the subject;

[0017] FIG. 3B is a top view of the subject and projectile of FIG. 3A, shown shortly after the entangling projectile engaged the subject;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of a portion of a subject in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown immediately prior to an entangling projectile engaging the subject's legs;

[0019] FIG. 5A is a side view of a projectile casing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 5B is a side view of the projectile casing of FIG. 5A, shown in an exploded configuration;

[0021] FIG. 6A is a front view of an inner block of the casing of FIG. 5A;

[0022] FIG. 6B is a rear end view of the inner block of FIG. 5A;

[0023] FIG. 6C is a top view of the inner block of FIG. 5A;

[0024] FIG. 6D is a side view of the inner block of FIG. 5A, shown with two pellets partially expelled therefrom;

[0025] FIG. 6E is a top, sectioned view of the inner block of FIG. 5A;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of a section of an entangling projectile in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a side, sectioned view of a hook portion of a pellet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a side, sectioned view of a hook portion of a pellet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 10 is an end view of a pellet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 11 is an end view of another pellet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a side view of a portion of an entangling projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention

[0032] FIG. 13 is a side view of a portion of an entangling projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of an entangling projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of an entangling projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 16 is a side view of a portion of an entangling projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

[0036] FIG. 17 is a front view of an entangling projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the pellets pulling the tether into a taught condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0038] Definitions

[0039] As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" can include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a pellet" can include one or more of such pellets, if the context dictates.

[0040] As used herein, the term "firearm" can include handguns, rifles, shotguns, and other known firearms that are routinely used to fire known projectiles, such as bullets and shot. The term "firearm" includes not only well-known guns such as these that are capable of firing a bullet or pellet, but also modified versions of these that do not ordinarily fire projectiles, instead using a charge to simulate firing of a projectile. Thus, devices such as starter pistols, blank guns, prop guns, flare guns, etc., can also fall within the definition of a firearm, so long as such devices are capable of delivering a pressure wave sufficient to launch the present entangling projectiles.

[0041] Generally, devices such as starter pistols, blank guns, prop guns, etc., have been modified so that a projectile cannot be delivered down the barrel of such guns. In some cases, they are modified so that a standard cartridge, having a bullet and a casing, cannot be loaded into the firearms. However, these firearms often generally release, through the barrel, a high velocity pressure wave from a firearm blank to simulate normal firearm operation. This high velocity pressure wave can be utilized by the present technology, even if the barrel is partially blocked to eliminate the loading or passage of a conventional projectile.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "firearm blank" or "blank cartridge" refer to the well-known blank cartridge that can be used with firearms. Such blank cartridges contain gunpowder but not a bullet or shot, as such they can be discharged in conventional firearms to produce a high velocity pressure wave. Several types of firearms utilizing blank cartridges can be incorporated into the present technology.

[0043] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As an arbitrary example, an object that is "substantially" enclosed is an article that is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend upon the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As another arbitrary example, a composition that is "substantially free of" an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item so long as there is no measurable effect as a result thereof.

[0044] As used herein, the term "about" is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be "a little above" or "a little below" the endpoint.

[0045] Relative directional terms can sometimes used herein to describe and claim various components of the present invention. Such terms include, without limitation, "upward," "downward," "horizontal," "vertical," etc. These terms are generally not intended to be limiting, but are used to most clearly describe and claim the various features of the invention. Where such terms must carry some limitation, they are intended to be limited to usage commonly known and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in the context of this disclosure.

[0046] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

[0047] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of "about 1 to about 5" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually.

[0048] This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

[0049] Invention

[0050] The present technology relates generally to non-lethal weapons systems, sometimes referred to as ensnarement systems, that can be effectively used as an aid in impeding the progress of or detaining aggressive or fleeing subjects. Devices in accordance with the present technology can be advantageously used to temporarily impede a subject's ability to walk, run or use his or her arms in cases where law enforcement, security personnel or military personnel wish to detain a subject, but do not wish to use lethal or harmful force. The technology provides a manner by which the arms or legs of a subject can be temporarily tethered or bound, to the extent that the subject finds it difficult to continue moving in a normal fashion.

[0051] While the present technology can be directed at any portion of a subject's body, the following discussion will focus primarily on use of the technology to temporarily tether or bind a subject's legs. It is to be understood, however, that the present technology is not limited to this application. In some cases, as discussed below, multiple portions of the subject's body can be targeted, such as both the arms and the legs.

[0052] As shown generally in FIGS. 1-4, the present technology provides an entangling projectile 12 that can be deployed toward a subject's legs to cause the projectile to wrap about the subject's legs. The projectile includes at least one flexible tether 16 and at least two pellets 14, coupled together by the tether. By engaging a subject with the entangling projectile, the subject is temporarily rendered partially or fully incapacitated and thereby restricted in his or her ability to flee or attack. The entangling projectiles of the present technology are launched toward a subject (100 in FIGS. 3A-4) by a launcher. While examples of launchers and/or launcher components are provided herein, the present disclosure focuses on the features of the entangling projectile itself. Numerous examples of suitable launchers are provided, as examples, in the parent case, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/081,440, filed Mar. 25, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such launchers can include energy sources such as compressed gas, explosives/combustibles, mechanical springs, etc.

[0053] Generally speaking, a launcher for use with the present entangling projectiles will launch the projectile toward a subject 100 at a relatively high rate of speed. Typically, the projectile can be deployed toward a subject from a distance of between about 6 feet and about 30 feet (1.8 to 9.1 meters), and engages the subject within a matter of about 0.0075 to 0.0375 seconds (traveling at about 800 ft/sec). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the various types of launchers that can be used to accomplish this.

[0054] After being deployed from the launcher, the entangling projectile will wrap about the subject's legs two or three or more times, causing the subject to be temporarily unable to effectively move. As the projectile can be launched from some distance, law enforcement personnel can maintain a safe distance from a subject, yet still be able to effectively and safely temporarily restrain, disable or impede the subject.

[0055] Operation of the entangling projectile is shown generally in FIG. 4: after being released by a launcher, the projectile 12 travels toward a subject 100. As the projectile travels toward the subject, pellets 14 travel away from one another, resulting in the tether 16 being pulled substantially taught between the two. Once the projectile engages the subject (in the example shown the subject's legs are engaged), the pellets and tether wrap about the subject and thereby temporarily entangle and/or disable the subject.

[0056] A variety of differing pellet and tether combinations can be utilized in the present technology. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-4, the projectile 12 is shown with two generic pellets 14 connected by a single tether 16. While more than two pellets can be utilized, the examples shown herein include only two. In some embodiments, the invention is limited to two, and only two, pellets connected by a single tether. In one aspect, the invention consists of two pellets and a single tether. In one aspect, the invention consists essentially of two pellets and a single tether. It has been found that limiting the number of pellets to two results in a more effective deployment system: the risk of tangling of the tether 16 is diminished and the pellets spread apart from one another much more cleanly and quickly after being deployed from the launcher. This results in a more consistent trajectory after deployment. This arrangement can also allow, with the proper launcher configuration, the projectiles to be more accurately directed toward a subject.

[0057] While the present projectiles can be used with variety of launchers, FIGS. 5A through 6E illustrate one exemplary component for use with such a launcher. In this example, a casing 40 can be used that initially contains two pellets 14a, 14b (see FIG. 6D). The casing is coupled to a propulsion source via connector 42. The propulsion source (not shown in detail) creates a high-pressure wave that causes the projectile to be ejected from the casing at a high rate of speed. The propulsion can take a variety of forms: compressed air can be used, combustion gases from a firearm or similar device, etc. The example shown is provided only as one example of how such a device can be used to launch the projectiles.

[0058] In the example shown, casing 40 can include an outer containment shell 48 and an inner core or block 50. In this embodiment, the containment shell and inner block cooperatively form a tether storage compartment 32 (FIG. 5A). The tether 16 is illustrated in FIG. 6D in the position it would take when stored in this compartment. This configuration allows easy loading and storage of the tether prior to deployment of the entangling projectile from the projectile casing 40. The tether can be positioned in the tether storage compartment while the outer shell and inner block are assembled (FIG. 5A), or while the inner block is removed from the outer shell (FIG. 5B).

[0059] The inner block 50 can include one or more sockets 30a, 30b, etc. The sockets can each hold one pellet (14a, 14b, FIG. 6D) prior to deployment of the pellets from the projectile casing. A channel 52 can be formed through an input end 44 of the inner block, and can be in fluid communication with each of the sockets 30a, 30b. Connector 42 can provide fluid communication from the launcher (not shown) through the channel 52, to each of the sockets 30a, 30b. Thus, as a high pressure wave is generated by the launcher, it is directed through the connector 42 and channel 52, and is applied to the pellets held in sockets 30a, 30b. The pellets are then forcibly expelled from the inner block toward the subject.

[0060] As best appreciated from FIG. 6C, the sockets 30a, 30b can be oriented at an angle ".alpha." relative to one another. While the angle can vary, it is generally an acute angle, typically ranging from about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle can range between about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle is about 30 degrees. By angling the sockets relative to one another, the pellets are directed away from one another as they are expelled from the sockets. In this manner, the pellets separate relative to one another very quickly, pulling the tether 16 taut between them so that the tether can fully extend prior to engaging the subject.

[0061] The resulting launch is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIG. 3A, the entangling projectile 12 has been launched toward a subject 100 (shown from above) and has traveled to engage the subject. Prior to contacting the subject, the tether 16 has been pulled taut, such that the pellets 14 are travelling in a linear direction toward the subject. Immediately after the tether 16 contacts the subject, the momentum of the pellets, prevented by the tether from continuing along their present trajectory, causes them to begin moving toward one another (shown in FIG. 3B), which momentum will cause the pellets to orbit about the subject.

[0062] As the pellets orbit about the subject's legs, the tether wraps itself tightly about the subject's legs. Note that, as the tether wraps about the subject's legs, the rotational velocity of the pellets will increase, causing them to wrap more quickly as the effective length of the tether is decreased. In an average deployment, the pellets will wrap themselves about the subject's legs 2-3 times, resulting in the tether being wrapped about the subject's legs 4-6 times. As will be appreciated, a subject will at least temporarily have great difficulty moving after the tether is thus wrapped about his or her legs.

[0063] As will also be appreciated from FIG. 6C, in this example the axes 31a, 31b of the sockets 30a, 30b can intersect one another at a location within the inner block 50. That is, a portion or section of one of the sockets can intersect with a portion or section of the other socket. In the example shown, sockets 30a and 30b intersect or overlap where each socket is fluidly coupled to pressure inlet 52. The sockets can also be stacked horizontally relative to one another, to provide an overlapping configuration of one atop the other. In this manner, the sockets can be spaced relatively close to one another while also maintaining a desired angle between the two. The location at which the sockets intersect can be adjusted nearer to or further from the input end 44 of the block. Connector 42 can extend into the block to the extent necessary to provide a fluid path from the firearm or launcher to each of the sockets. As is shown by the directional arrows in FIG. 6E, fluid flow can enter connector 42 and travel toward the sockets 30a, 30b. This fluid flow is divided when encountering the sockets, with some fluid flow traveling upwardly into and through socket 30a, and some traveling downwardly into and through 30b. In one embodiment, equal fluid flow can be provided to each socket to thereby apply an equal propelling force to each pellet.

[0064] This feature allows the use of a relatively narrow projectile casing regardless of the angle at which it is desired to orient the sockets. If the sockets were merely oriented in a side-by-side relationship, without overlapping axes, the width or diameter of the projectile casing would have to be increased as the angle ".alpha." between the socket axes 31 was increased. By overlapping the axes, however, this limitation in arranging the sockets is eliminated. This can allow the projectile casing to be much more narrow than otherwise possible. This results in a launcher system that can be easily carried by law enforcement personnel, similar to conventional firearms. While not so limited, in one aspect of the invention, the projectile casing 50 can be formed having a diameter or maximum width of less than about two inches (5.1 cm), and as little as 11/2 inches (3.8 cm) or less. The projectile casing can be formed with a length of less than about 21/2 inches (6.4 cm), or as little as two inches (5.1 cm) or less.

[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates the projectile 12 extended to its full length "L.sub.O." In one embodiment, the overall length of the tether is much longer than the size of pellets (L.sub.P). The overall length can be on the order of seven feet (2.14 meters) or greater. The pellets can have a length "L.sub.P" on the order of an inch (2.54 cm), and a diameter "D.sub.P" on the order of 3/8 of an inch (0.95 cm). While differing embodiments of the technology can vary, it is generally desirable to maintain the pellets at a relatively small size to thereby limit the overall size requirements of the projectile casing that houses the pellets prior to deployment. In this manner, the technology can be provided in a lightweight, hand-held device.

[0066] The relationship of the pellet diameter, weight and length in relation to the tether length/weight can significantly affect the performance of the entangling projectile. It has been found that a pellet diameter of about 0.330 inches with a length of about 1 to 1.5 inches with a weight of about 5-6 grams combined with a tether of about 7 feet weighing about 1gram provides an effective entangling projectile.

[0067] The pellets 14 can be formed from a variety of materials. In one embodiment, they can be formed from ordinary steel rod or lead. In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to provide a pellet with a softer material or material surface that contacts the subject. As the present technology is intended to temporarily subdue subjects while minimizing injury to them, a softer material or outer material surface may reduce the risk that the subject will be injured during deployment of the entangling projectile. Such materials can include, without limitation, wax, rubber, polymeric materials, fabric coatings, etc.

[0068] In one embodiment, the tether or pellets (or both) can be coated in a visible or invisible marking substance, such as a coloring dye. In this manner, the subject, even if able to extricate himself from the entangling projectile, is identifiable as being a subject that came into contact with the projectile. This can aid in later identification should the device not fully or sufficiently detain a subject for a sufficient period of time.

[0069] While the pellets 14 are illustrated as cylindrical in shape, it is understood that they may be formed in a spherical configuration, or they may be rectangular blocks or other oblong shapes. They may be of varied dimension and weight, surface finish, etc. For example, FIGS. 7-16 illustrate a series of alternate pellet and tether configurations. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the entangling projectile 120 includes a tether 16 and a pair of pellets 14c (only one of which is shown in this example). Tether 16 can be much like the tethers of previous embodiments. Pellet 14c can include an outer diameter ("D" in FIGS. 7 and 10) and can include a recessed portion 130 that can extend inwardly from the outer diameter. The recessed portion can include an inner diameter ("d" in FIG. 10) that is smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet. In this manner, a pocket 132 is formed in the pellet. The pocket can provide an area for accumulation of debris and gasses carried by a pressure wave (shown by example with arrows 134) created by the projectile deployment system.

[0070] As described earlier, the projectiles of the present invention can be launched or fired by a variety of launchers. Many of these utilize cartridge blanks or similar devices that produce hot gas and related debris. The present inventors have found that such discharge can have an adverse affect on performance of the projectiles. In particular, such discharge can burn or melt or otherwise adversely affect the performance of the tether 16. The pocket 132 created by the recessed portion 130 can aid in preventing much of this harmful material from contacting or interfering with operation of the tether. It is noted that the outer diameter "D" of the pellet is generally selected such that the pellet fits snugly within a barrel or socket of a launcher (30a, 30b, FIG. 5A, for example) to enable full use of the propellant of the launcher. Despite this care, "blow by" can and does occur. The recessed portion aids in recapturing energy lost due to blow by, and serves to protect the tether from contact with much of the blow by.

[0071] While not so required, in some embodiments, the recessed portion 130 generally fully circumscribes the pellet. This can aid in reducing "wobble" of the pellet once discharged from the launcher, as the pressure wave will equally affect all sides of the pellet. In the examples shown, at least two recessed portions are provided. These can be spaced longitudinally along the pellet to create two or more pockets 132 separated by an unmodified portion (136) of the pellet. The recessed portions can include a conically tapering portion 138 that extends into a planar portion 140. The planar portion can be substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis 142 of the pellet. As gasses and debris enter the pocket 132, force is applied equally to the planar surface 140.

[0072] The at least one recessed portion 130 (and subsequently formed pocket 132) can be formed on an end of the pellet opposite an end of the pellet to which the tether 16 is coupled to the pellet. In other words, the recessed portion(s) and pocket(s) can be formed on the "leading" end of the pellet (the outermost ends of the pellets as they are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). This can enable loading of the pellets into a socket or barrel while allowing the tether to extend outwardly from the socket or barrel.

[0073] As also shown in FIG. 7, in one aspect of the invention, at least one engagement hook 144 can be coupled to at least one of the pellets 120. The engagement hook can be operable to engage clothing worn by a subject 100 engaged by the entangling projectile to aid in retaining the entangling projectile about the subject. The engagement hook can also engage, during or after completion of the wrap, another engagement hook. The present inventors have found that, while wrapping the present projectiles about a subject has proven effective, the use of engagement hooks on the pellets can aid in retaining the projectile about the subject after the projectile has wrapped, increasing the likelihood of a successful entangling engagement or wrap. The present engagement hooks are designed to engage clothing worn by the subject (or to engage other hooks of the projectile), not necessarily the subject's skin or body. In some embodiments, engaging the subject's skin or body is undesirable, while in other embodiments, such a consideration may not be as critical (when very small hooks are used, for example).

[0074] While the various engagement hooks illustrated in the figures include a conventional "hook" shape, it is to be understood that the hooks can include linear segments that extend from the pellet in a variety of directions. For example, a hook can include a straight segment that extends perpendicularly from the pellet in one direction, and then turn at an angle in another direction. In other words, the hooks need not contain curved portions--they can include one or more linear segments formed at angles relative to one another. The hooks can also extend directly from the pellet in a unitary direction, and need not include segments that extend in different directions.

[0075] The present arrangement attains this by the unique manner in which the engagement hooks are arranged relative to the pellets. As shown for example in FIG. 7, the hook 144 can include a point 146 that extends in a direction opposite a direction in which the tether extends from the pellet. In this manner, the point 146 can engage the subject's clothing while the pellet is completing its wrap about the subject. Note that the distal end 170 of the pellet 14c of FIG. 7 will be traveling toward (and radially about) the subject's clothing as the projectile wraps. The point of the hook will engage the subject's clothing just prior to completing its wrap. This orientation allows the hook to immediately engage the subject's clothes: otherwise, it would be required that the hook be pulled backwardly to engage the clothing.

[0076] Conversely, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, hooks 148 are provided that are oriented to extend from the pellet 14e in the same direction as does the tether 16. In accordance with varying embodiments, hooks can be provided in a forward orientation, a rearward orientation, and both orientations. In this example, hooks 144 are also provided that extend in the opposite direction. Pellets can be provided that include hooks oriented in one or both directions. In the examples shown in FIG. 7, the hooks 144 include a barb 159 that projects from the hook in a direction generally opposite to that of the point 146. The barbs can aid in retaining the hooks in engagement with the subject's clothing. In other embodiments, however, such as that shown in FIG. 9, no barb is provided. In this case, hooks 152 include only unidirectional point 154, which can be oriented in, or pointed toward, various directions.

[0077] As also shown in FIG. 9, the hooks can be configured to extend from the pellet in a specific orientation. Angle ".beta." shown is the angle between the longitudinal axis (142 in FIG. 7) of the pellet and the general direction of extension of the point portion of the hook from the pellet. In some embodiments, this angle can be between about 15 degrees and about 35 degrees. In one embodiment, this angle is about 23 degrees.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, in one aspect of the invention, the pellet 120 can include a neck portion 160 that can include a diameter having a diameter less than the outer diameter of the pellet. Thus, the neck provides, in some embodiments, a recessed shank that extends away from the larger portion of the pellet containing the pockets 132.

[0079] The engagement hooks 144 can extend over the neck portion 160 of the pellet. In one embodiment, the engagement hook extends outwardly in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis of the pellet to a circumferential span. This circumferential span of the engagement hook can be less than a circumferential span of an outer surface of the pellet. As can be appreciated from FIG. 7, the hooks 144 extend outwardly only so far as the diameter "D" of the lower portion of the pellet. This allows use of the hooks with the pellet, while also allowing the pellets to be inserted into a socket or barrel from which the pellets will be discharged. Thus, hooks can be provided without requiring specialized configuration of the sockets. The pellets, with the hooks coupled thereto, can fit within the same size diameter bore as is used for pellets with no hooks.

[0080] The recessed neck portion 160 provides an additional advantage in that the distal end 170 of the pellet is generally much larger that the neck portion, and thus has a larger mass. As the pellets are expelled from the launcher (which applies a pressure wave to end 170 of the pellet of FIG. 7), the neck portion is expelled from the barrel or socket of the launcher first. However, as the tether is pulled taut, end 170 becomes the leading end and the increased mass of this end aids in providing forward momentum to the pellet to obtain a good wrap about the subject 100.

[0081] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate exemplary embodiments in which a hook assembly can be provided as part of the pellet, or can serve as the pellet itself. In these embodiments, the hook structure includes a hollow shank 162 that can accommodate the tether 16. In this manner, the hook structure can be easily coupled to the tether without creating a weight offset on one side of the tether or another. The use of the hollow shank can also allow one or more hook structures to be coupled to the tether along various longitudinal positions on the tether. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, pellet 14d includes no hook structure. However, hook assembly 164 includes two hooks 144, and includes the hollow shank 162 (not shown in detail). The hollow shank allows the hook assembly to be moved to any desired location along the tether 16 and be easily mounted in place without damaging or twisting or kinking the tether. The tether can include multiple hook assemblies 164 oriented in various directions including opposing hooks 180 on such hook assembly. Hook assemblies on the tether can also be employed along with hook assemblies on the pellets.

[0082] Access hole 166, which functions much like a rosette, can be used in this embodiment (and many of the others) to allow the hook structure or pellet to be easily coupled to the tether. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the hook assembly 164 can be positioned where desired, and a small amount of adhesive or other attachment material can be applied through access hole 166 to mount the hook assembly in position. In the example shown in FIG. 7, access hole 166 can be easily used to mount both the pellet 120 to the tether 16, and to mount hooks 144 within the pellet, if such an arrangement is desirable.

[0083] The examples shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 each include two hooks 144 coupled to the pellet. In addition to the use of two hooks, a single hook can also be used. Alternately, it has been found that utilizing multiple hooks, spaced equally around the pellet, can ensure proper engagement of a subject. In FIG. 10, three hooks 149 are used. In one embodiment, a number 12 treble hook has been found suitable. In FIG. 11, four hooks 151 are used. In each of these cases, the hooks are spaced evenly around the longitudinal axis of the pellet and the hollow shank 162. In some embodiments, more than four hooks are used.

[0084] The tether 16 can also include structure that can aid in limiting a subject's ability to quickly disengage from the tether. As shown for example in FIG. 12, engagement features 168 can be added to the tether at intervals along the tether. Representative spacing intervals are shown, by example, at "S." The engagement features 168 can take a variety of forms. In one example, small knots can be formed in the tether at regular intervals. These knots can engage clothing worn by the subject to limit the subject's ability to quickly disengage from the projectile. They can also aid in causing the tether to engage itself as it wraps about a subject. In another example, beads, spheres or other structures can be attached to, or formed integrally with, the tether. Small "blobs" or dots of adhesive or similar material can be added to the tether to create the engagement features. In another example, the engagement feature can include the hook assembly, shown at 164 in FIG. 13, which can be spaced at regular intervals as desired. Thus, a series of hook assemblies can be attached to the tether at spaced intervals.

[0085] The tether 16 can be formed from a variety of materials. In one aspect, the tether is formed from conventional nylon material. Waxed cord can also be used, as the wax can aid in packing and/or coiling the tether to properly fit within, and stay within, the tether compartments. In one embodiment, the tether can be formed from an elastic material. The elastic material can allow the tether to extend from a nominal configuration (e.g., "L.sub.O" in FIG. 1), to a longer, extended configuration.

[0086] In one example, the tether can extend as much as 20% to 300% of its original length. By providing elasticity to the tether, the tether can be extended by the momentum of the pellets as the entangling projectile is propelled toward a subject. Thus, at the moment shown in FIG. 7A immediately prior to contact with the subject 100, the tether 16 can be in an extended configuration. Once the tether contacts the subject, the elastic properties of the tether can aid in pulling the pellets around the subject. In this manner, in addition to the momentum of the pellets causing them to wrap about the subject once the tether contacts the subject, the elasticity in the tether can also aid in pulling the pellets around the subject.

[0087] In one example, the tether is formed from Kevlar.TM. cord, with a thickness of about 0.1 mm. A Kevlar tether has been found to perform well for a number of reasons. The Kevlar tether is very strong, and not as prone to breakage as other cords. In addition, the Kevlar material does not tend to "wick" adhesives as do other materials--thus minimizing drying/curing times of adhesive and reducing the tendency of the cord to become stiff with cured adhesive that have wicked long stretch of cord.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 15, in one embodiment, a hook assembly 180 can be provided that can include a plurality of hooks 144, 148, etc. The hook assembly can be installed within, for example, a hollow neck portion 160 of a pellet (not completely shown in this figure). The hook assembly can include a leading shank 182 and a trailing shank 184. In this example, the trailing shank 184 is installed within the neck portion of the pellet aside the tether 16. The tether is then routed around the hooks of the hook assembly as it extends from the pellet. In this manner, a longitudinal axis of the tether (shown for example at 192 in FIG. 16) is offset from a longitudinal axis of the hook assembly. The present inventors have found that offsetting the longitudinal axis of the tether in this manner can result in the pellet and/or hook assembly "cocking" relative to the tether as it travels toward a subject. This can aid in successfully engaging the subject with the hooks upon contacting the subject's clothing (or upon contacting hooks from another pellet or hook assembly).

[0089] A similar relationship is shown in more detail in the additional embodiment shown in FIG. 16. In this example, pellet 14d can include a longitudinal axis 190. In this example, the tether is routed out of the pellet through opening 166 rather than an end of the pellet. In this manner, the longitudinal axis 192 of the tether is offset from the longitudinal axis 190 of the pellet by offset O.sub.W. In addition, as the tether is coupled to the pellet at the opening 166, it is effectively coupled to the pellet at offset O.sub.L, relative to an overall length L.sub.P of the pellet. Note that, in this example, if the tether extended from an upper end of the pellet, as shown in previous embodiments, the offset O.sub.L would be zero. In one example, the offset O.sub.L is about half the overall length L.sub.P. In one aspect, the overall length L.sub.P is about 1.5 inches and the offset O.sub.L is about 0.75 inches. In this embodiment, a length of the neck portion is about 0.9 inches. Thus, the opening 166 is formed in or through the neck portion just above the wider portion. While not shown in FIG. 16, in addition to the opening 166 of FIG. 16 through which the cord can enter the pellet, an additional opening can be provided (typically higher up the neck portion, as shown in FIG. 7) to allow access to the hook assembly.

[0090] By establishing one or both of these offsets greater than zero, the pellet (and any accompanying hooks) are partially rotated or "cocked" relative to the tether, particularly as they travel through the air. This has been found to increase the likelihood of successfully engaging a desired structure with said one or more of the hooks attached to or carried by a pellet.

[0091] The hook assembly 180 illustrated in FIG. 15 can be installed within a shank formed in the pellet, as shown, or it can be coupled to an end of the pellet. In addition to the hook assembly being formed as an integral unit, the multitude of hooks can also be installed within, or coupled to, the pellet as individual units.

[0092] The entangling projectiles of the present technology are generally provided as electrically inert. That is, they are not attached to an electrical charge source, nor do they require an electrical charge to subdue or entangle a subject. As used herein, the term "electrically inert" is understood to refer to a condition in which the projectiles, and pellets and tether, do not carry an electrical charge other than that carried by inert objects within the environment in which the projectiles are deployed. Thus, while some static charge may be carried by most objects in such an environment, the projectiles (pellets and tether) do not carry any additional charge. In most embodiments, the tether and pellets similarly need not carry any other structure capable of delivering an electrical charge to a subject.

[0093] FIG. 17 illustrates further features of the entangling projectile 12. As referenced above, the projectile includes two pellets 14 coupled on opposing ends of a tether 16. In this embodiment, two and only two pellets are provided, coupled by only a single tether 16. The use of only two pellets has been found to be advantageous in that a much cleaner and accurate projectile can be directed toward a subject, and the projectile can more effectively engage the subject. The pellets 14 can apply equal and opposite forces, shown by example with directional indicators 102 and 104, upon tether 16. In this manner, the tether is pulled into a taught, linear configuration by the force of the pellets traveling away from one another.

[0094] The tether 16 can include no additional structure coupled thereto, with no additional structure extending therefrom. In this manner, the pellets 14 can pull the tether into the straight, uninterrupted, linear configuration shown. The tether and pellets can occupy substantially a common plane 106 in the configuration immediately prior to contacting a subject. As shown, this plane 106 is typically angularly offset from "true" horizontal 108, as the pellets are positioned at differing elevations prior to contact with the subject. By omitting additional pellets or tethers, or other extraneous structure, the present technology can deliver an entangling projectile that engages subjects with a much higher rate of successful engagement.

[0095] It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary embodiments(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the examples.

Claims

1. An entangling projectile for use in a projectile deployment system, the entangling projectile comprising: a pair of pellets; and a flexible tether connecting the pellets; wherein each of the pellets includes an outer diameter and at least one recessed portion extending inwardly from the outer diameter, the recessed portion having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet such that a pocket is formed in the pellet, the pocket providing an area for accumulation of debris and gasses carried by a pressure wave created by the projectile deployment system.

2. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion fully circumscribes the pellet.

3. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising at least two recessed portions, the at least two recessed portions being spaced longitudinally along the pellet to create two pockets separated by an unmodified portion of the pellet.

4. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion includes a conically tapering portion extending into a planar portion substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis of the pellet.

5. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the at least one recessed portion is formed on an end of the pellet opposite an end of the pellet to which the tether is coupled to the pellet.

6. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising at least one engagement hook coupled to at least one of the pellets, the engagement hook being operable to engage clothing worn by a subject engaged by the entangling projectile to aid in retaining the entangling projectile about the subject.

7. The projectile of claim 6, wherein the pellet includes a neck portion having a diameter less than the outer diameter of the pellet, and wherein the at least one engagement hook extends over the neck portion of the pellet.

8. The projectile of claim 6, wherein the hook includes a point that extends in a direction opposite a direction in which the tether extends from the pellet.

9. An entangling projectile for use in a projectile deployment system, the entangling projectile comprising: a pair of pellets; a flexible tether connecting the pellets; and at least one engagement hook, coupled to one or both of one of the pair of pellets or the flexible tether, the engagement hook being operable to engage clothing worn by a subject engaged by the entangling projectile to aid in retaining the entangling projectile about the subject.

10. The projectile of claim 9, wherein the engagement hook is coupled directly to one of the pellets.

11. The projectile of claim 9, wherein the pellet includes a neck portion having a diameter less than an outer diameter of the pellet, and wherein the at least one engagement hook extends over the neck portion of the pellet.

12. The projectile of claim 9, wherein the engagement hook includes a point that extends in a direction opposite a direction in which the tether extends from the pellet.

13. The projectile of claim 9, wherein each of the pellets includes an outer diameter and at least one recessed portion extending inwardly from the outer diameter, the recessed portion having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet such that a pocket is formed in the pellet; the pocket providing an area for accumulation of debris and gasses carried by a pressure wave created by the projectile deployment system.

14. The projectile of claim 13, further comprising at least two recessed portions, the at least two recessed portions being spaced longitudinally along the pellet to create two pockets separated by an unmodified portion of the pellet.

15. The projectile of claim 13, wherein the recessed portion includes a conically tapering portion extending into a planar portion substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis of the pellet.

16. The projectile of claim 13, wherein the at least one recessed portion is formed on an end of the pellet opposite an end of the pellet to which the tether is coupled to the pellet.

17. The projectile of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of engagement hooks coupled to each pellet.

18. The projectile of claim 17, wherein at least some of the plurality of engagement hooks extend in opposing directions.

19. The projectile of claim 17, wherein some of the plurality of engagement hooks extend in substantially the same direction as does the tether, and wherein some of the plurality of engagement hooks extend in an opposite direction.

20. An entangling projectile for use in a projectile deployment system, the entangling projectile comprising: a pair of pellets; and a flexible tether connecting the pellets; wherein each of the pellets includes an outer diameter and at least one recessed portion extending inwardly from the outer diameter, the recessed portion having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet such that a pocket is formed in the pellet; the pocket providing an area for accumulation of debris and gasses carried by a propelling gas created by the projectile deployment system; and wherein each of the pellets includes an engagement hook coupled thereto, the engagement hook being operable to engage clothing worn by a subject engaged by the entangling projectile to aid in retaining the entangling projectile about the subject.