U.S. patent application number 16/780771 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-22 for entangling projectiles and systems for their use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wrap Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Barnes, Jin Chen, Julian Groeli, Elwood Norris.
Application Number | 20200333116 16/780771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004942442 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-22 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200333116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Norris; Elwood ; et
al. |
October 22, 2020 |
Entangling Projectiles and Systems for their Use
Abstract
A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile
including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A
projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to
carry one of the pair of pellets and a selectively activatable
pressure source, carried by the projectile casing. The pressure
source is capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the
projectile casing toward a subject. A launcher carries an activator
operable to activate the pressure source to expel the entangling
projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject. The
projectile casing is removably engageable with the launcher to
allow removal of the projectile casing from the launcher after
expulsion of the entangling projectile from the projectile
casing.
Inventors: |
Norris; Elwood; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Barnes; James; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Groeli;
Julian; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Chen; Jin; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wrap Technologies, Inc. |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004942442 |
Appl. No.: |
16/780771 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16167920 |
Oct 23, 2018 |
10551152 |
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16780771 |
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15467958 |
Mar 23, 2017 |
10107599 |
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16167920 |
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15081440 |
Mar 25, 2016 |
10036615 |
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15467958 |
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15399537 |
Jan 5, 2017 |
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15081440 |
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15081440 |
Mar 25, 2016 |
10036615 |
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15399537 |
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15399537 |
Jan 5, 2017 |
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15081440 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 13/0006 20130101;
F42B 5/03 20130101; F41A 1/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41H 13/00 20060101
F41H013/00; F42B 5/03 20060101 F42B005/03 |
Claims
1. A projectile deployment system, comprising: an entangling
projectile, including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the
pellets; a projectile casing, including: a pair of sockets, each
socket sized to carry one of the pair of pellets; a selectively
activatable pressure source, carried by the projectile casing, the
pressure source being capable of expelling the entangling
projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject; and a
launcher, carrying an activator operable to activate the pressure
source to expel the entangling projectile from the projectile
casing toward the subject; the projectile casing being removably
engageable with the launcher to allow removal of the projectile
casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entangling
projectile from the projectile casing.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure source comprises a
cartridge blank.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the cartridge blank is
irremovably attached to the cartridge projectile casing such that
the cartridge is a single actuation cartridge.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the entangling projectile is
removably installed within the projectile casing.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure source comprises
compressed gas.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the activator comprises a sliding
firing bolt.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the pressure source is positioned
in a trajectory of the sliding firing bolt when the projectile
casing is engaged with the launcher.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the activator comprises an
electronic switch, and wherein the pressure source is
electronically coupled to the electronic switch when the cartridge
is engaged with the launcher.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of sockets are angled
relative to one another such that the pellets travel apart from one
another as they are expelled from the projectile casing, at least a
portion of one of the sockets extending beneath a portion of
another of the sockets within the cartridge.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the sockets are vertically
offset relative to one another and extend in planes parallel to one
another.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more
engagement hooks coupled to at least one of the pair of pellets,
the engagement hooks being operable to engage clothing worn by a
subject of the deployment system to aid in retaining the entangling
projectile about the subject.
12. A projectile deployment system, comprising: an entangling
projectile, including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the
pellets; a projectile casing, including a pair of sockets, each
socket sized to carry one of the pellets; the pair of sockets being
angled relative to one another such that the pellets travel apart
from one another as they are expelled from the projectile casing,
at least a portion of one of the sockets overlapping a portion of
another of the sockets; and a launcher, carrying the projectile
casing; a selectively activatable pressure source carried by one of
the launcher or the projectile casing, the pressure source capable
of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing
toward a subject.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the pressure source is carried
by the casing and the activator is carried by the launcher.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the activator comprises a
sliding firing bolt.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the pressure source is
positioned in a trajectory of the sliding firing bolt when the
projectile casing is engaged with the launcher.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the pressure source comprises a
cartridge blank.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the sockets are vertically
offset relative to one another and extend in planes parallel to one
another.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the pellets overlap one another
when installed within the sockets.
19. The system of claim 12, wherein the sockets are oriented at an
angle of between about 25 degrees and about 45 degrees relative to
one another.
20. The system of claim 12, wherein the pressure source is in fluid
communication with a single discharge bore, the single discharge
bore being in fluid communication with each of the sockets.
21. The system of claim 12, further comprising one or more
engagement hooks coupled to at least one of the pair of pellets,
the engagement hooks being operable to engage clothing worn by a
subject of the deployment system to aid in retaining the entangling
projectile about the subject.
22. A projectile deployment system, comprising: an entangling
projectile, including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the
pellets; a projectile casing, including: a pair of sockets, each
socket sized to carry one of the pair of pellets, the pair of
sockets being angled relative to one another such that the pellets
travel apart from one another as they are expelled from the
projectile casing, at least a portion of one of the sockets
overlapping a portion of another of the sockets; a cartridge blank,
carried by the projectile casing, the cartridge blank being capable
of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing
toward a subject when activated; and a launcher carrying a sliding
firing bolt operable to activate the cartridge blank to expel the
entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward the
subject; the projectile casing being removably engageable with the
launcher to allow removal of the projectile casing from the
launcher after expulsion of the entangling projectile from the
projectile casing.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/167,920, filed Oct. 23, 2018, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/467,958, filed
Mar. 23, 2017, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,107,599, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/081,440, filed Mar. 25, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
10,036,615, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/399,537, filed Jan. 5, 2017, each of which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to non-lethal,
ranged weapons systems to aid in impeding or subduing hostile or
fleeing persons of interest.
Related Art
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a projectile
deployment system is provided, including an entangling projectile,
including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A
projectile casing can include a pair of sockets, each socket sized
to carry one of the pair of pellets, and a selectively activatable
pressure source, carried by the projectile casing. The pressure
source can be capable of expelling the entangling projectile from
the projectile casing toward a subject. A launcher can carry an
activator operable to activate the pressure source to expel the
entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward the
subject. The projectile casing can be removably engageable with the
launcher to allow removal of the projectile casing from the
launcher after expulsion of the entangling projectile from the
projectile casing.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect, a projectile deployment
system is provided, including an entangling projectile having a
pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile
casing can include a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry
one of the pellets. The pair of sockets can be angled relative to
one another such that the pellets travel apart from one another as
they are expelled from the projectile casing, with at least a
portion of one of the sockets overlapping a portion of another of
the sockets. A launcher can carry the projectile casing, and a
selectively activatable pressure source can be carried by one of
the launcher or the projectile casing. The pressure source can be
capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile
casing toward a subject. The projectile casing can be removably
engageable with the launcher to allow removal of the projectile
casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entangling
projectile from the projectile casing.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect, a projectile deployment
system is provided, including an entangling projectile having a
pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile
casing can include a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry
one of the pair of pellets, the pair of sockets being angled
relative to one another such that the pellets travel apart from one
another as they are expelled from the projectile casing, with at
least a portion of one of the sockets overlapping a portion of
another of the sockets. A cartridge blank can be carried by the
projectile casing, the cartridge blank being capable of expelling
the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a
subject when activated. A launcher can carry a sliding firing bolt
operable to activate the cartridge blank to expel the entangling
projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject. The
projectile casing can be removably engageable with the launcher to
allow removal of the projectile casing from the launcher after
expulsion of the entangling projectile from the projectile
casing.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a side view of a pellet and a portion of a tether
of the projectile of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 2B is an end view of the pellet of FIG. 2A;
[0014] 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;
[0015] FIG. 3B is a top view of the subject and projectile of FIG.
3A, shown shortly after the entangling projectile engaged the
subject;
[0016] 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;
[0017] FIG. 5 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;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of an entangling
projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a projectile deployment
system of the present invention, shown in an exploded condition
with a projectile casing being removed from or installed in a
launcher;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front view of the projectile casing of FIG.
7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the projective casing of FIG.
7;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a top, partially sectioned view of the projectile
casing of FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side, partially sectioned view of the
projectile casing of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 12 is another side, partially sectioned view of the
projectile casing of FIG. 7; and
[0025] FIG. 13 is a side, partially sectioned view of the launcher
of FIG. 7, shown with various components removed to reveal inner
components of the launcher.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] 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.
Definitions
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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 to produce only a
high velocity pressure wave, without an accompanying shot or
slug.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
Invention
[0035] The present technology relates generally to non-lethal
weapons systems, sometimes referred to as ensnarement or
entanglement 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 or to engage in
close proximity hand-to-hand combat. 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.
[0036] 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, multiple
portions of the subject's body can be targeted, such as both the
arms and the legs.
[0037] As shown generally in FIGS. 1-5, 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. In addition to the launchers
discussed herein, numerous examples of suitable launchers are
provided, as examples, in the above-referenced 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.
[0038] 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 (243.8 ms/)). 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 entangling
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.
[0039] 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 in FIG. 4
the subject's legs are engaged), the pellets and tether wrap about
the subject and thereby temporarily entangle and/or disable the
subject.
[0040] 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.
[0041] FIG. 5 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.
[0042] 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 (as detailed further below). 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.
[0043] 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 and to reduce the impact should a pellet hit the
subject. In this manner, the technology can be provided in a
lightweight, hand-held device.
[0044] 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 (0.84 cm) with a
length of about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.54-3.81 cm) with a weight of
about 5-6 grams combined with a tether of about 7 feet (2.13 m)
weighing about 1 gram provides an effective entangling projectile.
The present casing discussed below has been designed to effectively
deliver such entangling projectiles with a high degree of precision
and reliability.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of one exemplary entangling
projectile 12a in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
In this example, pellet 14a is provided that includes various
features that aid in more accurately and effectively engaging a
subject. A portion of tether 16 is shown extending from access hole
166b, which is generally formed in or through a shank of the pellet
14a. The tether can be secured to the shank by the use of adhesive
applied through access hole 166b. A hook assembly 180 can be
attached atop the shank of the pellet, and can be secured to the
shank via application of adhesive through access hole 166a. Access
holes 166a and 166b, which function much like rosettes, can be used
to allow the hook structure or pellet to be coupled to the tether,
or to one another. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the hook assembly
180 can be positioned where desired, and a small amount of adhesive
or other attachment material can be applied through access hole
166a to mount the hook assembly in position. Access hole 166b can
be easily used in the same manner to mount the pellet 14a to the
tether 16.
[0048] The entangling projectile 12a shown in FIG. 6 is but one
example of the various types of projectiles that can be used with
the present invention. Further examples are provided in the
above-referenced parent case, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/399,537, filed Jan. 5, 2017, which is hereby incorporated herein
by reference.
[0049] While the present projectiles can be used with variety of
launchers, FIGS. 7 through 13 illustrate one exemplary system that
can be utilized to effectively direct the entangling projectile
toward a subject. As shown in exploded view in FIG. 7, the
projectile deployment system 40 generally includes an entangling
projectile that includes a pair of pellets 14a, 14b, and a tether
16 connecting the pellets (note that the tether is omitted from
many of these views to enable a more clear description of other
components). A projectile casing 44 is provided that can include a
pair of sockets 30a, 30b (see FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, for example).
Each socket can be sized and shaped to carry one of the pair of
pellets: in the examples shown, socket 30a carries pellet 14a and
socket 30b carries pellet 14b.
[0050] The projectile casing 44 can include a selectively
activatable pressure source 50 (FIGS. 9-12). The pressure source
can be carried by the projectile casing, independently of the
launcher or other components of the system. The pressure source can
be capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the
projectile casing toward a subject 100. The system can also include
a launcher 42 that can carry an activator operable to activate the
pressure source to expel the entangling projectile from the
projectile casing toward the subject. One example of activator 54
is discussed in more detail below in relation to FIG. 13.
[0051] The projectile casing 44 can be removably engageable with
the launcher 42 to allow removal of the projectile casing from the
launcher after expulsion of the entangling projectile 12 from the
projectile casing. In this manner, the present technology provides
a deployment system that includes two separate and distinct
components: the launcher 42 and the projectile casing 44. In one
embodiment, the pellets 14a, 14b and tether 16 are carried by the
projectile casing, as is the pressure source 50. The activator (54
in FIG. 13, for example) is carried by the launcher. Generally, all
components necessary to power the activator are carried by the
launcher, and all components necessary to launch the projectile are
carried by the projectile casing. In this manner, the unit as a
whole is not operable until the casing 44 and the launcher 42 are
functionally engaged with one another. Once the two are engaged
with one another, operation of the launcher 42 (and the activator
54) results in expulsion of the entangling projectile from the
casing 44.
[0052] In the example shown, launcher 42 includes a trigger panel
46, discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. 13.
Generally, activation of the trigger panel causes the launcher 42
to activate the pressure source 50, which results in expulsion of
the entangling projectile from the casing 44. Once the projectile
has been deployed from a particular projectile casing, that casing
can be removed and a fresh projectile casing with a preinstalled
entangling projectile 12 and pressure source can be installed
within the launcher. Activation of a first casing and replacement
with a fresh casing can be achieved in a matter of seconds. Thus,
law enforcement, security, military, etc., personnel can very
rapidly exchange a spent projectile casing with a fresh projectile
casing that is loaded and ready to activate by the launcher.
[0053] As the casing 44 can include all the disposable components
of the system, the launcher 42 can have an extended useful life and
rarely, if ever, need be replaced or maintained. The entangling
projectile 12 and pressure source 50 can be installed within the
projectile casing in a controlled environment, thereby ensuring
that a clean, effective deployment can be consistently achieved.
Projectile casings can be provided to law enforcement personnel
loaded and ready to use, requiring only that the personnel insert
the projectile casing into the launcher. While it is contemplated
that end users of the device could reload the projectile casing
with a pressure source and entangling projectile, they are not
required to do so and is felt likely that quality can be much
better controlled by preloading the projectile casing with both the
entangling projectile and the pressure source.
[0054] The casing 44 can be held within the launcher 42 in a
variety of manners. In one embodiment, the casing can "snap" into
the launcher and be firmly held in position by one or more
mechanical locks (not shown in detail). The locks can be easily
disengaged by an end user when it is desired to remove the casing
from the launcher.
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the casing 44. In this
view, pellets 14a, 14b can be seen stored, ready for use, in
sockets 30a, 30b, respectively. Tether storage compartments 32 can
be provided and can consist of shaped depressions formed in the
projectile casing to allow the tether (not shown in this view) to
be stored adjacent the pellets prior to use. The projectile casing
can include a front shroud 56 that can serve to create a protective
pocket 58 around the tether and the pellets. As shown in FIG. 7, a
cover 57 can be applied over the pocket 58 and can be attached to
the shroud 56 to protect the pocket from exposure to contaminants
and/or to contain the entangling projectile within the projectile
casing.
[0056] In the examples shown in FIGS. 9-12, the pressure source 50
comprises a cartridge blank. This type of pressure source is well
known to contain gunpowder that is typically activated by striking
a primer formed in the cartridge. The blank cartridge contains no
slug; deployment of the cartridge results only in a high-pressure
wave being directed from the projectile casing. This high-pressure
wave is utilized by the present technology to propel the entangling
projectile from the system at high velocity. In one embodiment of
the invention, the cartridge blank can be irremovably attached to
the cartridge such that the cartridge is a single actuation
cartridge. In this manner, installation of the cartridge can be
done in a controlled manufacturing environment, to ensure the
proper cartridge is use, that the cartridge is properly installed,
and that the casing 44 is otherwise ready for use. The cartridge
can be secured to the casing by adhesive, mechanical crimp,
etc.
[0057] By irremovably attaching the cartridge blank 50 to the
casing 44, there is little to no risk that an actual bullet or
"real" cartridge can be accidentally inserted into the casing. In
addition, a length and configuration of the central bore 60 can be
configured to prevent the insertion of anything other than a
properly designed blank cartridge 50.
[0058] In contrast, the entangling projectile 12 is removably
installed within the projectile casing. All components of the
entangling projectile (i.e., the pellets 14a, 14b and tether 16)
are installed within the casing such that they can be readily and
completely ejected from the casing when the pressure source 50 is
deployed. The geometry of the sockets 30a, 30b within the casing
44, along with the geometry of the pellets, has been carefully
designed to ensure that a consistent, effective deployment of the
entangling projectile is achieved each time the launcher is
activated. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate this geometry in more detail.
[0059] A shown in top view in FIG. 10, the sockets 30a and 30b are
angled relative to one another such that the pellets 14a, 14b
travel apart from one another as they are expelled from the
projectile casing 44. In the example shown, at least a portion of
one of the sockets extends beneath a portion of another of the
sockets within the cartridge (in this example, "bottom" socket 30b
extends beneath "upper" socket 30a). Depending upon the particular
arrangement, one of the pellets can overlap, or extend beneath or
above, another of the pellets when the pellets are installed within
the sockets. In the example shown, pellet 30b extends beneath (when
viewed perpendicularly from a horizontal plane on which the casing
sits) pellet 30a when the pellets are stored and ready for
activation. As shown in side view in FIG. 11, in one example, the
sockets can also be, or can alternatively be, vertically offset
relative to one another and can extend in planes parallel to one
another.
[0060] The casing 44 can also include a central bore 60, shown in
FIGS. 10-12, located immediately adjacent the discharge end of
pressure source or blank cartridge 50. In this embodiment, upon
activation, the blank cartridge 50 discharges into the central bore
a high-pressure wave. This high-pressure wave then travels into
both sockets 30a and 30b, generally distributed equally among the
two. Thus, each of socket 30a and socket 30b terminate into, or are
at least in fluid communication with, central bore 60.
[0061] As discussed, each of socket 30a, 30b can hold one pellet,
14a, 14b, respectively, prior to deployment of the pellets from the
projectile casing. As a high-pressure wave is generated by the
cartridge, it is directed through the central bore and is applied
to the pellets held in sockets 30a, 30b. The pellets are then
forcibly expelled from the inner block toward the subject.
[0062] As best appreciated from FIG. 10, 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 14a,
14b 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. The
forward energy applied to the pellets is both split between the two
pellets and angled by the nature of the sockets: as such, in the
event that a pellet inadvertently directly contacts a subject, the
force is less than that otherwise applied by a full charge,
minimizing the risk of injury to the subject.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] Referring again to FIG. 10, in this example the axes 31a,
31b of the sockets 30a, 30b, respectively, can intersect one
another at a location within the casing 44. That is, a portion or
section of one of the sockets can intersect with a portion or
section of the other socket within the confines of the casing. In
the example shown, sockets 30a and 30b intersect or overlap where
each socket is fluidly coupled to central bore 60. 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 central bore.
[0066] This stacking/overlap configuration allows the use of a
relatively narrow projectile casing 44 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 "a" 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 or Taser. While not so
limited, in one aspect of the invention, the projectile casing 44
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. Overlapping or stacking of the sockets also allows a vertical
displacement of the pellets to differ as the pellets contact the
subject. This vertical offset of the pellets is discussed in more
detail in the parent applications referenced above.
[0067] FIG. 13 illustrates one example of the launcher 42, and some
of the components within the launcher. Note that several operable
components of the launcher have been omitted from this view in the
interest of more clearly illustrating operable principals of the
launcher. In this example, the activator comprises a sliding firing
bolt 54. The firing bolt can include an internal spring 66 that can
be biased into a compressed condition to ready the bolt for firing.
This can be accomplished by a sliding "cocking" mechanism (not
shown in detail) that can be used to compress the internal spring.
Trigger panel 46 (which is generally accessible from atop the
launcher) can be depressed when it is desired to activate the
launch of the entangling projectile. Depressing panel 46 causes
lever 46a to depress lever 68, which in turn causes tang 70 to
release the firing bolt. The tension in spring 66 then propels bolt
54 along a predetermined trajectory. The blank cartridge 50, when
the casing was installed within the launcher, is positioned at the
end of the bolt's trajectory. The bolt impacts the cartridge,
causing the primer to ignite and generate a high-pressure wave.
[0068] While FIG. 13 illustrates general operation of the
triggering bolt 54, it is to be understood that many components
contributing to operation of the launcher have been omitted from
this view. These include, without limitation, structure used to
"cock" the firing bolt 54 into ready position; safety mechanisms
that can prevent inadvertent activation of the launcher, latching
mechanisms that latch the casing 44 to or within the launcher 42,
etc. One of ordinary skill in the art, having possession of this
disclosure, could readily appreciate the operation of such
components.
[0069] In addition to utilizing a blank cartridge as the pressure
source 50, the pressure source can be provided in a number of other
forms. In one example, the pressure source includes a compressed
gas cylinder that can be activated in much the same way as
discussed in relation to the blank cartridge. In other embodiments,
an electronic triggering system can be utilized. In this example,
an electronic switch (shown schematically for exemplary purposes at
80b in FIG. 13) can be provided within the launcher. Contact pad
80a can be provided on the casing (shown schematically for
exemplary purposes at 80b in FIG. 9) on the launcher. A
complementary pad (not shown) can be associated with the launcher.
Activation of the triggering panel 46 can activate the electronic
switch, which can then generate an electronic signal that can be
transferred to the projectile casing through pad 80a to thereby
cause activation of the pressure source. Pad 80a can ensure that
the electronic signal cannot be provided to the casing unless the
casing is properly installed within the launcher.
[0070] By packaging the pressure source 50 and the entangling
projectile 12 in the removable projectile casing 44, all of the
components that generate force (and react to force) are contained
in a single unit. There are no unnecessary gaps or connections
between the power source and the entangling projectile. This aspect
also eliminates any need to reload two parts, the entangling
projectile and the pressure source, as these are contained within
one removable part, the projectile casing, which can be easily and
quickly loaded into or unloaded from the launcher 42.
[0071] While much of the discussion above focused on the projectile
casing and launcher used in the present technology, the ballistic
features of the entangling projectiles must be carefully matched
with the operable features of the casing and launcher. Generally,
the entangling projectiles of the present technology are 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.
[0072] 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.
* * * * *