BR112018069581B1 - Projectile implementation system, and, one-person entanglement method - Google Patents

Abstract

A projectile implementation system includes an interlacing projectile including a pair of pellets and a cable connecting the pellets. A shell casing includes a pair of holders, each holder sized to carry one of the pair of pellets, and a selectively activatable pressure source carried by the shell shell. The pressure source is capable of expelling the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing towards a person. A launcher carries an activator operable to activate the pressure source to expel the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing towards the person. The projectile casing is detachably attachable to the launcher to allow removal of the projectile casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[001] Priority is claimed for US patent application 15/081,440, filed March 25, 2016, and US patent application 15/399,537, filed January 5, 2017, each of which is incorporated to this document by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

[002] The present invention generally pertains to non-lethal extended weapons systems to help subdue or prevent hostile persons of interest from fleeing.

Related Technique

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

[004] For at least these reasons, extended fitting devices such as the Taser™ have been developed to provide an alternative. While such electrical muscle-stalking ("EMD") weapons have been used with some success, debates continue as to whether such devices are as safe as claimed or are at an appropriate level of strength for many situations. Other extended plug-in solutions, such as truncheons or pepper spray, are very limited in scope and are often criticized because of the pain inflicted on people and the potential for such solutions to affect police or onlookers.

[005] As such, designers continue to look for non-lethal solutions that can be used effectively by police or law enforcement personnel especially to deter or subdue people on the run.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a projectile implementation system is provided, including an entanglement projectile, including a pair of pellets and a cable connecting the pellets. A projectile casing may include a pair of supports, each support sized to carry one of the pair of pellets, and a selectively activatable pressure source carried by the projectile casing. The pressure source may be capable of expelling the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing towards a person. A launcher may carry an operable activator to activate the pressure source to expel the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing towards the person. The shell casing may be removably attachable to the launcher to allow removal of the shell casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing.

[007] In accordance with another aspect, a projectile implementation system is provided, including an entanglement projectile having a pair of pellets and a cable connecting the pellets. A shell casing may include a pair of supports, each support sized to carry one of the pellets. The pair of brackets may be angled relative to each other in such a way that the pellets shift away from each other as they are expelled from the shell casing, with at least a portion of one of the brackets overlapping a portion of the other of the brackets. supports. A launcher can charge the shell casing, and a selectively activatable pressure source can be carried by either of the launcher or the shell shell. The pressure source may be capable of expelling the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing towards a person. The shell casing may be removably attachable to the launcher to allow removal of the shell casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing.

[008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a entanglement projectile for use in a projectile implementation system is provided, the entanglement projectile including a pair of pellets and a flexible cable connecting the pellets. A snap hook may be attached to one or both pellets, or to the handle, the snap hook being operable to engage clothing worn by a person engaged by the entanglement projectile to help retain the entanglement projectile around the person. .

[009] According to another aspect of the invention, a projectile implementation system is provided, including a launcher and an entanglement projectile, the entanglement projectile including a pair of pellets and a cable connecting the pellets, a projectile wrapper can be attached to the launcher, the shell casing including a pair of brackets, each bracket carrying one of the pellets. A selectively activatable pressure source may be charged by one of the launcher and the shell casing in such a way that activating the pressure source results in expelling the entanglement projectile from the projectile shell. The supports may be oriented within the projectile shell in such a way that the pellets displace in the direction of different vertical trajectories as they are expelled from the projectile shell.

[010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an entanglement projectile for use in a projectile implementation system is provided, the entanglement projectile including a pair of pellets and a flexible cable connecting the pellets. At least one snap hook may be attached to one or both of a pair of pellets or to the flexible cable, the snap hook being operable to engage clothing worn by a person engaged by the entanglement projectile to help retain the entanglement projectile. entanglement around the person.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[012] 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.

[013] Figure 1 is a top, bottom, front or rear view of an entanglement projectile extended substantially to its full length in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2A is a side view of a pellet and a part of a handle of the projectile of Figure 1; Figure 2B is an end view of the pellet of Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a top view of a person towards which an entanglement projectile has been launched, shown just before the entanglement projectile engages with the person; Figure 3B is a top view of the person and projectile of Figure 3A, shown immediately after the entanglement projectile engages with the person; Figure 4 is a front view of a part of a person according to an embodiment of the invention, shown just before an entanglement projectile engages the person's legs; Figure 5 is a front view of an entanglement projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the pellets pulling the cable into a condition shown; Figure 6 is a side view of a part of an entanglement projectile according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a projectile delivery system of the present invention, shown in an exploded condition with a projectile casing being removed from or installed in a launcher; Figure 8 is a front view of the projectile casing of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a rear view of the projectile casing of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a partially sectioned top view of the projectile casing of Figure 7; Figure 11 is a partially sectioned side view of the projectile casing of Figure 7; Figure 12 is another partially sectioned side view of the projectile casing of Figure 7; Figure 13 is a partially sectioned side view of the launcher of Figure 7, shown with various components removed to reveal internal components of the launcher; Figure 14 is a side view of a section of an entanglement projectile according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 is a sectional side view of a hook portion of a pellet according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 is a sectional side view of a hook portion of a pellet according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 is an end view of a pellet according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 is an end view of another pellet according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 19 is a side view of a part of an entanglement projectile according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 20 is a side view of a part of an entanglement projectile according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 21 is a side view of a part of an entanglement projectile according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 22 is a partially sectioned side view of a part of an entanglement projectile according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 23 is a side view of a part of an entanglement projectile according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 24 is an end view of an exemplary projectile casing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 25 is a side view of the exemplary projectile casing of Figure 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[014] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used in this document to describe the same. Nevertheless it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thus intended. Additional changes and modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to those skilled in the art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Definitions

[015] As used in this document, the singular forms “a” and “the” may include referring plurals unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. So, for example, reference to "a pellet" may include one or more such pellets, if the context dictates.

[016] As used in this document, the terms "firearm blank" and "empty cartridge" refer to the well-known blank cartridge that can be used with firearms. Such blank cartridges contain powder, but not a bullet or charge: as such, they can be fired to produce only a high-velocity pressure wave, without an accompanying charge or bullet.

[017] 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" closed is an article that is completely closed or almost completely closed. The exact permissible degree of deviation from absolute completeness in some cases may depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the closeness of completion will be in order to have the same complete 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 nearly complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As another arbitrary example, a composition that is "substantially free of" a component or element may still actually contain such an item as long as there is no measurable effect as a result of it.

[018] As used in this document, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility for a numerical range endpoint by indicating that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint. far end.

[019] Relative directional terms may be used sometimes in this document to describe and claim various components of the present invention. Such terms include, without limitation, “up”, “down”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, etc. These terms are generally not intended to be limiting, and are used to more clearly describe and claim the various features of the invention. Where such terms should carry some limitation, they are intended to be limited to usage known and commonly understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art in the context of this disclosure.

[020] As used in this document, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional and/or material elements may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each component of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique component. Thus, no individual component of such a list should not be interpreted as a de facto equivalent of any other component of the same list solely on the basis of its presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

[021] Numerical data may be expressed or presented in this document in a range format. It is to be understood that a range format such as this is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly as including not only the numerical values explicitly reported as the range limits, but also as including all individual numerical values or subranges. contained within that range as if each numeric value and subrange were reported explicitly. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted as including not only the explicitly reported values of about 1 to about 5, but also including individual values and subranges within the indicated range. Thus, individual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as 1-3, 2-4 and 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, are included in this numerical range. individually.

[022] This same principle applies to ranges relating only a numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, an interpretation such as this must be applied regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. Invention

[023] The present technology relates generally to non-lethal weapons systems, sometimes referred to as snare or entanglement capture systems, which can be used effectively as an aid to deter or deter the advance of aggressive persons. or on the run. Devices in accordance with the present technology may be used to advantage to temporarily impede a person's ability to walk, run or use their arms in cases where law enforcement, security or military personnel wish to detain that person but do not wish to use lethal or harmful force or come into close proximity to melee combat. The technology provides a way in which a person's arms or legs can be temporarily tied or joined, to the extent that it is difficult for the person to continue moving in a normal way.

[024] While the present technology can be targeted to any part of a person's body, the following discussion will focus primarily on using the technology to temporarily tie or join a person's legs. It is to be understood, however, that the present technology is not limited to this application. In some cases, multiple parts of the person's body can be targeted, such as both arms and legs.

[025] As shown generally in Figures 1-5, the present technology provides an entanglement projectile 12 that can be launched towards a person's legs to cause the projectile to be wrapped around the person's legs. . The projectile includes at least one flexible cable 16 and at least two pellets 14, coupled together by the cable. By enclosing a person with the entanglement projectile, the person is temporarily incapacitated partially or fully and thereby restricted in their ability to flee or attack. The entanglement projectiles of the present technology are launched towards a person (100 in Figures 3A-4) by a launcher. In addition to the launchers discussed in this document, numerous examples of suitable launchers are provided, such as examples in the parent case referenced above, US Patent Application 15/081,440, filed March 25, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in your totality. Such launchers may include energy sources such as compressed gas, explosives/fuels, mechanical springs, etc.

[026] Generally speaking, a launcher for use with the present entanglement projectiles will launch the projectile towards a 100 person at a relatively high rate of speed. Typically, the projectile can be launched towards a person from a distance of between about 6 feet and about 30 feet (1.8 to 9.1 meters), and engages the person within a time of about 30 feet. 0.0075 to 0.0375 second (shifting at about 800 ft/second (243.8 m/s)). After being launched by the caster, the entanglement projectile will wrap around the person's legs two or three or more times, causing the person to be temporarily unable to move effectively. As the entanglement projectile can be launched from a distance, law enforcement personnel can maintain a safe distance from a person, while still being able to effectively and safely restrain, disable, or temporarily impede the person.

[027] Operation of the entanglement projectile is shown in a general way in Figure 4: after being released by a launcher, the projectile 12 moves towards a person 100. As the projectile moves towards the person, the pellets 14 move one away from the other, resulting in the cable 16 shown between the two being pulled substantially. Once the projectile engages with the person (in the example shown in Figure 4 the person's legs are docked), the pellets and cable wrap around the person and thereby entangle and/or temporarily disable the person.

[028] A variety of different pellet and cable combinations can be used in the present technology. In the examples shown in Figures 1-4, the projectile 12 is shown with two generic pellets 14 connected by a single cable 16. Although more than two pellets can be used, the examples shown in this document include only two. In some embodiments, the invention is limited to two, and only two, pellets connected by a single cable. In one aspect, the invention consists of two pellets and a single cable. In one aspect, the invention essentially consists of two pellets and a single cable. It has been found that limiting the amount of pellets to two results in a more effective implementation system: the risk of tangling the cable 16 is reduced and the pellets spread farther away from each other much cleaner and faster after being thrown by the pitcher. This results in a more consistent trajectory after launch. This arrangement, with the proper launcher configuration, can also allow projectiles to be aimed more precisely at a person.

[029] Figure 5 illustrates additional features of the entanglement projectile 12. As referenced above, the projectile includes two pellets 14 coupled at opposite ends of a cable 16. In this embodiment, two and only two pellets are provided, coupled by only one single handle 16. The use of only two pellets has been found to be advantageous in that a much cleaner and more accurate projectile can be aimed at a person, and the projectile can engage the person more effectively. The pellets 14 can apply equal and opposite forces, shown, for example, with the directional indicators 102 and 104, on the cable 16. In this mode, the cable is pulled into a linear configuration shown by the force of the pellets moving one away from the other.

[030] Cable 16 may not include additional structure attached to it, with no additional structure extending therefrom. In this mode, the pellets 14 can pull the cable into the straight, continuous linear configuration shown. The cable and pellets may occupy substantially a common plane 106 in the configuration immediately prior to contacting a person. As shown, this plane 106 is typically offset angularly from the "true" horizontal 108, as the pellets are positioned at different elevations prior to contacting the person (as detailed further below). By omitting additional pellets or cables, or other extraneous structure, the present technology can deliver an entanglement projectile that engages with a person with a much higher rate of successful engagements.

[031] Figure 1 illustrates the projectile 12 extended to its full length “Lo”. In one embodiment, the total cable length is much greater than the pellet size (LP). The overall length can be on the order of seven feet (2.14 meters) or greater. The pellets can have a length of “LP” on the order of one inch (2.54 cm), and a diameter of “DP” on the order of 3/8 of an inch (0.95 cm). Although different embodiments of the technology may vary, in general it is desirable to keep the pellets to a relatively small size to thereby limit the overall size requirements of the projectile envelope housing the pellets prior to launch and to reduce the impact with which a pellet must hit the person. In this mode, the technology can be delivered in a lightweight, handheld device.

[032] The ratio of pellet diameter, weight and length to cable length/weight can significantly affect the performance of the entanglement projectile. A pellet diameter of about 0.330 inch (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 cable of about 7 feet (2.13 m) weighing about 1 gram provide an effective entanglement projectile. The present wrap discussed below is designed to effectively deliver such entanglement projectiles with a high degree of accuracy and reliability.

[033] Cable 16 can be formed from a variety of materials. In one aspect, the cable is formed of conventional nylon material. Waxed cable can also be used, as the wax can help package and/or wrap the cable to fit properly inside the cable compartments and stay inside. In one embodiment, the cable may be formed of an elastic material.

[034] In one example, the cable is formed from Kevlar™ cable, with a thickness of about 0.1 mm. A Kevlar cable has been confirmed to work well for a variety of reasons. Kevlar cable is very strong, and not as prone to breakage as other cables. Furthermore, the Kevlar material does not tend to “wick” adhesives like other materials - thus minimizing adhesive drying/curing times and reducing the tendency of the cord to become stiff with cured adhesive that has wicked over a long period of time. cable stretches.

[035] Figure 6 illustrates a part of an exemplary entanglement projectile 12c according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the 14c pellet is provided including several features that help it fit more precisely and effectively with a person. A portion of the handle 16 is shown extending from the access hole 166b, which is generally formed through a pellet shank 14c. The cable may be secured to the stem by the use of adhesive applied through access hole 166b. A hook assembly 180 may be attached to the top of the pellet shaft, and may be secured to the shaft 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 or pellet structure to be coupled to the handle, or to each other. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the hook assembly 180 can be positioned where desired, and a small amount of adhesive or other fastening material can be applied through the access hole 166a to hold the hook assembly in position. Access hole 166b can easily be used in the same way to mount the pellet 14c to the cable 16.

[036] While the present projectiles can be used with a variety of launchers, Figures 7 to 13 illustrate an exemplary system that can be utilized to effectively direct the entanglement projectile towards a person. As shown in an exploded view in Figure 7, the projectile implementation system 40 generally includes an interlacing projectile that includes a pair of pellets 14a, 14b, and a cable 16 connecting the pellets (note that the cable has been omitted). in many of these views to enable a clearer description of other components). A projectile housing 44 is provided which may include a pair of brackets 30a, 30b (see Figures 8, 10 and 11, for example). Each carrier can be sized and shaped to carry one of the pair of pellets: in the examples shown, carrier 30a carries pellet 14a and carrier 30b carries pellet 14b.

[037] Projectile housing 44 may include a selectively activatable pressure source 50 (Figures 9 - 12). The pressure source can be carried by the shell casing independently of the launcher or other system components. The pressure source may be capable of expelling the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing towards a person 100. The system may also include a launcher 42 which may carry an operable activator to activate the pressure source to expel the entanglement projectile. of the shell of the projectile towards the person. An example of activator 54 is discussed in more detail below with respect to Figure 13.

[038] The projectile casing 44 may be removably attachable to the launcher 42 to allow removal of the projectile casing from within the launcher after expulsion of the entanglement projectile 12 from within the projectile casing. In this mode, the present technology provides an implementation system that includes two separate and distinct components: the launcher 42 and the projectile casing 44. In one embodiment, the pellets 14a, 14b and the cable 16 are carried by the projectile casing, already that it is the source of pressure 50. The activator (54 in Figure 13, for example) is carried by the launcher. Generally speaking, all components needed to power up the activator are carried by the launcher, and all components needed to launch the projectile are carried by the projectile wrap. In this mode, the unit as a whole is not operable until the shroud 44 and launcher 42 are functionally interlocked with each other. Once the two are engaged with each other, operation of launcher 42 (and activator 54) results in the expulsion of the entanglement projectile from within the shell 44.

[039] In the example shown, launcher 42 includes a trigger panel 46, discussed in more detail below in connection with figure 13. Generally speaking, activating the trigger panel causes launcher 42 to activate the trigger source. pressure 50, which results in the expulsion of the entanglement projectile from within the casing 44. Once the projectile has been launched from a particular projectile casing, that casing can be removed and a new projectile casing with an entanglement projectile 12 and pre-installed pressure source can be installed inside the launcher. Activation of a first wrap and replacement with a new wrap can be achieved in a matter of seconds. Thus, law enforcement, security, military personnel, etc., can very quickly exchange a spent shell casing for a new shell casing that is loaded and ready for activation by the caster.

[040] As the 44 wrap can include all the expendable components of the system, the 42 launcher can have an extended lifespan and rarely, if ever, needs to be replaced or serviced. The entanglement projectile 12 and pressure source 50 can be installed within the projectile casing in a controlled environment, thereby ensuring that a clean and effective launch can be consistently achieved. Projectile wraps can be provided to law enforcement personnel loaded and ready to use, requiring only personnel to insert the projectile wrap into the launcher. While it is assumed that end users of the device can reload the shell casing with a pressure source and entangle shell, they are not required to do so and it is more likely that quality can be controlled much better through preloading. of the shell casing with both the entanglement shell and the pressure source.

[041] The 44 wrap can be retained inside the 42 launcher in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the wrap may "press fit" the launcher and be held securely in position by one or more mechanical latches (not shown in detail). The latches can be easily disengaged by an end user when it is desired to remove the wrapper from inside the launcher.

[042] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the wrapper 44. In this view, the pellets 14a, 14b can be seen installed, ready for use, on the supports 30a, 30b, respectively. Cable storage compartments 32 may be provided and may consist of shaped depressions formed in the bullet casing to allow cable (not shown in this view) to be stored adjacent to the pellets prior to use. The shell casing may include a front cover 56 which may serve to create a protective cavity 58 around the handle and pellets. As shown in Figure 7, a cover 57 can be applied over the cavity 58 and can be attached to the cover 56 to protect the cavity from exposure to contaminants and/or to contain the entanglement projectile within the projectile housing.

[043] In the examples shown in Figures 9-12, the pressure source 50 comprises a blank cartridge. This type of pressure source is well known to contain gunpowder which is typically activated by striking a detonator formed in the cartridge. The blank cartridge contains no bullet; cartridge firing only results in a high pressure wave being directed by the shell casing. This high pressure wave is utilized by the present technology to propel the entanglement projectile from the system at high speed. In one embodiment of the invention, the blank cartridge may be non-removably attached to the cartridge in such a way that the cartridge is a single-shot cartridge. In this mode, cartridge installation can be done in a controlled manufacturing environment to ensure that the proper cartridge is used, that the cartridge is properly installed, and that the housing 44 is otherwise ready for use. The cartridge can be attached to the case by adhesive, mechanical crimping, etc.

[044] By non-removably attaching the blank cartridge 50 to the casing 44, there is little to no risk that a live bullet or "real" cartridge could be accidentally inserted into the casing. Furthermore, a length and configuration of the center hole 60 may be defined to prevent the insertion of anything other than a properly designed blank cartridge 50.

[045] In contrast, the entanglement projectile 12 is removably installed within the projectile housing. All components of the entanglement projectile (i.e., pellets 14a, 14b and cable 16) are installed within the shell in such a way that they can be promptly and completely ejected from the shell when the pressure source 50 is activated. The geometry of the supports 30a, 30b within the shell 44, together with the geometry of the pellets, has been carefully designed to ensure that a consistent and effective launch of the entanglement projectile is achieved each time the launcher is activated. Figures 10-12 illustrate this geometry in more detail.

[046] As shown in top view in Figure 10, the supports 30a and 30b are angled relative to each other in such a way that the pellets 14a, 14b shift away from each other as they are expelled from the projectile shell. 44. In the example shown, at least a portion of one of the holders extends under a portion of the other holders within the cartridge (in this example, the "lower" holder 30b extends under the "upper" holder 30a). Depending on the particular arrangement, one of the pellets may overlap or extend below or above another of the pellets when the pellets are installed within the holders. In the example shown, the pellet 30b extends underneath (when viewed perpendicular to a horizontal plane on which the wrapper is placed) of the pellet 30a when the pellets are installed and ready for activation. As shown in side view in figure 11, in one example, the supports may also be, or alternatively may be, offset vertically with respect to each other and may extend in planes parallel to each other.

[047] The wrapper 44 may also include a central hole 60, shown in Figures 10-12, located immediately adjacent to the discharge end of the pressure source or blank cartridge 50. In this embodiment, upon activation, the blank cartridge 50 discharges inside the central hole a high pressure wave. This high pressure wave then travels into both supports 30a and 30b, distributed generally equally between the two. Thus, each of the support 30a and the support 30b terminates in the central hole 60 or is at least in fluid communication therewith.

[048] As discussed, each of the holders 30a, 30b can hold a pellet, 14a, 14b, respectively, prior to launching the pellets from within the projectile casing. As a high pressure wave is generated by the cartridge, it is directed through the central hole and applied to the pellets held in the holders 30a, 30b. The pellets are then forcibly expelled from the inner block towards the person.

[049] As best seen in figure 10, the supports 30a, 30b can be oriented at an angle “α” with respect to each other. Although the angle may vary, it is generally an acute angle, typically ranging from about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle can range from about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle is about 30 degrees. By angling the holders relative to each other, the pellets 14a, 14b are directed away from each other as they are expelled from the holders. In this mode, the pellets are separated from each other very quickly, pulling the cable 16 to be stretched between them in such a way that the cable can fully extend before engaging with the person. The forward energy applied to the pellets is both split between the two pellets and angled by the nature of the supports; as such, in the event that a pellet unintentionally directly contacts a person, the force is less than that applied otherwise by a full load, minimizing the risk of injury to the person.

[050] The resulting launch is shown in figures 3A and 3B. In Figure 3A, the entanglement projectile 12 was launched towards a person 100 (shown above) and moved to engage with the person. Before contacting the person, the cable 16 has been stretched in such a way that the pellets 14 are displaced in a linear direction towards the person. Immediately after the cable 16 contacts the person, the momentum of the pellets, prevented by the cable from continuing along the present trajectory, causes them to start moving towards each other (shown in figure 3B), whose momentum will cause the pellets orbit around the person.

[051] As the pellets orbit around the person's legs, the cable wraps itself tightly around the person's legs. Note that as the cable wraps around the person's legs, the rotational speed of the pellets will increase, causing them to wrap more quickly as the effective length of the cable is decreased. On an average throw, the pellets will wrap themselves around the person's legs 2-3 times, resulting in the cable being wrapped around the person's legs 4-6 times. As will be seen, a person will have at least temporarily great difficulty in getting around after the cable is thus wrapped around his legs.

[052] Referring again to Figure 10, in this example the axes 31a, 31b of the supports 30a, 30b, respectively, may intersect each other at a location within the envelope 44. That is, a part or section of one of the supports may intersect with a part or section of the other support within the confines of the wrap. In the example shown, the brackets 30a and 30b intersect or overlap where each bracket is fluidly coupled to the central hole 60. The brackets can also be stacked horizontally relative to each other to provide a one-on-one overlap configuration. other. In this mode, the brackets can be spaced relatively close together while also maintaining a desired angle between the two. The location at which the brackets intersect can be adjusted closer to or farther from the center hole.

[053] This stacking/overlapping configuration allows for the use of a relatively narrow 44 shell casing irrespective of the angle at which it is desired to orient the supports. If the supports are merely oriented in a side-to-side relationship, without overlapping axes, the width or diameter of the projectile casing would have to be increased as the angle "α" between the geometry axes of supports 31 has been increased. By overlapping the geometry axes, however, this limitation in arranging the supports is eliminated. This can allow the shell casing to be much narrower than otherwise possible. This results in a launcher system that can be easily carried by law enforcement personnel, similar to conventional firearms or the Taser. While not so limited, in one aspect of the invention, projectile shell 44 may be formed having a maximum diameter or width of less than about two inches (5.1 cm), and as little as 1 1/2 inch (3.8 cm). cm) or less. The shell casing can be formed to a length of less than about 2 inches (6.4 cm), or as little as two inches (5.1 cm) or less. Overlapping or stacking the supports also allows for a vertical displacement of the pellets to differ as the pellets contact the person. This vertical displacement of the pellets is discussed in more detail in the parent orders referenced above.

[054] Figure 13 illustrates an example of the launcher 42, and some of the components inside the launcher. Note that several operable launcher components have been omitted from this view in the interest of illustrating more clearly the main operable launcher components. In this example, the activator comprises a sliding firing pin 54. The firing pin may include an internal spring 66 which may be predisposed to a compressed condition to make the pin ready to fire. This can be accomplished by means of a sliding “cock” mechanism (not shown in detail) that can be used to compress the inner spring. The firing panel 46 (which is generally accessible from the top side of the launcher) can be pressed when it is desired to activate the launch of the entanglement projectile. Depressing panel 46 causes lever 46a to depress lever 68, which in turn causes tenon 70 to release firing pin. Tension in spring 66 then drives pin 54 along a predetermined path. The 50 blank cartridge, when the wrap is installed inside the launcher, is positioned at the end of the pin's trajectory. The pin hits the cartridge, causing the detonator to ignite and generate a high-pressure wave.

[055] Although Figure 13 illustrates the general operation of the exemplary firing pin 54 shown, it is to be understood that many components contributing to the launcher's operation have been omitted from this view. These include, without limitation, structure used to “cock” firing pin 54 in the ready position; safety mechanisms that can prevent inadvertent activation of the launcher, locking mechanisms that secure the wrapper 44 to or within the launcher 42, etc. A person of ordinary skill in the art, having possession of this disclosure, can readily understand the operation of such components.

[056] In addition to using a blank cartridge as the pressure source 50, the pressure source can be provided in several other forms. In one example, the pressure source includes a cylinder of compressed gas which can be activated in much the same way as discussed in connection with the blank cartridge. In other embodiments, an electronic triggering system may be used. In this example, an electronic switch (shown schematically for purposes of exemplification as 80b in figure 13) can be provided within the launcher. Contact element 80a may be provided on the wrapper (shown schematically for purposes of exemplification as 80b in Figure 9) on the launcher. A companion element (not shown) can be associated with the caster. Activation of firing panel 46 can activate the electronic switch, which can then generate an electronic signal which can be transferred to the projectile shell via element 80a to thereby cause activation of the pressure source. Element 80a can ensure that electronic signal cannot be provided to the shroud unless the shroud is properly installed within the launcher.

[057] By packaging the pressure source 50 and the entanglement projectile 12 in the removable projectile casing 44, all components that generate force (and that react to force) are contained in a single unit. There are no unnecessary gaps or connections between the power source and the entanglement projectile. This aspect also eliminates any need to reload two parts, the entanglement projectile and the pressure source, as these are contained within a removable part, the projectile shell, which can be easily and quickly loaded into the launcher 42 or unloaded. the same.

[058] Figures 24 and 25 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the four supports 30c, 30d, 30e and 30f are formed on the exemplary inner projectile shell 44a. As shown in Fig. 25 , upper supports 30c, 30d can carry pellets of an entanglement projectile (not illustrated here) which are directed towards the front of the block upon activation.

[059] The bottom brackets 30e, 30f can load pellets from a different entanglement projectile (not illustrated here) and upon firing these pellets will be propelled at an angle not parallel to the top brackets by the angle “ε”. Each pair of brackets can also be oriented (or staggered vertically) as illustrated in Figures 8 and 11. In this embodiment, pointing the launcher containing the shroud 44a towards a target can result in launching a projectile towards the trunk of a person, while a second projectile is aimed at the person's legs. This may provide more opportunities to temporarily disable the person. This arrangement may also allow law enforcement personnel to point the launcher in the direction of a person's body mass. Since many law enforcement personnel are trained to shoot a person's torso rather than the person's legs, this can ensure that the projectile launcher is used properly by law enforcement personnel. The angle “ε” can vary, but the present inventors have found that as little as an angle of 6 degrees is sufficient to make two projectiles contact a person's body in different areas.

[060] In the embodiment shown in figures 24 and 25, activation of the power source 50 (not shown in these figures) results in both projectiles (four pellets in total) being expelled from the shell 44a. It is to be understood, however, that the system may be configured to provide a pressure wave to the upper supports independently of the lower supports, to allow, for example, law enforcement personnel to select which projectile to launch. Likewise, a block may contain more than two pairs of brackets that can fire simultaneously, or they can be configured to fire separately by means of one or more firing mechanisms.

[061] While much of the previous discussion has focused on the shell and launcher shell used in the present technology, the ballistic capabilities of entanglement shells must be carefully matched to the operable devices of the shell and launcher. Generally, the entanglement projectiles of the present technology are provided as electrically inert. That is, they are not connected to a source of electrical charge, nor do they require an electrical charge to dominate or entwine a person. As used in this document, the term "electrically inert" is understood to refer to a condition in which projectiles, pellets and cable do not carry an electrical charge unless carried by inert objects within the environment into which the projectiles are launched. . So while some static charge can be carried by many objects in such an environment, projectiles (pellets and cable) do not carry any additional charge. In many embodiments, the cable and similarly pellets do not need to carry any other structure capable of delivering an electrical charge to a person.

[062] Additional examples of suitable pellets and cables are illustrated in Figures 14-23. In the example shown in Figure 14, at least one snap hook 144 may be coupled to at least one of the pellets 12. The snap hook may be operable to hook onto clothing worn by the person 100 engaged by the entanglement projectile to help retain the entanglement projectile around the person. The snap-in hook can also engage, during or after completion of winding, with another snap-in hook. The present inventors have found that while wrapping the present projectiles around a person has been proven to be effective, the use of snap hooks on the pellets can help retain the projectile around the person after the projectile has wrapped, increasing the likelihood of successful braiding or winding fit. The present snap hooks are designed to hook onto clothing worn by the person (or to engage with other projectile hooks), not necessarily the person's skin or body. In some modalities, hooking on the person's skin or body is undesirable, while in other modalities such a consideration may not be so critical (when very small hooks are used, for example).

[063] While the various snap hooks illustrated in the figures include a conventional "hook" shape, it is to be understood that the hooks may include linear segments that extend from the pellet in a variety of directions. For example, a hook may include a straight segment that extends perpendicularly from the pellet in one direction, and then bends at an angle in another direction. In other words, hooks don't have to contain curved parts - they can include one or more linear segments formed at angles to each other. Hooks can also extend directly from the pellet in a unitary direction, and do not need to include segments that extend in different directions.

[064] The present arrangement achieves this through the unique way in which the snap hooks are arranged in relation to the pellets. As shown, for example, in Figure 14, the hook 144 may include a point 146 that extends in a direction opposite to a direction in which the cable extends from the pellet. In this mode, the prong 146 may hook onto the person's clothing while the pellet is completing its winding around the person. Note that the distal end 170 of the pellet 14d of Figure 14 will be moving towards (and radially around) the person's clothing as the projectile winds. The end of the hook will hook into the person's clothing just before it completes its winding. This orientation allows the hook to immediately hook onto people's clothing: otherwise, the hook would be required to be pulled back to hook onto clothing.

[065] Conversely, in the embodiment shown in Figure 21, hooks 148 are provided oriented to extend from pellet 14h in the same direction as cable 16. According to varying embodiments, hooks may be provided in a forward orientation, a orientation backwards and in both orientations. In this example, hooks 144 are also provided which extend in the opposite direction. Pellets in accordance with the present technology may be provided including hooks oriented in one or both directions. In the examples shown in Figure 14, 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 help to retain the hooks in engagement with the person's clothing. In other embodiments, however, such as the one shown in Figure 16, no barbs are provided. In this case, the hooks 152 only include the unidirectional tip 154, which can be oriented or pointed in the direction of various angles or trajectories.

[066] As also shown in Figure 16, the hooks can be configured to extend from the pellet in a specific orientation. The angle “β” shown is the angle between the longitudinal axis (142 in Figure 14) of the pellet and the general direction of extension of the tip 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.

[067] As shown in Figure 14, in one aspect of the invention, the pellet may include a neck portion 160 which may include a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the pellet. Thus, the neck provides, in some embodiments, a recessed rod that extends away from the larger portion of the pellet containing the cavities 132.

[068] The snap hooks 144 can extend over the neck portion 160 of the pellet. In one embodiment, the snap hook extends outward in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis of the pellet to a circumferential extent. This circumferential extension of the snap hook may be less than a circumferential extension of an outer surface of the pellet. As can be seen in Figure 14, the hooks 144 extend outwards only to the diameter "D" of the bottom of the pellet. This allows the use of the hooks with the pellet, while also allowing the pellets to be inserted into a rack or cylinder from which the pellets will be discharged. Thus, hooks can be provided without requiring specialized configuration of the brackets. The pellets, with the hooks attached to them, can fit into the hole with the same diameter as is used for pellets without hooks.

[069] The recessed neck portion 160 provides an additional advantage in that the distal end 170 of the pellet is generally much larger than the neck portion, and thus has a greater mass. As the pellets are expelled by the launcher (which applies a pressure wave to the end 170 of the pellet of Figure 14), the neck portion is expelled first from the launcher's cylinder or support. However, as the cable is pulled taut, the end 170 becomes the leading end and the increased mass of this end helps to provide forward momentum for the pellet to obtain good winding around the person 100.

[070] Figures 15-18 illustrate exemplary embodiments in which a hook assembly may be provided as part of the pellet, or may serve as the pellet itself. In these embodiments, the hook structure includes a hollow rod 162 (Figure 15) that can accommodate the handle 16. In this mode, the hook structure can be easily attached to the handle without creating a weight shift on either side of the handle. The use of the hollow shank may also allow one or more hook structures to be attached to the handle along various longitudinal positions on the handle. For example, as shown in Figure 20, the pellet 14g does not include a hook structure. However, hook assembly 164 includes two hooks 144, and includes hollow rod 162 (not shown in detail). The hollow shank allows the hook assembly to be moved to any desired location along the cable 16 and to be easily mounted in place without damaging or twisting or bending the cable. The cable may include multiple hook assemblies 164 oriented in various directions including opposing hooks 180 (Figure 22) in such hook assembly. Cable hook mounts can also be employed in conjunction with pellet hook mounts.

[071] Access hole 166, which functions much like a rosette, can be used in this embodiment (and many others) to allow the hook or pellet structure to be easily attached to the cable. In the embodiment of Figure 20, the hook assembly 164 can be positioned where desired, and a small amount of adhesive or other fastening material can be applied through the access hole 166 to secure the hook assembly in position. In the example shown in Figure 14, the access hole 166 can easily be used either to secure the pellet to the cable 16 or to secure the hooks 144 within the pellet, if such an arrangement is desirable.

[072] Each of the examples shown in figures 14, 15, 16, 19 and 20 includes two hooks 144 attached to the pellet or carried by it. In addition to using two hooks, a single hook can also be used. Alternatively, it has been found that using multiple hooks, evenly spaced around the pellet, can ensure proper fit with a person. In Figure 17, three hooks 149 are used. In one embodiment, a triple hook has been found to be suitable. In figure 18, four hooks 151 are used. In each of these cases, the hooks are evenly spaced around the longitudinal axis of the pellet and the hollow shaft 162. In some embodiments, more than four hooks are used.

[073] Cable 16 may also include structure that can help limit a person's ability to quickly disengage from the cable. As shown, for example, in Figure 19, snap-in features 168 can be added to the cable spaced along the cable. Representative spacings are shown, for example, as “S”. Snap features 168 can take a variety of forms. In one example, small knots may be formed in the cable at regular intervals. These knots can fit into the person's clothing to limit the person's ability to quickly disengage from the projectile. They can also help make the cord snap into itself as it wraps around a person. In another example, beads, spheres or other structures may be attached to the handle or integrally formed therewith. Small “drops” or dots of adhesive or similar material can be added to the handle to create snap-in features. In another example, the snap-in feature may include the hook assembly shown at 164 in Figure 20, which may be spaced at regular intervals as desired. Thus, a series of hook assemblies can be attached to the cable at regular intervals.

[074] Cable 16 can be formed from a variety of materials. In one aspect, the cable is formed of conventional nylon material. Waxed cable can also be used, as the wax can help package and/or wrap the cable to fit properly inside the cable compartments and stay inside them. In one embodiment, the cable may be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material may allow the cable to be extended from a nominal configuration (eg “Lo” in figure 1) to a larger extended configuration.

[075] In one example, the cable can extend as much as 20% to 300% of its original length. By providing elasticity to the cable, the cable can be extended by the momentum of the pellets as the entanglement projectile is propelled towards a person. Thus, at the time shown in Figure 3A, just before contacting person 100, cable 16 may be in an extended configuration. Once the cable contacts the person, the elastic properties of the cable can help pull the pellets around the person. In this mode, in addition to the momentum of the pellets causing them to wrap around the person once the cable contacts the person, the elasticity in the cable can also help pull the pellets around the person.

[076] As shown in Figure 22, in one embodiment, a hook assembly 180 may be provided including a plurality of hooks 144, 148, etc. The hook assembly can be installed, for example, inside a hollow neck part 160 of a pellet (not fully shown in this figure). The hook assembly may include a front rod 182 and a rear rod 184. In this example, the rear rod 184 is installed inside the neck portion of the pellet next to the cable 16. The cable is then routed along the hooks of the hook assembly. as it extends from the pellet. In this mode, a longitudinal axis of the cable (shown, for example, as 192 in Fig. 23) is offset from a longitudinal axis of the hook assembly. The present inventors have discovered that shifting the longitudinal axis of the cable in this mode can result in the pellet and/or hook assembly "plumbing" with respect to the cable as it travels toward a person. This can help to successfully engage the person with the hooks when contacting the person's clothing (or when contacting hooks from another pellet or hook assembly).

[077] A similar relationship is shown in more detail in the additional embodiment shown in Figure 23. In this example, the pellet 14j may include a longitudinal axis 190. In this example, the cable is routed out of the pellet through opening 166 instead of by one end of the pellet. In this mode, the longitudinal axis 192 of the cable is offset from the longitudinal axis 190 of the pellet by the displacement Ow. Furthermore, as the cable is coupled to the pellet at opening 166, it is effectively coupled to the pellet with offset OL relative to a total length LP of the pellet. Note that, in this example, if the cable were extended from an upper end of the pellet, as shown in previous embodiments, the OL offset would be zero. In one example, the OL offset is about half the total length LP. In one aspect, the total length LP is about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) and the offset OL is about 0.75 inches (1.91 cm). In this embodiment, a neck part length is about 0.9 inch (2.29 cm). Thus, the opening 166 is formed in or through the neck part just above the widest part. Although not shown in Figure 23, in addition to the opening 166 of Figure 23 through which the cable can enter the pellet, an additional opening may be provided (typically higher up in the neck portion, as shown in Figure 14) to allow access to the hook mounting.

[078] By establishing one or both of these displacements greater than zero, the pellet (and any accompanying hooks) are partially rotated or “plumbed” in relation to the cable, 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.

[079] The hook assembly 180 illustrated in Figure 22 can be installed within a rod formed into the pellet, as shown, or it can be attached to one end of the pellet. In addition to the hook assembly being formed as an integral unit, the multiplicity of hooks can also be installed within the pellet or coupled to it as individual units.

[080] Several additional features of the present technology are illustrated throughout the accompanying figures. In one aspect of the invention, the one or more pellets may include a portion extending inwardly from an outside diameter, the recessed portion having an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the pellet such that a cavity is formed in the pellet, the cavity providing an area for accumulation of waste and gases carried by a pressure wave created by the projectile deployment system. In one example, the recessed part may completely encircle the pellet.

[081] The pellet may additionally include at least two recessed portions, the at least two recessed portions being spaced longitudinally along the pellet to create two cavities separated by an unmodified portion of the pellet. The recessed portion may include a conically shaped tapered portion extending into a flat portion substantially perpendicular to an elongated geometric axis of the pellet. The at least one recessed portion may be formed at an end of the pellet opposite an end of the pellet at which the cable is coupled to the pellet. At least one snap hook may be coupled to at least one of the pellets, the snap hook being operable to engage clothing worn by a person engaged by the latching projectile to help retain the latching projectile around the person.

[082] The pellet may include a neck part having a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the pellet, and the at least one snap hook may extend over the neck part of the pellet. The hook may include a tip that extends in a direction opposite to a direction in which the cable extends from the pellet. However, note that the pellet 12c may include only a single "head" 194, as shown in Figure 6, with no accompanying recesses.

[083] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for entangling a person is provided, including: pointing a projectile launcher at a person, the projectile launcher carrying an entanglement projectile having a pair of pellets connected by a cable , each of the pellets carried by one of a pair of supports formed in the launcher; and activating the projectile launcher to cause the pellets to be expelled from the projectile launcher, the pellets displacing out of the projectile launcher and laterally away from each other as they are being expelled from the projectile launcher, the pellets having different vertical elevations relative to each other when the cable contacts the person.

[084] The method may further include spacing the projectile launcher a distance from the person so that the cable is at substantially maximum extension at the point where the entanglement projectile engages the person. The cable may be elastic such that the cable can expand as the pellets are expelled from the shell casing. Activating the projectile launcher may include activating a cylinder of compressed gas carried by the projectile launcher. Activating the projectile launcher may include activating a blank cartridge carried by the projectile launcher. Expelling the pellets can include expelling the pellets at an angle between about 10 degrees and about 60 degrees to each other. The angle can be between about 25 degrees and about 45 degrees.

[085] The method may additionally include aligning the brackets inside the projectile launcher in a specific orientation before activating the launcher. Aligning the brackets in a specific orientation can include aligning the brackets to cause the pellets to travel in vertical paths of displacement as they are ejected from the projectile launcher.

[086] It is to be understood that the arrangements referenced above are illustrative of application to the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be imagined without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention although the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to persons 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 (9)

1. Projectile implementation system (40), characterized in that it comprises: an entanglement projectile (12), including a pair of pellets (14a, 14b) and a cable (16) connecting the pellets (14a, 14b) ; a projectile casing (44), including a pair of supports (30a, 30b), each support sized to carry one of the pellets (14a, 14b); the pair of supports (30a, 30b) being angled relative to each other in such a way that the pellets (14a, 14b) move away from each other as they are expelled from the projectile shell (44), at least one part of one of the supports overlapping a part of the other of the supports; the supports (30a, 30b) being displaced vertically with respect to each other and extending in planes parallel to each other; and a launcher (42), carrying the projectile casing (44); a selectively activatable pressure source (50) carried by one of the launcher (42) or projectile casing (44), the pressure source (50) capable of expelling the entanglement projectile (12) from the projectile casing (44) ) towards a person. 2. System (40), according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure source (50) is loaded by the projectile envelope (44) and an activator (54) is loaded by the launcher (42). 3. System (40), according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure source (50) comprises a blank cartridge. 4. System (40), according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure source (50) comprises a compressed gas reservoir. 5. System (40), according to claim 1, characterized in that the pellets (14a, 14b) overlap each other when installed inside the supports (30a, 30b). 6. System (40), according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure source (50) is in fluid communication with a single discharge hole (60), the single discharge hole being in fluid communication. fluid with each of the supports (30a, 30b). 7. System (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the projectile casing (44) is releasably coupled to the launcher (42) to enable interchangeability of multiple projectile casings. 8. System (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more snap hooks (144) coupled to at least one of the pair of pellets, the snap hooks (144) ) being operable to hook onto clothing worn by a person of the implementation system to help retain the entanglement projectile around the person. 9. Method of entangling a person, characterized in that it comprises: pointing the projectile implementation system (40), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, in the direction of a person; and activating the activatable pressure source selectively to activate the pressure source to expel the entanglement projectile from the projectile casing towards a person.

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