IL167142A - Hand held cold weapon such as a knuckleduster - Google Patents

Description

167142/2 167142 ,7-n | 453569 ηικ fl1 >N p Π pV ^ A HAND HELD COLD WEAPON SUCH AS A KNUCKLE DUSTER -14lL.DOC 5.1.2009 A HAND HELD COLD WEAPON SUCH AS KNUCKLE DUSTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to weapons, in general, and in particular, to a hand held weapon which may be used as a police baton, also known as a nightstick or billy club.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Police batons and nightsticks have long been known in the art. Generally, these include a club with a leather thong which can be looped around the wrist of a user. However, when the user loosens his grip, the baton falls from his hand and cannot be retrieved easily or quickly. In addition, these sticks are mainly useful for hitting an adversary.

Brass knuckles for increasing hitting power have also long been known in the art. However, these devices are not designed for applying localized pressure, but only for punching.

Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a weapon which can be used to apply localized pressure, and it would be very desirable to have such a weapon which can be used as a baton which would not fall when released.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION There is provided according to the present invention a weapon including a grip portion, an independent extension extending from each end of the grip portion and configured to extend partially around a hand of a user, wherein at least a portion of one of the extensions is shaped to create painful pressure on the body of an adversary.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the weapon further includes an additional extension extending from the grip portion substantially in an opposite direction from the independent extensions, the additional extension also being shaped to create painful pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be further understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an illustration of the weapon according to Figure 1 on the hand of a user; Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e are illustrations of the weapon of Figure 1 in use; Figure 4 is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5a is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5b is a top view of the weapon of Figure 5a; Figure 6a is an illustration the weapon according to Figure 5a on the hand of a user; Figures 6b, 6c and 6d are illustrations of the weapon of Figure 5a in use; Figure 7a is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7b is a top view of the weapon of Figure 7a.

Figure 8 is an illustration of the weapon of Figure 7a in use; Figure 9 is a partially cut-away side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a hand held weapon which can be used both defensively and offensively. The weapon includes a specially shaped handle which remains hanging from the fingers of a user even when the user's hand is not gripping the weapon, thereby permitting simultaneous use of the fingers or hand for other activities, such as holding or pushing an adversary. According to one embodiment of the invention, the weapon also includes an elongated club portion extending from the handle to form a baton. This elongated club portion is preferably integrally formed with the handle, but may alternatively be coupled thereto.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a side view of a weapon 10 constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 10 includes a grip portion 12 for gripping in the palm and fingers of the hand. Each end of grip portion 12 merges into an independent extension 14, 16 extending partially around the palm or fingers of the hand of a user, as shown in Figure 2. In this way, the weapon will engage the user's hand and prevent unintentional release of the weapon when the user is not holding the grip portion. This permits the user to release the grip portion and grab an opponent, or otherwise use his hand, without dropping the weapon. Thus, an extension 17' may be added to extension 16 to work together with end 15 of extension 14 to improve the retention of the weapon on the hand of a user.

At least a portion of at least one of the extensions is shaped to create painful pressure when pushed by a user 40 against the body of an adversary. Thus, extension 14, itself, may be shaped to press painfully against an adversary 42, as shown, by way of example, in Figures 3a and 3b. Or extension 16 may be configured to define a rounded point 17 at its end, for use by a user 43a pressing against sensitive locations on the body of an adversary 44a, as shown, by way of example only, in Figure 3c.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, weapon 10 further includes at least one additional extension extending substantially in an opposite direction from the independent extensions. In the embodiment of Figure 1, grip portion 12 merges into an additional extension 18. Additional extension 18 is preferably configured to define a rounded point 19 at its end, for use by a user 43b in pressing against sensitive areas, such as nerves, bone, etc., on the body of an opponent 44b, as seen, for example, in Figure 3d. In this embodiment, the rear of extension 14 defines a rounded corner 13 facing the opposite direction to extension 14. Extension 18 and corner 13 permit a user to apply painful pressure to an adversary 46 using a rearward movement of the user's hand 48, as seen, for example, in Figure 3e. It will be appreciated that both independent extensions may end in oppositely facing extensions or corners.

In the illustrated embodiment, extensions 14 and 16 are curved. Alternatively, these extensions may have any other shape which partially surrounds the hand and retains the weapon on the hand when the fingers do not grip the weapon.

Figure 4 is a side view of a weapon 20 constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 20 includes a grip portion 22 for gripping in the palm and fingers of the hand, and two independent extensions 24 and 26. Extension 24 extends partially around the palm or fingers of the hand of a user, and may include a pointed end 25 which extends around and protects the pointer of a user. Extension 26 extends partially around the palm or fingers of the hand of a user , and may include a pointed end 27 which extends around and protects the ring finger and pinky of a user. Together, extensions 24 and 26, and pointed ends 25 and 27, if present, serve to retain weapon 20 on the hand of the user, even when the user is not gripping the weapon. In addition, they serve as protection against a kick or hit, by preventing an adversary's leg or stick from passing between the extensions.

In this embodiment, both extensions 24 and 26 are shaped to exert painful pressure when pushed against the body of an adversary. Thus, extension 24 defines a rounded corner 25' shaped to press painfully against an adversary. And extension 26 is configured to define a rounded point 27' near its end, for use in pressing against sensitive locations on the body of an adversary.

Weapon 20 further includes an additional extension 28 extending substantially in an opposite direction from extension 26. Additional extension 28 is preferably configured to define a rounded point 29 at its end, for inflicting painful pressure on the body of an opponent. In this embodiment, extension 24 defines a pointed corner 23 facing the direction substantially opposite to extension 24.

Referring now to Figures 5a and 5b, there are shown respective side and top views of a weapon 30 constructed and operative in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 30 includes a grip portion 32 for gripping in the palm and fingers of the hand, two independent extensions 34 and 36, and an elongate club portion 38 extending from the handle to form a baton. Elongated club portion 38 is preferably integrally formed with the handle 32, but may alternatively be coupled thereto. It will be appreciated that, even if elongated club portion 38 should break or fall from grip portion 32, the grip portion can continue to be used as an offensive and defensive weapon.

It is a particular feature of the invention that the independent extensions do not completely enclose the hand. Thus, if an attacker tries to twist the baton and break the hands of a user, the user can release his hand by sliding it through the gap between the independent extensions.

Together, extensions 34 and 36 serve to retain weapon 30 on the hand 50 of the user, even when the user's hand is open, as shown in Figure 6a. This permits the user 52 to push the baton 54 against a person 56 attacking him or her, or to hold another object with the fingers, without dropping the baton, as shown in Figure 6b.

According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figure 5a, a slipping curve 35 is provided between the grip portion 32 and the club portion 38. Slipping curve 35 protects the hand of a user since a hit along the length of club portion 38 will slide off curve 35 and off the club.

Further according to the preferred embodiment of Figure 5a, elongate portion 38 defines a plurality of upstanding ridges 40. Ridges 40 serve as hand retaining ridges and define a plurality of firm grip locations along the length of elongate portion 38. This permits a user to hold the weapon 60 with a firm, strong grip on the baton with both hands 62, 64, and prevents his hands from sliding along length of the club portion. This can be particularly useful when defending against a stick 66, as seen in Figure 6c. Ridges 40 are also configured to inflict painful pressure on the body of an adversary, when weapon 30 is rotated.

As described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, portions of weapon 30 are shaped to exert painful pressure when pushed against the body of an adversary. These portions may include a baton tip 42, and one or more points 48, 49 on independent extensions 34 and 36. See, for example, Figure 6d, for defense of a user 68 against a kicking adversary 70. In some situations, ridges 40 can also be used to create painful pressure.

Referring now to Figures 7a and 7b, there are shown respective side and top views of a weapon 50 constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 50 includes a grip portion 52 substantially similar to that of weapon 30, and includes an elongated club portion 54 which is shorter than club portion 38, and contains fewer upstanding ridges 56. This embodiment is more convenient for users who prefer a shorter baton and is more convenient for hanging on a belt, as shown in Figure 8. According to one embodiment of the invention, weapon 50 includes a quick release attachment element (not shown), such as a button, for rapid mounting and removal of the weapon from a holder.

According to one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figure 9, the weapon 60 defines an internal recess 62 adapted and configured to hold an accessory 64. Preferably, weapon 60 also includes an externally accessible switch 66 or button for actuating an accessory in said recess. For example, it may be desired to insert a small canister of mace or other gas into the handle; or for certain applications, a battery operated electric shocker may be useful, or it may be desired to house an internal flashlight inside the weapon. It will be appreciated that the presence of such a ΗΛ. < recess would permit the addition of virtually any desired accessory.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. It will further be appreciated that the invention is not limited to what has been described hereinabove merely by way of example. Rather, the invention is limited solely by the claims which follow. 167142/3 \ J/ζ

Claims (14)

1. A weapon coj/nprising: a hand-grip portion, an independent extension extending from each end of said hand-grip portion having a hand-engaging extension configured to extend partially around a hand of a user so as to extend around and protect a pointer, a ring finger and a pinky of a user, thus partially surrounding the hand and retaining the weapon on the hand when the fingers do not grip the weapon; at least one portion of at least one of said independent extensions being shaped to create painful pressure when pressed against an adversary when used as a hand-held weapon; and at least one additional extension extending from said hand-grip portion in a direction opposite from said independent extensions, said additional extension being shaped to create painful pressure when pressed against an adversary.

2. The weapon according to claim 1, wherein said at least one portion shaped to create painful pressure when pressed against an adversary is configured to define a rounded point at its end.

3. The weapon according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an elongated club portion extending from said hand-grip portion.

4. The weapon of claim 3, further comprising at least one upstanding ridge along the length of said elongate portion.

5. The weapon according to any of the preceding claims, where each of said independent extensions includes a hand-engaging extension to hang the weapon on the user's hand and permit concurrent use of a user's fingers while holding the weapon. 167142/3

6. The weapon according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a recess in said grip for receiving an accessory.

7. The weapon according to claim 6, further comprising an externally accessible switch in the weapon for actuating an accessory in said recess.

8. A method for forming a weapon, the method comprising: providing a hand-grip portion, forming an independent extension extending from each end of said hand-grip portion; forming on each said independent extension having a hand-engaging extension configured to extend partially around a hand of a user so as to extend around and protect a pointer, a ring finger and a pinky of a user, thus partially surrounding the hand and retaining the weapon on the hand when the fingers do not grip the weapon; shaping at least one portion of at least one of said independent extensions to create painful pressure when pressed against an adversary when used as a hand-held weapon; and forming at least one additional extension extending from said hand-grip portion in a direction opposite from said independent extensions, said additional extension being shaped to create painful pressure when pressed against an adversary.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said step of shaping includes providing a rounded point shaped to create painful pressure when pressed against an adversary on at least one portion.

10. The method according to any of claims 8-9, wherein said step of forming includes defining a hand-engaging extension on each of said independent extensions to hang the weapon on the user's hand and permit concurrent use of a user's fingers while holding the weapon. 167142/3

11. The method according to according to any of claims 8-10, further comprising providing an elongated club portion extending from said hand-grip portion.

12. The method of claim 1 1, further comprising providing at least one upstanding ridge along a length of said elongate portion.

13. The method of according to any of claims 8-12, further comprising providing a recess in said hand-grip for receiving an accessory.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing an externally accessible switch in the weapon for actuating an accessory in said recess.