JP6937094B2 - Tangle-type capture projectile and system for using it - Google Patents

Description

This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 081,440 filed on March 25, 2016 and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 399,537 filed on January 5, 2017. , Each of these is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to a non-lethal shooting weapon system that helps to impede or control the movement of an adversary or fugitive of interest.

It has been recognized that it is beneficial for police officers and military personnel to use weapons and equipment other than firearms when responding to hostile situations. Firearms are a necessary tool for law enforcement, but they sometimes bring an unreasonable level of power. Law enforcement often wants to be able to respond to situations without resorting to the use of firearms. However, as is generally accepted, fighting and close range fighting are not desired options.

At least for these reasons, alternative shooting-type engagement devices, such as the Taser Gun ™, have been developed. Such electrical muscle disruption (EMD) weapons have had some success so far, but whether such devices are as safe as they are touted, or at a level appropriate for many situations. It is continuously debated whether it has the power of. Other shooting-type combat solutions, such as mace or pepper spray, have a very limited range of application, and the pain they cause to the subject and the potential effects of the solution on police or bystanders are often criticized. ing.
Prior art document information related to the invention of this application includes the following (including documents cited at the international stage after the international filing date and documents cited when domestically transferred to another country).
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In response to the above, designers continue to search for non-lethal solutions that police or law enforcement officers can effectively use, especially to thwart or control fleeing subjects.

According to one aspect of the invention, a projectile deployment system is provided that includes a entangled capture projectile that includes a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. The projectile casing is a pair of sockets, the pair of sockets sized so that each socket receives one of the pair of pellets, and selectively actuable accommodated by the projectile casing. Pressure source and can be included. The pressure source is configured to be capable of firing the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject. The launcher houses an actuator, which actuates the pressure source to launch the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing towards the subject. Since the projectile casing can be detachably engaged with the launcher, the projectile casing can be removed from the launcher after the entanglement type capture projectile is launched from the projectile casing. ..

According to another aspect, a projectile deployment system is provided, which includes a entangled capture projectile having a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. The projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket being sized to receive one of the pellets. The pair of sockets are arranged at an angle to each other so that the pellets move away from each other as the pellets are fired from the projectile casing, and at least part of one of the sockets is the other. It overlaps with a part of the socket. The launcher houses the projectile casing, and the selectively actuable pressure source is housed by one of the launcher or the projectile casing. The pressure source launches the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject. Since the projectile casing can be detachably engaged with the launcher, the projectile casing can be removed from the launcher after the entanglement type capture projectile is launched from the projectile casing. ..

According to another aspect of the invention, an entangled capture projectile for use in a projectile deployment system is provided, wherein the entangled capture projectile is a tether that connects a pair of pellets to the pellet. And include. The engagement hook is attached to one or both of the pellets or to the tether and is attached to the garment worn by the subject to be engaged by the entangled capture projectile and around the subject. It can operate to assist in holding the entangled capture projectile.

According to another aspect of the invention, a projectile deployment system is provided that comprises a launcher and an entangled capture projectile that includes a pair of pellets and a tether that connects the pellets. Including, the projectile casing is coupled to the launcher, the projectile casing comprises a pair of sockets, each socket receiving one of the pellets. The selectively actuable pressure source is housed by one of the launcher and the projectile casing, and actuating the pressure source launches the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing. It has become so. The socket is oriented within the projectile casing so that when the pellet is launched from the projectile launcher, it moves vertically in different orbits.

According to another aspect of the invention, an entangled capture projectile for use in a projectile deployment system is provided, the entangled capture projectile connecting a pair of pellets and the pellet. Including with tether. At least one engagement hook is attached to one or both of the pair of pellets or the flexible tether, and the engagement hook is the subject engaged by the entanglement capture projectile. It can act to assist in holding the entangled capture projectile around the subject by clinging to the garment worn by the subject.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description exemplifying the features of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The following drawings show exemplary embodiments in which the present invention is practiced. In the drawings, in different figures or embodiments of the present invention, similar reference numbers represent similar parts.
FIG. 1 is a top view, a bottom view, a front view, or a rear view of a state in which the entanglement type capture projectile according to the embodiment of the present invention is substantially extended to the total length thereof. FIG. 2A is a side view of a part of the pellet and tether of the projectile of FIG. FIG. 2B is an end view of the pellet of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a top view of the subject who is the launch destination of the entanglement type capture projectile, and shows the state immediately before the entanglement type capture projectile engages with the target person. FIG. 3B is a top view of the subject and the projectile of FIG. 3A, showing a state immediately after the entanglement type capture projectile is engaged with the subject. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a part of the subject based on the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state immediately before the entanglement type capture projectile is engaged with the leg of the subject. .. FIG. 5 is a front view of the entanglement type capture projectile according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the pellet pulls the tether and tension is applied to the tether. FIG. 6 is a side view of a part of the entanglement type capture projectile according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the projectile deployment system of the present invention, showing an exploded view of the projectile casing removed from the launcher or attached to the launcher. FIG. 8 is a front view of the projectile casing of FIG. 9 is a rear view of the projectile casing of FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper surface of the projectile casing of FIG. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the side surface of the projectile casing of FIG. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of another side surface of the projectile casing of FIG. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the side surface of the launcher of FIG. 7, showing a state in which various components have been removed so that the internal components of the launcher can be seen. FIG. 14 is a side view of a part of the entanglement type capture projectile according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a hook portion of a pellet according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a hook portion of a pellet according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an end view of the pellet according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an end view of another pellet according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a side view of a part of the entanglement type capture projectile according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a side view of a part of the entanglement type capture projectile according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a side view of a part of the entanglement type capture projectile according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a part of a side surface of the entanglement type capture projectile according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a side view of a part of the entanglement type capture projectile according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is an end view of an exemplary projectile casing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a side view of the exemplary projectile casing of FIG.

Hereinafter, in the present specification, exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings will be referred to, and they will be described in concrete terms. However, it will be understood that these are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Modifications and modifications of the inventive step features exemplified herein, as well as additional applications of the principles of the invention exemplified herein, will be devised by those skilled in the art. Is considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Definitions In the present specification, the singular form may also include the plural form unless otherwise specified. Thus, for example, a "pellet" or "a pellet" can include one or more such pellets, depending on the context.

As used herein, the term "blank" (firearm blank or blank cartridge) refers to a well-known blank that can be used in firearms. Such blanks contain gunpowder, but not warheads or shotguns. So when a blank is fired, it produces only high-speed pressure waves without shotguns or slugs.

As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or near-complete degree or degree of action, feature, property, condition, structure, unit (item), or result. As an optional example, a "substantially" enclosed object is an object that is completely or nearly completely enclosed (sealed). Strict tolerances for deviations from absolute integrity may vary depending on the particular context. However, generally speaking, the closeness to perfection is to have the same overall result as if absolute and holistic perfection were obtained. The use of "substantially" applies equally when used in the negative sense of a complete or near complete lack of action, feature, property, state, structure, unit, or result. As another optional example, a composition in which a component or element is "substantially absent" may actually contain the component or element to the extent that its effect is not measurable as a result.

The term "about" as used herein is used to give flexibility to an endpoint as a given value may be "slightly larger" or "slightly smaller" than the endpoint of a given numerical range. Will be done.

In the present specification, terms indicating relative directions may be used to describe and assert various components of the present invention. Such terms include, but are not limited to, "upward", "downward", "horizontal", "vertical", and the like. No. These terms are generally not intended to be limiting and are used to most clearly describe and assert the various features of the invention. Such terms are intended to be limited to those commonly known and understood by those skilled in the art in the context of the present disclosure, where they must include any limitation.

In the present specification, a plurality of units, structural elements, elements of a composition, and / or materials may be referred to in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be interpreted in the same way that each component of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique component. As such, the individual components of such a list and any other component of the same list are virtually equivalent, unless otherwise noted, based solely on their respective representations within a common group. Should not be interpreted as.

Numerical data may be expressed or presented in range form herein. Such range formats are used simply for convenience and simplicity and therefore not only include the numbers explicitly stated as the limits of the range, but also the individual numbers or individual numbers contained within the range. It should be understood that the partial range should be interpreted flexibly as including all numerical values and the partial range as well as if explicitly stated. As an example, the numerical range "about 1 to about 5" not only includes the explicitly stated values of about 1 to about 5, but also individual and partial ranges within the indicated range. Should be interpreted as including. Therefore, this numerical range includes individual values such as 2, 3 and 4, as well as partial ranges such as 1-3, 2-4, and 3-5, and individual 1, 2 3, 4, and 5.

The same principle applies to ranges consisting of only a single number as the minimum or maximum value. Moreover, such an interpretation should be applied regardless of the width or characteristics of the range described.

The present invention relates to non-lethal weapon systems as a whole, and is sometimes referred to as an ensemment or entanglement system, which impedes the progress of an aggressive or fleeing subject. Alternatively, it can be effectively used as an aid to restraint. Walking of a subject when law enforcement, security guards, or military personnel are in a situation where it is necessary to detain the subject and do not wish to engage in close range fighting with lethal or harmful forces. It is advantageous to use the devices according to the art to temporarily interfere with the ability to run, run, or use the arm. The technique provides a mode in which the subject's arms or legs are temporarily moored or tied to the extent that it becomes difficult for the subject to continue to move in the normal manner.

Although this technology can be directed to any body part of the subject, the following description focuses primarily on using this technology to temporarily moor or bind the subject's legs. There is. However, it should be understood that the technology is not limited to this application. In some cases, multiple parts of the subject's body, such as both the arms and legs, can be targeted.

As outlined in FIGS. 1-5, the present technology provides an entangling projectile that can be deployed towards the legs of a subject. The projectile comprises at least one flexible tether 16 and at least two pellets 14 integrally coupled to the tether. By engaging the entangled capture projectile to the subject, the subject is temporarily partially or completely incapacitated, thus limiting his ability to escape or attack. The entanglement type capture projectile of the present technology is launched by a launcher toward a target person (100 in FIGS. 3A to 4). In addition to the launchers described herein, many examples of suitable launchers are provided, such as the parent case referenced above, US Patent Application No. 15 / filed March 25, 2016. There are 081,440, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Such launchers can include energy sources such as compressed gases, explosives or combustibles, mechanical springs, and the like.

Generally speaking, the launcher used in combination with the main entanglement type capture projectile launches the projectile toward the target person 100 at a relatively high speed. Typically, the projectile deploys towards the subject from a distance of about 6 feet to about 30 feet (1.8 to 9.1 meters) and within about 0.0075 to about 0.0375 seconds (about 800). (Move at feet / second (243.8 m / s)) Can be anchored to the subject. After being deployed from the launcher, the entanglement capture projectile wraps around the subject's legs two or three times or more, temporarily and effectively immobilizing the subject. Since the entanglement capture projectile can be launched from any distance, law enforcement officers can effectively and safely temporarily restrain the subject while maintaining a safe distance from the subject. It can stop or interfere with operation.

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the entanglement type capture projectile. After being released by the launcher, the projectile 12 moves towards the subject 100. As the projectile moves toward the subject, the pellets 14 move away from each other, resulting in substantial tension on the tether 16 between the two. When the projectile hangs on the subject (in the example shown in FIG. 4, it hangs on the leg of the subject), the pellets and tethers wrap around the subject and temporarily entangle with the subject. , And / or stop the movement of the target person.

A wide variety of pellet and tether combinations are available for this technique. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-4, the projectile 12 is shown with two general purpose pellets 14 connected by a single tether 16. More than two pellets are available, but the examples shown herein include only two pellets. In some embodiments, the invention is limited to two, with only two pellets linked by a single tether. In one aspect, the invention consists of two pellets and a single tether. In one aspect, the invention essentially consists 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. This reduces the risk of the tether 16 getting entangled and the pellets disperse away from each other much more smoothly and quickly when unfolded from the launcher. As a result, the trajectory after deployment is more consistent. Also, in this configuration, the projectile can be more accurately directed towards the subject with an appropriate launcher configuration.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another feature of the entanglement type capture projectile 12. As mentioned above, the projectile comprises two pellets 14 connected to opposite ends of the tether 16. In this embodiment, two pellets are provided, only two pellets are provided and connected by only a single tether 16. Using only two pellets has been found to be advantageous in that it can orient a significantly clean and accurate projectile towards the subject and more effectively anchor the projectile to the subject. .. The pellet 14 can exert an equal opposite force on the tether 16 as indicated by the directional indicators 102 and 104 in the example. As a result, the tethers are tensioned so as to form a linear structure by the force of the pellets moving away from each other.

The tether 16 does not have to include an additional structure connected to it with an additional structure extending from it. This allows the pellet 14 to pull the tether into a straight, uninterrupted linear configuration. The tethers and pellets can be configured to occupy a substantially common plane 106 just prior to contact with the subject. As shown, the plane 106 usually forms an offset angle with the "true" horizontal direction 108, because the pellets are located at different heights prior to contact with the subject (see details below). As described). By omitting additional pellets or tethers, or other extra structures, the technique can deliver entangled capture projectiles that engage the subject with a significantly higher engagement success rate.

FIG. 1 illustrates an extension of the projectile 12 to its total length L0. In one embodiment, the overall length of the tether is much longer than the pellet size (Lp). The total length can be on the order of 7 feet (2.14 meters) or more. The pellet can have a length Lp on the order of 1 inch (2.54 cm) and a diameter Dp on the order of 3/8 inch (0.95 cm). Although different embodiments of the technique are possible, in general, keeping the pellets in a relatively small size limits the overall size requirement of the casing of the projectile containing the pellets prior to deployment, in the unlikely event that It is desirable to reduce the impact when the pellet hits the subject. This allows the technology to provide a lightweight handheld device.

The relationship of pellet diameter, weight, and length to the length / weight of the tether can have a significant impact on the performance of the entangled capture projectile. Pellets with a diameter of about 0.330 inches (0.84 cm), a length of about 1-1.5 inches (2.54-3.81 cm), a weight of about 5-6 grams, and about 7 feet. It has been found to provide an effective entanglement capture projectile when combined with a tether (2.13 m) weighing approximately 1 gram. The casings described below are designed to effectively deliver such entangled capture projectiles with high accuracy and reliability.

The tether 16 can be formed from various materials. In one aspect, the tether is formed from a conventional nylon material. Waxed cords can also be used, as the wax helps to properly house the tether in the tether compartment, pack the tether into it and / or wind it. In one embodiment, the tether can be formed from a stretchable material.

In one example, the tether is formed from a Kevlar ™ cord about 0.1 mm thick. Kevlar tethers have been found to work well for several reasons. Kevlar tethers are extremely tough and harder to cut than other cords. Also, unlike other materials, Kevlar materials tend not to absorb the adhesive, so the drying time or curing time of the adhesive is minimized, and the cord is hardened by the adhesive that is absorbed and cured along the length of the cord. Suppress the tendency to become.

FIG. 6 illustrates a part of one 12c of an exemplary entangled capture projectile according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, pellet 14c is provided with various features that help to engage the subject more accurately and effectively. A part of the tether 16 is shown extending from the access hole 166b, and the access hole 166b is provided as a whole on or through the shaft portion of the pellet 14c. The tether can be fixed to the shaft using an adhesive applied through the access hole 166b. The hook assembly 180 can be attached to the top of the shaft portion of the pellet and fixed to the shaft portion by applying an adhesive through the access hole 166a. The access holes 166a and 166b function like rosettes, which allow the hook structure or pellet to be connected to or to the tether. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the hook assembly 180 can be placed in the desired position and a small amount of adhesive or other adhesive material can be applied through the access hole 166a to attach the hook assembly in place. The access hole 166b can be easily used in the same manner to attach the pellet 14b to the tether 16.

The projectile can be used with a variety of launchers, with FIGS. 7-13 exemplifying one of the exemplary systems that can be used to effectively orient the entangled capture projectile towards the subject. doing. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 7, the projectile deployment system 40 generally includes an entangled capture projectile including a pair of pellets 14a, 14b and a tether 16 connecting the pellets ( The tether is omitted from many of these figures in order to explain the other components more clearly). The projectile casing 44 is provided to include a pair of sockets 30a, 30b (see, eg, FIGS. 8, 10, and 11). Each socket can be sized and molded to accept one of the pair of pellets. That is, in the example shown, the socket 30a receives the pellet 14a and the socket 30b receives the pellet 14b.

The projectile casing 44 may include a pressure source 50 that can be selectively actuated (FIGS. 9-12). This pressure source can be housed in the projectile casing independently of the launcher or other components of the system. The pressure source can launch the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject 100. The system may also include a launcher 42, which is an activator capable of activating the pressure source to launch the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing towards the subject. Accommodates (activator). An example of the actuating device 54 will be described in more detail below in connection with FIG.

Since the projectile casing 44 can be detachably engaged with the launcher 42, the projectile casing can be removed from the launcher after the entanglement type capture projectile 12 is launched from the projectile casing. Is. Thereby, the present technology provides a deployment system that includes two distinct and distinguishable components, the launcher 42 and the projectile casing 44. In one embodiment, the pellets 14a, 14b and tether 16 are housed by the projectile casing, like the pressure source 50. The actuating device (such as 54 in FIG. 13) is housed in the launcher. Generally, all components required to power the actuator are housed in the launcher and all components required to launch the projectile are housed in the projectile casing. As a result, the entire unit cannot operate until the casing 44 and the launcher 42 are functionally engaged with each other. When these two engage with each other, the operation of the launcher 42 (and the actuating device 54) results in the launch of the entangled capture projectile from the casing 44.

In the example shown, the launcher 42 includes a trigger panel 46, which is described in more detail below in connection with FIG. Generally, when the trigger panel is activated, the launcher 42 activates the pressure source 50, and the entanglement type capture projectile is launched from the casing 44. When the projectile is deployed from a particular projectile casing, the casing is removed and a new projectile casing with preloaded entanglement capture projectile 12 and pressure source is installed within the launcher. be able to. The operation of the first casing and the replacement with a new casing can be performed in a few seconds. As a result, law enforcement officers, security guards, military personnel, and others can replace used projectile casings with new, loaded projectile casings that are ready to operate with the launcher very quickly.

Since the casing 44 can include all the disposable components of the system, the launcher 42 can have a long service life, even if it needs to be replaced or maintained, which is rare. The entangled capture projectile 12 and pressure source 50 can be loaded into the projectile casing in a controlled environment, thereby ensuring a consistent and effective deployment. The projectile casing can be provided to law enforcement officers in a ready-to-use state after being loaded, and the law enforcement officer only needs to insert the projectile casing into the launcher. It is conceivable that the end user of the device will refill the projectile casing with a pressure source and entanglement capture projectile, but this is not necessary and the projectile casing may be refilled with the entanglement capture projectile. It is believed that quality can be controlled much better if both the body and the pressure source are preloaded.

The casing 44 can be received in the launcher 42 in various ways. In one embodiment, the casing can be "snap-fitted" into the launcher and held firmly in place with one or more mechanical locks (details not shown). The lock can be easily disengaged by the end user when it is desirable to remove the casing from the launcher.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the casing 44. In this figure, it can be seen that the pellets 14a and 14b are stored in the sockets 30a and 30b, respectively, and are ready for use. The tether storage compartment 32 can be installed and can be configured with recesses formed within the projectile casing so that the tether (not shown in this figure) is stored adjacent to the pellet before use. The projectile casing includes a shroud 56 that functions to form a protective pocket 58 around the tether and the pellet. As shown in FIG. 7, a cover 57 is placed in the pocket 58 to protect the pocket from exposure to contaminants and / or to accommodate the entangled capture projectile within the projectile casing. It is mounted and attached to the shroud 56.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 9-12, the pressure source 50 has a blank gun. This type of pressure source is well known to contain gunpowder and is typically actuated by striking a percussion cap (primer) formed within the blank gun cartridge. The blank contains no slugs, and when the cartridge is ignited, a high pressure wave is simply emitted from the projectile casing. This high pressure wave is utilized in the present technology to propel the entangled capture projectile from the system at high speed. In one embodiment of the invention, the blank is non-removably attached to the cartridge so that the cartridge can only fire once. This makes it possible to ensure proper use of the cartridge by performing the loading of the cartridge in a controlled manufacturing environment, to ensure that the cartridge is properly loaded, and to otherwise render the casing 44 unusable. The cartridge can be fixed to the casing with an adhesive, mechanical crimping or the like.

By non-removably loading the blank 50 into the casing 44, there is little or no risk of an actual bullet or "real" cartridge being accidentally inserted into the casing. Also, the length and configuration of the central hole 60 can be configured to prevent insertion of anything other than a properly designed blank 50.

In contrast, the entanglement capture projectile 12 can be detachably loaded into the projectile casing. All components of the entangled capture projectile (ie, pellets 14a, 14b, and tether 16) are easily and completely ejected from the casing when the pressure source 50 is activated. It is loaded inside. The geometry of the sockets 30a, 30b in the casing 44, along with the geometry of the pellets, ensures that consistent and effective deployment of the entangled capture projectile is achieved each time with the activation of the launcher. It is carefully designed to do so. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate this geometric structure in more detail.

The top view of FIG. 10 shows that the sockets 30a and 30b are at an angle to each other, which is the direction in which the pellets 14a and 14b are separated from each other when they are launched from the projectile casing 44. This is to move to. In the example shown, at least one portion of the socket extends below a portion of the other socket in the cartridge (in this example, the "bottom" socket 30b is below the "upper" socket 30a. It is postponed). Depending on the configuration, when the pellet is placed in the socket, one of the pellets overlaps with or extends below or above the other of the pellets. In the example shown, when the pellets are stowed and ready to operate, the pellets 30b extend beneath the pellets 30a (when viewed vertically from the horizontal plane on which the casing is placed). As shown in the side view of FIG. 11, in one example, the sockets are additionally or alternatively arranged vertically offset from each other and can extend on a plane parallel to each other.

The casing 44 may also include a central hole 60 shown in FIGS. 10-12, which is located directly adjacent to the pressure source or the firing end of the blank 50. In this embodiment, the blank 50 emits a high pressure wave into the central hole during operation. This high voltage wave then travels into both sockets 30a and 30b and is generally evenly distributed between the two. Thus, each of the socket 30a and the socket 30b terminates within the central hole 60, or at least communicates with the central hole 60 in fluid communication.

As described, the sockets 30a, 30b can receive one pellet 14a, one 14b each before deploying the pellet from the projectile casing. When the high pressure wave is generated by the cartridge, it is sent through the central hole and applied to the pellet received in the sockets 30a, 30b. The pellet is then forcibly discharged from the internal block towards the subject.

As can be best seen from FIG. 10, the sockets 30a and 30b can be oriented at an angle α from each other. This angle can vary, but is generally acute and typically ranges 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 can be about 30 degrees. When the sockets are angled with each other, the pellets 14a, 14b are oriented away from each other as they are fired from the socket. Thereby, the pellets can be separated from each other very quickly and tension is applied between the pellets by pulling the tether 16 so that the tether is completely extended before engaging with the subject. The forward energy applied to the pellet is divided between the two pellets and forms an angle depending on the configuration of the socket. Therefore, even if the pellets unintentionally come into direct contact with the subject, the force acting on the subject is smaller than the total urging force, and the risk of injury to the subject is minimized.

The resulting launch is shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In FIG. 3A, the entanglement type capture projectile 12 is launched toward the target person 100 (shown from above), moves, and engages with the target person. Prior to contact with the subject, the tether 16 is pulled and tensioned, and the pellet 14 is moving linearly towards the subject. Immediately after the tether 16 comes into contact with the subject, the momentum of the pellet is hindered by the tether and begins to deviate from their current trajectories toward each other (shown in FIG. 3B), and the momentum causes the pellet to move toward the subject. Orbit around the person.

As the pellet orbits around the leg of the subject, the tether tightly wraps around the leg of the subject. It should be noted that as the tether wraps around the leg of the subject, the rotation speed of the pellet increases, and as the effective length of the tether becomes shorter, the tether wraps at a higher speed. .. In an average deployment, the pellet wraps around the subject's legs 2-3 times, resulting in the tether wrapping around the subject's legs 4-6 times. It will be appreciated that when the tether is wrapped around the leg in this way, the subject is extremely difficult to move, at least temporarily.

Referring again to FIG. 10, in this example, the shafts 31a, 31b of the sockets 30a, 30b intersect each other at positions within the casing 44, respectively. That is, a portion or section of one of the sockets intersects a portion or section of the other socket in a narrow space within the casing. In the example shown, the sockets 30a, 30b intersect or overlap at a position where the sockets are fluidly coupled to the central hole 60. Also, the sockets are stacked horizontally with each other, resulting in a configuration in which one is stacked on top of the other. This keeps the sockets at the desired angle between them, while being relatively close to each other. The position where the sockets intersect can be adjusted to be closer to or farther from the central hole.

This stacking / stacking configuration allows the use of a relatively thin projectile casing 44 regardless of the desired orientation angle of the socket. If the sockets are simply oriented in parallel and the axes do not overlap, the width or caliber of the projectile casing must be increased because the angle α between the socket axes 31 increases. However, when the axes are overlapped, the limitation of the socket configuration is removed. This allows the projectile casing to be much thinner than otherwise. The result is a launcher system similar to a conventional firearm or taser gun that law enforcement officers can easily carry. In one aspect of the invention, but not limited to, the projectile casing 44 has a diameter of less than about 2 inches (5.1 cm) and only 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) or less. Alternatively, it can be formed to have a maximum width. The projectile casing can be formed to be less than about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm), or only 2 inches (5.1 cm) or less in length. Further, by stacking or stacking the sockets, the vertical displacement of the pellets can be made different when the pellets come into contact with the subject. This vertical offset of the pellet is described in more detail in the parent application referenced above.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the launcher 42 and some components of the launcher 42. It should be noted that some of the operable components of the launcher are omitted in this figure in order to more clearly exemplify the operational main elements of the launcher. In this example, the actuating device has a sliding striker 54. The striker may include an internal spring 66 that can be urged into a compressed state to prepare the striker for ignition. This can be achieved by sliding a "cocking" mechanism (details not shown) that can be used to compress the internal spring. The trigger panel 46 (generally accessible from the top of the launcher) can be pressed at a time when it is desirable to launch the launch of the entangled capture projectile. When the panel 46 is pressed, the lever 46a presses the lever 68, whereby the striker is released by the protrusion 70. Next, the tension of the spring 66 propels the striker 54 along a predetermined trajectory. The blank 50 is positioned at the end of the striker's trajectory when the casing is loaded into the launcher. The striker strikes the cartridge to ignite the percussion cap and generate a high pressure wave.

Although FIG. 13 illustrates the general operation of the exemplary trigger striker 54, it should be understood that in this figure a number of components that contribute to the operation of the launcher are omitted. They include, but are not limited to, a structure used to "cocking" the striker 54 into a prepared position, a safety mechanism capable of preventing accidental activation of the launcher, and a casing 44 to the launcher 42. Alternatively, it includes a latch mechanism that latches in the launcher 42 and the like. Those skilled in the art will be able to easily understand the operation of such components by having this disclosure.

The pressure source 50 can be provided in several other forms in addition to utilizing blank packaging. In one example, the pressure source comprises a compressed gas cylinder that can operate in much the same manner as the method described with respect to blanking. In other embodiments, an electronic trigger system can be utilized. In this example, an electronic switch (scheduled as 80b in FIG. 13 for illustrative purposes) can be provided within the launcher. A contact pad 80a (scheduled as 80b in FIG. 9 for illustrative purposes) can be provided on the launcher. A complementary pad (not shown) can also be attached to the launcher. Activating the trigger panel 46 activates the electronic switch, which generates an electrical signal that is transferred through the pad 80a to the projectile casing to actuate the pressure source. The pad 80a ensures that the casing does not deliver the electrical signal unless the casing is properly loaded into the launcher.

By packing the pressure source 50 and the entanglement type capture projectile 12 in the detachable projectile casing 44, all the components that generate (react to the force) the components are housed in a single unit. Will be done. There are no unnecessary gaps or connections between the power source and the entangled capture projectile. Further, in this embodiment, the entanglement type capture projectile and the pressure source are housed in the projectile casing, which is a detachable component, and can be quickly and easily loaded or removed from the launcher 42. It is no longer necessary to reload the two components, the entangled capture projectile and the pressure source separately.

24 and 25 illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention, in which case four sockets, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f are formed within an internal exemplary projectile casing 44a. As shown in FIG. 25, the upper sockets 30c, 30d receive pellets of one entangled capture projectile (not shown here), and these pellets move forward of the block when activated. Be oriented. The lower sockets 30e, 30f receive pellets of different entangled capture projectiles (not shown here), which when activated are oriented at an angle ε non-parallel to the upper socket. The sockets in each pair can also be oriented (or vertically offset) as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 11. In this embodiment, when the launcher including the casing 44a is aimed at the target, one projectile is directed toward the subject's torso and the second projectile is directed toward the subject's legs. Become. This increases the possibility that the movement of the subject will be temporarily blocked. This configuration also allows law enforcement to direct the launcher directly toward the subject's entire body. Many law enforcement officers are trained to aim firearms at the torso rather than the subject's legs, which ensures that law enforcement officers make good use of the projectile launcher. Although the angle ε can be varied, we have found that only 6 degrees is sufficient to bring the two projectiles into contact with different body regions of the subject.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. By operating the energy source 50 (not shown in these figures), both projectiles (all four pellets) are fired from the casing 44a. However, it should be understood that law enforcement personnel, for example, can choose which projectile to activate, as the system can be configured to bring pressure waves to the upper socket independently of the lower socket. Similarly, the block can contain more than two pairs of sockets that can be fired simultaneously, or can be configured to fire separately by one or more trigger mechanisms.

Although most of the above description focuses on the projectile casing and launcher used by the present technology, the ballistic features of the entangled capture projectile are the operable features of the casing and launcher. Must be carefully adapted. Generally, the entangled capture projectiles of the present technology are provided as electrically inert. That is, it is not connected to a charge source and does not require charge to control or entangle the subject. As used herein, the term "electrically inert" means that the projectile and the pellets and tethers have a charge other than that of the inert object in the environment in which the projectile is deployed. It is understood to mean the absence. Thus, while most objects have some static charge in such an environment, the projectiles (pellets and tethers) do not have any additional charge. In most embodiments, the tether and pellet also need not have any other structure capable of delivering charge to the subject.

Yet another example of suitable pellets and tethers is illustrated in FIGS. 14-23. In the example shown in FIG. 14, at least one engagement hook 144 can be attached to at least one of the pellets 12. The engagement hook can operate so as to be attached to the clothes worn by the engagement target person 100 of the entanglement type capture projectile, and the entanglement type capture projectile to the target person can be operated. Helps maintain engagement. Further, the engagement of the engagement hook is possible during or after the winding of another engagement hook. Although the inventors have demonstrated that wrapping the projectile around the subject is effective, the use of a hook on the pellet allows the projectile to wrap around the subject and then on the subject. We have found that it helps to hold the projectile and increases the success rate of entanglement or wrapping. The anchoring hook is designed to anchor (or attach to other hooks of the projectile) on clothing worn by the subject, not necessarily on the subject's skin or body. In some embodiments, attachment to the subject's skin or body is undesirable, while in other embodiments such consideration may not be important (eg, if the hooks used are very small). ).

Although the various engaging hooks illustrated in the figure include conventional "hook" shapes, it should be understood that the hooks can include linear segments that extend the pellet in different directions. For example, the hook can include a linear segment that extends vertically from the pellet in one direction and then bends in another direction at a constant angle. That is, the hook need not include a bend-the hook can include one or more linear segments formed at a constant angle to each other. The hook can also extend directly from the pellet in a single direction and does not need to include segments extending in different directions.

The present configuration achieves this in a unique manner in which the engaging hook is configured with respect to the pellet. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the hook 144 can include a tip 146 that extends in the direction opposite to the direction in which the tether extends from the pellet. Thereby, the pellet completes wrapping around the subject while the tip 146 clings to the subject's clothing. It should be noted that the far end 170 of the pellet 14d in FIG. 14 moves toward the subject's clothing (in the radial direction) as the projectile winds around. The tip of the hook is attached to the subject's clothing immediately before the winding is completed. The hook can be immediately attached to the subject's clothing by this orientation. Otherwise, the hook needs to be pulled in the opposite direction to engage the garment.

Conversely, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the hook 148 is provided oriented so as to extend from the pellet 14h in the same direction as the tether 16. According to various embodiments, the hooks can be provided in anterior, posterior, and bidirectional orientations. In this example, the hook 144 is also provided extending in the opposite direction. Pellets according to the present technology can be provided to include hooks oriented in one or both directions. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the hook 144 includes a locking claw 159 projecting from the hook as a whole in the direction opposite to the tip 146. The locking claws help keep the hook clinging to the subject's clothing. However, in other embodiments, the locking claw is not provided as shown in FIG. In this case, the hook 152 includes only a unidirectional tip 154 that can be oriented or directed to various angles or trajectories.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the hook can be configured to extend from the pellet in a specific direction. The angle β shown is the angle between the longitudinal axis of the pellet (142 in FIG. 14) and the general direction in which the tip of the hook extends from the pellet. In some embodiments, this angle can be from about 15 degrees to about 35 degrees. In one embodiment, this angle can be about 23 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 14, in one aspect of the present invention, a neck portion 160 having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet can be included in the pellet. Thereby, in some embodiments, the neck provides a recessed shaft that includes the pocket 132 extending from a larger portion of the pellet.

The engagement hook 144 can be extended from above the neck portion 160 of the pellet. In one embodiment, the engagement hook extends radially outward from the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the pellet to the outer circumference. The outer circumference of the engaging hook can be shorter than the outer circumference of the outer surface of the pellet. From FIG. 14, it will be understood that the hook 144 extends outward only to the diameter D of the lower part of the pellet. As a result, the hook can be used in combination with the pellet, and the pellet can be inserted into a socket or barrel from which the pellet is discharged. Therefore, the hook can be provided without requiring a socket configuration for a specific application. The pellet with the connected hook can be fitted into a hole of the same size diameter as that used for the pellet without hook.

The recessed neck 160 provides the additional advantage that the far end 170 of the pellet as a whole is much larger and thus heavier than the neck. (A pressure wave is applied to the end 170 of the pellet in FIG. 14) As the pellet is launched from the launcher, the neck is first launched from the barrel or socket of the launcher. However, when the tether is pulled and tensioned, the end 170 becomes the tip, and the larger mass of this end brings forward momentum to the pellet, resulting in good wrapping around the subject 100. Useful on.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate exemplary embodiments in which the hook assembly can be provided as part of the pellet, or the hook assembly can function as the pellet itself. In these embodiments, the hook structure includes a hollow shaft portion 162 (FIG. 15) capable of receiving the tether 16. This allows the hook structure to be easily coupled to the tether without causing a weight offset on either side of the tether. Also, the hollow shaft allows one or more hook structures to be coupled to the tether at various longitudinal positions of the tether. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, 14 g of pellets does not include a hook structure. However, the hook assembly 164 includes two hooks 144 and a hollow shaft portion 162 (details not shown). The hollow shaft allows the hook assembly to move to any desired position on the tether 16 and in place without damaging or twisting or kinking the tether. Easy to install. The tether can include a plurality of hook assemblies 164 oriented in various directions, including a reverse hook 180 (FIG. 22) on such a hook assembly. Further, the hook assembly on the tether can be used in combination with the hook assembly on the pellet.

The access hole 166 acts like a rosette, which can be used in this (and many other) embodiments to easily connect the hook structure or pellet to the tether. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the hook assembly 164 can be placed in the desired position and a small amount of adhesive or other adhesive material can be applied through the access hole 166 to attach the hook assembly in place. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the access hole 166 can be easily used to attach the pellet to the tether 16 and to attach the hook 144 into the pellet, depending on the desired configuration.

The examples shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 19, and 20 each include two hooks 144 attached or received to the pellet. In addition to using the above two hooks, a single hook can also be used. Alternatively, it has been found that the use of a plurality of hooks that are evenly spaced around the pellet can ensure proper engagement with the subject. In FIG. 17, three hooks are used. In one embodiment, the 12th treble hook was found to be suitable. In FIG. 18, four hooks 151 are used. In each of these cases, the hook is evenly spaced around the longitudinal axis of the pellet said hollow shaft portion 162. In some embodiments, more than four hooks are used.

The tether 16 may also include a structure that helps the subject to quickly limit the ability of the subject to disengage from the tether. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the engagement shape 168 can be added on the tether at regular intervals. A typical separation interval is shown as S by example. The anchored shape 168 can take various forms. In one example, small knots can be formed on the tether at regular intervals. These knots cling to the garment worn by the subject, limiting the subject's ability to quickly disengage the projectile. It also assists in engaging the tether itself when it wraps around the subject. In another example, beads, spheres, or other structures can be attached to or integrally formed with the tether. Small "lumps" or dots of adhesive or similar material can be added to the tether to create the anchored shape. In another example, the anchoring shape can include the hook assembly shown in FIG. 20 at 164, which can be spaced at regular intervals as needed. In this way, a series of hook assemblies can be attached to the tether at intervals.

The tether 16 can be formed from various materials. In one aspect, the tether is formed from a conventional nylon material. Waxed cords can also be used, as the wax helps to properly house the tether in the tether compartment, pack the tether into it and / or wind it. In one embodiment, the tether can be formed from a stretchable material. The stretchable material allows the tether to stretch from a nominal configuration (eg, L0 in FIG. 1) to a longer stretched configuration.

In one example, the tether can be extended to as long as 20% to 300% of its original length. By providing the tether with elasticity, the tether can be stretched by the momentum of the pellet as the entanglement capture projectile is propelled towards the subject. Therefore, at the time shown in FIG. 3A, the tether 16 may have an extended configuration immediately before contact with the subject 100. When the tether comes into contact with the subject, the stretch properties of the tether help pull the pellet around the subject. In this embodiment, when the tether comes into contact with the subject, in addition to the pellet wrapping around the subject with its momentum, the elasticity of the tether also pulls the pellet around the subject. Useful.

As shown in FIG. 22, in one embodiment, it is possible to provide a hook assembly 180 that can include a plurality of hooks 144, 148 and the like. The hook assembly can be loaded, for example, into the hollow neck 160 of the pellet (not all shown in this figure). The hook assembly can include a tip shaft portion 182 and a rear end shaft portion 184. In this example, the rear end shaft portion 184 is loaded beside the tether 16 in the neck portion of the pellet. The tether is arranged to avoid the hook as the hook of the hook assembly extends from the pellet. This causes the longitudinal axis of the tether (eg, shown in FIG. 23, 192) to be offset from the longitudinal axis of the hook assembly. We have found that offsetting the longitudinal axis of the tether in this way causes the pellet and / or hook assembly to be "cocked" against the tether as it moves toward the subject. rice field. This helps to properly engage the subject with the hook when in contact with the subject's garment (or with the hook of another pellet or hook assembly).

Similar relationships are shown in more detail in the embodiments additionally shown in FIG. In this example, the pellet 14j can include a longitudinal axis 190. In this example, the tether is routed out of the pellet through an opening 166 rather than at the end of the pellet. As a result, the longitudinal axis 192 of the tether is offset by offset Ow from the longitudinal axis 190 of the pellet. Further, the tether is effectively bonded to the pellet at an offset OL with respect to the total length LP of the pellet by being bonded to the pellet at the opening 166. It should be noted that in this example, when the tether extends from the upper end of the pellet, the offset OL becomes zero, as shown in the previous embodiments. In one example, the offset OL is about half of the overall 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, the neck portion has a length of about 0.9 inch (2.29 cm). Thus, the opening 166 is formed just above the wider portion of the neck. Although not shown in FIG. 23, in addition to the opening 166 of FIG. 23 that the cord puts into the pellet, an additional opening is provided (usually a higher position of the neck as shown in FIG. 14). ), It is possible to enable access to the hook assembly.

By setting either or both of these offsets above zero, the pellet (and any hooks associated with it) is partially rotated or "cocked" with respect to the tether, especially as it travels through the air. NS. This has been found to increase the success rate of engaging the desired structure with one or more of the hooks attached or received on the pellet.

The hook assembly 180 illustrated in FIG. 22 can be installed in a shaft formed on the pellet as shown or coupled to the end of the pellet. In addition to the hook assembly formed as an integral unit, a large number of hooks can be installed in the pellet or coupled to the pellet as individual units.

Various additional features of the technique are illustrated throughout the accompanying drawings. In one aspect of the invention, one or more pellets have a portion extending inward from the outer diameter and a recess having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet so that a pocket is formed in the pellet. Debris from pressure waves generated by the projectile deployment system and said pockets that provide areas for gas accumulation can be included. In one example, the recess can be made to completely surround the pellet.

The pellet may further include at least two recesses, the at least two recesses being longitudinally spaced along the pellet to create pockets separated by an unchanged portion of the pellet. The recess can include a conical tapered portion that extends into a planar portion that is substantially perpendicular to the elongated axis of the pellet. The at least one recess can be formed at the end opposite to the end to which the tether of the pellet is bonded. At least one engagement hook can be attached to at least one of the pellets, and the engagement hook can act to anchor to the garment worn by the engagement subject of the entanglement capture projectile. Helps maintain the engagement of the entangled capture projectile to the subject.

The pellet may include a neck portion having a diameter less than the outer diameter of the pellet, and the at least one engaging hook may extend over the neck portion of the pellet. The hook may include a tip that extends in the direction opposite to the direction in which the tether extends from the pellet. However, it should be noted that as shown in FIG. 6, the pellet 12c can contain only one "head" 194 without recesses.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of entwining a subject is provided, the method of targeting the subject with a projectile launcher, wherein the projectile launcher is linked by a tether. Receiving a entangled capture projectile with a pair of pellets, each of the pellets being received by one of a pair of sockets formed within the launcher, activating the process and the projectile launcher. In the step of launching the pellet from the projectile launcher, the pellet moves outward from the projectile launcher and sideways away from each other as it is launched from the projectile launcher. , The pellet comprises a step in which the tether has different vertical heights when it comes into contact with the subject.

In the method, the projectile launcher is further separated from the target person by a certain distance, and the tether is substantially extended to the maximum when the entanglement type capture projectile is engaged with the target person. Can be included. The tether can be stretchable so that the pellets can be stretched as they are fired from the projectile casing. The step of activating the projectile launcher can include operating a compressed gas cylinder housed in the projectile launcher. The step of activating the projectile launcher may include a step of activating a blank gun housed in the projectile launcher. The step of discharging the pellets can include a step of firing the pellets at an angle of about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees with each other. The angle can be from about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees.

The method can further include aligning the socket in the projectile launcher with a particular orientation prior to activating the launcher. The step of aligning the socket in a particular orientation can include aligning the socket so that it moves in a vertically offset trajectory as the pellet is launched from the projectile launcher. ..

It should be understood that the configurations referred to above exemplify the application of the principles of the present invention. Although many modifications and alternative configurations can be devised without departing from the gist of the present invention, the present invention is shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that a number of modifications are possible without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention described in the above examples.

Claims (13)

It ’s a projectile deployment system,
An entangling projectile containing a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets, and
A projectile casing comprising a pair of sockets, wherein each socket is sized to receive one of the pellets.
The pair of sockets are arranged at an angle to each other so that the pellets move in a direction away from each other when the pellets are launched from the projectile casing, and the sockets are perpendicular to each other. With the pair of sockets , which are offset to and extend on a plane parallel to each other.
A launcher that receives the projectile casing and
A selectively actuated pressure source housed by the launcher or one of the projectile casings to launch the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing towards the subject. An projectile deployment system with said pressure source that is operational to. In the system according to claim 1,
It said pressure source is a shall be housed in the projectile casing, the system further,
It has an actuating device (54) housed in the launcher and capable of actuating the pressure source to launch the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing.
system. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure source has a blank gun. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure source has a compressed gas cylinder. In the system of claim 1, the pellets overlap each other when placed in the socket. In the system of claim 1, the pressure source is in fluid communication with a single launch hole, the single launch hole being in fluid communication with each of the sockets. It ’s a projectile deployment system,
With the launcher
An entangled capture projectile containing a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets,
A projectile casing coupled to the launcher, wherein the projectile casing comprises a pair of sockets, each socket receiving one of the pellets.
A selectively actuated pressure source housed by one of the launcher and the projectile casing that activates the pressure source to allow the entangled capture projectile to be removed from the projectile casing. Having said pressure source, which is to be fired,
The sockets extend on planes parallel to each other and are oriented within the projectile casing so that when the pellets are launched from the projectile casing, they move vertically into different orbits. Is,
Projectile deployment system. The system according to claim 7 , wherein the pressure source has a blank gun. The system according to claim 7 , wherein the pressure source has a compressed gas cylinder. In the system according to claim 7 , the projectile casing is disengagedly connected to the launcher in order to make a plurality of projectile casings interchangeable. In the system of claim 7 , the socket is accommodated within the projectile casing at different vertical heights. In the system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further
It has one or more engagement hooks attached to at least one of the pair of pellets, the attachment hooks being attached to the garment worn by the subject of the system and around the subject. A system capable of assisting in holding the entangled capture projectile. It ’s a way to get the subject involved,
The step of directing the projectile deployment system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to the target person, and
A method comprising the step of activating the selectively actuable pressure source to launch the entangled capture projectile from the projectile casing towards the subject.

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