CN109477707B

CN109477707B - Entangled projectile and system for its use

Info

Publication number: CN109477707B
Application number: CN201780030061.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: E·诺里斯; J·巴恩斯; J·格劳利; J·陈
Original assignee: PACKTECH Ltd
Current assignee: PACKTECH Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-25
Filing date: 2017-03-24
Publication date: 2021-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-24
Also published as: WO2018009255A2; EP3433565A4; MX2018011636A; NZ747599A; JP6937094B2; EP3433565A2; CA3018889A1; BR112018069581B1; CN109477707A; RU2722231C2; BR112018069581A2; RU2018133657A; JP2019509462A; IL262032B; WO2018009255A3; KR102359087B1; AU2017291668B2; SG11201808280WA; CA3018889C; RU2018133657A3

Abstract

A projectile deployment system includes a coherent projectile including a pair of projectiles and a tether connecting the projectiles. The projectile housing includes a pair of slots, each slot sized to carry one of the pair of projectiles, and a selectively activatable pressure source carried by the projectile housing. The pressure source is capable of expelling a tangled projectile from the projectile housing towards a subject. The launcher carries an activator operable to activate a pressure source to expel a tangled projectile from the projectile housing toward a subject. The projectile housing is removably engageable with the launcher to allow removal of the projectile housing from the launcher after expelling a tangled projectile from the projectile housing.

Description

Entangled projectile and system for its use

Priority declaration

Priority of the present application claims us patent application serial No. 15/081,440 filed on 25/3/2016 and us patent application serial No. 15/399,537 filed on 5/1/2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a non-lethal remote weapon system to help discourage or subdue enemies or interested fleeing personnel.

Background

It has long been recognized that police and military personnel may benefit from the use of weapons and devices other than firearms to address some hostile conditions. Although firearms are a necessary tool in law enforcement, they provide a level of force that is sometimes unauthorized. In many cases, law enforcement personnel may wish to handle the situation without the use of firearms. However, it is generally accepted that deploying meat combat is not a desirable option.

For at least these reasons, Taser, for example, has been developed^TMSuch as a remote engagement device, provides an alternative. While such electric muscle disruption ("EMD") weapons have been used with some success, there remains controversy as to whether these devices are as safe as required or, in many cases, are an appropriate level of force. Other remote engagement solutions, such as nailheads/sticks (face) or pepper sprays, are very limited in distance and are often criticized for the pain inflicted on the subject and the possibility that these solutions will affect the police or bystanders.

As a result, designers continue to seek non-lethal solutions that can be effectively used by police or law enforcement, particularly to thwart or subdue fleeing objects.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a projectile deployment system comprising a tangle projectile including a pair of projectiles and a tether connecting the projectiles. The projectile housing may include: a pair of slots, each slot sized to carry one of the pair of projectiles; and a selectively activatable pressure source carried by the projectile housing. The pressure source is capable of expelling a tangled projectile from the projectile housing towards a subject. The launcher may carry an activator operable to activate a pressure source to expel a tangled projectile from the projectile housing towards a subject. The projectile housing is removably engageable with the launcher to allow removal of the projectile housing from the launcher after expelling a tangled projectile from the projectile housing.

According to another aspect, a projectile deployment system is provided that includes a tangle projectile having a pair of projectiles and a tether connecting the projectiles. The projectile housing may include a pair of slots, each slot sized to carry one of the projectiles. The pair of sockets may be angled relative to each other such that the projectile travels apart from each other as they are expelled from the projectile housing, with at least a portion of one of the sockets overlapping a portion of the other of the sockets. The emitter may carry a projectile housing and the selectively activatable pressure source may be carried by one of the emitter or the projectile housing. The pressure source is capable of expelling a tangled projectile from the projectile housing towards a subject. The projectile housing is removably engageable with the launcher to allow removal of the projectile housing from the launcher after expelling a tangled projectile from the projectile housing.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tangle projectile for use in a projectile deployment system, the tangle projectile comprising a pair of projectiles and a flexible tether connecting the projectiles. An engagement hook may be coupled to one or both of the projectiles or to a tether, the engagement hook operable to engage clothing worn by a subject engaged by the entanglement projectile to help retain the entanglement projectile about the subject.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a projectile deployment system comprising a launcher and a tangled projectile comprising a pair of projectiles and a tether connecting the projectiles, a projectile housing coupleable to the launcher, the projectile housing comprising a pair of slots, each slot carrying one of the projectiles. A selectively activatable pressure source may be carried by one of the launcher and projectile housing such that activation of the pressure source results in discharge of a tangled projectile from the projectile housing. The socket may be oriented within the projectile housing such that when the projectiles are expelled from the projectile housing, the projectiles travel toward different vertical trajectories.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tangle projectile for use in a projectile deployment system, the tangle projectile comprising a pair of projectiles and a flexible tether connecting the projectiles. At least one engagement hook may be coupled to one or both of the pair of projectiles or the flexible tether, the engagement hook operable to engage clothing worn by a subject engaged by the entanglement projectile to assist in retaining the entanglement projectile about the subject.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, illustrate by way of example some features of the present invention.

Drawings

The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for practicing the invention. Like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the different views or embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a top, bottom, front or rear view of an entangled projectile extending substantially the full length thereof according to one embodiment of the invention;

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

FIG. 2B is an end view of the projectile of FIG. 2A;

figure 3A is a top view of an object towards which a projectile of tangle is fired, showing just prior to engagement of the projectile of tangle with the object;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the subject and projectile of FIG. 3A, shown shortly after the entanglement projectile has engaged the subject;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a portion of a subject showing a situation just prior to engagement of a tangle projectile with a leg of the subject, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a tangle projectile according to another embodiment of the invention, showing a projectile pulling a tether into tension;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of an entangled projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

figure 7 is a top perspective view of the projectile deployment system of the present invention showing the projectile housing in an exploded condition removed from or installed in the launcher;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the projectile housing of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the projection housing of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a top partial cross-sectional view of the projectile housing of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the projectile housing of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is another side partial cross-sectional view of the projectile housing of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the emitter of FIG. 7 showing various components removed to reveal internal components of the emitter;

figure 14 is a side view of a portion of a tangle projectile in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a hook portion of a projectile according to one embodiment of the invention;

fig. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a hook portion of a projectile according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is an end view of a projectile according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 18 is an end view of another projectile in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 19 is a side view of a portion of an entangled projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

figure 20 is a side view of a portion of an entangled projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

figure 21 is a side view of a portion of an entangled projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

figure 22 is a side partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an entangled projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

figure 23 is a side view of a portion of an entangled projectile in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is an end view of an exemplary projectile housing according to an embodiment of the invention; and

fig. 25 is a side view of the exemplary projectile housing of fig. 24.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Variations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, as well as additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art having the benefit of this disclosure, are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Definition of

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a shot" can include one or more such shots, if the context dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term "firearm blank" or "blank (blank) barrel" refers to a well-known blank barrel that may be used with firearms. Such blank cartridges contain powder, but no bullets (bullets) or bullets (shots); thus, they can be released to produce only high speed pressure waves without an accompanying projectile or bullet (slug).

As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete range or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As any example, a "substantially" enclosed object is an article that is completely or nearly completely enclosed. In some cases, the degree of allowable precision deviation from absolute integrity may depend on the particular context. However, in general, the closeness of completion will achieve the same overall result as if it were absolutely all completed. The term "substantially" as used in a negative statement is intended to mean the complete or near complete absence of an action, property, attribute, state, structure, item, or result. As another arbitrary example, a composition that is "substantially free" of an ingredient or element may still actually contain such an item, so long as there is no measurable effect as a result.

As used herein, the term "about" may be used to provide flexibility to a given value by assuming that the value may be "slightly above" or "slightly below" the numerical range endpoint.

In this document, relative directional terms are sometimes used to describe and claim various components of the present invention. These terms include, but are not limited to, "up," "down," "horizontal," "vertical," and the like. These terms are generally not intended to be limiting, but are used to most clearly describe and claim various features of the present invention. To the extent that such terms are necessarily limited, they are intended to be limited to the usage in the context of this disclosure as is known and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

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

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

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

The invention

The present technology relates generally to non-lethal weapon systems, sometimes referred to as trapping or entanglement systems, which can be effectively used as an auxiliary device to impede the progress of or to arrest an aggressive or fleeing subject. In the event that law enforcement, security or military personnel wish to restrain a subject but do not wish to use lethal or harmful force or deploy close body combat, a device in accordance with the present technology may be advantageously used to temporarily hinder the subject's ability to walk, run or use his or her arms. The present technology provides a way to be able to temporarily tie down or bind the subject's arms or legs to the point where the subject feels it difficult to continue moving in a normal manner.

While the present technology may be directed to any part of the subject's body, the following discussion will focus primarily on using this technology to temporarily tether or bind the subject's legs. However, it should be understood that the present technology is not limited to such applications. In some cases, multiple parts of the subject's body may be targeted, such as both arms and legs.

As shown generally in fig. 1-5, the present technique provides an entangled projectile 12 that can be deployed toward a leg of a subject to wrap the projectile around the subject's leg. The projectile includes at least one flexible tether 16 and at least two projectiles 14 coupled together by the tether. By engaging the subject with the tangled projectile, the subject is temporarily rendered partially or completely incapacitated, thereby limiting his or her ability to escape or attack. The tangled projectile of the present technology is launched by a launcher towards a subject (100 in fig. 3A-4). In addition to the transmitters discussed herein, examples of many suitable transmitters are provided in the above-mentioned parent application, U.S. patent application No. 15/081,440 filed 2016, 3, 25, by way of example. These emitters may include energy sources such as compressed gas, explosives/combustibles, mechanical springs, and the like.

Generally, the launcher used with the tangled projectile of the present invention will launch the projectile at a relatively high rate towards the subject 100. Typically, the projectile may be deployed toward the object from a distance of between about 6 feet to about 30 feet (1.8 meters to 9.1 meters), and engage the object (traveling at a speed of about 800 feet per second (243.8 m/s)) approximately within about 0.0075 seconds to 0.0375 seconds. After deployment from the launcher, the tangled projectile will wrap around the subject's leg two or three or more times, temporarily disabling effective movement of the subject. Since the tangled projectile can be fired from a distance, law enforcement personnel can maintain a safe distance from the subject, but still be able to temporarily restrain, disable, or arrest the subject effectively and safely.

The operation of entangling projectiles is generally illustrated in fig. 4: after being released by the launcher, the projectile 12 travels towards the object 100. As the projectile travels toward the subject 100, the projectiles 14 travel away from each other, causing the tether 16 to be pulled substantially taut therebetween. Once the projectile engages the subject (in the example shown in fig. 4 the leg of the subject), the projectile and tether are wrapped around the subject, thereby temporarily tangling and/or disabling the subject.

Various different projectile and tether combinations may be utilized in the present technology. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1-4, the projectile 12 is shown with two generic projectiles 14 connected by a single tether 16. While more than two projectiles may be utilized, the examples shown herein include only two. In some embodiments, the invention is limited to two and only two projectiles connected by a single tether. In one aspect, the invention includes two projectiles and a single tether. In one aspect, the invention consists essentially of two projectiles and a single tether. It has been found that limiting the number of projectiles to two will result in a more efficient deployment system: the risk of entanglement of the tether 16 is eliminated and the projectiles separate from one another more significantly and more quickly after deployment from the launcher. This allows for a more consistent trajectory after deployment. This arrangement may also allow the projectile to be more accurately directed at the object by a suitable emitter configuration.

Figure 5 shows other features of the entangled projectile 12. As described above, the projectile includes two projectiles 14 coupled on opposite ends of a tether 16. In this embodiment, two and only two projectiles are provided, which are coupled by only a single tether 16. It has been found that using only two projectiles is advantageous because a cleaner and more accurate projectile can be directed at the object and the projectile can engage the object more effectively. The projectile 14 may exert equal and opposite forces on the tether 16, such as shown by

direction indicators

102 and 104. In this way, the tethers are pulled into a tensioned linear configuration by the force of the projectiles traveling away from each other.

Tether 16 may not include additional structure coupled thereto and may not have additional structure extending therefrom. In this way, the projectile 14 may pull the tether into the straight uninterrupted linear configuration illustrated. The tether and projectile may substantially occupy a common plane 106 in this configuration just prior to contact with the object. As shown, this plane 106 is generally angularly offset from a "true" horizontal plane 108 because the projectile is at a different height (as described below) before contacting the object. By omitting additional projectiles or tethers or other foreign structures, the present technique may provide a tangled projectile that engages a subject with a much higher rate of successful engagement.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view extending to its full length "L₀"of the projectile 12. In one embodiment, the total length of the tether is much greater than the size (L) of the projectile_P). The overall length may be approximately 7 feet (2.14 meters) or more. The projectile may have a length "L" of approximately 1 inch (2.54 centimeters)_P"and a diameter of approximately 3/8 inches (0.95 cm)" D_P". While different embodiments of the present technology may vary, it is generally desirable to maintain a relatively small size of the projectile, thereby limiting the ability to contain the projectile prior to deploymentThe overall size of the projectile housing requires and reduces the impact that the projectile should hit the object. In this way, the technology can be provided in a lightweight, handheld device.

The relationship of projectile diameter, mass and length relative to tether length/weight can significantly affect the performance of an entangled projectile. It has been found that a projectile having a diameter of about 0.330 inch (0.84 cm), a length of about 1-1.5 inches (2.54-3.81 cm) and a mass of about 5-6 grams in combination with a tether of about 7 feet (2.13 meters) and a mass of about 1 gram provides an effective entanglement projectile. The housings of the present invention discussed below have been designed to effectively deliver such tangled projectiles with a high degree of precision and reliability.

Tether 16 may be formed from a variety of materials. In one aspect, the tether is formed of a conventional nylon material. Wax cords (wax cord) may also be used because wax may help package and/or wind the tether to properly fit and remain within the tether compartment. In one embodiment, the tether may be formed of an elastic material.

In one example, the tether is made of Kevlar^TMThe cords are formed with a thickness of about 0.1 mm. Kevlar tethers have been found to perform well for a number of reasons. The Kevlar tethers are very solid and are not as easily broken as other cords. Furthermore, Kevlar materials do not tend to "wick" the adhesive like other materials, thereby minimizing the drying/curing time of the adhesive and reducing the tendency of the strand to become stiff by stretching the cured adhesive that has wicked along the strand.

Figure 6 illustrates a portion of an exemplary entangled projectile 12c according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a projectile 14c is provided that includes various features that facilitate more accurate and efficient engagement of objects. A portion of tether 16 is shown extending from an access hole 166b, which is typically formed in or through the shank of projectile 14 c. The tether may be secured to the handle by use of an adhesive applied through access hole 166 b. Hook assembly 180 may be attached atop the shank of the projectile and may be secured to the shank via application of adhesive through access hole 166 a.

Access holes

166a and 166b, which function more like rosettes, may be used to allow the hook structures or projectiles to couple to the tether or to each other. In the embodiment of fig. 6, the hook assembly 180 may be positioned in a desired location and a small amount of adhesive or other attachment material may be applied through the access hole 166a to mount the hook assembly in place. Access hole 166b can be readily used in the same manner to mount projectile 14c to tether 16.

While the projectile of the present invention may be used with a variety of projectiles, fig. 7-13 illustrate one exemplary system that may be used to effectively direct a tangled projectile toward a subject. As shown in the exploded view of fig. 7, projectile deployment system 40 generally comprises a coherent projectile comprising a pair of

projectiles

14a, 14b and a tether 16 connecting the projectiles (note that the tether is omitted from many of these views to enable the other components to be more clearly described). A projectile housing 44 is provided which may include a pair of

slots

30a, 30b (see, e.g., fig. 8, 10 and 11). Each slot may be sized and shaped to carry one of the pair of projectiles: in the example shown, the slot 30a carries the projectile 14a, while the slot 30b carries the projectile 14 b.

The projectile housing 44 may include a selectively activatable pressure source 50 (fig. 9-12). The pressure source may be carried by the projectile housing independently of the launcher or other component of the system. The pressure source is capable of expelling a tangled projectile from the projectile housing towards the subject 100. The system may also include an emitter 42 capable of carrying an activator operable to activate a pressure source to expel a tangled projectile from the projectile housing towards a subject. One example of actuator 54 is discussed in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 13.

The projectile housing 44 may be removably engaged with the launcher 42 to allow removal of the projectile housing from the launcher after expelling a tangled projectile 12 therefrom. In this manner, the present techniques provide a deployment system that includes two separate distinct components: an emitter 42 and a projectile housing 44. In one embodiment, the

projectiles

14a, 14b and the tether 16 are carried by a projectile housing as is the pressure source 50. The actuator (e.g., 54 in fig. 13) is carried by the transmitter. Typically, all of the components required to power the initiator are carried by the launcher and all of the components required to launch the projectile are carried by the projectile housing. In this manner, the unit as a whole is not operable until the housing 44 and the projectile 42 are functionally engaged with one another. Once the two parts are engaged with one another, operation of the launcher 42 (and the actuator 54) causes the tangled projectile to be expelled from the housing 44.

In the example shown, the transmitter 42 includes a trigger panel 46, which is discussed in more detail below in connection with fig. 13. Typically, activation of the trigger panel causes the launcher 42 to activate the pressure source 50, which results in the expulsion of the tangled projectile from the housing 44. Once a projectile has been deployed from a particular projectile housing, the housing can be removed and a new projectile housing with a pre-installed entanglement projectile 12 and pressure source can be installed within the launcher. Activation of the first housing and replacement with a new housing may be achieved in a matter of seconds. Thus, law enforcement, security, military personnel, etc. can very quickly replace a used projectile housing with a new projectile housing that is loaded and ready to be activated by the launcher.

Since the housing 44 may include all of the disposable components of the system, the transmitter 42 may have an extended useful life and require little, if any, replacement or maintenance. The entangled projectile 12 and pressure source 50 can be mounted within the projectile housing in a controlled environment to ensure that clean, efficient deployment is consistently achieved. The projectile housing may be provided to law enforcement personnel in a loaded and ready-to-use state, requiring only that the personnel insert the projectile housing into the launcher. While it is envisaged that the end user of the device may reload the projectile housing with a pressure source and a tangle projectile, they need not do so and are likely to feel that quality can be better controlled by preloading the projectile housing with a tangle projectile and pressure source.

Housing 44 may be retained within emitter 42 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the housing may "snap" into the launcher and be held securely in place by one or more mechanical locks (not shown in detail). These locks can be easily disengaged by the end user when it is desired to remove the housing from the transmitter.

Fig. 8 shows a front view of the housing 44. In this view, the

projectiles

14a, 14b may be stored in the

slots

30a, 30b, respectively, ready for use. A tether storage compartment 32 may be provided and may be comprised of a shaped recess formed in the projectile housing to allow a tether (not shown in this figure) to be stored adjacent the projectile prior to use. The projectile housing may include a front shield 56, the front shield 56 may be used to form a protective pocket 58 around the tether and projectile. As shown in fig. 7, a cover 57 may be applied over the pocket 58 and may be attached to the shield 56 to protect the pocket from exposure to contaminants and/or to contain a tangled projectile within the projectile housing.

In the example shown in fig. 9-12, the pressure source 50 comprises a cartridge blank (cartridge blank). As is known, this type of pressure source contains a charge of powder, which is usually activated by striking a primer formed in the cartridge. The blank cartridge contains no core blocks (slug); deployment of the cartridge results only in a high pressure wave directed from the projectile casing. The present technique utilizes such high pressure waves to propel the entangled projectile from the system at high velocity. In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge blank may be non-removably attached to the cartridge such that the cartridge is a single actuation cartridge. In this manner, the installation of the cartridges may be accomplished in a controlled manufacturing environment to ensure that the correct cartridges are used, properly installed, and otherwise ready for use of the housing 44. The cartridge may be secured to the housing by adhesive, mechanical crimping, or the like.

By non-removably attaching the cartridge blank 50 to the case 44, there is little or no risk that an actual bullet or "real" cartridge may be accidentally inserted into the case. Further, the length and configuration of the central bore 60 may be configured to prevent the insertion of anything other than a properly designed blank cartridge 50.

Instead, the entangled projectile 12 is removably mounted within a projectile housing. All of the components of the entangled projectile (i.e., the

projectiles

14a, 14b and the tether 16) are mounted in the housing so that they can be easily ejected completely from the housing when the pressure source 50 is deployed. The geometry of the

slots

30a, 30b in the housing 44 and the geometry of the projectiles have been carefully designed to ensure consistent and effective deployment of the tangled projectile each time the launcher is activated. Fig. 10-12 show this geometry in more detail.

As shown in the top view of fig. 10, the

sockets

30a and 30b are angled relative to each other so that the

projectiles

14a, 14b travel apart from each other as they are expelled from the projectile housing 44. In the illustrated example, at least a portion of one of the slots extends below a portion of another of the slots within the cartridge (in this example, the "bottom" slot 30b extends below the "upper" slot 30 a). Depending on the particular arrangement, one of the projectiles may overlap or extend below or above the other projectile when the projectiles are mounted within the slots. In the example shown, the projectile 30b extends below the projectile 30a (when viewed vertically from the horizontal plane on which the housing is located) when the projectile is stored and ready for activation. As shown in the side view in fig. 11, in one example, the slots may also or alternatively be vertically offset relative to one another and may extend in planes that are parallel to one another.

The housing 44 may also include a central bore 60, shown in fig. 10-12, which central bore 60 is positioned proximate the discharge end of the pressure source or blank cartridge 50. In this embodiment, upon activation, the blank cartridge 50 releases a high pressure wave into the central bore. The high pressure wave then travels into the two

slots

30a and 30b, generally evenly distributed between the two slots. Thus, each of the

slots

30a and 30b terminates in the central bore 60, or at least is in fluid communication with the central bore 60.

As discussed, each

socket

30a, 30b may hold one projectile 14a, 14b, respectively, prior to deployment of the projectiles from the projectile housing. As the high pressure wave is generated by the cartridge, it is guided through the central bore and applied to the projectiles held in the

slots

30a, 30 b. The projectile is then forcibly expelled from the inner mass toward the subject.

As best understood from fig. 10, the

slots

30a, 30b may be oriented at an angle "a" relative to each other. Although the angle may vary, it is generally acute, typically in the range of about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle may be between about 25 degrees and about 45 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle is about 30 degrees. By angling the sockets relative to each other, the

projectiles

14a, 14b are directed away from each other as they are expelled from the sockets. In this way, the projectiles separate very quickly relative to each other, tightening the tether 16 between them so that the tether can be fully extended before engaging with the object. The forward energy applied to the projectile is not only divided between the two projectiles, but also angled due to the nature of the slot: thus, in the event that the projectile inadvertently makes direct contact with the object, the force is less than would otherwise be applied by full loading (charge), thereby minimizing the risk of injury to the object.

The resulting emissions are shown in fig. 3A and 3B. In fig. 3A, the tangled projectile 12 has been launched (as shown above) towards the subject 100 and advanced to engage the subject. Before contacting the object, the tether 16 has been tensioned so that the projectile 14 travels in a linear direction towards the object. Shortly after the tether 16 comes into contact with the object, the momentum of the projectiles being stopped by the tether from continuing along their current trajectory causes them to begin to move toward each other (as shown in fig. 3B), which will orbit the projectiles around the object (orbit).

The tether wraps tightly around the subject's leg as the projectile orbits around the subject's leg. It should be noted that as the tether is wound around the leg of the subject, the rotational speed of the projectiles will increase, causing them to wind faster as the effective length of the tether decreases. In an average deployment, the projectile will wrap around the subject's leg itself 2-3 times, resulting in the tether wrapping around the subject's leg 4-6 times. As will be appreciated, after the tether is so wrapped around the leg of the subject, the subject will be very difficult to move, at least temporarily.

Referring again to fig. 10, in this example, the

axes

31a, 31b of the

sockets

30a, 30b, respectively, may intersect each other at a location within the housing 44. That is, a portion or section of one of the slots may intersect a portion or section of the other slot within the confines of the housing. In the illustrated example, the

slots

30a and 30b intersect or overlap, with each slot fluidly coupled to the central bore 60. The slots may also be stacked horizontally relative to one another to provide an overlapping configuration one on top of the other. In this manner, the slots may be relatively spaced against one another while still maintaining a desired angle therebetween. The intersection of these slots can be adjusted closer to or further away from the central hole.

This stacked/overlapping configuration allows for the use of a relatively narrow projectile housing 44 regardless of the angle at which the slot is desired to be oriented. If the sockets are oriented only in side-by-side relationship without overlapping axes, the width or diameter of the projectile housing would have to increase as the angle "α" between the socket axes 31 increases. However, by overlapping the axes, this restriction on the arrangement of the slots is eliminated. This may allow the projectile housing to be narrower than would otherwise be possible. This would result in a transmitter system that could be easily carried by law enforcement personnel, similar to a conventional gun or Taser. Although not so limited, in one aspect of the invention, the projectile housing 44 may be formed to have a diameter of less than about 2 inches (5.1 centimeters) and as small as 1¹/₂A diameter or maximum width of inches (3.8 centimeters) or less. The projectile housing may be formed to have less than about 2¹/₂A length of inches (6.4 cm) or as little as 2 inches (5.1 cm) or less. The overlapping or stacking of the slots also allows the vertical displacement of the projectile to be different as the projectile makes contact with the object. This vertical offset of the projectile is discussed in more detail in the parent application referenced above.

Fig. 13 shows an example of the transmitter 42 and some of the components within the transmitter. It should be noted that several of the operative components of the transmitter have been omitted from this view in order to more clearly illustrate the operational principles of the transmitter. In this embodiment, the initiator includes a slide firing bolt 54. The firing bolt may include an internal spring 66, and the internal spring 66 may be biased into a compressed state to prepare the bolt for firing. This may be achieved by a sliding "cocking" mechanism (not shown in detail) that may be used to compress the internal spring. A trigger panel 46 (which is typically accessible from the top of the launcher) may be depressed when it is desired to activate the launch of a tangled projectile. Depressing the face plate 46 will cause the lever 46a to depress the lever 68, which in turn causes the tang 70 to release the firing bolt. The tension in the spring 66 then urges the bolt 54 along a predetermined trajectory. The blank cartridge 50 is located at the end of the trajectory of the bolt when the housing is installed in the launcher. The bolt impacts the cartridge, igniting the primer and generating a high pressure wave.

While fig. 13 illustrates the general operation of the exemplary trigger bolt 54 shown, it should be understood that many components that contribute to the operation of the transmitter are omitted from this view. These components include, but are not limited to: structure for "cocking" the firing bolt 54 to a ready position; a safety mechanism to prevent accidental activation of the emitter; a latching mechanism that latches the housing 44 to the transmitter 42 or within the transmitter 42, or the like. The operation of these components can be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art having possession of the present disclosure.

In addition to utilizing a blank cartridge as the pressure source 50, the pressure source may be provided in many other forms. In one example, the pressure source comprises a compressed gas cylinder that can be activated in the same manner as discussed with respect to the blank cartridge. In other embodiments, an electronic triggering system may be utilized. In this example, an electronic switch (shown schematically at 80b in fig. 13 for exemplary purposes) may be provided within the transmitter. A contact pad 80a may be provided on the housing on the emitter (shown schematically at 80b in fig. 9 for exemplary purposes). A complementary pad (not shown) may be associated with the emitter. Activation of the trigger panel 46 can activate an electronic switch, which can then generate an electronic signal that can be transmitted through the pad 80a to the projectile housing, thereby causing activation of the pressure source. The pad 80a may ensure that the electronic signal is provided to the housing only when the housing is properly installed in the transmitter.

By enclosing the pressure source 50 and the intertwined projectiles 12 in the removable projectile housing 44, all of the components that generate (and react to) the force are contained in a single unit. There is no unnecessary gap or connection between the power source and the entangled projectile. This aspect also eliminates any need to reload the two parts, the entangled projectile and the pressure source, because the parts are contained within a removable part, the projectile housing, which can be easily and quickly loaded into or unloaded from the launcher 42.

Fig. 24 and 25 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention in which four

slots

30c, 30d, 30e and 30f are formed in an inner exemplary projectile housing 44 a. As shown in fig. 25, the

upper sockets

30c, 30d may carry projectiles from a tangled projectile (not shown here) that are directed forwardly from the block when activated. The

lower sockets

30e, 30f may carry projectiles from different entangled projectiles (not shown here) and, upon release, the projectiles will be propelled at a non-parallel angle of angle "epsilon" relative to the upper socket. Each pair of slots may also be oriented (or vertically staggered) as shown in fig. 8 and 11. In this embodiment, aiming the emitter containing housing 44a toward the target may result in directing one projectile toward the torso of the subject and a second projectile toward the leg of the subject. This may provide more opportunities to temporarily incapacitate the subject. This arrangement may also allow law enforcement personnel to direct the transmitter towards the subject's body mass. This may ensure that law enforcement officers correctly utilize projectile launchers, as many law enforcement officers are trained to fire toward the torso of the subject, rather than the legs of the subject. The angle "epsilon" may vary, but the inventors have found that as little as 6 degrees is sufficient for the two projectiles to contact the subject's body in different areas.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 24 and 25, activation of the energy source 50 (not shown in these figures) results in both projectiles (four projectiles in total) being expelled from the housing 44 a. However, it should be understood that the system may be configured to provide pressure waves to the upper socket independently of the lower socket to allow, for example, law enforcement personnel to select which projectile to deploy. Likewise, a block may contain more than two pairs of slots that fire simultaneously, or they may be configured to be fired individually by one or more trigger mechanisms.

While much of the discussion above has focused on the projectile shells and launchers used in the present technology, the ballistic characteristics of the entangled projectiles must be carefully matched with the operational characteristics of the shells and launchers. Typically, the entanglement projectile of the present technology is arranged to be electrically inert. That is, they are not attached to a source of charge, nor do they require charge to restrain or entangle the object. As used herein, the term "electrically inert" is understood to mean: no state of charge is carried by the projectile, shot, and tether other than the charge carried by the inert object in the environment in which the projectile is deployed. Thus, while most objects may carry some static charge in such an environment, the projectile (projectile and tether) does not carry any additional charge. In most embodiments, the tether and projectile also need not carry any other structure capable of delivering an electrical charge to the subject.

Further examples of suitable projectiles and tethers are shown in fig. 14-23. In the example shown in fig. 14, at least one engagement hook 144 may be coupled to at least one projectile 12. The engagement hook can be used to engage clothing worn by the subject 100 engaged by the tangled projectile to help retain the tangled projectile around the subject. The engagement hook may also engage another engagement hook during or after winding is complete. The present inventors have found that whilst wrapping the projectile of the present invention around a subject has proven effective, the use of engagement hooks on the projectile can help retain the projectile around the subject after the projectile has been wrapped, increasing the likelihood of successful entanglement or wrapping. The engagement hook of the present invention is designed to engage clothing worn by the subject (or other hook that engages a projectile), and not necessarily the subject's skin or body. In some embodiments, engaging the subject's skin or body is undesirable, while in other embodiments, such considerations may be less important (e.g., when using very small hooks).

While the various engagement hooks shown in the figures include a conventional "hook" shape, it should be understood that the hooks may include linear segments extending from the projectile in various directions. For example, the hook may comprise a straight segment that extends perpendicularly from the projectile in one direction and then turns at an angle in the other direction. In other words, the hooks need not contain curved portions — they may include one or more linear segments formed at some angle relative to each other. The hooks may also extend directly from the projectile in a single direction and need not include segments extending in different directions.

The arrangement of the present invention accomplishes this by uniquely arranging the engagement hooks relative to the projectile. For example, as shown in fig. 14, the hook 144 may include a point 146 extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the tether extends from the projectile. In this way, the point 146 may engage the item of clothing of the subject when the projectile is completing its winding around the subject. It should be noted that the distal end 170 of the projectile 14d of fig. 14 will travel toward (and radially around) the subject's clothing as the projectile winds. This point of the hook will engage the subject's clothing just before its winding is completed. This orientation allows the hook to immediately engage the subject's clothing: otherwise, the hook may need to be pulled back to engage the garment.

In contrast, in the embodiment shown in fig. 21, hooks 148 are provided, the hooks 148 being oriented to extend from the projectile 14h in the same direction as the tether 16. According to various embodiments, the hooks can be provided in a forward orientation, a rearward orientation, and both orientations. In this example, a hook 144 is also provided that extends in the opposite direction. A projectile in accordance with the present technology may be provided that includes hooks oriented in one or two directions. In the example shown in fig. 14, the hook 144 includes a barb 159, the barb 159 projecting from the hook in a direction generally opposite the point 146. The barbs may help retain the hooks in engagement with the subject's clothing. However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, no barbs are provided. In this case, the hook 152 includes only the unidirectional point 154, and the unidirectional point 154 may be oriented in or directed at various angles or trajectories.

As also shown in fig. 16, the hook may be configured to extend from the projectile in a particular orientation. The angle "β" shown is the angle between the longitudinal axis of the projectile (142 in fig. 14) and the general direction in which the tip portion of the hook extends from the projectile. In some embodiments, the angle may be between about 15 degrees and about 35 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle is about 23 degrees.

In one aspect of the invention, as shown in fig. 14, the projectile may include a neck 160, and the neck 160 may include a diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the projectile. Thus, in some embodiments, the neck provides a concave shank that extends away from a larger portion of the projectile containing the dimple 132.

The engagement hook 144 may extend over the neck 160 of the projectile. In one embodiment, the engagement hooks extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the projectile to a circumferential span (circular surgical span). This circumferential span of the engagement hook may be less than the circumferential span of the outer surface of the projectile. As can be seen from fig. 14, the hooks 144 extend outwardly only to the extent of the diameter "D" of the lower portion of the projectile. This allows the hook and projectile to be used together while also allowing the projectile to be inserted into the slot or barrel from which it is to be ejected. Thus, the hook may be provided without the need for a special slot arrangement. A projectile with a hook coupled thereto may fit within a hole of the same size diameter for a projectile without a hook.

The concave neck 160 provides the additional advantage that the distal end 170 of the projectile is generally much larger than the neck and therefore has a greater mass. As the projectile is expelled from the launcher (which applies a pressure wave to the end 170 of the projectile of fig. 14), the neck is first expelled from the barrel or socket of the launcher. However, as the tether is tightened, the end 170 becomes the leading end and the increased mass of the end helps to provide forward momentum to the projectile for good winding around the object 100.

Fig. 15-18 illustrate some exemplary embodiments in which the hook assembly may be provided as part of a projectile or may be used as the projectile itself. In these embodiments, the hook structure includes a hollow stem 162 (fig. 15) capable of receiving the tether 16. In this way, the hook structure can be easily coupled to the tether without weight shifting on one side or the other of the tether. The use of a hollow handle may also allow one or more hook structures to be coupled to the tether along various longitudinal locations on the tether. For example, as shown in fig. 20, the projectile 14g does not include a hook structure. However, the hook assembly 164 includes two hooks 144 and includes a hollow stem 162 (not shown in detail). The hollow stem allows the hook assembly to be moved to any desired location along the tether 16 and easily installed in place without damaging or twisting (twist) or kinking (kink) the tether. The tether may include a plurality of hook assemblies 164 oriented in various directions, the hook assemblies 164 including opposing hooks 180 (fig. 22) on such hook assemblies. The hook assembly on the tether may also be used with the hook assembly on the projectile.

An access hole (access hole)166 that functions more like a rosette (rosette) may be used in this embodiment (and many others) to allow a hook structure or projectile to be easily coupled to a tether. In the embodiment of fig. 20, the hook assembly 164 may be positioned where desired, and a small amount of adhesive or other attachment material may be applied through the access hole 166 to mount the hook assembly in place. In the example shown in fig. 14, the access hole 166 can be readily used to mount the projectile to the tether 16 and the hook 144 within the projectile (if such an arrangement is desired).

Each of the examples shown in fig. 14, 15, 16, 19 and 20 includes two hooks 144 coupled to or carried by the projectile. Instead of using two hooks, a single hook may be used. Alternatively, it has been found that the use of a plurality of hooks equally spaced around the projectile can ensure proper engagement of the objects. In fig. 17, three hooks 149 are used. In one embodiment, a number of 12 triple hooks (treble hooks) have been found to be suitable. In fig. 18, four hooks 151 are used. In each of these cases, the hooks are evenly spaced about the longitudinal axis of the projectile and hollow shank 162. In some embodiments, more than four hooks are used.

Tether 16 may also include structure that can help limit the ability of an object to be quickly detached from the tether. For example, as shown in fig. 19, engagement features 168 may be added to the tether at spaced intervals along the tether. For example, a representative spacing interval is shown as "S". The engagement feature 168 may take a variety of forms. In one example, small knots may be formed in the tether at regular intervals. These knots may engage clothing worn by the subject to limit the ability of the subject to quickly disengage from the projectile. They may also help to engage the tether with itself as it is wound around an object. In another example, a bead, ball, or other structure may be attached to or integrally formed with the tether. Small "blobs" or dots of adhesive or similar material may be added to the tether to form the engagement feature. In another example, the engagement features may include hook assemblies (shown at 164 in fig. 20) that may be spaced at regular intervals as desired. Thus, a series of hook assemblies may be attached to the tether at spaced intervals.

Tether 16 may be formed from a variety of materials. In one aspect, the tether is formed of a conventional nylon material. Wax thread (wax cord) may also be used because wax may help package and/or wind the tether to properly fit and remain within the tether compartment. In one embodiment, the tether may be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material may allow the tether to move from a nominal configuration (e.g., "L" in FIG. 1)₀") to a longer extended configuration.

In one example, the tether may extend as much as 20% to 300% of its original length. By providing elasticity to the tether, the tether may be extended by the momentum of the projectile as the tangled projectile is propelled towards the object. Thus, tether 16 may be in the extended configuration at a time just prior to contact with object 100 as shown in fig. 3A. Once the tether is in contact with the object, the elastic properties of the tether may help to pull the projectile around the object. In this way, in addition to the momentum of the projectile causing it to wind around the object once it contacts the object, the elasticity in the tether may also help pull the projectile around the object.

As shown in fig. 22, in one embodiment, a hook assembly 180 may be provided, which hook assembly 180 may include a plurality of

hooks

144, 148, etc. For example, the hook assembly may be mounted in a hollow neck 160 (not fully shown) of the projectile. The hook assembly may include a front handle 182 and a rear handle 184. In this example, a rear handle 184 is mounted within the neck of the projectile alongside tether 16. The tether is then routed around the hooks of the hook assembly as the tether extends from the projectile. In this way, the longitudinal axis of the tether (such as shown at 192 in fig. 23) is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the hook assembly. The inventors have found that offsetting the longitudinal axis of the tether in this manner can cause the projectile and/or hook assembly to "cock" relative to the tether as it travels towards the object. This may help to successfully engage the object with the hook when contacting the object's clothing (or when contacting a hook from another projectile or hook assembly).

Similar relationships are shown in more detail in the additional embodiment shown in FIG. 23. In this example, the projectile 14j may include a longitudinal axis 190. In this example, the tether passes out of the projectile through the opening 166 rather than the end of the projectile. In this manner, the longitudinal axis 192 of the tether is offset by an amount O_wOffset from the longitudinal axis 190 of the projectile. Further, since the tether is coupled to the projectile at the opening 166, it is relative to the overall length L of the projectile_PAt offset O_LIs operatively coupled to the projectile. It should be noted that in this example, if the tether extends from the upper end of the projectile as shown in the previous embodiment, the offset O is_LWill be zero. In one example, offset O_LAbout the total length L_PHalf of that. In one aspect, the total length L_PAbout 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) and offset O_LAbout 0.75 inches (1.91 cm). In this embodiment, the length of the neck is about 0.9 inches (2.29 cm). Thus, the opening 166 is formed in or through the neck just above the wider portion. Although not shown in fig. 23, in addition to the opening 166 of fig. 23 through which the tether may enter the projectile, an additional opening (typically higher up in the neck 12 as shown in fig. 14) may be provided to allow access to the hook assembly.

By establishing one or both of these offsets greater than zero, the projectiles (and any attached hooks) locally rotate or "cock" relative to the tether, particularly as they pass through the air. It has been found that by attaching the one or more hooks to or carried by the projectile increases the likelihood of successfully engaging the desired structure.

The hook assembly 180 shown in fig. 22 may be mounted within a handle formed in the projectile as shown, or it may be coupled to one end of the projectile. In addition to the hook assembly being formed as an integral unit, a plurality of hooks may also be installed in or coupled with the projectile as individual units.

Various additional features of the present technology are shown in the drawings. In one aspect of the invention, one or more of the projectiles may include a portion extending inwardly from an outer diameter, the recessed portion having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the projectile, thereby forming a pocket (pocket) in the projectile that provides an area for accumulation of debris and gases carried by a pressure wave generated by the projectile deployment system. In one example, the recessed portion may completely surround the projectile.

The projectile may further comprise at least two recessed portions spaced longitudinally along the projectile to form two pockets separated by an unmodified portion of the projectile. The recessed portion may comprise a conically tapered portion extending into a planar portion substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis of the projectile. The at least one recessed portion may be formed on an end of the projectile opposite an end of the projectile to which the projectile is connected when the tether is coupled to the projectile. At least one engagement hook may be coupled to the at least one projectile, the engagement hook operable to engage clothing worn by a subject engaged by the entanglement projectile to help retain the entanglement projectile about the subject.

The projectile may include a neck having a diameter less than an outer diameter of the projectile, and the at least one engagement hook may extend over the neck of the projectile. The hook may include a point extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the tether extends from the projectile. It should be noted, however, that as shown in fig. 6, the projectile 12c may include only a single "head" 194 without an accompanying recessed portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for entangling objects, comprising: aiming an object with a projectile launcher carrying a tangled projectile having a pair of projectiles connected by a tether, each projectile being carried by one of a pair of slots formed in the launcher; and activating the projectile launcher to cause the projectiles to be expelled from the projectile launcher, the projectiles traveling outwardly from the projectile launcher and laterally away from each other as the projectiles are expelled from the projectile launcher, the projectiles having different vertical heights relative to each other when the tether contacts the object.

The method may further comprise spacing the projectile launcher a distance from the subject such that the tether has a substantially maximum extension at the point where the entanglement projectile engages the subject. The tether may be elastic such that the tether may expand when the projectile is expelled from the projectile housing. Activating the projectile launcher may include activating a compressed gas cylinder carried by the projectile launcher. Activating the projectile launcher may include activating a cartridge blank carried by the projectile launcher. Discharging the projectiles may include discharging the projectiles at an angle between about 10 degrees and about 60 degrees relative to each other. The angle may be between about 25 degrees and about 45 degrees.

The method may further include aligning a socket within the projectile launcher in a particular orientation prior to activating the launcher. Aligning the socket to a particular orientation may include aligning the socket such that the projectile travels in an offset vertical trajectory when discharged from the projectile launcher.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible in the principles and concepts of the invention without departing from them.

Claims

1. A projectile deployment system comprising:

an entanglement projectile comprising a pair of projectiles and a tether connecting the projectiles;

a projectile housing including a pair of slots, each slot sized to carry one of the projectiles;

the pair of slots being angled relative to each other such that the projectiles travel apart from each other as they are expelled from the projectile housing, the slots being vertically offset relative to each other and extending in planes parallel to each other;

a launcher carrying the projectile housing; and

a selectively activatable pressure source carried by one of the launcher or the projectile housing, the pressure source being capable of expelling the tangled projectile from the projectile housing toward a subject.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure source is carried by the housing, and wherein an activator capable of activating the pressure source is carried by the emitter.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure source comprises a cartridge blank.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure source comprises a compressed gas tank.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the projectiles overlap one another when installed in the socket.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure source is in fluid communication with a single vent in fluid communication with each of the sockets.

7. A projectile deployment system comprising:

a transmitter;

a projectile housing coupled to the launcher, the projectile housing including a pair of slots, each slot carrying one of the projectiles;

a selectively activatable pressure source carried by one of the launcher and the projectile housing such that activating the pressure source causes the entangled projectile to be expelled from the projectile housing; wherein

The slots extend in planes parallel to one another and are oriented within the projectile housing such that the projectiles travel toward different vertical trajectories as they are expelled from the projectile housing.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the pressure source comprises a billet cartridge.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the pressure source comprises a compressed gas tank.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the projectile housing is releasably coupled to the launcher to enable interchangeability of a plurality of projectile housings.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the slots are retained within the projectile housing at different vertical heights.

12. The projectile deployment system of any one of claims 1-11, further comprising one or more engagement hooks coupled to at least one of the pair of projectiles, the engagement hooks operable to engage clothing worn by a subject of the deployment system to help retain the tangled projectile about the subject.

13. A method of entangling objects comprising:

aiming the projectile deployment system of any one of claims 1-11 towards a subject; and

activating the selectively activatable pressure source to activate the pressure source to expel the tangled projectile from the projectile housing toward the subject.