Remotely Sightable Detainment Systems and Related Methods

Abstract

A remotely sightable launcher assembly is provided for at least temporarily detaining a subject. A launcher can carry a projectile which can include a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. The projectile is capable of at least temporarily detaining a subject when wrapped about the subject. A user input is operably coupled to a control system, the user input operable to communicate with the control system to activate the power source to expel the projectile from the launcher toward the subject. A camera is associated with or carried by the launcher and is operable to obtain an image of an area toward which the launcher is aimed. A sighting screen is in communication with the camera, the sighting screen displaying the image provided by the camera and allowing a user to align the image obtained by the camera to target a subject within the sighting screen.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to non-lethal, near-range weapons systems to aid in temporarily detaining, immobilizing, impeding or subduing hostile or fleeing subjects.

Related Art

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

For these and other reasons, non-lethal devices for detaining subjects have been used with some success. An example of such a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,107,599, to the present inventor. While these devices have proven effective, properly targeting a subject to ensure engagement with the subject continues to be a design goal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a remotely sightable launcher assembly is provided for at least temporarily detaining a subject. The assembly can include a launcher carrying a projectile. The projectile can include a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets, the projectile being capable of at least temporarily detaining a subject when wrapped about the subject. At least one power source can be associated with the launcher. At least one control system can be operably coupled to the at least one power source, the control system operable to activate the power source. At least one user input can be operably coupled to the at least one control system, the user input operable to communicate with the control system to activate the at least one power source to expel the projectile from the launcher toward the subject. A camera can be associated with or carried by the launcher, the camera operable to obtain an image of an area toward which the launcher is aimed. A sighting screen can be in communication with the camera, the sighting screen displaying the image provided by the camera to allow a user to align the image obtained by the camera to target a subject within the sighting screen.

In accordance with another example, a method is provided of remotely targeting, with a launcher, a subject to be at least temporarily detained. The method can include aiming a launcher toward a subject. The launcher can carry a projectile, the projectile including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets, the projectile being capable of at least temporarily detaining the subject when wrapped about the subject. The method can include obtaining an image with a camera associated with or carried by the launcher, the image including at least a portion of the subject. The image provided by the camera can be viewed on a sighting screen. The image can be aligned relative to the subject. A user input can be activated to communicate with a control system to activate at least one power source carried by the launcher to expel the projectile from the launcher toward the subject.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a near-range launcher in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, shown in an exploded condition with a projectile casing being removed from the device;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the projectile casing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the projectile casing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a portion of a subject in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown immediately prior to an entangling projectile engaging the subject's legs;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1, shown carrying a camera in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a sighting screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the technology; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary pair of eyeglasses on which a sighting screen can be positioned.

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. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Definitions

As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” can include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a camera” can include one or more of such cameras, if the context dictates.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As an arbitrary example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed is an article that is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend upon the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As another arbitrary example, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item so long as there is no measurable effect as a result thereof.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint.

Relative directional terms can sometimes be used herein to describe and claim various components of the present invention. Such terms include, without limitation, “upward,” “downward,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” etc. These terms are generally not intended to be limiting, but are used to most clearly describe and claim the various features of the invention. Where such terms must carry some limitation, they are intended to be limited to usage commonly known and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in the context of this disclosure.

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. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually.

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

Invention

The present technology relates generally to non-lethal, near-range weapons systems that can be effectively used as an aid in impeding the progress of or detaining aggressive or fleeing subjects. Devices in accordance with the present technology can be advantageously used to temporarily impede a subject's ability to stand, walk, run, or use his or her arms. These options can be beneficial in cases where law enforcement, security personnel or military personnel wish to detain a subject, but do not wish to use lethal or harmful force or to engage in close proximity, hand-to-hand combat.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate one exemplary launcher 10 that can be used in accordance with the present technology. This launcher is used to expel an entangling projectile toward a subject: after contacting the subject, the entangling projectile wraps about arms or legs of the subject to temporarily restrain or subdue the subject. The launcher 10 is similar in operation and design as those disclosed in patents and patent applications to the present inventor, such as U.S. Pat. No. 10,036,615, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/399,537 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/467,958, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Reference is made to these patents and publications for additional information about the launcher shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

In the example shown, launcher 10 generally includes an entangling projectile (12 in FIG. 4) that includes a pair of pellets 14a, 14b, and a tether (16 in FIG. 4) connecting the pellets. A projectile casing 24 can be provided that can include a pair of sockets 13a, 13b (see FIG. 3). Each socket can be sized and shaped to carry one of the pair of pellets: in the examples shown, socket 13a carries pellet 14a and socket 13b carries pellet 14b.

The projectile casing 24 can include a selectively activatable power source or pressure source 20 (FIG. 3). The pressure source can be capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject. The system can also include a launcher body 22 that can carry a control system (shown schematically at 48 in FIG. 5) that can be operable to activate the pressure source to expel the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject.

While not so required, the projectile casing 24 can be removably engageable with the launcher body 22 to allow removal of the projectile casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entangling projectile from the projectile casing. In the example shown, launcher 10 includes a user input interface, or in this case a trigger 42, that is in communication with a control system, shown generically in FIG. 5 at 48. The control system is in turn in communication with the power or pressure source (20 in FIG. 3). Activation of the user input, or trigger, causes the control system to activate the pressure or power source, which results in expulsion of the entangling projectile from the projectile casing 22.

In the example shown, once the projectile has been deployed from a particular projectile casing, that casing can be removed and a fresh projectile casing with a preinstalled entangling projectile and pressure or power source can be installed within the launcher. Activation of a first casing and replacement with a fresh casing can be achieved in a matter of seconds. Thus, law enforcement, security, military, etc., personnel can very rapidly exchange a spent projectile casing with a fresh projectile casing that is loaded and ready to activate by the launcher.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the casing 44. In this view, pellets 14a, 14b can be seen stored, ready for use, in sockets 13a, 13b, respectively. Tether storage compartments 32 can be provided and can consist of shaped depressions formed in the projectile casing to allow the tether (16 in FIG. 4) to be stored adjacent the pellets prior to use.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-3, the power or pressure source 20 comprises a cartridge blank. This type of pressure source is well known to contain gunpowder that is typically activated by striking a primer formed in the cartridge. The blank cartridge contains no slug: deployment of the cartridge results only in a high-pressure wave being directed from the projectile casing. This high-pressure wave is utilized by the present technology to propel the entangling projectile from the system at high velocity. In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge blank can be irremovably attached to the cartridge such that the cartridge is a single actuation cartridge. In this manner, installation of the cartridge can be done in a controlled manufacturing environment, to ensure the proper cartridge is used, that the cartridge is properly installed, and that the casing 24 is otherwise ready for use. The cartridge can be secured to the casing by adhesive, mechanical crimp, etc.

Operation of the entangling projectile is shown generally in FIG. 4: after being released by a launcher, the projectile 12 travels toward a subject 100. As the projectile travels toward the subject, pellets 14 travel away from one another, resulting in the tether 16 being pulled substantially taught between the two. Once the projectile engages the subject (in the example shown the subject's legs are engaged), the pellets and tether wrap about the subject and thereby temporarily entangle and/or disable the subject.

A variety of differing pellet and tether combinations can be utilized in the present technology. In the examples shown in FIG. 4, the projectile 12 is shown with two generic pellets 14 connected by a single tether 16. While more than two pellets can be utilized, the examples shown herein include only two. In some embodiments, the invention is limited to two, and only two, pellets connected by a single tether. In one aspect, the invention consists of two pellets and a single tether. In one aspect, the invention consists essentially of two pellets and a single tether. It has been found that limiting the number of pellets to two results in a more effective deployment system: the risk of tangling of the tether 16 is diminished and the pellets spread apart from one another much more cleanly and quickly after being deployed from the launcher. This results in a more consistent trajectory after deployment. This arrangement can also allow, with the proper launcher configuration, the projectiles to be more accurately directed toward a subject.

Turning now to FIG. 5, in one aspect of the invention, a system can be provided that includes a remotely sightable launcher assembly 110 for at least temporarily detaining a subject. The system can include the launcher and projectile, as discussed above. In addition, at least one control system 50 can be operably coupled to the power source (20 in FIG. 3). The control system can be operable to activate the power source. At least one user input 42 can be provided, which can be operably coupled to the at least one control system. The user input can be operable to communicate with the control system to activate the at least one power source to expel the projectile from the launcher toward the subject.

The system can also include a camera, shown schematically at 60, that can be associated with or carried by the launcher. The camera can be operable to obtain an image of an area toward which the launcher is aimed. A sighting screen 62 can be in communication with the camera. The sighting screen can display the image provided by the camera, thus allowing a user to align the image obtained by the camera to target the subject within the sighting screen. The sighting screen can also display range information indicating a distance from the launcher to a subject, or to other objects displayed on the screen.

The camera and sighting screen and ranging data, where applicable, can provide a number of advantages. By providing a remote viewing option, a user can hold the launcher in a variety of positions and still accurately target the subject. This can be beneficial in situations in which the user does not have a clear line of sight to the subject. Such a system can allow the user to properly target the subject even around corners or above walls, when the user cannot make visual contact with the subject. Also, as the present launchers are often not held at eye level when shooting, as traditional weapons might be, a user may struggle to properly target the subject. The camera and viewing screen can allow a clear targeting process regardless of the position in which the launcher is held. The ranging information displayed can alert the user to when a subject is within a desired range of the device. For example, it may be determined that the launcher functions best if the device is positioned from the subject by 10-25. The ranging data can aid the user in making this determination. Further the ranging information can communicate with the device to prevent deployment if the subject is too close to or too far from the launcher, or if some structure is positioned between the wielder and the subject, such as another person suddenly intervening between the two.

In addition, when the launcher is needed in poor viewing conditions (e.g., low light, smoky or dirty air, etc.), the camera can provide an image of the subject that is superior to that obtained with the naked eye. The camera can, for example, be an infrared, night vision, or other specialized camera that can perform better than the naked eye in many environments.

In one aspect of the invention, the sighting screen can include a reticle 64 (FIG. 7) displayed thereon or carried thereby. The reticle can either be generated by the camera or the viewing screen and displayed on the sighting screen, or the reticle can be formed on a surface of the viewing screen, as a more or less permanent fixture on the viewing screen. The reticle can aid the user in targeting the proper area on the subject's body. The reticle can also aid orienting the user's target (or view) with true horizontal. This can be advantageous in the present system as the projectile is launched with an orientation that should be closely aligned with true horizontal.

In the aspect shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sighting screen 62 is carried by the launcher casing 22. While not so required, the sighting screen can be positioned on a top surface of the launcher, enabling a user to easily view the screen while holding the launcher at waist height. In other embodiments, however, the sighting screen can be positioned remotely from the launcher. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in one aspect the sighting screen is carried by headgear 66 worn by the user. In the example shown, the headgear comprises eyeglasses that include lenses 68. In this embodiment, the image provided by the camera is displayed on one or both lenses of the eyeglasses and can be easily viewed by a user.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the camera can communicate with the viewing screen by way of a hard-wired connection. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the camera can communicate with the viewing screen by way of a wireless connection. While the specific details of these communication links is not shown in detail, one of ordinary skill in the art having possession of this disclosure can readily incorporate the technology necessary for these systems to communicate one with another. Of course, variations on these two systems can also be incorporated into the present technology: the viewing screen 62 can be carried by the launcher 22 or the headgear can be hardwired to the launcher, where desirable.

Each of the camera 60 and the viewing screen 62 can selected from known components in these fields of endeavor. One of ordinary skill in the art, having possession of this disclosure, can readily appreciate the operation and function of such components, as well as the necessary circuitry, power supply, etc., that can be utilized to incorporate such technology into the present systems.

The camera can include a ranging system that determines a range of the subject or other objects from the launcher. In other embodiments, a separate ranging system can be associated with the camera or launcher and can be employed to provide range data to be displayed on the sighting system. Such ranging information can be used to vary the pressure of the launcher system based on distance, or prevent activation if the subject is too close to or too far from the launcher.

In addition to the apparatus discussed above, the present technology also provides methods of remotely targeting, with a launcher, a subject to be at least temporarily detained. The method can include aiming a launcher toward a subject, the launcher carrying a projectile, the projectile including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets, the projectile being capable of at least temporarily detaining the subject when wrapped about the subject. An image can be obtained with a camera associated with or carried by the launcher, the image including at least a portion of the subject. The image provided by the camera can be viewed on a screen, and the image can be aligned relative to the subject. A user input can be activated by a user to communicate with a control system to activate at least one power source carried by the launcher to expel the projectile from the launcher toward the subject.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary embodiments(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the examples.

Claims

1. A remotely sightable launcher assembly for at least temporarily detaining a subject, comprising: a launcher carrying a projectile, the projectile including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets, the projectile being capable of at least temporarily detaining a subject when wrapped about the subject;at least one power source, associated with the launcher;at least one control system, operably coupled to the at least one power source, the control system operable to activate the power source;at least one user input, operably coupled to the at least one control system, the user input operable to communicate with the control system to activate the at least one power source to expel the projectile from the launcher toward the subject;a camera, associated with or carried by the launcher, the camera operable to obtain an image of an area toward which the launcher is aimed; anda sighting screen, in communication with the camera, the sighting screen displaying the image provided by the camera, the sighting screen allowing a user to align the image obtained by the camera to target a subject within the sighting screen.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the sighting screen includes a reticle displayed thereon or carried thereby.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the sighting screen is carried by the launcher.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the sighting screen is positioned remotely from the launcher.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the sighting screen is carried by headgear worn by the user.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the headgear comprises eyeglasses.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the image provided by the camera is displayed on one or both lenses of the eyeglasses.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the camera communicates wirelessly with the sighting screen.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the camera is hardwired to the sighting screen.

10. A method of remotely targeting, with a launcher, a subject to be at least temporarily detained, the method comprising: aiming a launcher toward a subject, the launcher carrying a projectile, the projectile including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets, the projectile being capable of at least temporarily detaining the subject when wrapped about the subject;obtaining an image with a camera associated with or carried by the launcher, the image including at least a portion of the subject;viewing, on a sighting screen, the image provided by the camera;aligning the image obtained by the camera relative to the subject; andactivating a user input to communicate with a control system to activate at least one power source carried by the launcher to expel the projectile from the launcher toward the subject.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein aligning the image includes aligning, relative to the subject, a reticle displayed on or carried by the sighting screen.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the sighting screen is carried by the launcher.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the sighting screen is positioned remotely from the launcher.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the sighting screen is carried by headgear worn by the user.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the headgear comprises eyeglasses.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the image provided by the camera is displayed on one or both lenses of the eyeglasses.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the image is delivered wirelessly from the camera to sighting screen.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the image is delivered via a hardwired connection from the camera to sighting screen.

19. The method of claim 10, further comprising obtaining range information of one or more objects in the sighting screen.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising activating or deactivating the launcher based on the range information.