FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to weapons, in general, and in particular, to a hand held weapon which may be used as a police baton, also known as a nightstick or billy club.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Police batons and nightsticks have long been known in the art. Generally, these include a club with a leather thong which can be looped around the wrist of a user. However, when the user loosens his grip, the baton falls from his hand and cannot be retrieved easily or quickly. In addition, these sticks are mainly useful for hitting an adversary.
Brass knuckles for increasing hitting power have also long been known in the art. However, these devices are not designed for applying localized pressure, but only for punching.
Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a weapon which can be used to apply localized pressure, and it would be very desirable to have such a weapon which can be used as a baton which would not fall when released.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided according to the present invention a weapon including a grip portion, an independent extension extending from each end of the grip portion and configured to extend partially around a hand of a user, wherein at least a portion of one of the extensions is shaped to create painful pressure on the body of an adversary.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the weapon further includes an additional extension extending from the grip portion substantially in an opposite direction from the independent extensions, the additional extension also being shaped to create painful pressure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be further understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the weapon according to FIG. 1 on the hand of a user;
FIGS. 3
a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e are illustrations of the weapon of FIG. 1 in use;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5
a is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5
b is a top view of the weapon of FIG. 5a;
FIG. 6
a is an illustration the weapon according to FIG. 5a on the hand of a user;
FIGS. 6
b, 6c and 6d are illustrations of the weapon of FIG. 5a in use;
FIG. 7
a is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7
b is a top view of the weapon of FIG. 7a;
FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a weapon of the invention as carried on a belt; and
FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional illustration of a weapon constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hand held weapon which can be used both defensively and offensively. The weapon includes a specially shaped handle which remains hanging from the fingers of a user even when the user's hand is not gripping the weapon, thereby permitting simultaneous use of the fingers or hand for other activities, such as holding or pushing an adversary. According to one embodiment of the invention, the weapon also includes an elongated club portion extending from the handle to form a baton. This elongated club portion is preferably integrally formed with the handle, but may alternatively be coupled thereto.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a side view of a weapon 10 constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 10 includes a grip portion 12 for gripping in the palm and fingers of the hand. Each end of grip portion 12 merges into an independent extension 14, 16 extending partially around the palm or fingers of the hand of a user, as shown in FIG. 2. In this way, the weapon will engage the user's hand and prevent unintentional release of the weapon when the user is not holding the grip portion. This permits the user to release the grip portion and grab an opponent, or otherwise use his hand, without dropping the weapon. Thus, an extension 17′ may be added to extension 16 to work together with end 15 of extension 14 to improve the retention of the weapon on the hand of a user.
At least a portion of at least one of the extensions is shaped to create painful pressure when pushed against the body of an adversary. Thus, extension 14, itself, may be shaped to press painfully against an adversary, as shown, by way of example, in FIGS. 3a and 3b. Or extension 16 may be configured to define a rounded point 17 at its end, for use in pressing against sensitive locations on the body of an adversary, as shown, by way of example only, in FIG. 3c.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, weapon 10 further includes at least one additional extension extending substantially in an opposite direction from the independent extensions. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, grip portion 12 merges into an additional extension 18. Additional extension 18 is preferably configured to define a rounded point 19 at its end, for use in pressing against sensitive areas, such as nerves, bone, etc., on the body of an opponent, as seen, for example, in FIG. 3d. In this embodiment, the rear of extension 14 defines a rounded corner 13 facing the opposite direction to extension 14. Extension 18 and corner 13 permit a user to apply painful pressure to an adversary using a rearward movement of the user's hand, as seen, for example, in FIG. 3e. It will be appreciated that both independent extensions may end in oppositely facing extensions or corners.
In the illustrated embodiment, extensions 14 and 16 are curved. Alternatively, these extensions may have any other shape which partially surrounds the hand and retains the weapon on the hand when the fingers do not grip the weapon.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a weapon 20 constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 20 includes a grip portion 22 for gripping in the palm and fingers of the hand, and two independent extensions 24 and 26. Extension 24 extends partially around the palm or fingers of the hand of a user, and may include a pointed end 25 which extends around and protects the pointer of a user. Extension 26 extends partially around the palm or fingers of the hand of a user, and may include a pointed end 27 which extends around and protects the ring finger and pinky of a user. Together, extensions 24 and 26, and pointed ends 25 and 27, if present, serve to retain weapon 20 on the hand of the user, even when the user is not gripping the weapon. In addition, they serve as protection against a kick or hit, by preventing an adversary's leg or stick from passing between the extensions.
In this embodiment, both extensions 24 and 26 are shaped to exert painful pressure when pushed against the body of an adversary. Thus, extension 24 defines a rounded corner 25′ shaped to press painfully against an adversary. And extension 26 is configured to define a rounded point 27′ near its end, for use in pressing against sensitive locations on the body of an adversary.
Weapon 20 further includes an additional extension 28 extending substantially in an opposite direction from extension 26. Additional extension 28 is preferably configured to define a rounded point 29 at its end, for inflicting painful pressure on the body of an opponent. In this embodiment, extension 24 defines a pointed corner 23 facing the direction substantially opposite to extension 24.
Referring now to FIGS. 5a and 5b, there are shown respective side and top views of a weapon 30 constructed and operative in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 30 includes a grip portion 32 for gripping in the palm and fingers of the hand, two independent extensions 34 and 36, and an elongate club portion 38 extending from the handle to form a baton. Elongated club portion 38 is preferably integrally formed with the handle 32, but may alternatively be coupled thereto. It will be appreciated that, even if elongated club portion 38 should break or fall from grip portion 32, the grip portion can continue to be used as an offensive and defensive weapon.
It is a particular feature of the invention that the independent extensions do not completely enclose the hand. Thus, if an attacker tries to twist the baton and break the hands of a user, the user can release his hand by sliding it through the gap between the independent extensions.
Together, extensions 34 and 36 serve to retain weapon 30 on the hand of the user, even when the user's hand is open, as shown in FIG. 6a. This permits the user to push the baton against a person attacking him or her, or to hold another object with the fingers, without dropping the baton, as shown in FIG. 6b.
According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5a, a slipping curve 35 is provided between the grip portion 32 and the club portion 38. Slipping curve 35 protects the hand of a user since a hit along the length of club portion 38 will slide off curve 35 and off the club.
Further according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5a, elongate portion 38 defines a plurality of upstanding ridges 40. Ridges 40 serve as hand retaining ridges and define a plurality of firm grip locations along the length of elongate portion 38 This permits a user to hold the weapon with a firm, strong grip on the baton with both hands, and prevents his hands from sliding along length of the club portion. This can be particularly useful when defending against a stick, as seen in FIG. 6c. Ridges 40 are also configured to inflict painful pressure on the body of an adversary, when weapon 30 is rotated.
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, portions of weapon 30 are shaped to exert painful pressure when pushed against the body of an adversary. These portions may include a baton tip 42, and one or more points 48, 49 on independent extensions 34 and 36. See, for example, FIG. 6d, for defense against a kicking adversary. In some situations, ridges 40 can also be used to create painful pressure.
Referring now to FIGS. 7a and 7b, there are shown respective side and top views of a weapon 50 constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 50 includes a grip portion 52 substantially similar to that of weapon 30, and includes an elongated club portion 54 which is shorter than club portion 38, and contains fewer upstanding ridges 56. This embodiment is more convenient for users who prefer a shorter baton and is more convenient for hanging on a belt, as shown in FIG. 8. According to one embodiment of the invention, weapon 50 includes a quick release attachment element (not shown), such as a button, for rapid mounting and removal of the weapon from a holder.
According to one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 9, the weapon 60 defines an internal recess 62 adapted and configured to hold an accessory 64. Preferably, weapon 60 also includes an externally accessible switch 66 or button for actuating an accessory in said recess. For example, it may be desired to insert a small canister of mace or other gas into the handle; or for certain applications, a battery operated electric shocker may be useful, or it may be desired to house an internal flashlight inside the weapon. It will be appreciated that the presence of such a recess would permit the addition of virtually any desired accessory.
While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. It will further be appreciated that the invention is not limited to what has been described hereinabove merely by way of example. Rather, the invention is limited solely by the claims which follow.
Patent Application
20060194634
