Abstract:
A handheld gas propelled missile launcher which deploys projectiles of varying payloads through the muzzle, and a ballistic module for changing payloads expeditiously.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The following invention relates generally to instrumentalities for projecting into space payloads based on the motive force of compressed gas contained within a gas cylinder. More specifically, the instant invention is directed to a handheld device fashioned to be evocative of a baton or billy club having an open end which discharges a missile type projectile such as a bean bag, squash ball, paint ball, or other instrumentalities such as a reel of coiled line to propel the launched item to a remote location.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Handheld devices intended to subdue assailants or other people without resorting to extreme, life threatening measures such as the use of firearms have included gas propelled projectiles. Some devices have used the expanding gases associated as a product of combustion when using gun powder, for example to propel soft rubber bullets.  
         [0003]     While the intent has always been to use less than lethal force in subduing a person exhibiting extreme antisocial behavior, incidents still occur where a rubber bullet, for example can hit a particularly sensitive part of a person&#39;s body having unintended consequences, even death. It is important to recognize that not all inappropriate conduct should mandate the same response. That is to say, a nonviolent demonstration should not elicit the same response as would be advised when confronted by a large enraged mammal.  
         [0004]     The following patents reflect the state of the art of which Applicant is aware and is included herewith to discharge Applicant&#39;s acknowledged duty to disclose prior art. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that none of the patents teach singly nor render obvious when considered in an inconceivable, permissible combination, the nexus of the instant invention as described herein after and as particularly claimed.  
         [0005]     Four of the patents, signed to M. B. Associates of San Ramon, Calif., U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,720, 3,728,809, 3,830,214, and 3,889,652 collectively appear to reflect the commonly understood structure associated with a handheld launcher of the type disclosed herein. These progenitors, however, fail to provide the sophistication based on today&#39;s needs. For example, these devices were susceptible to failure and damage from stresses induced during use and preexisting during manufacture. In addition, these devices failed to benefit from ballistic modules which allow differing payloads for differing situations. In addition, in order to achieve the muzzle velocity required for efficacy, these devices typically required more than one gas cylinder. These devices do not reflect the precise need to collimate exhausted gas from the cylinder to achieve maximum projectile velocity. Other deficiencies will become evident during the course of exploration of the instant invention.  
         [0006]     The remaining citations show the state of the art further and diverge more starkly from the invention described hereinafter.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The instant invention is distinguished over the known prior art in the multiplicity of ways.  
         [0008]     For example, most notably, the invention includes a ballistic module which is standardized in exterior contour so that any of a multiplicity of different payloads can be utilized at the discretion of the possessor of the launcher.  
         [0009]     Moreover, the instant invention is distinguished over the known prior art in its ability to direct energy in a most efficacious manner so that the payload to be dispensed from the launcher will benefit from such optimization.  
         [0010]     In addition, sophisticated molding techniques have been incorporated into the device in order to make the device “transparent” (stealthlike) both during transport and in utilization.  
         [0011]     In addition, the device includes means for imparting rotation on the object propelled such that the trajectory of the object propelled is more accurately controlled and at the same time, damage is not done to the launcher since it is made from specially molded material.  
         [0012]     By having such an optimized system, the durability, versatility and accuracy of the device will have been attained without any of the attendant defects and unwanted consequences associated with the prior art.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new, novel and useful launcher to propel missiles from a handheld device using expanding gas.  
         [0014]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a device as characterized above in which a ballistic module is dimensioned to be received within a barrel of the launcher, the module having any of multiplicity of payloads with a standardized exterior so that the versatility of the launcher will have been increased thereby.  
         [0015]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a device as characterized above which is extremely safe to use, durable in construction and accurate.  
         [0016]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a device as characterized above which lends itself to mass production techniques.  
         [0017]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a device as characterized above which can temporarily disable a person without permanently harming the person.  
         [0018]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a device as characterized above which allows the launcher to propel a line to a remote site.  
         [0019]     Viewed from a first vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide a handheld gas propelled missile launcher, comprising in combination a barrel having an interior bore, a ballistic module dimensioned to be received within said bore, said module including a payload spaced from a gas cylinder by a gas cylinder opening means, and a handle at an end of said barrel adjacent said gas cylinder, said handle including means to move said gas cylinder against said opening means.  
         [0020]     These and other objects will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawing figures.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention from one end.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a second perspective view from an opposite end thereof.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a similar perspective with the breach of the device open to allow insertion of a ballistic module within an interior bore.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the outlet muzzle of the device.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded detail of rifling on that muzzle.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a section of the barrel showing the rifling of  FIGS. 4 and 4 A taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 6  showing the device in a just loaded configuration.  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is similar to  FIG. 7  showing the device in a cocked position suitable for firing.  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a detail when the device has just been fired.  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIGS. 7 and 8  showing the just fired position.  
         [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a projectile emanating from the muzzle of the device.  
         [0033]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view taken along lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 3  showing the ballistic module just prior to firing.  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a view similar to  FIG. 12  with a compressed gas cylinder having just been penetrated.  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  shows the effects of the gas cylinder having been penetrated and discharging the projectile.  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a perforated disc which discharges the gas from the cylinder.  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  is a view similar but opposite from  FIG. 15  showing the focusing of the exhaust gas from the cylinder through perforations as it passes into a projectile chamber.  
         [0038]      FIG. 17  is an exploded parts view of one module.  
         [0039]      FIG. 18  is a sectional view of the  FIG. 19  exploded parts view.  
         [0040]      FIG. 19  is another exploded parts view of the ballistic module with a step-down sleeve to accommodate a smaller gas cylinder.  
         [0041]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view showing a different type of projectile.  
         [0042]      FIG. 21  is a sectional view taken along lines  21  of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 22  is an exploded parts view of  FIGS. 20 and 21 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 23  is an end view of a spool shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22  as it would appear adjacent to the gas cylinder.  
         [0045]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a hollowed, modified projectile as it appears from an interior of the barrel with a set screw removed.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0046]     Considering the drawings, wherein like numerals denote like parts, reference number  10  is directed to the launcher according to the present invention.  
         [0047]     In its essence, the launcher  10  includes a barrel  2 , having a reinforced barrel end  20  adjacent a handle  50 . The barrel  2  and handle  50  are adapted to move between a first closed position ( FIG. 1 ) to a second open position ( FIG. 3 ) so that a ballistic module  90  can be placed within an interior of the barrel  2  for launching.  
         [0048]     More particularly, the barrel  2  includes an integrally formed, substantially cylindrical bore  4 . A muzzle end of the bore  4  includes rifling  6  configured as elongate channels spirally deployed within the interior bore and terminating at an open, free end of the barrel, remote from the handle  50 . More particularly, and with reference to  FIGS. 4, 4A  and  5 , the rifling  6  is shown as transitioning into the surface of the bore  4  by means of radius corner  8  at each side of the rifling channel  6 . Preferably, the depth ranges between 0.025″-0.045″. At its minimum depth, the channel depth of 0.025 inches is equal to the dimension  12  shown in  FIG. 4A . The thickness is no greater than a multiple of the ideal channel width (0.375″), preferably the thickness ranging from 10-20 times the width. The end of the rifling channel  6  remote from the free end of the barrel terminates in a smooth taper  14  as it transitions to a portion of the bore&#39;s smooth cylindrical interior. Only approximately ⅓ of the free end of the bore  4  is provided with rifling  6 . As is well known, the spirally disposed rifling imparts rotation on the projectile resulting in truer flight of the projectile. Rifling twist ranges 0.110-150 and preferably 0.130″ exists over a rifling length of 2.75″ (i.e. 2.75″-2.975″).  
         [0049]     What is especially remarkable about the rifling in the instant invention, however, is that unlike the prior art, the rifling is integrally formed in the barrel at the time the barrel is injection molded. Prior art techniques relied on subsequent broaching. Typically, a mandrel or other preform defines the void of the bore  4  and includes the rifling characteristics in mirror image on an exterior surface, where upon when the mold is opened and the mandrel removed, the injection molded article will have the contours thus described herein above on the interior bore at a free end thereof. To facilitate this, the mandrel may include radially extensible members which assist in forming the rifling. Rifling formed in this manner assures a truer trajectory, but more importantly does not tear or harm the payload.  
         [0050]     Another attribute of the instant invention during formation of the barrel includes the positioning of inlet gates for the injection molded material to be pressed into the mold. The gates are at remote distal extremities of the barrel and injected under relatively high pressure but at a slow rate of material introduction so that long chains of the injected material can remain integral with one another in providing greater strength for the barrel. Molding cycle time is also kept relatively long to increase barrel stability. For example, cycle time may range from 3 to 10 minutes.  
         [0051]     A breech end of the barrel remote from its muzzle end includes a reinforced thickened barrel end  20  adjacent handle  50 . The reinforced barrel end  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1  includes a pintle support  16  projecting up from the thickened end and allowing a hinge mechanism operatively associated with the handle to be connected thereto. The hinge mechanism will be described in detail herein after.  
         [0052]     The barrel end  20  further includes a shoulder  24  facing adjacent the free end of the barrel having an opening  24   a  to receive a hinge pin that passes through the pintle support  16 . In addition, the barrel end  20  includes a flange  18  separated from the shoulder  24  by means of a recess  22  that extends partially around the barrel  2 . The remainder of the barrel  2  is supported by the thickened barrel end  20 . One extremity of the recess  22  defines an end wall  26  having a depth equal to the thickness of the shoulder  24  as it relates to the recess  22 . In addition, the area where the flange  18  terminates adjacent the end wall  26  includes a shallower end wall  28  which is remote from the pintle support  16 . The deep end wall  26  and the shallow end wall  28  will have significance that shall be appreciated hereinafter. Flange  18  also supports a groove  32  on an inner periphery thereof, the groove  32  having a purpose to be assigned. Flange  18  also includes a purchase area  34  contoured as a recess in an edge of the flange  18  adjacent the handle  50 . An edge of flange  18  nearest handle  50  also supports a spring biased ball  36  whose purpose will be appreciated hereinafter.  
         [0053]     Details of the handle  50  can now be explored with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 3  and  6  through  8 . In its essence, the handle  50  is formed as a molded monolith  52 . The monolith  52  has a hollow central core  54  extending longitudinally along its entire extent. The hollow central core  54  communicates with a longitudinally and radially extending track way  66 . The track way  66  includes first and second notches  70  which are in communication with the track way but transversely offset into the handle&#39;s monolith  52  so as to provide first and second stop members. A free end of the handle  50  includes a knob  56  which has a hole  77  in axial alignment with the central hollow core  54 . An area remote from the knob  56  adjacent the barrel includes a raised portion  58  defining a hilt. The span between the knob  56  and the hilt  58  includes a gripping area  62  featuring a plurality of circumferential annular ribs  64  longitudinally spaced on the gripping area.  
         [0054]     As shown in the drawings, an actuator  60  projects up from the track way  66  and is constrained to operate within the track way  66  by means of an actuator slide  74  having an exterior diameter complemental to the central hollow core inner diameter  54 . The actuator  60  is operatively connected to the slide  74  by means of an actuator stem  72  having a substantially cylindrical contour whose cross sectional area is complemental to the cross sectional area of the notches  70  formed in the monolith  52 . Thus, as shown in drawings  7  and  8 , for example, the actuator  60  can be moved from a first at rest position (e.g.  FIG. 7 ) to a second “ready” position (e.g.  FIG. 8 ). The actuator  60  is at rest in the  FIG. 7  position. When oriented in the  FIG. 8  position, the actuator had been moved within the notch  70  against spring pressure.  
         [0055]     More specifically, the slide  74  has a spring retainer  78  configured as a long elongate stem projecting from a face of the slide adjacent the knob  56 . The hole  77  in the knob  56  is dimensioned to allow the spring retainer  78  to project partially outwardly therefrom. The retainer  78  captures an actuator spring  76  within the central hollow  54  and over the retainer  78 . Thus, energy is stored in spring  76  when deployed as in  FIG. 8  by its having been compressed and held in the compressed configuration by the actuator stem  72  being captured in notch  70 . When oriented as in  FIG. 8 , when the actuator stem  72  is placed back in axial alignment with the track way  66 , the actuator  60  will move in the direction of the arrow C with considerable force.  
         [0056]     Prior to orientation of the actuator as thus described, the handle should first be moved to its open  FIG. 2  position to allow the ballistic module  90  to be placed within the breach of the barrel  2 . Handle  50  therefore includes a door  40  held captive in the closed  FIG. 2  position by means of the spring biased ball  36  discussed earlier. The door  40  can move from a closed position of  FIG. 2  to an open position of  FIG. 3  by pressing release pin  38  located on the door  40  in the direction of the arrow A shown in  FIG. 2 . This overcomes the spring tension on the spring biased ball and plunger  36  allowing the door to swing in the direction of the arrow B of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0057]     More particularly, the door  40  includes a cover  42  which overlies recess  22  of the barrel. The cover  42  includes a thin portion  42   a  and a thick cylindrical portion  42   b.  The thin portion  42   a  has an edge  44  that is in tangential registry with an edge of shoulder  24  so that the outer surface of the cover  42  is parallel with the outer surface of the shoulder  24 . The cover  42  includes an end wall edge  46  complemental to the end wall  26 ,  28  of the recess  22 . The cover  42  also includes an end wall edge  48  complemental to an end wall  29  located on a shelf  30  which extends from a lower part of flange  18 , ( FIG. 3 ) and helps to define groove  32 .  
         [0058]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the thick cylindrical portion  42   b  of the cover moves from an exposed position to a sealed position when placed in tangential registry with the shelf  30  projecting from an end of the barrel  2  proximate to the handle  50 , and extending immediately away from the groove  32 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the end wall edge  48  adjacent the shelf  30  includes sufficient material to provide support for a hinge  48   a  which passes through a hole contained on the material of the thick portion  42   b  passes through the pintle support  16  and residing in the hole  24   a  of shoulder  24 .  
         [0059]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the device  10  when in the open position can receive the ballistic module  90  within the interior breach of the device. The ballistic module  90  includes a flange  92  at a terminal extremity so that when the module  90  is placed within the bore  4  at an end remote from the muzzle, the ballistic module flange  92  seats within the groove  32  of the barrel  2  and the finger purchase area  34  located on flange  18  allows a spent module  90  to be retracted from the barrel and replaced with a fresh load.  FIG. 6  is a section view showing how the purchase area  34  allows clearance for a finger to grasp ballistic module flange  92 , in the  FIG. 3  open position.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 6 through 10  also show details of an end of the slide  74  remote from its actuator spring  76 . More particularly, an actuator stem  88  projects from an end of the slide  74  remote from the spring retainer  78 . Stem  88  includes a return spring  86  which is shown in a relaxed state in  FIG. 6 , and in a compressed state in  FIG. 9 . When the spring  86  is compressed, the actuator  60  is in an extreme position shown in  FIG. 9 , and the actuator stem  88  projects into the breach and penetrates an opening  94  contained in the end of the module surrounded by the flange  92 . With the stem  88  as shown in  FIG. 9 , a gas cylinder  100  moves to the left of  FIG. 9  along the direction of the arrow D.  
         [0061]     The stem  88  contacts the cylinder  100  the actuator  60  and its stem  72  are released from notch  70 . In addition, however, a safety  80  is included which prevents the stem  88  from advancing far enough to contact the cylinder  100 . The safety  80  is formed as an annular band  82  captured within an annular track way  81 . The annular band  82  includes an ear  83  defining a thumb tab so that the safety  80  can be moved from a first position ( FIG. 6 ) in which the stem  72  of the actuator  60  is held to the right preventing the actuator stem  88  from full penetration into the ballistic module  90  and a second position ( FIG. 10 ) in which the stem  72  is received within a slot  85  formed within the band  82  by rotation of the band  82  about the double ended arrow E so that the actuator stem  88  is free to advance forwardly and push the compressed gas cylinder  100  in the direction of the arrow D. The spring  86  allows the stem  88  to return to an at rest position by balancing the spring pressure of the return spring  86  against that of the actuator spring  76  whereby the stem  72  is clear of the safety  80  and the annular band  82  can be rotated to the locked position shown in  FIG. 6  preventing inadvertent discharge.  
         [0062]      FIGS. 12 through 14  show the sequence in which the gas cylinder  100  is initially protected from the stem  88  ( FIG. 12 ) to the actuation of the stem  88  along the arrow D by virtue of spring motion  76  along the direction of the arrow C ( FIG. 8 ) and then the return effect in the direction opposite from D (shown in  FIG. 14 ) caused by the return spring  86 .  
         [0063]     The cylinder  100  is contained within the ballistic module  90  which is generally configured as an elongate cylinder having an open end remote from the stem  88 . The area of the module  90  which circumscribes the cylinder  100  includes a generally cylindrical peripheral wall  102  having a series of annular ribs  104  spaced along the periphery of the ballistic module  90 . As is commercially available, the compressed gas cylinder  100  may include a threaded neck portion  103  having a sealed end  105  which can be punctured by means of a pin  106  ( FIG. 15 ) to allow the contents under pressure to escape. By advancement of the stem  88 , as described herein above, the cylinder  100  coacts against the pin  106  fracturing the sealed end  105  allowing the gas to escape.  
         [0064]     More particularly, the ballistic module  90  supports a disc  108  at an end of the gas cylinder chamber which is remote from the module flange  92 . More specifically, the module  90  includes the peripheral wall  102  stepping up to a larger diameter by means of a sleeve  116 , the step up defining the abutment  112  which provides a stop member for the disc  108 . The additional diameter imposed by the sleeve  116  transitions to a plurality of longitudinal ribs  114  having the same diameter as sleeve  116  and overlying the peripheral wall  102 . In conjunction with the peripheral ribs  104 , ribs  114  provide rigidification and support for the peripheral wall  102 . The disc  108  is held against the abutment  112  by means of a gas focusing retainer  118 , the retainer  118  having a substantially conically tapering inner bore  117  such that it narrows and frictionally engages neck  103  of the cylinder  100  by a “wiper” type construction. Retainer  118  is an effective energy director meaning it will increase muzzle velocity by at least 20%. The conically tapering bore  122  is frictionally retained by threading on the threaded neck and is used to press the disc  108  against the abutment  112 . Importantly, the conical flare directs escaping gas, focusing it to the muzzle through disc  108 . A retention ring  124  appears at an opposite end of the cylinder  100  remote from the retainer  118  to hold the opposite end of the gas cylinder in fixed registry within the interior of the peripheral wall  102 . As thus described, puncture of the cylinder  100  directs all gas to the muzzle.  
         [0065]     In addition to the pin  106 , the disc  108  has a plurality of gas passage ways  126  passing through the disc  108  radially offset from the pin  106 . A face of the disc  108  remote from the pin  106  exhibits a raised boss  128  which extends from the gas passage ways  126  to a disc like plate  130  which supports an opposite end of the pin  106 . Passage ways  126  as they pass through the wall of the boss  128  form a shaped hole having a “teardrop” narrowing such that the end of the air passage way nearest the plate  130  is slightly smaller than the rest of the air passage way. Like the retainer  118 , the result is that there is acceleration of the air and collimation or focusing of the air as it exits, such as a converging nozzle.  FIG. 14  shows the exit path of the contents of the gas cylinder being removed upon puncturing the cylinder. Because of the retainer ring  124 , the tendency of the cylinder to move in the direction of the arrow F will have been kept to a minimum and as a consequence gas moving out in the direction of the arrow G exits with considerable velocity to launch the projectile.  
         [0066]     A variation of the above described cylinder can be seen in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . In this situation, a smaller dimensioned cylinder  100 ′ is circumscribed by a cylindrical sleeve  102 ′ which nests in tangential registry within the conventional peripheral wall  102 . In addition, because the length of the smaller cylinder  100 ′ requires it, a plug  125  is placed adjacent an end of the smaller cylinder  100 ′ remote from the end which addresses the pin  106 . The plug  125  includes a peripheral notch  123  to receive the retaining ring  124 . In this manner, the two commonly available compressed gas cylinders can be accommodated by a single device  10 .  
         [0067]     Various projectiles can be used in conjunction with the instrumentality described herein above. For example,  FIG. 17  and  18  show a “bean bag”  140  being deployed. The bean bag  140  is inserted into the sleeve  116  and is retained there by means of a stopper  142 . The stopper is a substantially circumferential band having an exterior diameter having complemental to the interior bore of the sleeve  116 . The bean bag  140  is similarly dimensioned and an end opposite the stopper  142  is held in place within the sleeve by a force distribution plug  144 . Like stopper  142 , the plug  144  is also an annular band having first and second annular wipers  146  separated from each other by a necked down intermediate portion so that the two wipers provide a good seal maximizing force upon rupture of the cylinder  100 ,  100 ′. Because of the rifling, a bean bag or other fabric type projectile will not “edge” (fly like a Frisbee”) it will always 100% of the time unfurl and have a flat (pancake type) flight.  
         [0068]     Upon rupture, all expanding gas force is delivered from the cylinder, focused in conical bore  117 , through the passage ways  126  and focused in four distinct streams against a rear wall  141  of the bean bag  140 . This allows the bean bag  140  to be released from the barrel with considerable force. The dimensioning of the stopper  142  is strategically selected to provide a minimal impediment to the bean bag exiting but also has sufficient friction to assure that the bean bag will not fall out when the device  10  has its muzzle facing downwardly. The bean bag  140  can be formed from absorbent material to receive a substance such as pepper spray so that upon impact a mist of the spray will assist in disabling the target. Although element  140  has been characterized as a bean bag it could be a projectile having different attributes apart from that which is commonly understood by bean bag. For example, the projectile  140  could also be contoured as a paintball.  
         [0069]      FIGS. 20 through 24  reflect another alternative for a payload.  
         [0070]     Instead of the bean bag  140 , a nose cone  240  having a rounded leading area is provided. The rounded nose cone  240  is received within the sleeve  116 , similar to the bean bag  140 . The nose cone  240  includes an annular band  242  at a trailing portion thereof which leads to a notch  244  that circumscribes the nose cone aft of the band  242  and is directed inwardly. Thereafter, a comical flare  246  projects from the notch and diverges away from the leading edge of the nose cone  240  so that in conjunction with the band  242 , the conical flare  246  provides a seal within the interior of the sleeve  116 . The nose cone  240  is generally of solid material but includes a toroidal recess  248  that has a substantially constant cross-section just radially inward of the band  242  but tapers so that the cavity runs parallel to the taper of the nose cone  240  as it extends forwardly. The interior of the toroidal recess  248  may remain hollow or may include ballast  250  shown in the drawing as particulate matter such as shot or bb&#39;s, for example to enhance the trajectory of the nose cone. The shot or bb&#39;s are retained within the recess  248  by means of an end plate  249 . The nose cone  240  also includes a system  252  in the recess  248  having an interior bore with threads  254  which face outwardly away from the leading edge of the nose cone and exposed within the conical flare  246 . The exterior wall of stem  252  serves as one wall defining the toroidal recess  248 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the innermost radial wall of the toroidal recess has a substantially constant radius from along a longitudinal centerline. The stem  252 , by virtue of its interior threads, can receive a screw  256  to hold the end plate  249  in fixed position so that the ballast  250  is captured within the toroidal recess  248 . The screw  256  also serves as an attachment point for a tether  258  having a free end fixed to the screw  256  and a remote end deployed on a spool  260 . As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 23 , the spool  260  includes a plurality of the strands of the tether wrapped on a spindle  262  formed as an interior surface of hub  264 . One end of the spool  260  includes a dished out area  266  adjacent disc  108  described herein above. The dished out area  266  includes passage ways  268  passing through the hub  264  and leading to outlets  270 . The passage ways  268  are in alignment with the air passage ways  126  of the disc  108  so that air flow is substantially unrestricted as it exits the disc and enters the dished out area and through the passage ways  268  and then to the outlets  270 . Note that in  FIG. 22 , the element  272  corresponds to the pin  106  of  FIG. 15  but instead passes through a center core of the hub  264 , the pin  272  configured as a screw and is used to strike air cylinder as discussed with respect to pin  106 . The passage way openings adjacent the dish area  266  bear the same geometrical contour as discussed with respect to the air passage ways  126  as shown in  FIG. 16 . When deployed, the nose cone  240  will payout the tether to a remote location.  
         [0071]     Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims.