Expandable/baton with twist release for retraction

An expandable baton has a twist release for retraction. Each inner section of the baton can lock in its extended position, relative to the preceding section, after axial extension. That section can be released for axial retraction by rotating that section about the longitudinal axis relative to the preceding section.

This invention pertains to kinetic impact devices such as batons and nightsticks, and particularly to an expandable baton with a twist release for retraction.

BACKGROUND

For a number of years, expandable batons frequently have been provided to law enforcement officers and to civilian and military security personnel for use as intermediate force weapons. For example, expandable batons manufactured by Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP—the assignee of this application) are very well known among the applicable users and purchasers. The following are some of the patents that relate to existing batons and are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,110,375; 5,149,092; 5,161,800; 5,348,297; 5,356,139; 5,386,322; 5,407,197; 5,509,653; 5,595,386; 5,645,276; 5,647,591; 5,657,986; 5,667,441; 5,797,797; 5,868,621; 5,919,093; 5,961,387; and 6,623,361.

In prior art batons, retraction of the inner sections of the baton that are locked in an extended position is typically accomplished by striking the tip of the baton against a hard surface in order to apply a sufficient axial force along the longitudinal axis of the baton. This usually requires the user to bend over, and sometimes requires one or more repeated attempts to accomplish the retraction. Both for ease of use and for minimizing the possibility of damage or wear of the baton, the twist release of the present invention is advantageous for retraction of the inner sections from the extended position in some circumstances and for some users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2are perspective views of one embodiment showing the sections of an expandable baton50in extended and retracted positions respectively. In the illustrated example, baton50comprises a series of three telescoping sections100,200and300. The innermost section300can be received within another inner section200, that can be received within the outermost section100. This nesting arrangement allows the sections to move relative to each other along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position. In other embodiments, there can be other numbers of sections. The illustrated embodiment is used for purposes of explanation, but one of skill in the art can apply the explanation to other embodiments.

In the retracted position (as shown inFIG. 2), sections200and300are retained inside section100. In that position, baton50may, for example, be about 8 to 10 inches long and may, for example, be carried in a suitable sheath such as on a user's belt. In the retracted position, baton50may, for example, be drawn quickly from a sheath, pocket or other carrying mechanism. It may, for example, be opened in a swinging action for whipping the nested sections out to, and locking them in, the extended position (as shown inFIG. 1).

a. Section200—Stopping and Locking Members

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view showing all of the parts of the example of baton50. In that example, section200comprises a tubular member210, a locking member220, and a stopping member230.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view showing part of section200. In that example, stopping member230comprises a stopping surface231, two threaded areas232, and two grooves233separating the threaded areas232. It also comprises a bore234going through stopping member230along the longitudinal axis.

In the example of baton50, locking member220comprises a second end portion221, two shafts222, and two locking lugs223. It also comprises a bore224going through second end portion221along the longitudinal axis. Each of the locking lugs223is flexibly connected to second end portion221by a shaft222. In the illustrated embodiment, each of locking lugs223comprises a lip226, and the two lips226are generally equidistant from second end portion221. In that embodiment, each of locking lugs223comprises a first end surface225that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the two first end surfaces225are different distances from second end portion221. In the illustrated example, the first end surfaces225are slightly concave for added strength. In the illustrated example, the transition from each lip226to its respective shaft222is also curved rather than angular for added strength.

In the example of baton50, locking member220is positioned over stopping member230, with each locking lug223/shaft222pair fitting into a respective groove233. Stopping member230is screwed into a first end of tubular member210, holding generally all of locking member220except locking lugs223inside tubular member210. Lips226extend out far enough radially from the longitudinal axis to prevent the locking lugs223from fitting into tubular member210. In the illustrated embodiment, locking member220is left free-floating. That is, it has a range of free movement allowing the locking lugs223to move in generally radial directions relative to the longitudinal axis.

b. Section300—Retainer Post, and Stopping and Locking Members

In the example of baton50, similar to section200, section300comprises a tubular member310, a locking member320, a stopping member330, a tip340, and a retainer post350.FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view showing part of section300. In that example, stopping member330comprises a stopping surface331, two threaded areas332, and two grooves333separating the threaded areas332.

In the example of baton50, locking member320comprises a second end portion321, two shafts322, and two locking lugs323. Each of the locking lugs323is flexibly connected to second end portion321by a shaft322. In the illustrated embodiment, each of locking lugs323comprises a lip326, and the two lips326are generally equidistant from second end portion321. In that embodiment, each of locking lugs323comprises a first end surface325that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the two first end surfaces325are different distances from second end portion321. In the illustrated example, the first end surfaces325are slightly concave for added strength. In the illustrated example, the transition from each lip326to its respective shaft322is also curved rather than angular for added strength.

In the example of baton50, locking member320is positioned over stopping member330, with each locking lug323/shaft322pair fitting into a respective groove333. Stopping member330is screwed into a first end of tubular member310, holding generally all of locking member320except locking lugs323inside tubular member310. Lips326extend out far enough radially from the longitudinal axis to prevent the locking lugs323from fitting into tubular member310. In the illustrated embodiment, locking member320is left free-floating. That is, it has a range of free movement allowing the locking lugs323to move in generally radial directions relative to the longitudinal axis.

In the example of baton50, retainer post350comprises a groove351at a first end of retainer post350, and a threaded area352at a second end of retainer post350. In the illustrated embodiment, retainer post50is screwed into a first end of stopping member330.

In the example of baton50, tip340comprises a threaded area345that is screwed into a second end of tubular member310. In this embodiment (best illustrated inFIG. 3), tip340also comprises O-rings341and343that are positioned adjacent threaded area345over annular areas342and344, respectively. The use of two O-rings341and343is one example of a means for inhibiting inadvertent disengagement of tip340from tubular member310.

In other embodiments, there may not be a separate tip component, there may be a different tip, or the tip may be secured differently (for example, it can snap on or be secured by other fasteners as are known in the art). An advantage of a tip that is easily removed (such as by unscrewing in the illustrated example) is that tip340is easily interchanged with other end portions. For example, tip340comprises a knob end346with a larger outer diameter than the diameter of the inner surface of the second end of tubular member310into which tip340is secured. However, tip340can be replaced by a tip with a cylindrical end. It can be replaced with a tip with an end whose outer diameter remained no larger than the diameter of the second end of tubular member310into which the tip is secured. (See e.g. U.S. application Ser. No. 11/234,665, incorporated herein by reference). Tip340also can be replaced by a tip with a magnet, or by a coupler for coupling an accessory.

In the example of baton50, section100comprises a tubular member110, a cap140, a retainer clip144, a clip disk145, and a clip disk spacer141. This is shown from two different perspectives inFIGS. 3 and 6.FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view showing part of the first section of that embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end of tubular member110comprises a threaded area111onto which cap140is screwed. Tubular member110also comprises an o-ring112that is positioned adjacent threaded area111over annular area113.

In the example of baton50, clip disk145has a larger outer diameter at a first end146and a smaller outer diameter at a second end147. Retainer clip144is positioned in a recess150in the first end146of clip disk145, and is held in position against the second end147by clip disk spacer141that is also positioned in recess150. Clip disk145also comprises a bore148going through second end147to recess150along the longitudinal axis. In its second end facing retainer clip144, clip disk spacer141comprises a recess149around the longitudinal axis. Clip disk spacer141also comprises an annular groove142and an o-ring143that is positioned in groove142. Clip disk145is positioned in cap140.

In the example of baton50, cap140is screwed onto tubular member110, holding clip disk145at the first end of tubular member110. Clip disk second end147has a smaller outer diameter and fits inside tubular member110, but clip disk first end146has a larger outer diameter that prevents it from fitting into tubular member110.

In the example of baton50, tubular member110comprises a friction-grip outer covering114to facilitate use of outermost section100as a handle for baton50. For example, the cover may be molded on to provide an integral, unitary handle grip which is permanently bonded as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,276 or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,361. As is known in the art, embodiments may use no covering or a different covering, for example.

In other embodiments, there may not be a separate cap component, there may be a different cap, or the cap may be secured differently (for example, it can snap on or be secured by other fasteners as are known in the art). An advantage of a cap that is easily removed (such as by unscrewing in the illustrated example) is that cap140is easily interchanged with other end portions. For example, cap140can be replaced by a cap with a logo, a leverage cap with a groove for improving retention and control of baton50, a swivel cap with a swivel appendage, a cap with a wrist strap, a flashlight, a cap with a retainer clip, a cap with a key ring; a spray dispensing device, a coupler for coupling with an accessory, or a coupler for coupling with a second baton. These examples are described in some of the patents identified in the background section above.

e. Retention in Retracted Position

In the retracted position of one embodiment (as shown inFIG. 2), sections200and300of baton50are retained inside section100. Retention in the retracted position is illustrated in part byFIG. 7, that is a partially exploded perspective view showing part of baton50when it is close to the retracted position. As described above, a second end of retainer post350is secured to a first end of stopping member330. In moving toward its retracted position, section300moves inside tubular member210along the longitudinal axis. As the first end of section300approaches the first end of section200, the first end of retainer post350moves through bores224and234of locking member220and stopping member230, respectively. Sections200and300continue to move inside tubular member110along the longitudinal axis. As sections200and300approach the first end of section100, the first end of retainer post350moves through bore148of clip disk145, through retainer clip144, and into recess149of clip disk spacer141.

In the example of baton50, retainer clip144is sufficiently resilient to widen as the first end of retainer post350begins to pass through it, and to spring back and engage groove351. This engagement retains retainer post350, and consequently sections200and300, in the retracted position until there is sufficient force along the longitudinal axis to disengage retainer post350from retainer clip144. Typically, swinging up baton50can whip sections200and300out of the retracted position.

The described arrangement is one example of a means for inhibiting inadvertent extension of the inner baton sections relative to the outermost section. However, there can be many other arrangements to releasably retain the inner sections in the retracted position and to inhibit inadvertent extension. For example, various components can be shaped differently or arranged differently. For example, there can be different ways of holding a resilient member in the cap, a resilient member can be in tubular member110rather than in cap140, a resilient member can be held to the innermost section instead of the outmost section, there can be a cam and tongue arrangement, there can be a release actuator, and so forth. Some alternatives are described in some of the patents identified in the background section above.

f. Stopping Extension and Locking in Extended Position

In some embodiments, extension of sections200and300along the longitudinal axis is limited by corresponding stopping surfaces. In the example of baton50, annular stopping surface331on stopping member330can engage annular stopping surface211on the inside surface of tubular member210to limit the extension of section300relative to section200. Similarly, annular stopping surface231on stopping member230can engage a stopping surface (not shown) on the inside surface of tubular member110to limit the extension of section200relative to section100. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopping surfaces are tapered transitions from one diameter to another. For example, the stopping surfaces may be tapered at an angle of about 15° relative to the longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, other means for limiting the extension along the longitudinal axis of an inner section relative to a preceding section can be, for example, extended tapered portions, abrupt transverse transitions, discontinuous surfaces, protrusions of various shapes and sizes, combinations of recesses and spring-tensioned projections, and so forth.

Annular stopping surface211and eccentric groove212on the inside surface of tubular member210are illustrated inFIGS. 8-11.FIG. 8is a cross-section view of tubular member210taken along line8-8ofFIG. 3, that is, a view along the longitudinal axis showing stopping surface211.FIG. 9is a partial cross-section view of tubular member210taken along line9-9ofFIG. 8, that is, a view looking at one side of part of the inner surface of tubular member210. It shows eccentric groove212in the inner surface of tubular member210, just past stopping surface211. Eccentric groove212extends radially outwardly by varying depths about the longitudinal axis, reducing to zero depth for at least a portion213of its circle about the longitudinal axis.FIG. 10is a partial cross-section view of tubular member210taken along line10-10ofFIG. 9, that is, similar to the view ofFIG. 9with the viewing perspective rotated by 90°.FIG. 11is a cross-section view of tubular member210taken along line11-11ofFIG. 10, that is, a view along the longitudinal axis showing eccentric groove212.

In the example of baton50, section300is locked in its extended position relative to section200when at least one locking lug323enters eccentric groove212. Locking lugs323extend out far enough radially from the longitudinal axis to prevent them from fitting into tubular member310. Consequently, they are available and extend out far enough radially to enter eccentric groove212, that acts as a locking surface. A first end surface325of each locking lug323is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. When any locking lug323is in eccentric groove212, its first end surface325will inhibit movement of section300from its extended position toward its retracted position.

In the example of baton50, locking lugs323have to pass stopping surface211before they can enter eccentric groove212. This passage is possible because locking lugs323are flexibly connected to second end portion321by shafts322, respectively. Therefore, they can be flexed inwardly to pass stopping surface211, and can then spring outwardly. This is one example of a means for moving an inner section from its retracted position to its extended position relative to a preceding section. In other examples of such moving means, the arrangement, the dimensions, or the operation of locking means can obviate having to flex locking lugs past stopping means.

In the example of baton50, locking member320is free-floating with a range of free movement allowing locking lugs323to move radially relative to the longitudinal axis. This facilitates quickly moving at least one locking lug323into eccentric groove212regardless of the angular orientation of section300relative to section200about the longitudinal axis. In addition, eccentric groove212and locking lugs323are dimensioned and positioned relative to each other and relative to stopping surfaces211and331to avoid rubbing or frictional drag between a first end surface325and a locking surface of eccentric groove212. This is advantageous for quickly locking section300in its extended position. That is, when there is a very fast swinging motion to whip out the inner sections200and300of baton50to the extended position, there can be a reaction to the engagement of stopping surfaces211and331that tends to cause the inner sections200and300to bounce back from the extended position. Therefore, it is advantageous if one of locking lugs323can enter eccentric groove212very quickly.

g. Retraction from Extended Position

In the example of baton50, eccentric groove212reduces to zero depth at portion213about the longitudinal axis, at which there is no locking surface to prevent passage of a locking lug323. In the example of baton50, there is more than one locking lug323so that at least one locking lug323will be positioned to enter eccentric groove212when section300moves to its extended position.

In the example of baton50, the first end surfaces325of locking lugs323are different distances from second end portion321. To retract section300from its extended position, section300can be rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to section200until the first end surface325that is farthest from second end portion321aligns with portion213. At that angular orientation, there is no locking surface to prevent passage of that first end surface325, and section300can be moved axially inward along the longitudinal axis relative to section200. However, the other locking lug323will be in eccentric groove212to again inhibit retraction of section300.

In the example of baton50, section300can continue to be rotated until the first end surface325that is next farthest from second end portion321aligns with portion213to allow continued retraction of section300. Before that continued rotation, section300already will have been moved axially inward enough so that the other locking lug323is no longer aligned with eccentric groove212. During that continued rotation, that other locking lug323will be flexed radially inward instead of entering eccentric groove212, and it will not prevent the continued retraction of section300.

Locking section300in its extended position relative to section200and retraction of section300from its extended position have been illustrated and described. Locking section200in its extended position relative to section100and retraction of section200can, for example, be accomplished similarly. The illustrated and described embodiment is one example of a means for locking each inner section in its extended position relative to a preceding section, and for moving each inner section from its extended position to its retracted position by rotating that inner section relative to the preceding section about the longitudinal axis. In other examples of such means, there can, for example, be different numbers of locking lugs, there can be different dimensions and arrangements of the interacting components, and there can be different components for effecting the locking with twist release accomplished by the described embodiment. It is not necessary that every embodiment include every feature described.