Wearable device capable of inducing electro-muscular incapacitation

A hand-wearable device capable of electro muscular incapacitation device is disclosed. The device may comprise a glove portion including a back side and a palm side, a stun hardware component including a charging port, a rechargeable battery, and a capacitor. First and second terminals may be positioned on the same or different finger(s) of the glove portion, and electrically connected to the stun hardware component. The glove portion may encompass a traditional five-fingered glove, cycling glove, lifting glove, gauntlet, cuff, or bracer. When the hand-wearable device comprises a glove, the glove portion may be an insulated glove. A switch for actuating discharge of an electrical charge from the first and/or second terminal may be activated when contact is made with the switch; an accelerometer may be adapted to prevent the discharge when acceleration of the glove portion has not reached a predetermined rate.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a hand-wearable device capable of inducing electro-muscular incapacitation. The device may be utilized for personal and professional defense purposes such as self-defense, security personnel, tactical, military, law enforcement/police, or other similar purposes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a hand-wearable device capable of electro muscular incapacitation. The device may comprise a glove portion including a back side and a palm side, a stun hardware component including a charging port, a rechargeable battery, and a capacitor. First and second terminals may be positioned on one or more fingers of the glove portion, which may be a common finger or different fingers, and are electrically connected to the stun hardware component.

The glove portion may encompass a traditional five-fingered glove, cycling glove, lifting glove, or gauntlet. In addition, the glove portion may comprise a cuff or bracer. When the hand-wearable device comprises a glove, the glove portion may be an insulated glove.

A switch for actuating the discharge of an electrical charge from the first and/or the second terminal may be activated when contact is made with the switch.

Further, the device may include an accelerometer adapted to prevent the discharge of an electrical charge from the first and second terminal when the acceleration of the glove portion has not reached a predetermined rate.

In another embodiment, the hand-wearable device may further comprise third and fourth terminals on the back side of the glove portion, which are electrically connected to the stun hardware component, as well as and a second switch for actuating the discharge of an electrical charge from the third and fourth terminal when contact is made with the second switch. In this embodiment, the hand-wearable device is adapted to prevent the discharge of an electrical charge from the third and fourth terminals via an accelerometer, which prevents activation of the glove when the acceleration thereof has not reached a predetermined rate.

The hand wearable device disclosed herein may further include a second capacitor that is activated when the when the acceleration sensed by the accelerometer is equal to or above a second predetermined rate. In such cases, a greater amperage may be discharged when the acceleration of the accelerometer is equal to or above a second predetermined rate.

The hand-wearable device also includes an off setting as well as an override setting wherein the accelerometer is deactivated such that the switch may be actuated regardless of the rate of acceleration.

Terminals as well as one or more switches may be located on a knuckle area of the glove portion. In another embodiment, the terminals and one or more pressure sensitive switches are located on fingertip areas of the glove portion. When the hand-wearable device comprises a glove, the glove portion is an insulated glove. In addition, the palm side of the glove portion may include a strip of conductive material for preventing accidental discharge when a user makes a fist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment shown inFIG.1includes a hand-wearable device10capable of electro-muscular incapacitation comprising a non-hardened, flexible, insulated fashion, athletic, cycling, or lifting glove12. This embodiment may be best suited for individual self-defense or private security purposes.

Glove portion12comprises a back side12aand a palm side12b,a stun hardware component15(shown in detail inFIG.5) including a charging port16, a rechargeable battery17, and a capacitor18. An on/off switch19is also provided. First and second contact electrodes or terminals40aand40bas well as first and second terminal wires50aand50b,may be positioned on back side12aof glove portion12and be electrically connected to stun hardware component15.

Hand-wearable device10comprises a stun device concealed within glove portion12, which is punch-activated by impact to a switch30or compression thereof against a target or attacker. Thus, glove12is used and activated in response to an attack or impact with respect to the glove12. Electrical discharge exits through contact terminals40aand40baffixed to the knuckles12cof glove12. A trigger or on/off switch30is located on the knuckles12cof glove12, and is connected to stun hardware component15by switch wire20.

Glove12may also comprise an accelerometer (not shown) that activates the glove according to various settings. In particular, the device may include accelerometer adapted to prevent the discharge of an electrical charge from the first and second terminals40aand40bwhen the acceleration of glove portion12has not reached a predetermined acceleration rate.

Hand-wearable device10also includes an off setting as well as an override setting wherein the accelerometer is deactivated such that switch30may be actuated regardless of the rate of acceleration.

A second embodiment of a hand-wearable device10, capable of electro muscular incapacitation is shown inFIG.2A, which utilizes a glove12having hardened exterior portion14. Hardened exterior14acts as a supplementary weapon. Glove12typically comprises an insulated motocross or tactical glove. The second embodiment may thus be best suited for combat, military, or police applications.

Hand-wearable device10comprises a stun hardware component15concealed within glove portion12. Similar to the first embodiment, glove portion12comprises a back side12aand a palm side12b(seeFIG.1), stun hardware component15including a charging port16, a rechargeable battery17, and a capacitor18(shown in detail inFIG.5), as well as contact terminals40,42and corresponding contact terminal wires50,52. As shown for example inFIGS.1and2B, first and second contact terminals40aand40bas well as first and second terminal wires50aand50b,may be positioned on back side12aof glove portion12and be electrically connected to stun hardware component15.

Hand-wearable device10is punch-activated by impact to one or more on/off switches30positioned on glove portion12. Alternatively, one or more switches30may be activated by compression thereof against a target or attacker. Thus, glove12is used and activated in response to an attack or impact with respect to the glove12. Electrical discharge may exit through contact terminals40aand40baffixed to the knuckles12cof glove12. Switch30may be located on the knuckles12cof glove12.

As shown inFIG.2B, an additional embodiment may include a second stun device with first and second stun hardware components15aand15b.In addition, a second set of electrodes or contact terminals40c,40dmay extend from second stun hardware component15bto multiple knuckles12cof glove12. Third and fourth terminal wires50cand50d,may also be positioned on back side12aof glove portion12and be electrically connected to first stun hardware component15a.

The use of a second stun device creates two separate arcs, which may share switches or alternatively, work independently. As shown inFIG.2B, multiple switches30a-30dmay be positioned in defined sectors of glove12, such that impact to a discreet sector of glove12, will activate one or more of switches30a-30d,depending on which sector of glove12is impacted.

In the case where switches work independently, a switch30alocated on or near the index finger of glove12, connected to stun hardware component15avia switch wire20a,will activate one set of stun hardware15. (As used herein, “finger”, “fingertip”, and the like refer to any or all of the digits present in glove12, including but not limited to the thumb, and encompasses the knuckles at the base of each finger.) Activating switches30band30clocated at the middle or ring fingers of glove12, will activate both sets of stun hardware. In addition, a switch30dlocated on or near the pinky of glove12, connected to stun hardware component15bvia switch wire20b,will activate one stun hardware set. This configuration ensures the most efficient use of power in the case of a glancing blow but increased maximum stunning potential in the case of a direct hit.

Glove12may also comprise an accelerometer (not shown). The accelerometer activates stun hardware15according to various settings. In particular, the device may include an accelerometer adapted to prevent the discharge of an electrical charge from any one of terminals40a-40dwhen the acceleration of glove portion12has not reached a predetermined acceleration rate.

Hand-wearable device10also may include an “off” setting, as well as an override setting, wherein the accelerometer is deactivated such that on/off switches30a-30dmay be actuated regardless of the rate of acceleration. When the hand wearable device10disclosed herein includes second capacitor18, capacitor18may be activated when the acceleration sensed by the accelerometer is equal to or above a second predetermined rate. In such cases, a greater amperage may be discharged when the acceleration of the accelerometer is equal to or above a second predetermined rate. Alternatively, a greater amperage may be discharged from a main capacitor when the acceleration is equal to or above a predetermined rate.

In operation, switch19is first placed in the “on” setting. In the act of throwing a punch, the user's first must first cross the safety threshold of the onboard accelerometer. Upon connecting with a target, the switch/trigger will be compressed by the impact and activate the onboard capacitor/transformer, which is already charged by the rechargeable battery. The discharge will exit the electric terminals located on the knuckles. With the impact of the punch, these terminals will make a contact point with the target as with a traditional stun gun.

In the case where the device registers an acceleration above an upper threshold, a secondary firing mode will engage. This may be achieved by either complete discharge of the capacitor or a secondary discharge simultaneously coming from a secondary capacitor. This mode exists because a presumed strike would be of sufficient speed/force where the user's first would not likely be in contact with the target for a long period of time, making it necessary and safer to dump a larger amperage into the target to deliver a stunning shock.

When switch19is set in a “bypass” position, the device activates as follows. In the bypass mode, the safety of the lower accelerometer threshold is overridden. Any instance where there is sufficient force to depress the switch/trigger, it will activate the onboard capacitor/transformer (already charged by the rechargeable battery). The discharge will exit the electric terminals located on the knuckles. In this mode, it gives the user the added ability to use the glove as one would use a traditional stun gun: by maintaining contact with the target and activating it until the desired results are reached. In this case, the secondary firing mode works the same way as the normal “on” mode.

Another embodiment of hand-wearable device10includes an electrical discharge that exits through contact terminals40aand40bpositioned on fingertips12dof the glove12. In particular,FIGS.3A and3Bshow hand-wearable device10is activated via one or more pressure-sensitive switches30epositioned on one or more fingertips12dof glove12. Stun hardware15is connected to contact terminals40aand40bby wires50aand50band is activated when the one or more pressure sensitive switches30elocated in one or more fingertips12dof glove12sense a predetermined threshold pressure.

Fingertip switches30emay be located beneath an insulated shell (not shown) and thus inside the one or more fingertips12d.The stun function may be activated by pressing two armed fingertips12dinto a target. Alternatively, glove12may be activated by pressing two armed fingertips12dtogether. A strip of conductive material (not shown) may be located on the palm of the glove to protect the user from accidental discharge. This conductive palm patch exists in this embodiment because the pressure sensor and discharge terminals are located on the fingertips, which has the potential to endanger a user when making a fist.

In a further embodiment,FIG.3Cshows hand-wearable device10in which an electrical discharge exits through contact terminals40aand40bboth positioned on a single finger of glove12. In particular,FIG.3Cshows hand-wearable device10is activated via one or more pressure-sensitive switches30epositioned on one fingertip12dof glove12. Stun hardware15is connected to contact terminals40aand40bby wires50aand50band is activated when the pressure sensitive switch30elocated in fingertip12dof glove12senses a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressure sensitive switch30eis connected to stun hardware15by switch wire20.

In the embodiment represented byFIG.3C, in which the contact terminals are both positioned on a single finger of glove12, the contact terminals may be present on any one or more of the fingers of glove12. Further, the contact terminals may be positioned on the front and/or back side of a finger, and configured such that discharge may result from impact with the front and/or back of the glove, and/or from grasping with the glove.

Further, glove12may comprise an accelerometer (not shown) that activates the glove according to various settings. In particular, the device may include an accelerometer adapted to prevent the discharge of an electrical charge from any one of terminals40a-40bwhen the acceleration of glove portion12has not reached a predetermined acceleration rate.

In operation, when the user is wearing the glove and the on/off switch is set for normal usage, the device activates as follows. In the act of pushing an attacker away, the user's hand must first cross the safety threshold of the onboard accelerometer. Upon connecting with the target, the switch/trigger will be compressed by the impact and activate the onboard capacitor/transformer (already charged by the rechargeable battery). The discharge will exit the electric terminals located on the fingertips. A similar, more focused, result may be achieved with a finger stab. With the activation, these terminals will make a contact point with the target as with a traditional stun gun.

A secondary method of activation bypasses the onboard accelerometer, to allow activation in a grapple situation. The pressure-sensitive switch, once a lower pressure threshold has been exceeded, will override/bypass the accelerometer safety and activate the onboard capacitor/transformer. As with a traditional stun gun, the device will continue to discharge until the switch/trigger is released. In the case where the device registers an acceleration above an upper threshold, a secondary firing mode will engage. This may be achieved by either complete discharge of the capacitor or a secondary discharge simultaneously coming from a secondary capacitor. This mode exists because a presumed strike would be of sufficient speed/force where the user's hand would not likely be in contact with the target for a long period of time, making it necessary and safer to dump a larger amperage into the target to deliver a stunning shock. This leverages the immediate timing facilitated by having the activating/firing switch located below/beneath one of the fingertip electrical terminals. In the bypass mode, the safety of the lower accelerometer threshold is overridden. This mode may also remove the lower safety threshold of the pressure switch. In this mode, any activation of the switch/trigger will activate the onboard capacitor/transformer. The previously described secondary firing mode works the same way as the normal “on” mode.

In another embodiment, a hands-free taser device110capable of electro muscular incapacitation is shown inFIGS.4A and4B. In particular, hands-free taser device110is mounted to a rigid or semi-rigid cuff, gauntlet, bracer, and/or glove112. The semi-rigid version may be best suited for concealed usage, whereas the rigid design may be more suitable for open military or combat use.

FIG.4Ashows a palm-side view of glove112and cuff113. Glove112and a cuff113, together comprise a gauntlet having a back side112aand a palm side112b,a taser hardware component115(shown inFIG.6) including a charging port (not shown), a rechargeable battery117, a capacitor118, and a probe/electrode cartridge119.

Taser hardware115may be positioned on a user's wrist, specifically on cuff113. A switch130for activating the taser may be located on the user's palm as shown inFIG.4A.FIG.4Bshows a hands-free taser device utilizing a bracer114. When a cuff113, glove112, or bracer114is utilized, switch130may be positioned on the user's inside forearm and incorporated within an elongated, flexible portion thereof. The elongated portion of the bracer114, gauntlet112, or cuff113may also include Velcro or an elastic band (not shown) to maintain the position of switch130flush with the user's arm. Locating taser device115and switch130on the inside of the user's forearm, acts to prevent accidental discharge.

Hands-free taser device110may be hidden under a user's sleeve, and therefore does not need to be holstered or drawn. Since switch130may be concealed in the user's palm, or within the palm of glove112, the user need only direct his or her arm in the direction of a target and activate switch130. In addition, the location of switch130is characterized by a hand/wrist position that keeps the user's hand and fingers clear of the trajectory of the taser electrodes.

The hand-wearable hands-free taser device110may be a stand-alone device or may be mounted to an electrical stun device such as that described with respect to Embodiments 1-3.