Payload carrying arrangement for a non-lethal projectile

A payload dispersion system for a non-lethal projectile including a resilient layer and a marker packet having a hollow body including a lower surface, at least a partial opening centrally disposed, an upper surface, a volume formed by the lower surface, the at least a partial opening and the upper surface and a payload contained within the volume. The upper surface of the marker packet includes a wall and at least one weakened portion within the wall. The lower surface of the marker packet contacts an upper surface of the resilient layer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to non-lethal projectiles, more specifically to payload carrying non-lethal projectiles, and even more particularly to a payload carrying non-lethal projectile arranged to disburse its payload evenly upon impact with a target.

BACKGROUND OF TUE INVENTION

Non-lethal projectiles are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,657, issued on Jan. 4, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a non-lethal projectile comprising a deformable head arranged to absorb kinetic energy upon impact of the projectile with a target.

In addition to or as an alternative to a deformable head, non-lethal projectiles may comprise a variety of head designs some of which may be arranged to carry a payload. Such payloads may include but are not limited to malodorant, marking liquid, marking powder, pepper liquid and pepper powder. An example of a payload carrying non-lethal projectile is disclosed in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0066849, which published on Mar. 31, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The device disclosed in the foregoing publication includes a nose portion formed from a frangible, rigid, polymer foam material such that the nose crushes upon impact with a target to disperse energy, thereby reducing the kinetic energy transferred to the target while simultaneously dispensing its payload, e.g., marker agents, lacrimators, irritants, inflammatory agents, odorants or inert powders.

Non-lethal projectiles known in the art suffer from a variety of drawbacks. For example, known projectile head arrangements fail to provide a controlled dispensing of a payload. Such payloads are randomly and unpredictably dispersed upon impact. Such a condition may decrease the effectiveness of the payload as it may fail to reach its desired location or desired extent of dispersion. Additionally, tradeoffs between kinetic energy dissipation and quantities and types of payloads have been required. For example, frangible powder payloads do not dissipate kinetic energy to the same extent as a viscoelastic material such as a silicone rubber polymer. Similarly, liquid payloads offer a hydro-impact effect to lessen inertia upon impacting a target.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a non-lethal projectile including a frame, a guide expander, an expander cap, a resilient layer, a marker packet and a cap. The frame includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body, a closed upper end and a through bore centrally disposed within the closed upper end and coaxially arranged with the substantially cylindrical body. The guide expander includes a cylindrical guide and a base, wherein the cylindrical guide is disposed within the bore and longitudinally displaceable therein. The expander base includes a plurality of segments, a lower protrusion and an upper protrusion, wherein the guide expander contacts the lower protrusion and each segment of the plurality of segments is connected to each adjacent segment by a weakened portion. The expander cap includes an upper surface having a plurality of offset circular planar surfaces and a through bore centrally disposed and contacting the upper protrusion of the expander base, wherein the upper surface of the expander cap contacts a lower surface of the resilient layer. The marker packet includes a hollow body having a lower surface, at least a partial opening centrally disposed, an upper surface, a volume formed by the lower surface, the at least a partial opening and the upper surface, and a payload contained within the volume. The upper surface of the marker packet includes a wall and at least one weakened portion within the wall, and the lower surface of the marker packet contacts an upper surface of the resilient layer. The cap is arranged to enclose the marker packet, the resilient. expander and the expander cap, and partially enclose the expander base, wherein the payload is dispersed on or near a target upon impact by the non-lethal projectile.

The present invention also broadly comprises a non-lethal projectile having a frame, a guide expander, an expander cap, a resilient expander, a marker packet and a cap. The frame includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body, a closed upper end and a through bore centrally disposed within the closed upper end and coaxially arranged with the substantially cylindrical body. The guide expander includes a cylindrical guide and a base, wherein the cylindrical guide is disposed within the bore and longitudinally displaceable therein. The expander base includes a plurality of segments, a lower protrusion and an upper protrusion, wherein the guide expander contacts the tower protrusion and each segment of the plurality of segments is connected to each adjacent segment by a weakened portion. The expander cap includes an upper surface having a plurality of offset circular planar surfaces and a through bore centrally disposed and contacting the upper protrusion of the expander base. The resilient expander includes a base and an extension, wherein the upper surface of the expander cap contacts a lower surface of the base. The marker packet includes a hollow body having a lower surface, a central opening, an upper surface, a volume formed by the lower surface, the central opening and the upper surface and a payload contained within the volume, wherein the upper surface of the marker packet includes a plurality of segments, each segment of the plurality of segments is connected to each adjacent segment by a weakened portion, the extension of the resilient expander is disposed within the central opening, and the lower surface of the marker packet contacts an upper surface of the base of the resilient expander. The cap is arranged to enclose the marker packet, the resilient expander and the expander cap, and partially enclose the expander base, wherein the payload is dispersed on or near a target upon impact by the non-lethal projectile.

The present invention further broadly comprises a payload dispersion system for a non-lethal projectile including a resilient layer and a marker packet having a hollow body including a lower surface, at least a partial opening centrally disposed, an upper surface, a volume formed. by the tower surface, the at least a partial opening and the upper surface, and a payload contained within the volume, wherein the upper surface of the marker packet includes a wall and at least one weakened portion within the wall, and the lower surface of the marker packet contacts an upper surface of the resilient layer.

The present invention yet further broadly comprises a payload dispersion system for a non-lethal projectile including a resilient expander having a base and an extension, and a marker packet having a hollow body including a lower surface, a central opening, an upper surface, a volume formed by the lower surface, the central opening and the upper surface and a payload contained within the volume, Wherein the upper surface the marker packet includes a plurality of segments, each segment of the plurality of segments is connected to each adjacent segment by a weakened portion, the extension of the resilient expander is disposed within the central opening, and the lower surface of the marker packet contacts an upper surface of the base of the resilient expander.

The present invention also broadly comprises a payload carrying packet for a non-lethal projectile including a hollow body having a tower surface, at least a partial opening centrally disposed, an upper surface, a volume formed by the lower surface, the at least a partial opening and the upper surface and a payload contained within the volume, wherein the upper surface of the marker packet includes a wall and at least one weakened portion within the wall.

The present invention still further broadly comprises a dispersion article for use in combination with a payload carrying packet for a non-lethal projectile including a resilient expander having a base and an extension, wherein application of a longitudinal force on the extension causes the extension to expand outwardly and pressurize the payload packet.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a non-lethal projectile that maximizes the safety of its use.

It is another general object of the present invention to provide a non-lethal projectile that disperses a payload, e.g. a malodorant or marking liquid, substantially evenly upon impact with a target.

It is yet another general object of the present invention to provide a non-lethal projectile that disperses impact forces substantially evenly upon impact with a target, wherein the dispersed forces are non-lethal is magnitude.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood in one of ordinary skill in the art to which these embodiments belong. As used herein, the term “average” shall be construed broadly to include any calculation in which a result datum or decision is obtained based on a plurality of input data, which can include but is not limited to, weighted averages, yes or no decisions based on rolling inputs, etc. Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of” and “comprising at least one of” in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Non-lethal projectile10comprises frame12, guide expander14, expander base16, expander cap18, resilient expander20, marker packet22and cone24. Projectile10is positioned within shell26. Volume28of shell26acts as a combustion chamber. The propellant is ignited via a primer located inside a .38 caliber shell casing (not shown). The .38 caliber shell casing is positioned in bore30of shell26. The propellant is selected from those well known in the art and is not particularly germane to the present device. Upon ignition of the propellant, projectile10exits shell26in the direction of firing. Upon impact with a target, cone24collapses, expander base16expands outwardly, resilient expander20compresses and expands outwardly, and marker packet22ruptures, thereby dispersing the payload and collectively absorbing kinetic energy from the moving projectile10and decreasing its damage and/or injury to the target.

Expander base16is arranged to “fail” thereby absorbing kinetic energy. Expander base16comprises expander base segments64which are connected by weakened regions66. Upon impact with a target, a longitudinal compression force is imparted on cone24and thereby on the resilient expander20, expander cap18, expander base16and guide expander14. As the foregoing elements compress, frame12slides relative to guide expander14and is pushed against expander base16. Frame12in turn causes expander base segments64to be pushed outwardly. Provided sufficient force is imparted on base segments64, weakened portions66fail thereby permitting further expansion of base segments64. The expansion of base segments64in combination with the failure of weakened portions66further absorbs kinetic energy of the moving projectile10. In the expanded form, expander base16forms a star-like structure. In addition to the foregoing absorption of energy, the inertia of projectile10is further dissipated by the compression of expander cap18against base80of resilient expander20. This action assists with the rupturing of marker packet22, as described in further detail infra. It should be appreciated that although expander base16and expander cap18are depicted as separate elements joined together, a single element can also be formed. However, due to present savings in manufacturing, the two piece arrangement is preferred.

Resilient expander20is formed from a flexible material, e.g., silicone. As non-lethal projectile10impacts a target, extension82of resilient expander20is compressed in the direction depicted by uni-directional arrow38and thereby expands in the directions of uni-directional arrows40. It should be appreciated that although the expansion of extension82is depicted by only two arrows40, extension82is cylindrical in shape. Therefore, as extension82is compressed in the direction of arrow38, extension82expands outwardly in substantially all radial directions including the directions depicted by arrows40. Moreover, as expander cap18impacts base80of resilient expander20, base80transfers kinetic energy to base42of marker packet22, i.e., transfers kinetic energy in the direction of uni-directional arrows44.

Resilient expander20assists in the dispersion of payload46from marker packet22on the target. Expander20also absorbs inertia, i.e., kinetic energy, creates a fixture for marker packet22and acts as a safety barrier preventing components below resilient expander20from impacting a target directly. In flight, marker packet22is stabilized in cone24of projectile10by resilient expander20. During impact, extension82expands outwardly into inner surface48of marker packet22and base80of expander20compresses against base42of marker packet22, collectively creating a higher pressure vessel thereby dispersing payload46in a desirable pattern. To ensure the plastic components of projectile10will not penetrate the target, e.g., guide expander14, expander base16, and expander cap18, base80acts as a safety barrier blocking the plastic components from moving forward upon impact. The elasticity of resilient expander20also absorbs some inertia from projectile10making it less likely to injure a target.

In an embodiment, marker packet22is a partial toroid shaped component formed from a material such as polyethylene. Marker packet22acts as a pressure vessel when a target is hit. High pressure that develops upon impact in combination with segments50allow for proper outward dispersion of payload46onto the target. In other words, a compressive force is applied to the impacting surface of packet22, a compressive force is applied to base42by base80of expander20, and a compressive force is applied to surface48by extension82, collectively pushing inwardly on payload46. This collective force creates a higher pressure within packet22thereby providing the means to effectively disperse payload46on a target. Segments50are defined and separated by etched or weakened portions52in the top portion of marker packet22. In short, upon reaching a sufficient pressure, weakened portions52fail or open thereby permitting dispersion of payload46. The foregoing arrangement of marker packet22also facilitates the dispersion of its kinetic energy over a larger surface area creating a projectile less likely to cause injury to a target.

In addition to the above described payloads that may be carried by the present invention non-lethal projectile, the payload may also include a tagging and/or marking agent, as well as an infrared liquid or powder. Tagging agents, such as forensic marking agents, provide greater capability for the present projectile, e.g., tagging a party prior to fleeing a scene for later identification and arrest. Thus, for example, a participant of a riot may be impacted with a present projectile carrying a forensic marking agent and even if that participant leaves the scene of the riot prior to arrest, law enforcement agents can later identify that person as a participant due to the presence of the marking agent. Such marking agents can effectively code a person, object, etc., for later identification. Forensic marking agents can be configured with unique formulas so that the later identification can provide information related to where the person was tagged or who tagged the person, i.e., each law enforcement agent could have a unique marking agent which will be undetectable by the person being tagged. Moreover, not only does the foregoing marking agent tag a person's clothing, but the marking agent also propagates to skin and unexposed clothing so that if a person removes the clothing that was actually impacted by the present invention projectile, the marking agents are still detectable later in time. An example of a forensic marking liquid is the SMARTWATER® product offered by SmartWater CSI LLC of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and SmartWater Technology Ltd. of London, England.

Other embodiments of the present invention non-lethal projectile have also been developed. Non-lethal projectile110comprises frame112, guide expander114, expander base116, expander cap118, resilient layer120, marker packet122and cone124. Projectile110is positioned within shell126. Volume128of shell126acts as a combustion chamber. The nature of firing projectile110is substantially the same as the firing of projectile10described above. However, upon impact with a target, cone124collapses, expander base116expands outwardly, resilient layer120compresses surface142of marker packet122, and marker packet122ruptures, thereby dispersing the payload and collectively absorbing kinetic energy from the moving projectile110and decreasing its damage and/or injury to the target.

Similar to the embodiment described above, expander base116is arranged to “fail” thereby absorbing kinetic energy. Upon impact with a target, a longitudinal compression force is imparted on cone124and thereby on the resilient layer120, expander cap118, expander base116and guide expander114. As the foregoing elements compress, frame112slides relative to guide expander114and is pushed against expander base116. Frame112in turn causes expander base116to fail, pushing the segments forming base116outwardly, thereby absorbing kinetic energy of the moving projectile110. lithe expanded form, expander base116forms a star-like structure. In addition to the foregoing absorption of energy, the inertia of projectile110is further dissipated by the compression of expander cap118against resilient layer120. This action assists with the rupturing of marker packet122, as described in further detail infra.

Resilient layer120assists in the dispersion of payload146from marker packet122on the target, layer120also absorbs inertia, i.e., kinetic energy, fills the gap between cap118and layer142and acts as a safety barrier preventing components below resilient layer120from impacting a target directly. During impact, layer120compresses against sealing layer142creating a higher pressure vessel thereby dispersing payload146in a desirable pattern. To ensure the plastic components of projectile110will not penetrate the target, e.g., guide expander114, expander base116, and expander cap118, layer120also acts as a safety barrier blocking the plastic components from moving forward upon impact. The elasticity of layer120also absorbs some inertia from projectile110making it less likely to injure a target.

In an embodiment, marker packet122is a partial toroid shaped component comprising wall150formed from a material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). Marker packet122further comprises sealing layer142. Layer142is secured to the base of wall150by any means known in the art, e.g., induction sealing, and is formed from a material that is compatible with payload146so that layer142does not deteriorate prior to use, e.g., during storage of the projectile. For example, layer142may be formed from ExpressWeb EFS 174 manufactured by Glenroy Inc. of Menomonee Falls, Wis. Suitable sealing layers may include but are not limited to materials including at least one of: polyester; low density polyethylene; aluminum foil; and, linear low density polyethylene. It should be appreciated that layer142may also be formed as a multi-layer composite including some or all of the aforementioned materials. Marker packet122acts as a pressure vessel when a target is hit. High pressure that develops upon impact in combination with wall150allows for proper outward dispersion of payload146onto the target. In other words, a compressive force is applied to the impacting surface of packet122, a compressive force is applied to sealing layer142by resilient layer120, collectively pushing inwardly on payload146. This collective force creates a higher pressure within packet122thereby providing the means to effectively disperse payload146on a target. Wall150is defined and separated by etched or weakened portions152in the top portion of marker packet122. In short, weakened portions152cause a controlled failure mode of marker packet122when pressurized by impact, i.e., wall150fails along the length of each weakened portions152. The foregoing arrangement of marker packet122facilitates the dispersion of its kinetic energy over a larger surface area creating a projectile less likely to cause injury to a target.

In addition to the foregoing, marker packet122comprises inner surface148. In this embodiment, inner surface148does not form a complete through hole in marker packet122. As can be best understood in view ofFIG. 24, the base of opening190does not contact sealing layer142. Thus, gap192is formed between inner surface148and sealing layer142. The gap may be larger or smaller than depicted in the figures, or alternatively, no gap may be present. It is believed that the size of gap192also contributes to the nature of the dispersion of payload146during impact with a target. Embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention include full through holes, e.g., marker packet22, and partial through holes, e.g., marker packet122. Moreover, it is contemplated that no opening may be included, and that those embodiments will form a domed structure devoid of indentations or openings in the middle of the marker packet, e.g., marker packet222.

The present embodiments provide non-lethal projectiles that outperform alternate designs. For example, the present invention was compared against three alternate designs for viscous criterion (VC) and impact force. The foregoing tests used various impact velocities to measure impact force, dynamic deflection and impact velocity to quantify the performance of each design. The present embodiments provided lower impact force and lower viscous criterion than each other tested design.

The impact of the present invention non-lethal projectile on a target creates two impacts of inertia on the target. The present invention causes a dispersion of inertia on the target. Upon impact, the present projectile provides an initial dispersion of inertia on the target, and subsequently as the frame and in turn the guide expander pushes into the expander base, a second dispersion of inertia on the target occurs. Furthermore, the size of the cone of the present invention causes a wide area dispersion of force on a target which spreads kinetic energy to more nerve endings thereby causing more pain compliance while decreasing injury due to lack of penetration.

REFERENCE NO. LISTING