Patent Publication Number: US-11022406-B2

Title: Inconspicuous defense substance spray canister

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/756,187 filed on Nov. 6, 2018 which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     INTRODUCTION 
     The disclosure generally relates to an inconspicuous defense substance spray canister. 
     Defense substance canisters can be used to deter an attacker, wherein a user can squeeze a trigger and a spray or a gel projectile is released from a front of the canister. Such devices typically include a visible pressure tank, the trigger mechanism, and a visible nozzle. 
     SUMMARY 
     Defense substance canisters including the visible mechanisms for releasing defense substance look like a weapon. Such devices can be deemed inappropriate for storage in plain sight in sensitive areas such as a classroom, in which a weapon-like device can be scary or intimidating. However, access to a self-defense device in classrooms or other similar settings can be lifesaving. 
     A defense substance spray canister is provided. The defense substance spray canister includes a cylindrical outer tube defining a longitudinal axis of the defense substance spray canister through an axial center of the cylindrical outer tube, a defense substance storage container contained within the cylindrical outer tube, the defense substance storage container including a valve operable to selectively release a flow of defense substance, an activation sleeve centered upon the longitudinal axis and, based upon relative movement of the activation sleeve relative to the cylindrical outer tube, operable to activate the valve, and a sleeve force transmission assembly operable to transform the relative movement of the activation sleeve relative to the cylindrical outer tube into an activation force upon the valve operable to selectively release the flow of defense substance. 
     In some embodiments, the sleeve force transmission assembly includes a rotation-based torque transmission assembly operable to transform a torque applied to the activation sleeve into the activation force upon the valve. 
     In some embodiments, the rotation-based torque transmission assembly includes an activation pin operable to apply the activation force upon the valve, an actuator plate attached to the activation pin, and a cam ring rotationally attached to the activation sleeve and including at least one slanted ramp, wherein, when the cam ring is rotated, the slanted ramp acts upon the actuator plate and causes the activation pin to apply the activation force upon the valve. 
     In some embodiments, the activation pin includes a hollow center, and the flow of defense substance is channeled to exit the valve and enter the hollow center. 
     In some embodiments, the activation pin includes a nozzle operable to direct the flow of defense substance into an effective flow pattern outside of the defense substance spray canister. 
     In some embodiments, the rotation-based torque transmission assembly further includes a torsion spring operable to bias the activation sleeve into a non-activated state. 
     In some embodiments, the sleeve force transmission assembly includes a rotation-based torque transmission assembly operable to transform rotation of the activation sleeve relative to the cylindrical outer tube into the activation force upon the valve. 
     In some embodiments, the cylindrical outer tube includes a removeable bottom cap. 
     In some embodiments, the sleeve force transmission assembly includes a longitudinal-based force transmission assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the longitudinal-based force transmission assembly transforms longitudinal movement of the activation sleeve into the activation force upon the valve operable to selectively release the flow of defense substance. 
     In some embodiments, the longitudinal-based force transmission assembly includes two pivoting arms connected to the activation sleeve, a translating actuator member connected to the two pivoting arms, and an activation pin operable to apply the activation force upon the valve based upon movement of the translating actuator member. 
     In some embodiments, the defense substance storage container contains oleoresin capsicum. 
     In some embodiments, the defense substance storage container contains tear gas. 
     According to one alternative embodiment, a defense substance spray canister is disclosed. The defense substance spray canister includes a cylindrical outer tube defining a longitudinal axis of the defense substance spray canister through an axial center of the cylindrical outer tube, a defense substance storage container contained within the cylindrical outer tube, the defense substance storage container including a valve operable to selectively release a flow of defense substance, an activation sleeve centered upon the longitudinal axis and, based upon relative rotation of the activation sleeve relative to the cylindrical outer tube, operable to activate the valve, and a rotation-based torque transmission assembly operable to transform the relative rotation of the activation sleeve relative to the cylindrical outer tube into an activation force upon the valve operable to selectively release the flow of defense substance. The rotation-based torque transmission assembly includes an activation pin operable to apply the activation force upon the valve, an actuator plate attached to the activation pin, and a cam ring rotationally attached to the activation sleeve and including at least one slanted ramp, wherein, when the cam ring is rotated, the slanted ramp acts upon the actuator plate and causes the activation pin to apply the activation force upon the valve. 
     In some embodiments, the activation pin includes a hollow center, and the flow of defense substance is channeled to exit the valve and enter the hollow center. 
     In some embodiments, the activation pin includes a nozzle operable to direct the flow of defense substance into an effective flow pattern outside of the defense substance spray canister. 
     According to one alternative embodiment, a defense substance spray canister is disclosed. The defense substance spray canister includes a cylindrical outer tube defining a longitudinal axis of the defense substance spray canister through an axial center of the cylindrical outer tube, a defense substance storage container contained within the cylindrical outer tube, the defense substance storage container including a valve operable to selectively release a flow of defense substance, an activation sleeve centered upon the longitudinal axis and, based upon torque applied to the activation sleeve, operable to activate the valve, and a rotation-based torque transmission assembly operable to transform the torque applied to the activation sleeve into an activation force upon the valve operable to selectively release the flow of defense substance. The rotation-based torque transmission assembly includes an activation pin operable to apply the activation force upon the valve, an actuator plate attached to the activation pin, and a cam ring rotationally attached to the activation sleeve and including at least one slanted ramp, wherein, when torque is applied to the activation sleeve, the slanted ramp acts upon the actuator plate and causes the activation pin to apply the activation force upon the valve. 
     In some embodiments, the activation pin includes a hollow center, and the flow of defense substance is channeled to exit the valve and enter the hollow center. 
     In some embodiments, the activation pin includes a nozzle operable to direct the flow of defense substance into an effective flow pattern outside of the defense substance spray canister. 
     The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates in perspective view an exemplary defense substance spray canister, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view the defense substance spray canister of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 2  in increased scale, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates in perspective view the cam ring of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates in perspective view the actuator restrainer of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates in perspective view the actuator plate of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates in perspective view the torsion spring of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view the bottle stop of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates in perspective view the bottle stop of  FIG. 8 , in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 10  schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view an alternative exemplary embodiment of an exemplary defense substance spray canister, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A device is provided for dispensing defense substance from the device for the purpose of self-defense. The device is configured to be stored in plain sight without presenting potentially threatening or scare-inducing firearm-imitating trigger mechanisms. 
     A number of different defense substances can be utilized with the disclosed canister. For example, any substance including pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum), tear gas (0-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile), or other similar compounds can be utilized. A defense substance can be in any one various states, including a sprayed liquid, a pressurized gas, or a deployable gel in accordance with the disclosure. 
     The device disclosed herein may include a cylindrical or elongated shape, with a central longitudinal axis being defined through a center of the cylinder. In one embodiment, a spray hole from which defense substance can be made to emanate is located at or near the longitudinal axis of the device and the defense substance emanating from the device is initially oriented coaxially with longitudinal axis. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates in perspective view an exemplary defense substance spray canister. Defense substance spray canister  10  is illustrated including outer tube  20 , bottom cap  22 , activation sleeve  30 , and top cap  40 . Outer tube  20  is provided including an exemplary cylindrical shape, although other shapes can be utilized, for example, providing for stylistic or ergonomic shapes. Bottom cap  22  is exemplary and provides an ability to unscrew or otherwise remove bottom cap  22  to access a defense substance storage container there within. In one embodiment, bottom cap  22  can enable the defense substance storage container to be maintained or replaced. In another embodiment, outer tube  20  can be sealed or capped at the end illustrated with bottom cap  22 . Top cap  40  includes spray hole  42  from which a spray, jet, or other emanation of defense substance can be selectively activated to flow from. 
     Activation sleeve  30  is illustrated as an annular band formed around and/or situated co-axially with outer tube  20 . In the event that outer tube  20  has a circular cross section, activation sleeve  30  can be configured to turn relative to outer tube  20  in order to selectively activate the defense substance function. In other embodiments, activation sleeve  30  can be configured to be moved in either direction longitudinally relative to outer tube  20  to selectively activate the defense substance function. By moving activation sleeve  30  relative to outer tube  20 , a user can selectively activate the defense substance function of the device. 
       FIG. 2  schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view the defense substance spray canister of  FIG. 1 . The defense substance spray canister is illustrated including outer tube  20 , bottom cap  22 , activation sleeve  30 , top cap  40  including spray hole  42 , defense substance storage container  60 , and sleeve force transmission assembly  50 . Defense substance storage container  60  is a dispensing device in the art capable of storing a liquid under pressure and selectively dispensing the liquid based upon actuation of a valve. Defense substance storage container  60  includes valve  62  configured to dispense a flow of defense substance when components of valve  62  are compressed. 
       FIG. 3  schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 2  in increased scale. Sleeve force transmission assembly  50  is illustrated including cam ring  140 , actuator restrainer  150 , actuator plate  160 , torsion spring  130 , and bottle stop  120 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , sleeve force transmission assembly includes a rotation-based torque transmission assembly operable to convert or transform a torque applied to activation sleeve  30  or relative rotation of activation sleeve  30  in relation to outer tube  20  of  FIG. 3  into an activation force upon valve  62 . Activation sleeve  30  is fastened to cam ring  140 , such that when a user turns activation sleeve  30  relative to the outer tube of the device, cam ring  140  similarly turns. Turning of cam ring  140  causes slanted ramp structures of cam ring  140  to move relative to pins  162  attached to actuator plate  160 . As the slanted ramp structures of cam ring  140  turn with cam ring  140 , pins  162  are displaced longitudinally toward defense substance storage container  60 . As pins  162  are displaced, actuator plate  160  to which pins  162  are fastened or connected is similarly displaced toward defense substance storage container  60 . Actuator pin  110  is illustrated including a shoulder ring  112  around a middle portion, wherein the shoulder ring  112  is engaged to actuator plate  160 , such that displacement of actuator plate  160  toward defense substance storage container  60  causes actuator pin  110  to displace toward defense substance storage container  60 . 
     Displacement of actuator pin  110  causes it to press upon valve  62  of defense substance storage container  60  thereby causing defense substance storage container  60  to dispense a flow of defense substance. Actuator pin  110  is hollow in a center, and actuator pin  110  is situated over an opening of valve  62  such that the flow of defense substance being dispensed from defense substance storage container  60  flows into and through the hollow center of actuator pin  110 . Actuator pin  110  additionally includes a nozzle feature  114  configured to direct the defense substance being dispensed in an effective flow pattern. Actuator pin  110  fits matingly within spray hole fitting  170 . Spray hole fitting  170  includes a hole configured to slidingly receive a forward end of actuator pin  110 , wherein actuator pin  110  can move longitudinally relative to spray hole fitting  170  while still being contained within the hole of spray hole fitting  170 . By actuator pin  110  remaining within the hole of spray hole fitting  170 , the flow of defense substance flowing through the hollow center of actuator pin  110  flows out of actuator pin  110  and into the hole of spray hole fitting  170 . The hole of spray hole fitting  170  continues to a forward tip of spray hole fitting  170  and is open to an outside of the device, such that the flow of defense substance flowing through spray hole fitting  170  emanates from the hole as a defense substance jet for use by the user against an attacker. 
     Torsion spring  130  is situated to apply torsional force and thereby rotating bias to cam ring  140  and activation sleeve  30 . Torsion spring  130  biases cam ring  140  and activation sleeve  30  toward a non-activated state, wherein no flow of defense substance emanates from spray hole  42 . When a user turns or applies torque to activation sleeve  30 , torsion spring  130  is rotated or compressed, and at some threshold angle of rotation of activation sleeve  30  relative to the outer tube of the device, the activation sleeve  30  reaches an activated state, and defense substance flows from spray hole  42 . 
     Actuator restrainer  150  includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented channels, through which pins  162  can be made to traverse as activation sleeve  30  and cam ring  140  force pins  162  to displace in the direction of defense substance storage container  60 . Additionally, an outer diameter  164  of actuator plate  160  is flush with an inner diameter  157  of actuator restrainer  150 . Together, pins  162  being within channels of actuator restrainer  150  and outer diameter  164  being flush with inner diameter  157  restrict motion of actuator plate  160  generally in a longitudinally oriented forward position and a longitudinally oriented rearward position. Actuator restrainer  150  is fastened to bottle stop  120 . Top cap  40  is fastened to an end of actuator restrainer  150 . Bottle stop  120  is fastened to outer tube  20  and is operable to securely hold defense substance storage container  60  in place. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates in perspective view the cam ring of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 . Cam ring  140  is illustrated including exemplary threading  141  configured to enable connection of cam ring  140  to activation sleeve  30  of  FIG. 3 . It will be appreciated that threading  141  can be operable to securely tighten cam ring  140  to activation sleeve  30  in a same direction that activation sleeve  30  is turned to cause defense substance to emanate from the device, such that activating the device cannot cause activation sleeve  30  to unthread from cam ring  140 . Cam ring  140  includes four slanted ramp structures  143  operable to act upon pins  162  of  FIG. 3 , such that rotation of cam ring  140  causes longitudinal movement of pins  162  and connected actuator plate  160 . Cam ring  140  can additionally include torsion spring anchor hole  145  which can be used to attach torsion spring  130  of  FIG. 3 , such that rotation of cam ring  140  can be rotationally biased by torsion spring  130 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates in perspective view the actuator restrainer of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 . Actuator restrainer  150  is illustrated including threading  153  operable to attach to bottle stop  120  and threading  151  operable to attach to top cap  40 . Actuator restrainer  150  includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented channels  155  operable to contain and guide pins  162  of  FIG. 3  restraining and thereby guiding actuator plate  160  through longitudinal motion as disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates in perspective view the actuator plate of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 . Actuator plate  160  is illustrated including holes  163  configured to receive and fasten with pins  162  of  FIG. 3 . Actuator plate  160  further includes center hole  161  configured to receive actuator pin  110 . Center hole  161  is sized such that the shoulder in the middle portion of actuator pin  110  of  FIG. 3  cannot fit through center hole  161 , thereby enabling force applied to actuator plate  160  to be transmitted to actuator pin  110 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates in perspective view the torsion spring of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 . Torsion spring  130  is illustrated including a plurality of stacked loops of metallic material. In one embodiment, the metallic material can be spring steel. Torsion spring  130  includes a first anchor tab  134  and a second anchor tab  132 . First anchor tab  134  and second anchor tab  132  each enable torsion spring to be affixed to a first feature and a second feature, respectively, and create a rotational bias between the two features. 
       FIG. 8  schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view the bottle stop of the sleeve force transmission assembly of  FIG. 3 . Bottle stop  120  is illustrated including threading  121  configured to attach to outer tube  20  and threading  123  configured to attach to actuator restrainer  150 . Bottle stop  120  additionally may include groove  124  configured to align actuator restrainer  150 . Bottle stop  120  is configured to hold defense substance storage container  60  of  FIG. 2  in place and includes center hole  125  configured to permit actuator pin  110  to extend through bottle stop  120  to engage with valve  62  or defense substance storage container  60 . Bottle stop  120  may additionally include torsion spring anchor hole  127  which can be used to attach torsion spring  130  of  FIG. 3 , such that rotation of cam ring  140  relative to bottle stop  120  can be rotationally biased by torsion spring  130 .  FIG. 9  illustrates in perspective view the bottle stop of  FIG. 8 . Bottle stop  120  is illustrated including threading  121 , threading  123 , center hole  125 , and torsion spring anchor hole  127 . 
       FIG. 10  schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view an alternative exemplary embodiment of an exemplary defense substance spray canister. Defense substance spray canister  200  is illustrated including outer tube  30 , defense substance storage container  60  including valve  62 , and activation sleeve  230 . A sleeve force transmission assembly can be described as a longitudinal-based force transmission assembly. The sleeve force transmission assembly includes pivoting arms  232  attached to activation sleeve  230 , a longitudinally translating actuator member  234 , and actuator pin  210 . Longitudinal movement of activation sleeve  230  results in pivoting of pivoting arms  232  which results in longitudinal translation of translating actuator member  234 . Actuator pin  210  includes sleeve  212  in a middle portion of actuator pin  210 . Sleeve  212  contacts a bottom surface of translating actuator member  234 , such that sleeve  212  cannot pass through a hole in translating actuator member  234 . As a result, when pivoting arms  232  force translating actuator member  234  to move toward defense substance storage container  60 , actuator pin  210  correspondingly moves toward defense substance storage container  60  and can apply an activation force upon valve  62 . Return spring  250  can be included to bias actuator pin  210 , translating actuator member  234 , and activation sleeve  230  into a non-activated state. 
     Bottle stop member  205  is provided and may include threading to attach to outer tube  20 . Bottle stop member  205  is operable to hold defense substance storage container  60  in place and additionally may include threading to attach to top cap  240 . Bottle stop member  205  can include features to enable pivoting arms  232  to pivot around fixed points upon bottle stop member  205 . 
     Displacement or translation of actuator pin  210  causes actuator pin  210  to press upon valve  62  of defense substance storage container  60  thereby causing defense substance storage container  60  to dispense a flow of defense substance. Actuator pin  210  is hollow in a center, and actuator pin  210  is situated over an opening of valve  62  such that the flow of defense substance being dispensed from defense substance storage container  60  flows into and through the hollow center of actuator pin  210 . Actuator pin  210  fits matingly within spray hole fitting  270 . Spray hole fitting  270  includes a hole configured to slidingly receive a forward end of actuator pin  210 , wherein actuator pin  210  can move longitudinally relative to spray hole fitting  270  while still being contained within the hole of spray hole fitting  270 . Spray hole fitting  270  additionally includes a nozzle feature  274  configured to direct the defense substance being dispensed in an effective flow pattern. By actuator pin  210  remaining within the hole of spray hole fitting  270 , the flow of defense substance flowing through the hollow center of actuator pin  210  flows out of actuator pin  210  and into the hole of spray hole fitting  270 . The hole of spray hole fitting  270  continues to a forward tip of spray hole fitting  270  and is open to an outside of the device, such that the flow of defense substance flowing through spray hole fitting  270  emanates from the hole as a defense substance jet for use by the user against an attacker. 
     While the best modes for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims.