Patent Publication Number: US-11385031-B1

Title: Non-lethal disorientation apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/316,778 entitled “NON-LETHAL DISORIENTATION APPARATUS” filed May 11, 2021, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/024,465 entitled “NON-LETHAL DISORIENTATION APPARATUS” filed May 13, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of portable self-defense devices is well known. More specifically, portable self-defense devices heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of providing protection from assailants are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations. Notwithstanding the myriad of designs that have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements, many portable self-defense devices, including non-lethal methods for overcoming threatening and/or dangerous opponents, have several undesirable characteristics that limit their utility to law enforcement, military personnel, and others. 
     The objective of many portable self-defense devices is to distract or temporarily disable the opponent so that they may be captured, while minimizing casualties to those employing the methods. Tear gas, pepper spray, taser guns and rubber bullets are just a few examples. Other examples include rifle-mounted direct-energy weapons, e.g., green laser “dazzler” units, are used by the U.S. military at security checkpoints. Dazzlers, generally, are considered effective at a range of tens to hundreds of meters, but are not suitable for indoor, close-range use. 
     Similarly, sonic weapons such as the Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), produced by Genasys Inc. of San Diego, Calif., have been employed to control crowds, disperse riots, and deter pirates. While the LRAD is gradually demonstrating its efficacy, the LRAD system is unsuitable for use indoors at close range 
     Stun grenades or flash-bangs employ both a single blinding flash and a loud bang to temporarily disorient enemies in military and police actions. Exposed personnel experience disorientation, confusion, and loss of coordination and balance. While these systems have garnered widely-accepted efficacy, and their effects are intended to be temporary, the extreme intensity of their operation presents a significant risk of permanent injury or death. Consequently, stun grenades are generally classified as “less-lethal weapons,” and their legal use in civilian contexts remains strictly limited. 
     Many existing portable self-defense devices, while not considered to be lethal weapons, can cause serious, if not lethal harm. As a result, the deployment of such non-lethal weapons represents an unacceptably accelerated escalation along the typical continuum of force that is utilized by a law enforcement agency. In some instances, the damages can be permanent and/or irreversible. Additionally, such weapons are not suitable in indoor applications and/or at close range. Thus, there is a need for an improved self-defense device. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In various implementations, a non-lethal disorientation apparatus includes an elongated tubular body having a first tubular extension at one end and a second tubular extension at the opposite end. The first tubular extension has a high-intensity light source mounted therein and an opening with the light source being mounted to project a narrow, high intensity light beam through the opening. A cap has light transmitting material covering the opening. The elongated tubular body includes a power supply mounted therein, a switch mounted thereon, and circuitry connecting the switch to the power supply and the power supply to the light source. The switch can be actuated to activate the power supply to supply power to the light source. 
     In other implementations, an illumination device includes an elongated tubular housing for holding a high-intensity light source, a switch, and a power supply connected to one another. The switch controls the flow of power from the power supply to the high intensity light source. The high intensity light source can be activated by the switch to produce a high intensity, narrow light beam that can be directed to the eyes of a person to disorient the person. 
     In yet other implementations, a method for assembling a non-lethal disorientation device includes connecting a high intensity light source to a power supply with circuitry and a switch to form a high intensity light assembly. The high intensity light assembly is inserted into an elongated tubular body having a first tubular extension at one end and a second tubular extension at the opposite end with the first tubular extension including an opening. The high intensity light assembly is mounted within the elongated tubular body, so that the high-intensity light source can project a narrow, high intensity light beam through the opening upon activation by the switch. The opening is covered with a cap having light transmitting material. 
     These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the appended drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing summary, the following detailed description and the appended drawings are explanatory only and are not restrictive of various aspects as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary continuum of force that can be implemented using the subject of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a non-lethal disorienting system that includes an expandable baton in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the embodiment of the non-lethal disorienting system shown in  FIG. 2  that includes the expandable baton in a collapsed or retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment of the non-lethal disorienting system shown in  FIGS. 2-3  positioned within a holster for a law enforcement officer. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the non-lethal disorienting system shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a non-lethal disorienting system. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the non-lethal disorienting system shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a non-lethal disorienting system. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the non-lethal disorienting system shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a non-lethal disorienting system that includes a riot shield. 
         FIG. 11  is a process in accordance with the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject disclosure is directed to a non-lethal disorientation apparatus and, more specifically, to a non-lethal disorientation apparatus that includes a light source that can emit a high-intensity, narrow beam to blind threatening and/or disruptive individuals, temporarily, at close range. In some embodiments, the light source can emit strobing light produced by an LED or a laser. The apparatus can be used in law enforcement, by the military, or, even, by civilians for self-defense. The apparatus can be sold in an assembled form or in a kit. 
     The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present examples can be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth functions of the examples and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the examples. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different examples. 
     References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “one implementation,” “an implementation,” “one example,” “an example” and the like, indicate that the described embodiment, implementation or example can include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but every embodiment, implementation or example can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, implementation or example. Further, when a particular feature, structure or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementation or example, it is to be appreciated that such feature, structure or characteristic can be implemented in connection with other embodiments, implementations or examples whether or not explicitly described. 
     Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the described subject matter. It is to be appreciated, however, that such embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. 
     Various features of the subject disclosure are now described in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals generally refer to like or corresponding elements throughout. The drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to the particular form described. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exemplary new continuum of force, generally designated by the numeral  10 , that can be implemented by a law enforcement agency using the subject matter of this disclosure. The continuum  10  illustrates an escalating series of actions that law enforcement officers can take to resolve a disruptive or threatening incident. The continuum  10  includes a plurality of levels  12 - 20  that represent the level of force appropriate for a particular situation. It should be understood that law enforcement officers can move from one level to another within the continuum  10  in a matter of seconds during a particular incident. 
     At Level  12 , one or more law enforcement officers are present. As long as the incident remains at this level, no force is necessary. If the incident can be resolved at Level  12 , the mere presence of law enforcement officers deters crime. In most instances, the law enforcement officers act in a professional and non-threatening manner. 
     At Level  14 , law enforcement officers issue verbal commands to try to resolve the incident. In most instances, the verbal commands will be issued in a calm, non-threatening manner. The commands can include requests to produce identification, permits, etc. If the incident is unresolved, the law enforcement officers can increase their volume and shorten commands to try to gain compliance. 
     At Level  16 , one or more non-lethal disorientation apparatuses that are the subject of this disclosure is deployed. The non-lethal disorientation apparatuses include light sources that can emit high-intensity, narrow beams to disorient, temporarily, threatening and/or disruptive individuals. The non-lethal disorientation apparatus can incapacitate individuals at close range without causing permanent damage. 
     At Level  18 , law enforcement officers can utilize bodily force and/or less-lethal weapons to resolve the incident. The less-lethal weapons can include blunt impact weapons, such as a baton or a projectile, to immobilize a combative individual. Alternatively, law enforcement officers can utilize use chemical devices, such as devices that emit chemical sprays or projectiles embedded with chemicals to restrain an individual (e.g., pepper spray), or electrical devices, such as Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs) that discharge a high-voltage, low-amperage jolt of electricity at a distance. 
     At Level  20 , law enforcement officers can use lethal weapons to gain control of the incident. Lethal force is limited to incidents in which disruptive individuals pose a serious threat to the law enforcement officers or to other individuals. The lethal force can be delivered through firearms. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5  with continuing reference to the foregoing figures, a non-lethal disorienting system, generally designated by the numeral  100 , is shown. The system  100  includes an expandable baton  110  and a non-lethal disorienting apparatus  112  that is releasably attached to the expandable baton  110 . The non-lethal disorienting apparatus  112  can be used at Level  16  in the continuum  10  shown in  FIG. 1  to project a high-intensity, narrow beam of light to disorient a disruptive individual during an incident. The expandable baton  110  can be used at Level  18  to apply non-lethal force. 
     The apparatus  112  includes an elongated tubular body  114 , a cap  116 , a power supply  118 , a switch mechanism  120 , a light source  122 , and circuitry  124 . The elongated tubular body  114  can form a housing with an internal bore  126  extending therethrough. The cap  116 , the power supply  118 , the switch mechanism  120 , the light source  122 , and the circuitry  124  can connect to one another to form an assembly  128  that inserts into the internal bore  126 . 
     The elongated tubular body  114  is essentially cylindrical with a pair of tubular extensions  130 - 132  connected to a center portion  134 . The tubular extension  130  is positioned at one end of the center portion  134 . The tubular extension  132  is positioned at the opposite end. The light source  122  is a high-intensity light source that is mounted within the tubular extension  130 . 
     The tubular extension  130  has an opening  136  at one end. The light source  122  is adjacent to the opening  136  and is positioned to project a concentrated narrow, high intensity light beam through the opening  136 . The cap  116  covers the opening  136  and includes light transmitting material to allow the concentrated narrow, high intensity light beam to project therethrough. 
     The light source  122  produces a narrow, highly defined beam that can have an intensity that exceeds 10,000 candelas, typically ranging from 10,000 candelas to 14,000 candelas. In some embodiments, the light beam typically has an intensity of 11,000 candelas. The light beam is well defined in that the edges of the beam do not bleed out, so that the light beam can be focused on a target. The use of a highly defined, intense beam is particularly important for focusing the beam on a single bad actor within a crowd. 
     The light source  122  is connected to the power supply  118  with the switch mechanism  120  and the circuitry  124 . The power supply  118  supplies power to light source  122  with the switch mechanism  120  controlling the flow of power from the power supply  118  to the light source  122 . The switch mechanism  120  includes a push-button  138  that can be actuated to activate the light source  122 . 
     In some embodiments, the light source  122  will deactivate or turn off within 20 seconds after activation by the switch mechanism  120 . In other embodiments, the switch must be actuated to deactivate the power supply  118  to prevent the flow of power to the light source  122 . The power supply  118  can be a battery, such as a 3 Volt coin battery assembly. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the expandable baton  110  can include three telescoping members  140 - 144  and a tip  146 . The baton  110  is movable from an expanded configuration, shown in  FIG. 2 , to a retracted or collapsed configuration, shown in  FIG. 3 . When the baton  110  is in the collapsed configuration, the baton  110  can be stored in holster  148  with the non-lethal disorienting apparatus  112  extending outwardly from the holster  148  to facilitate gripping by a user. The expandable baton  110  can be the type of baton that is sold under the brand name Friction Loc Baton or Talon by ASP, Inc. of Appleton, Wis. 
     The configuration of the baton  110  within the holster  148  provides the user with access to the push-button  138  when the non-lethal disorientation system  100  is removed therefrom. The position of the push-button  138  in relation to the holster  148  provides the user with the ability to depress the push-button  138  by his or her pinky to activate or to deactivate the light source  122 , as needed. In some embodiments, the push-button  138  can be configured to return to its original position upon release. 
     The expandable baton  110  can be releasably attached to the non-lethal disorienting apparatus  112  through a threaded connection between the tubular extension  132  and the tubular member  140 . The tubular extension  132  can form a flange at the end with an interior mating surface  150 . The tubular member  140  can have a corresponding exterior mating surface  152 . In this exemplary embodiment, the interior mating surface  150  and the exterior mating surface  152  include complementary threads to facilitate connection of the expandable baton  110  to the non-lethal disorienting apparatus  112 . 
     The light source  122  can be white light source that produces a high-intensity white light or a laser. The light source  122  can emit a light beam in a strobe pattern that can be predetermined. The circuitry  124  can control the strobe pattern through a program that can be preprogrammed and hardwired therein. Alternatively, the circuitry  124  can be programmable. In some embodiments, the light source  124  includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and a chip for controlling the LED. The chip can allow the LED to produce the high-intensity, narrow beam of light for a predetermined period of times, such as 20 seconds, before turning off the light beam to allow the light source  124  to cool. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the cap  116  can include a lens  154  for covering the opening  136 . The lens  154  is formed from the light transmitting material. The light transmitting material can be a plastic material, a ceramic material, or a composite material that is transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent. In some embodiments, the light transmitting material can be polycarbonate and, in particular, a polycarbonate that has a high transparency and a high resistance to ultraviolet ray damage or degradation. 
     In some embodiments, the lens  154  provides a light beam of uniform intensity. The lens  154  can be a 10048 Spot Lens from Carclo Technical Plastics of Latrobe, Pa. In such embodiments, the lens  154  can produce a light beam that has a 3 inch diameter with a 1:1 uniformity at six feet. In other embodiments, the lens  154  can be modified to produce a light beam that has 4.2 inch diameter with a 1:1 uniformity at eight feet. 
     The apparatus  112  and, in particular, the elongated tubular body  114  can be made from any suitable material through any suitable manufacturing method. Suitable materials include flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid materials. Suitable materials also include metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites. It should be understood that each component of the apparatus  112  can be made of a material that is specifically suited for the individual structural tolerances. Any combination of material or a uniform application of a single material that results in an acceptably robust structure is suitable. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-7  with continuing reference to the foregoing figures, there is shown another embodiment of a non-lethal disorienting system, generally designated by the numeral  200 . The system  200  is a stand-alone system that includes a non-lethal disorienting apparatus  210  that includes an elongated tubular body  212 , a cap  214 , a power supply  216 , a switch mechanism  218 , a light source  220 , and circuitry  222 . 
     The cap  214 , the switch mechanism  218 , and the circuitry  222  function in a similar manner as the cap  116 , the switch mechanism  120 , and the circuitry  124  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the power supply  216  and the light source  220  can produce a high-intensity, narrow beam that is of a lower intensity than the beam that is produced by the power supply  118  and the light source  122  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . As a result, the non-lethal disorienting system  200  is suitable for civilian use. 
     Similarly, the elongated tubular body  212  is modular and includes a pair of tubular extensions  224 - 226  and a center portion  228 . The tubular extension  224  and the center portion  228  are similar to the tubular extension  130  and the center portion  134  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the tubular extension  226  includes an outer surface  230  that forms a handle  232  for gripping. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-9  with continuing reference to the foregoing figures, there is shown another embodiment of a non-lethal disorienting system, generally designated by the numeral  300 . The system  300  includes a non-lethal disorienting apparatus  310  that is configured to project high-intensity, narrow beams in two different directions. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus  310  directs the beams in opposite directions. 
     The apparatus  310  includes an elongated tubular body  312  that includes an elongated bore  314  extending therethrough with openings  316 - 318  at the opposite ends. A pair of caps  320 - 322  cover the openings  316 - 318 . The caps  320 - 322  include light transmitting materials to allow the beams to project outwardly therefrom. 
     The apparatus  310  includes a high intensity light assembly  324  that inserts into the elongated bore  314 . The high intensity light assembly  324  includes a white light high-intensity light source  326  at one end and a strobing high intensity light source  328  at the opposite end. The white light high-intensity light source  326  projects a high intensity, narrow beam of white light through the opening  316 . The strobing high intensity light source  328  projects a high intensity, narrow strobing beam of light through the opening  318 . 
     The white light high-intensity light source  326  and the strobing high intensity light source  328  receive power from a common power supply  330 . A switch mechanism  332  controls the supply of power to the white light high-intensity light source  326  and the strobing high intensity light source  328 . The white light high-intensity light source  326  and the strobing high intensity light source  328  connect to the switch mechanism  332  with circuitry  334 . 
     The white light high-intensity light source  326  and the strobing high intensity light source  328  can produce narrow beam can have intensities that exceed 10,000 candelas in military and in law enforcement applications. The white light high-intensity light source  326  and the strobing high intensity light source  328  can produce narrow beams that have lower intensities in civilian, self-defense applications. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10  with continuing reference to the foregoing figures, there is shown another embodiment of a non-lethal disorienting system, generally designated by the numeral  400 , is shown. The system  400  includes a non-lethal disorienting apparatus  410  mounted on a riot shield  412 . The non-lethal disorienting apparatus  410  is similar to the non-lethal disorienting apparatus  112  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . 
     The riot shield  412  includes an arched body panel  414  with a window  416  therein. The window  416  includes a shatterproof light transmitting material. The convex side of the panel  414  has handles (not shown) at about the centerline of the panel  414  and spaced apart for convenient grasping of the riot shield  412 . 
     The non-lethal disorienting apparatus  410  is mounted within a bore  418  that extends through arched body panel  414  to project a high intensity, narrow beam of light through the concave side of the body panel  414 . It should be understood that the non-lethal disorienting apparatus  410  can be mounted in face shields and/or ballistic shields. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11  with continuing reference to the foregoing figures, a method  500  for assembling a non-lethal disorienting device in accordance with the described subject matter is shown. Method  500 , or portions thereof, can be performed to assemble the non-lethal disorienting apparatus  112  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the non-lethal disorienting apparatus  210  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the non-lethal disorientating apparatus  310  shown in  FIGS. 8-9  and/or the non-lethal disorientating apparatus  410  shown in  FIG. 10 . The subject non-lethal disorienting device produced through method  500  can be utilized in a system that can be implemented at Level  16  in the continuum of force  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     At  501 , a high intensity light source is connected to a power supply with circuitry and a switch to form a high intensity light assembly. In this exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the light source can be the light source  122  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the light source  220  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , and/or the white light high-intensity light source  326  and the strobing high intensity light source  328  shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . 
     The power supply can be the power supply  118  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the power supply  216  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , and/or the power supply  330  shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . The switch can be the switch mechanism can be the switch mechanism  120  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the switch mechanism  218  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , and/or the switch mechanism  332  shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . 
     At  502 , the high intensity light assembly is inserted into an elongated tubular body having a first tubular extension at one end and a second tubular extension at the opposite end with the first tubular extension including an opening. In this exemplary embodiment, the elongated tubular body can be the elongated tubular body  114  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the elongated tubular body  212  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , and/or the elongated tubular body  312  shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . 
     At  503 , the high intensity light assembly is mounted within the elongated tubular body, so that the high-intensity light source can project a narrow, high intensity light beam through the opening upon activation by the switch. 
     At  504 , the opening is covered with a cap having light transmitting material. In this exemplary embodiment, the cap can be the cap  116  shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the cap  214  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the cap  320  and/or the cap  322  shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . 
     SUPPORTED FEATURES AND EMBODIMENTS 
     The detailed description provided above in connection with the appended drawings explicitly describes and supports various features of a non-lethal disorienting apparatus. By way of illustration and not limitation, supported embodiments include a non-lethal disorientation apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular body having a first tubular extension at one end and a second tubular extension at the opposite end, the first tubular extension having a high-intensity light source mounted therein and an opening with the light source being mounted to project a narrow, high intensity light beam through the opening, a cap having light transmitting material covering the opening, wherein the elongated tubular body includes a power supply mounted therein, a switch mounted thereon, and circuitry connecting the switch to the power supply and the power supply to the light source, and wherein the switch can be actuated to activate the power supply to supply power to the light source. 
     Supported embodiments include the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatus, wherein the switch can be actuated to deactivate the power supply to supply power to the light source. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the switch is a push-button switch. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the light source is selected from the group consisting of an LED light source and a laser. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the light source can emit a predetermined strobe light pattern. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the second tubular extension includes a flange. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the second tubular extension flange forms a handle extending therefrom. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, further comprising: a weapon selected from the group consisting of a baton and a shield, wherein the weapon includes a first mating surface the second extension includes a second mating surface and the first mating surface being configured to releasably connect to the second mating surface. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the first mating surface and the second mating surface are threaded with complementary threads that releasably connect the first mating surface to the second mating surface. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the shield is selected from the group selected from a face shield, a riot shield, and a ballistic shield. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the baton is an expandable baton. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the high-intensity light source is a first light source, the opening is a first opening, and the elongated body has a second opening, the non-lethal disorientation apparatus further comprising: a second light source directing light through the second opening. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the second light source is mounted in the second tubular extension. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the first light source and the second light source are mounted to direct light beams in opposite directions. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the light source produces a high-intensity, narrow beam having an intensity of at least 10,000 candelas. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the cap includes a lens for covering the opening and the lens is formed from the light transmitting material. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the light transmitting material is a transparent plastic. 
     Supported embodiments include any of the foregoing non-lethal disorientation apparatuses, wherein the transparent plastic includes polycarbonate. 
     Supported embodiments include an illumination device comprising: an elongated tubular housing for holding a high-intensity light source, a switch, and a power supply connected to one another, wherein the switch controls the flow of power from the power supply to the high intensity light source, wherein the high intensity light source can be activated by the switch to produce a high intensity, narrow light beam that can be directed to the eyes of a person to disorient the person. 
     Supported embodiments include a method for assembling a non-lethal disorientation device, the method comprising: connecting a high intensity light source to a power supply with circuitry and a switch to form a high intensity light assembly, inserting the high intensity light assembly into an elongated tubular body having a first tubular extension at one end and a second tubular extension at the opposite end with the first tubular extension including an opening, mounting the high intensity light assembly within the elongated tubular body, so that the high-intensity light source can project a narrow, high intensity light beam through the opening upon activation by the switch, and covering the opening with a cap having light transmitting material. 
     Supported embodiments include another system, a method, an apparatus, and/or means for implementing any of the foregoing apparatuses or methods, or a portion thereof. 
     Supported embodiments can provide various attendant and/or technical advantages in terms of a non-lethal disorienting device that can temporarily disable an assailant using a high intensity narrow beam of light. The device can be configured to incapacitate the assailant without causing permanent damage. 
     Supported embodiments include a non-lethal disorienting device that can be implemented along a continuum of force prior to the use of bodily force or lethal force. 
     Supported embodiments include a non-lethal disorienting device that has applications in law enforcement, the military, and/or civilian self-defense. 
     Supported embodiments include a non-lethal disorientation device that can be optimized to produce a concentrated narrow beam of a predetermined intensity without requiring a power source that is too heavy or that produces too much heat for practical applications (i.e., hand-held use by security personnel and/or police officers). 
     The detailed description provided above in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present examples can be constructed or utilized. 
     It is to be understood that the configurations and/or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that the described embodiments, implementations and/or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. 
     The specific processes or methods described herein can represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. As such, various operations illustrated and/or described can be performed in the sequence illustrated and/or described, in other sequences, in parallel, or omitted. Likewise, the order of the above-described processes can be changed. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are presented as example forms of implementing the claims.