Patent Publication Number: US-2017363384-A1

Title: Hinged handle cap for baton

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     Batons may be used as a striking and blocking weapon for close-quarters combat and/or personal defense. Such batons can include electrical discharge elements, light-emitting elements (e.g., strobes, flashlights, etc.), sound discharge elements, irritant spray canisters, and other accessories that may be used to benefit or advantage the user of the baton. Some of these accessories may be secured in a body of the baton, while others may be secured in a handle of the baton. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the technology relates to a baton having: a body having a first end and a second end; a handle connected to and extending from the body between the first end and the second end; a cap hingedly connected to an end of the handle; and a locking mechanism for selectively locking the cap to the handle, wherein the locking mechanism includes: a catch plate having a catch; a latch releasably engaged with the catch; and an actuation button movably engaged with the latch for disengaging the latch from the catch, wherein the actuation button is movable along a stop axis and a latch axis different than the stop axis. In an embodiment, the actuation button has a stop positionable along the stop axis in a first stop position and a second stop position, wherein when in the first stop position, the stop is engaged with a recess defined by at least one of the catch plate, the cap, and the handle, and wherein when in the second stop position, the stop is disengaged from the recess. In another embodiment, the actuation button is movable along the latch axis only when the stop is disengaged from the recess. In yet another embodiment, the latch is positionable along the latch axis in a first latch position and a second latch position, wherein when in the first latch position, the latch is engaged with the catch, and wherein when in the second latch position, the latch is disengaged from the catch. In still another embodiment, the stop is biased into the first stop position. 
     In another embodiment of the above aspect, the latch is biased into the first latch position. In an embodiment, the catch plate is secured to the handle, and wherein the latch is movably secured to the cap. In another embodiment, the latch includes an arm extending therefrom, and wherein the actuation button includes a spring configured to bias the actuation button away from the arm. In yet another embodiment, the actuation button has two buttons, wherein each of the two is disposed on opposite sides of the cap. 
     In another aspect, the technology relates to a baton having: a body; a handle extending from the body; a hinged cap disposed at an end of the handle; and a locking mechanism configured to selectively secure the hinged cap to the handle, wherein the locking mechanism is movable in a first range of motion and a second range of motion so as to unlock the locking mechanism. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism includes an actuation button movable in a first direction and a latch movable in a second direction. In another embodiment, the actuation button is movable in the second direction. In yet another embodiment, the actuation button includes two actuation buttons, wherein the two actuation buttons are biased away from each other. In still another embodiment, each actuation button is biased by a plurality of springs. 
     In another embodiment of the above aspect, each actuation button is movably secured to an arm that extends from the latch. In an embodiment, the actuation button includes a stop configured to engage a recess so as to prevent movement of the actuation button in the second direction. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism has a catch and wherein the latch is configured to releasably engage the catch. 
     In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of actuating a locking mechanism, the method including: engaging a recess with a stop, wherein the recess is connected to an actuation button; moving the actuation button in a first direction so as to disengage the recess from the stop; moving the actuation button in a second direction different than the first direction, so as to disengage a latch from a catch; and hingedly lifting the locking hinge cap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a baton. 
         FIG. 2A  is an enlarged perspective view of a cap of a baton handle, with actuation buttons in a first position. 
         FIG. 2B  is an enlarged perspective view of a cap of the baton handle of  FIG. 2A , with actuation buttons in a second position. 
         FIG. 2C  is an enlarged perspective view of a cap of a baton handle of  FIG. 2A , with actuation buttons in a third position. 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged top section view of a locking mechanism in the cap of  FIG. 2A , with actuation buttons in the first position. 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged top section view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 3A , with actuation buttons in the second position. 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlarged top section view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 3A , with actuation buttons in the third position. 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged side section view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 2A , with a latch in a first position. 
         FIG. 4B  is an enlarged side section view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 4A , with the latch in a second position. 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a partially exploded front view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a method of actuating a locking mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a baton  100  having a body  102  and a handle  104  connected thereto. In general, the baton  100  is held by the handle  104  and the body  102  used for blocking, parrying, striking, and other actions. The body  102  has a first end  106  that can include one or more accessories, such as a high-lumen light source (strobe, constant, etc.), a laser pointer, an electrical discharge module, a sound discharge module, etc. A second end  108  may include an access port for batteries to operate one or more accessories, a control button for said accessories, and so on. The handle  104  can be contoured to match the fingers of a user so as to improve gripping ability. Generally, during use, the baton  100  is gripped by the handle  104  such that the first end  106  and opening  114  point towards a target, with the thumb of the user of the baton  100  disposed proximate the cap  110 . An end portion of the handle  104  includes a cap  110  connected to the handle  104  at a hinge  112 . The cap  100  may define an opening  114  from which an irritant spray (such as pepper spray, mace, etc.), may be discharged from a canister located therein. A button  116  on top of the cap  110  may be used to activate the spray, and one or more actuation buttons  118  may be used to selectively unlock a locking mechanism (described below) that secures the cap  110  to the handle  104 . By utilizing an actuable locking mechanism, the cap  110  is prevented from disconnecting from the handle  104  when the baton  100  is used for striking or other purposes. However, the operation of the locking mechanism allows the user to quickly change spray canisters. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C , together, depict a method for operating the hinged cap  110  of the baton  100 .  FIG. 2A  is an enlarged perspective view of the cap  110  of the baton handle  104 , with actuation buttons  118  in a first position.  FIGS. 2B and 2C  depict the actuation buttons in second and third positions, respectively. Certain of the components depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2C  are described above in  FIG. 1  and, as such, are not necessarily described further. In  FIG. 2A , the actuation buttons  118  are in a first position, generally at their furthest projected distance from the cap  110 . The actuation buttons  118  are movable in both a first range of motion and a different second range of motion, so as to selectively unlock the locking mechanism that secures the cap  110  to the handle  104 . To ensure the locking mechanism remains in a locked configuration, the actuation buttons  118  must be moved from the first position, and through first range of motion, prior to moving through the second range of motion. In  FIG. 2B , the actuation buttons  118  have both been moved along a first generally axial direction A 1 . In effect, when two actuation buttons  118  are utilized, they are both moved towards each other along the first generally axial direction A 1 . At this point, the outer extent of the actuation buttons  118  are now closer to the cap  110 . Movement through this first range of motion (i.e., from the first button position to the second button position) also disengages a stop (depicted and described below) from a recess (also depicted below), so as to enable the actuation buttons  118  to move through the second range of motion, depicted in  FIG. 2C . In  FIG. 2C , the actuation buttons  118  are moved in a second generally axial direction A 2 , which is different than, and in some cases, orthogonal to, the first generally axial direction A 1 . This movement moves the actuation buttons  118  in the second range of motion (i.e., from the second button position to a third button position). The second range of motion also moves the actuation buttons  118  away from a front face  120  of the cap  110 , and towards a rear face  122  thereof. As the actuation buttons  118  are moved towards the rear face  122 , a latch (described below) of the locking mechanism disengages from a catch (also described below), thus allowing the cap  110  to be hingedly opened H away from the handle  104 . 
       FIG. 3A  is an enlarged top section view of a locking mechanism  200  in the cap  110  of  FIG. 2A , with actuation buttons  118  in the first position. The locking mechanism  200  includes a number of elements, in addition to the actuation buttons  118 . For example, the locking mechanism  200  includes a pair of arms  202  that extend from the latch (described below). Each actuation button  118  is deflectably secured to a respective arm  202  via one or more screws  204 . A body  206  of each actuation button  118  is biased away from the respective arm  202  via one or more biasing elements  208 , such as compression springs. Leaf springs, elastomer rings or bodies, or other biasing elements may also be utilized. In the depicted configuration, a spring  208  is disposed around each screw  204 , so as to balances the forces necessary to prevent binding of the body  206  as it moves along the screws  204 . The body  206  may terminate at an end cap  210 , which may be removed so as to access the screws  204 . When two actuation buttons  118  are used, the springs  208  bias the actuation buttons  118  away from each other, extending the actuation buttons  118  out of openings  212  defined by the cap  110 . 
     The spray discharge button  116  is also depicted. Notably, the spray discharge button  116  is disposed within outer upper walls  214  of the cap  110  so as to protect the discharge button  116  from inadvertent discharge by, e.g., an assailant adverse to the baton user. The spray discharge button  116  defines a discharge conduit  216  therein that terminates at a discharge opening  218 . The discharge opening  218  is disposed between the arms  202  of the lock mechanism  200  and is aligned with the opening  114  in the cap  110 . When the spray discharge button  116  is actuated (generally by pressing downward), irritant spray is discharged from the canister located below, through the discharge conduit  216 , and out the discharge opening  218  at a target. Given its location between the arms  202 , the spray discharge button  116  may be actuated without interfering with the locking mechanism  200 . 
       FIG. 3B  is an enlarged top section view of the locking mechanism  200  of  FIG. 3A , with actuation buttons  118  in the second position. Certain of the components depicted in  FIG. 3B  are described above and, as such, are not necessarily described further. Here, the actuation buttons  118  have been moved through the first range of motion along the first generally axial direction A 1 . This movement compresses the biasing elements  208  as the body  206  moves closer to the arms  202  of the locking mechanism  200 . The actuation buttons  118  may be moved along the first generally axial direction A 1  until the biasing elements  208  reach their maximum compression, the body  206  contacts the arm  202 , or the screws  204  contact the end cap  210 . During movement along the first generally axial direction A 1 , the button bodies  206  generally do not contact the surfaces of the openings  212 , thus ensuring smooth operation thereof. 
       FIG. 3C  is an enlarged top section view of the locking mechanism  200  of  FIG. 3A , with actuation buttons  118  in the third position. Certain of the components depicted in  FIG. 3C  are described above and, as such, are not necessarily described further. Here, the actuation buttons  118  have been moved along the second generally axial direction A 2 , and thus closer to the rear face  122  of the handle  104 . Given the dimensions of the openings  212  in the cap  110 , the actuation buttons are able to move into this third position without contacting the surfaces that define the openings  212 . Once in this third position, the cap  110  may be hingedly opened H. 
       FIG. 4A  is an enlarged side section view of the locking mechanism  200  of  FIG. 2A , with a latch  220  in a first latch position. Certain of the components depicted in  FIG. 4A  are described above and, as such, are not necessarily described further. In the first latch position, the latch  220  is engaged with a catch  222  formed on a catch plate  224 . In this example, the catch plate  224  is disposed at a top of, and connected to, the handle  104 . The catch plate  224  substantially surrounds an opening that defines a canister chamber  226  that holds an irritant spray canister  228 . The catch plate  224  also forms part of the hinge  112 . The latch  220  is in this first latch position when the actuation buttons  118  are in both the first actuation button position and the second actuation button position, as described above. As noted above, these first and second actuation button positions are disposed along the first generally axial direction A 1 . Also depicted in  FIG. 4A  is the arm  202  that is connected to the actuation button  118 . 
       FIG. 4B  is an enlarged side section view of the locking mechanism  200  of  FIG. 4A , with the latch  220  in a second latch position. Certain of the components depicted in  FIG. 4B  are described above and, as such, are not necessarily described further. In  FIG. 4B , the latch  220  has been moved to the second latch position by movement of the actuation button  118  to the third actuation button position. As such, the second generally axial direction A 2  may also be referred to as a latch axis, since movement of the latch  220  is substantially therealong. Once disengaged from the catch  222 , the cap  110  may be hingedly opened H. As the cap  110  is opened H, since the spray discharge button  116  is secured to the cap  110 , the discharge tube  216  disengages from a discharge outlet  230  of the canister  228 , typically without dislodging the canister  228  from the canister chamber  226 . Similarly, the latch  220  is also secured to the cap  110  and thus pivots away from the canister chamber  226  along with the cap  110 , thus making the canister chamber  226  more accessible. The canister chamber  226  forms a fairly tight fit (e.g., via high friction surface  234 ) with the canister  228  so as to keep the canister  228  secured therein. Nevertheless, the canister  228  may still be easily removed and replaced, and the cap  110  hinged back into a closed position. The locking mechanism  220  is biased towards a locked position due to the use of a number of springs, (e.g., springs  208  and other springs as described below).  FIG. 4B  also depicts one of the screws  232  used to secure the catch plate  224  to the handle  104 . 
       FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism  200  of  FIG. 2A , while  FIG. 6  is perspective view thereof. As such,  FIGS. 5 and 6  are described concurrently. Certain of the components depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are described above and, as such, are not necessarily described further. The handle  104  and cap  110  are depicted in dashed lines for illustrative purposes only. When the locking mechanism  200  is in the locked position (as depicted in  FIG. 6 ), the latch  220  and elements connected thereto (e.g., the arms  202 , the buttons  118 ) are biased towards the front face  120  of the cap  110  due to a force exerted by one or more biasing elements  250 , such as extension springs. The biasing elements  250  pull the arms  202  (and therefor the latch  220 ) towards a shaft  252  that may be disposed within the hinge of the cap  110 . In examples, the shaft  252  may be disposed within the catch plate  224 . Two biasing elements  250  are utilized in the depicted embodiment to balance the forces associated therewith. With the biasing element  250  pulling the latch  220  towards the front face  120 , the latch  220  engages with the catch  222 , thus holding the locking mechanism in the locked position. 
     A stop  254  extends from at least one of the actuation buttons  118 , e.g., from button body  206 . In the depicted example, a stop  254  extends from each actuation button  118 . The springs  208  (not depicted in  FIG. 5 or 6 ) bias the actuations buttons  118  away from each other, as described above. As such, the stops  254  are engaged with recesses  256  defined by the cap  110 . The recess  256  is depicted in  FIG. 7 . This prevents the actuation buttons  118  from being moved along the axis until the latch axis stops  254  are disengaged from the recesses  256 . As such, in order to unlock the locking mechanism  200 , the actuation buttons  118  must first be moved along the first generally axial direction A 1 . As such, the first generally axial direction A 1  may also be referred to as a stop axis, since movement of the stop  254  is substantially therealong. Once the stops  254  are disengaged from the recesses  256 , the actuation buttons  118  may then be moved in the second generally axial direction A 2 , so as to disengage the latch  220  from the catch  222 , so as to unlock the locking mechanism  200 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  also depict an opening  258  defined by the catch plate  224 . Once secured to the handle  104 , via screws  232  ( FIG. 4B ) inserted through screw holes  260 , the opening  258  defines a passage through which spray canisters may be inserted into and removed from the handle  104 . 
       FIG. 7  is a partially exploded front view of the locking mechanism  200  of  FIG. 5 . Certain of the components depicted in  FIG. 7  are described above and, as such, are not necessarily described further. The locking mechanism  200  (namely the actuation button  118  and related components) are depicted as exploded away from the cap  110  to depict the relationship between the stop  254  and its mating recess  256 . As can be seen, the stop  254  extends from an underside of the button body  206 , although examples where the stop extends from the top of the body  206 , or another surface, are also contemplated. When the actuation button  118  is secured to the arm  202  via the screw  204 , the stop  254  is engaged with the recess  256 , which may be formed in the cap  110 . In other examples, the recess  256  may be formed in the handle  104  or the catch plate, depending on the particular lock mechanism configuration. The stop  254  remains biased into the recess  256  due to the force of the spring  208 , until acted upon by an external force. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a method  300  of actuating a locking mechanism, for example, a locking mechanism on a cap of a handle such as a baton handle. The method  300  begins with the a stop connected to an actuation button being engaged with a recess. Alternatively, the method  300  may begin by engaging the recess with the stop, operation  302 . In operation  304  the actuation button is moved in a first direction to disengage the stop from the recess. In operation  306 , the actuation button is moved in a second direction different than the first direction. This movement in the second direction disengages a latch from a catch. Once the latch is disengaged, the cap may be hingedly lifted to provide access to an interior of the handle. 
     [KEN, ANYTHING TO ADD REGARDING MATERIALS? THIS PART WAS TAKEN FROM A PREVIOUS CASE.] Material utilized in the manufacture of the baton may include plastic, polycarbonate, fiberglass, and related resins, as well as polyester graphite that can be mixed with a wide variety of composite materials with desirable strength and other characteristics as herein disclosed. Suitable composite materials also include polyester/PTFE, polyester/MOS2, blended fiber/graphite, high PV polyimides, polybenzamidizole, PTFE filled PBT, PTFE filled acetal, filled PTFE, solid lubricant filled nylon type 6, aramid fiber filled nylon, PBT, oil and MOs filled nylon type 6, glass reinforced nylon 6,6 (high grade), heat stabilized nylon, and other materials. Such materials are available from St. Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation, of Aurora, Ohio, under the brand names Meldin and Rulon; Ensinger GmbH of Nufringen, Germany, under the brand names Hydex and Hydlar; TriStar Plastics Corp., of Shrewsbury, Mass., under the brand name Ultracomp; Celanese Acetate, LLC, of Dallas, Tex., under the brand name Celazole; Norplex-Micarta, of Postville, Iowa, under the designators R320 and EX350B; and Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, of Alpharetta, Ga., under the brand name Torlon. Additionally, construction may include composite materials injection molded over a skeleton, web, or frame of rigid material, such as stainless steel, titanium, fiberglass, Kevlar, etc. The skeleton may be formed, for example, of horizontal and vertical welded stainless steel tendons. 
     In some of the depicted examples, the baton is non-mechanical, but for the hinges connection to the cap. The baton body may be molded and/or machined from a single piece of tubular composite material with no moving parts. The composite material has excellent mechanical properties with a high resistance to moisture, cutting, fracture, and rust, and is unlikely to be fouled by extreme hot or cold weather conditions. The composite used in certain embodiments is of sufficient structural strength to obviate the need for any metal in the assembly for support or other structural need. The baton can be made with a wide variety of composites that may approximate or exceed the characteristics of the polyester/graphite composite described. 
     The baton described herein is easily deployed and used with high speed relative to conventional batons of either traditional or more modern varieties. Due to the high structural strength of the composite utilized in one example, the baton may be smaller than traditional batons, also making the baton easily concealed within and under clothing. The reduced weight and footprint of the baton allow it to be easily worn on a typical duty belt with little fatigue or complication. 
     As described above, the baton is compatible with use of a variety of other non-lethal devices, particularly with stun devices. The composite is electrically inert, offering little chance of accidental shock due to unintended involvement with stun devices, either in relation to deployment or while holstered. Depending on the precise chemical formulation, the composite may have excellent resistance to solvents, oils used in pepper spray formulations, fire, high heat, marine sea spray, dirt, and high UV exposure (encountered in arid, sunny environments) and may resist shatter, even under cryogenic conditions. 
     The overall length of the baton body may be in the range of about 8 inches to about 24 inches. The handle may have a length in the range of about 3 inches to about 6 inches, and may be located at a midpoint of the body. In alternative embodiments, the handle may be offset from the center of the body. In longer baton embodiments where the handle is offset from the center of the body, it may be desirable that the operational end of the baton be that nearest to the handle. This configuration allows the baton to be used in a manner similar to existing batons, with the control end of the baton located near the user&#39;s elbow. Desirable diameters of the body range from about 1 inch to about 2 inches or more. Certain embodiments are approximately one and five-eighths inches in diameter. Internal diameters of the body and handle are generally determined based on the clearances required to accommodate batteries, spray canisters, electrical discharge generators, etc. Particularly advantageous wall thicknesses range from about one-sixteenth inch to about one-quarter inch or more. Certain embodiments have walls of approximately one-eighth inch in thickness. 
     While there have been described herein what are to be considered exemplary and preferred embodiments of the present technology, other modifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the following claims, and all equivalents.