Patent Abstract:
A hollow, perforated, high-strength composite personal defense baton for personal protection has ultra-low mass for reduced likelihood and/or severity of blunt trauma injury. The baton may be held and wielded at any point along the body or shaft of the baton. Due to the low mass and perforations, one or two of the batons can be wielded with high speed and maneuverability. The high-strength, low-weight composite material offers high flexural strength, reducing blunt trauma injury compared to rigid metal, resin, and wood batons. The composite material is highly resistant to cutting, fracture, and shattering, even under extreme environmental conditions including high levels of UV exposure. The composite material is non-conductive offering collateral use with stun devices.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application incorporates by reference herein in its entirety and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/729,812, filed Oct. 24, 2005. This application incorporates by reference herein in its entirety and is related to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/241,158, filed Oct. 24, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to a high strength, ultra-low weight baton that can be used by individuals, law enforcement, corrections officers and the military, for offensive and defensive tactics typical for a baton, but while offering reduced chance of blunt trauma injury as well as increased speed, simplicity and maneuverability to the user.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Police batons, billy clubs, and/or nightsticks have been used by law enforcement officers since the late 1800&#39;s, are versatile, and represent a formidable force in controlling individuals and/or crowds. Evolution of the form and function of the baton has created a variety of more recent devices ranging from expandable batons to batons with multiple functions including lights, lasers, pepper spray dispersion devices and other features, to batons of differing material compositions. In an effort to reduce injury or death from blunt trauma and in view of the importance of emphasizing non-lethal force modalities in law enforcement, different techniques of use also have been developed in an attempt to deploy batons in non- or less-injurious manners. While there are many tactical uses of batons that do not involve striking a subject, the impact pressure of metal and dense resins can easily translate to serious injury to sensitive organs, the head, and bone structures. In cases where strikes are intentionally directed at locations on the body of a victim, a metal or dense resin baton can quickly inflict very serious injury and death if excessive force is used.  
         [0004]     The materials used in manufacture of batons have also changed considerably. Often, batons have generally become heavier and are often made of metal and dense resins and plastics. While these materials may be more versatile and more resistant to moisture and other environmental damage (especially compared to wood batons), these materials may also inadvertently cause more injury to a subject, due in part to their increased mass and rigidity. Additionally, the increased weight of newer batons must be borne by law enforcement, military, or security personnel, who are already burdened by a wide range of duty items that must be carried at all times. Also, heavier batons are more difficult to wield, especially during prolonged encounters with combative subjects; user fatigue increases and may lead to even greater injury to a subject, as the user loses control of the baton due to exhaustion. Heavy batons are also generally deployed less quickly, due in large part to their weight; this decrease in deployment speed may leave a user at a distinct disadvantage in a confrontational situation. A typical prior art baton has a length of 24 inches (61 cm) and a 1¼ inch (3.2 cm) diameter along its length. The baton is manufactured of solid polycarbonate and weighs approximately 20 ounces (567.0 grams), and does not include a handle; its mass-to-length ratio is approximately 9.3 g/cm.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     There remains a need for a light weight baton that is easy to carry and deploy, that also provides sufficient deterrence to recalcitrant targets, while minimizing the likelihood of excessive blunt trauma.  
         [0006]     In one aspect, the invention relates to a personal defense baton having an elongate shaft defining a void disposed longitudinally therein, the shaft further defining at least one hole through a sidewall thereof. In certain embodiments of the above aspect, the baton includes a handle extending from the shaft. Other embodiments include a bolt, wherein the bolt secures the handle to the shaft, through the at least one hole. In other embodiments, the shaft defines a plurality of holes through the sidewall. In certain embodiments, the holes are arranged symmetrically along a length of the shaft, and/or along a circumference of the shaft. In still other embodiments of the above aspect, the baton also includes an enlarged butt end, which may be scalloped. In yet another embodiment, the shaft includes a polyester graphite composite material having a mass-to-length ratio of less than about 6.0 grams/centimeter.  
         [0007]     In another aspect, the invention relates to a personal defense baton having a one-piece, non-mechanical hollow tube adapted to limit blunt trauma injury to a target individual when struck therewith. In certain embodiments, the hollow tube further defines a plurality of perforations through a sidewall thereof. In some embodiments, the perforations are arranged along the length of the tube. In still another embodiment, the hollow tube includes a high strength composite material of sufficient strength to preclude use of metal structural supporting elements. In other embodiments, the hollow tube includes a polyester graphite composite material having a mass-to-length ratio of less than about 6.0 grams/centimeter.  
         [0008]     In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a personal defense baton having comprising an elongate shaft having a sidewall defining a longitudinal void therein, the sidewall further defining a plurality of apertures therethrough, wherein the apertures are in communication with the void, a longitudinal axis, and a polyester graphite composite having a mass-to-length ratio of less than about 6.0 g/cm, a first butt end at a first end of the shaft, a second butt end at a second end of the shaft, a handle located intermediate the first butt end and the second butt end, the handle projecting from the shaft at an angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and means for securing the handle to the shaft via at least one of the apertures.  
         [0009]     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating the principles of the invention by way of example only. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the following description of various embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the baton in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the baton depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a first end elevational view of the baton depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the baton depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a second end elevational view of the baton depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the baton depicted in  FIG. 1 , and alternatively and additionally, is a top/bottom/side view of a baton in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention that does not include a handle;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the baton depicted in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  7 - 7 ;  
         [0018]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are side views of two embodiments of baton handles in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 8C  is a schematic view of a handle attachment system for a baton in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are side views of two embodiments of butt ends in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIGS. 10A, 10B , and  10 C are side and top views of other embodiments of butt ends in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are side and top views of other embodiments of butt ends in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0023]      FIGS. 12A-12E  are schematic views of a pocket turn-out method in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]     In one embodiment, the baton is single piece, non-mechanical, hollow, and perforated. The invention disclosed herein can be deployed and configured in a variety of different forms. Shown in the drawings and described herein below in detail are various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.  
         [0025]     Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-6 , show various views of a baton  10  with an attached handle  12 , and having perforations, holes, or apertures  14   a,    14   b  formed along the length of the shaft  16 . The handle  12  may be integrally molded with the shaft  16 , chemically bonded to the shaft  16 , detachable with a simple twisting motion (e.g., a bayonet retention style fitting), or can be attached mechanically, for example by a set screw, as depicted in  FIG. 8C . The handle also can be affixed with a threaded connection or secured to a matching ring. The ring, in turn, may be set in a circular groove around the outer circumference of the shaft, allowing free rotation of the handle around the baton shaft  16 . The perforations, holes, or apertures  14  may be larger or smaller, depending on and/or in proportion to the shaft diameter D and length L. The apertures may also be limited to either end of the shaft  16 . The depicted embodiment shows apertures  14   a  arranged symmetrically along about one-half of the shaft length L A , but additional apertures  14   b  may be present along the remaining length L B  of the shaft  16 , as depicted by the dashed lines. Other embodiments of the baton include no apertures, thus making the baton appear similar to prior art solid batons, but with the advantage of decreased mass, as the shaft is still hollow. Still other embodiments may utilize apertures arranged non-symmetrically or randomly along the length of the shaft. In addition to decreasing wind resistance during deployment and reducing weight of the baton  10 , the perforations  14  provide a textured surface, allowing the baton  10  to be grasped securely anywhere along its length L, an advantage over smooth batons that may become slippery due to weather and usage. The end opposite the handle  12  may also be alternately equipped with an end cap  18  of any type, which may be either slipped over the end of the shaft  16  or threaded in unison with internal or external threads in the interior of the shaft  16 , or chemically bonded to the shaft  16 , thus allowing a secure union. The end cap may comprise virtually any geometry and be made from any material, and may be hollow and of similar composition as the baton shaft. One particular embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 1-6  in dashed lines; other embodiments are depicted in  FIGS. 9A-11B . The butt end of the baton  10  nearest the handle  12 , identified as  20 , may be uncapped, as shown, or may also be fitted with any type of end cap (e.g., a small butt-end cap  22  is depicted in  FIGS. 2-6 ).  
         [0026]     In addition to depicting the top view of the baton  10  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 6  also depicts a top/bottom/side view of a baton  10 ′ manufactured without a handle. In certain embodiments, this configuration may be made in lengths up to and beyond 48 inches, offering a riot baton of ultra-light weight. The apertures  14   a ′,  14   b ′ along the length of the shaft  16 ′ provide for secure gripping, as described above. Similarly, the butt ends  18 ′,  22 ′ utilized on the embodiment having a handle may be utilized with this embodiment.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  shows a longitudinal transverse section illustrating internal construction features of the baton  10  or  10 ′ (though the handle  12  is not present on baton  10 ′). The baton  10  is hollow along the entire length of the shaft  16  and the apertures  14   a,    14   b  pass entirely through the shaft sidewall  24 , intersecting the void  26  within the shaft  16 . Alternatively, the sidewall of the shaft may only define a void extending partially along the length of the shaft  16 . In such an embodiment, the apertures may or may not intersect the void. By varying the length and diameter of the void  26 , the weight of the baton  10  may be adjusted as desired. This embodiment depicts the handle  12  integral with the shaft  16 . In such an embodiment, the handle  12  may be chemically set to the shaft  16  after both components are manufactured, or the entire handle/shaft assembly may be integrally molded with apertures, if desired, machined through the shaft  16  during the final stages of manufacture.  
         [0028]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show two embodiments of the handle utilized with the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 8A  the handle  28  may be hollow and utilize a screw-on end cap  30 . The end cap  30  may include a lanyard  32  threaded though or otherwise secured to the cap  30 . The hollow portion  34  of the handle  28  may be utilized as a container for small outdoor survival items, such as matches and the like, making the device particularly useful in military applications. Similarly or additionally, law enforcement officers may benefit by using the hollow handle portion  34  to store a spare set of handcuff or vehicle keys. The hollow section  34  may also allow for a point of concealment for the connecting set screw utilized in certain embodiments, for example, as depicted in  FIG. 8C . The hollow section may also be sized to contain one or more spare butt caps, which may be switched in the field by the user, as desired for a particular application. The mating portion  36  may be sized slightly smaller than rubberized washers  30   a,  to form a friction fit connection, if the end cap  30  is of a press-fit configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 8A .  
         [0029]      FIG. 8B  depicts another handle  38 , including a cap  40  that is screwed on to matching male threads  42  on the handle  38 . Alternatively, the cap may include male threads that match female threads present on the handle. The cap  40  may be knurled or otherwise textured  44  to form a surface for gripping while the cap is screwed S onto or off of the handle  38 . Either depicted handle  28 ,  38  may be made of any material suitable for the shaft, and may include any type of texture, knurling, grooves, etc.,  46  to provide a secure grip during use. The end caps depicted in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  may also be shaped of suitable material or materials, be geometrically shaped, or otherwise manufactured. The handles  28 ,  38  may also include a curvature  48  complementary to that of the outer curvature of the shaft. The complementary curvature  48  allows for secure attachment to the shaft, without the risk of loosening due to an improper fit.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8C  depicts an handle attachment system  50  for a baton that allows for secure connection between a shaft  52  and a handle  54 . In this embodiment of the system  50 , the shaft  52  includes a single aperture or perforation  56  for securing the handle  54 . Alternatively, the system may be utilized on a partially or fully perforated shaft, for example, as depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 . Additionally, the system  50  allows the handle  54  to be detached from the shaft  52 , so the shaft  52  may be utilized without the handle  54 , if desired. Thereafter, the handle  54  may be reattached; in the case of the fully or partially perforated shaft, the handle  54  may also be attached utilizing any perforation on the shaft  54 , not just the aperture  56  to which the handle  54  was originally attached.  
         [0031]     In the depicted embodiment, the system  50  includes a slug  58  having an outer diameter substantially complementary to the internal diameter D B  of the void  60  within the shaft  52 . The slug  58  may be press fit into the void  60 . The slug itself is hollow, having a void  62  with an internal diameter D S  substantially complimentary to the outer diameter of a threaded nut  64 , which is press fit into the slug  58 , such that a threaded connection  66  aligns with through-holes  68  though the outer wall  70  of the slug  58 . The slug  58  (containing nut  64 ) is inserted into the hollow shaft  52 , such that through holes  68  are aligned with aperture  56 . An aperture  72 , communicating with the hollow section  74  of the handle  54 , is then aligned with the aperture  56 , thus allowing a bolt  76  to be secured tightly to the threaded connection  66 . End cap  78  is then screwed or otherwise secured onto the handle  54 .  
         [0032]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a butt end cap configuration for the baton of the present invention. The end cap  80  defines a generally hemispherical shape  82 , and utilizes a threaded connection  84  to be secured to the end of the shaft  86  having apertures  86   a.  Other shapes contemplated include cubic pyramidal, prismatic, spherical, etc. Additionally, the end may be integrally molded with the shaft of the baton, secured utilizing a recessed screw or bolt or chemically bonded, or may use a threaded connection  84  as depicted, to mate with a matching threaded connection  88  at the end of the shaft  86 . The end cap  80  may also define a hollow void to reduce weight and subsequent momentum of the end of the device during use. Further embodiments that may help reduce blunt force trauma include end caps made of a resilient or semi-resilient material, which may be utilized for training purposes or when further reduction of potential injury is desired. The edge  90  of the hemispherical shape  82  may meet the outer diameter of the shaft  86  (i.e., the diameter D H  of the hemispherical surface  82  may be the same as the outer diameter of the shaft  86 ). The radius of curvature R H  may be constant or varied (i.e., a constant radius would correspond to the hemispherical shape  82  depicted. Variations in the radius R H  may be used to adjust the total height H H  of the end cap  80 .  
         [0033]      FIGS. 10A-10C  show an scalloped end cap  90  configuration for the baton made of the same light weight material as the baton shaft  92 . The scalloped end cap  90  utilizes a threaded connection  94  to be secured to the end of the shaft  92 . The end cap  90  may also be integrally molded with the shaft of the baton, secured with a recessed screw or bolt or chemically bonded, or may use the threaded connection  94 , as depicted, to mate with a matching threaded connection  96  at the end of the shaft  92 . The end cap head  98  may include one or more raised surfaces or crenellations  100 . Each crenellation  100  generally includes a raised surface  102 , and is separated from adjacent crenellations by a curved or grooved valley  104 . The edge surfaces  106  may be slightly rounded or may be sharp corners. A symmetrical plurality of crenellations  100  may be located around the outer circumference of the head  98 . The depicted embodiment includes eight crenellations  100  at 45 degrees separation. The angle α between crenellations may vary depending on the particular application or other considerations, and the number of crenellations may also vary. The diameter D C  may be larger than the outside diameter of the shaft  92 , as depicted, or may coterminous therewith. Additionally, the area of each raised surface  102  may vary, as may the curvature of each valley  104 . In addition to being a more aggressive end cap than the hemispherical end of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , this particular shape provides an individual additional tactical option of using the baton to explore and turn out pockets of an individual once the individual is subdued, as depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12C .  
         [0034]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict a tapered end cap  108  configuration for the baton, made of the same lightweight material as shaft  110 . The tapered end cap  108  utilizes a threaded connection  110  to be secured to the end of the shaft  124 . The end cap  108  may also be integrally molded with the shaft  124  of the baton, secured with a recessed screw or bolt or chemically bonded, or may use the threaded connection  110 , as depicted, to mate with a matching threaded connection  112  at the end, of the shaft  124 . The end cap  108  may include a leading point or curved edge  114 . The outer edges  116  projecting from the base edge  118  may slightly curved (as depicted) in one or multiple dimensions, or may extend straight from the base edge  118 . The end cap  108  may include a partial void  120 . While the end cap  108  may be made from the shaft material, an alternative embodiment may be manufactured with stainless steel or other metal. In such a case, one or more of the edges  114 ,  116 ,  118  may be sharpened, so the tapered end cap  108  may be used as a slashing, puncturing, and/or coring implement. Such a cap may potentially increase the lethality of the baton; thus, an optional collar or basket  122  may be included at the base of the cap  108  to limit depth of penetration of the tapered end  108  into a target.  
         [0035]     As depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12C , the scalloped end cap  90  allows insertion into a pocket  200  of a coat or trousers or any pocket-like feature of clothing and, with a quick twist, the pocket liner can be engaged and pulled out for inspection. In the depicted method  202 , a baton  204  including a scalloped end cap  90  is inserted I into the pocket  200 . In the depicted method  202 , a rubberized washer or ring  206  is secured between the end cap  90  and shaft  208  of the baton  204 . This ring  206  is not required, but if used, it may extend beyond the outer diameter of the end cap  90  and, due to a higher coefficient of friction, provide a better grip against the fabric of the pocket  200 . Alternatively, the end cap may itself be rubberized, or include a rubberized sheath or coating. The baton end cap  90  is inserted I into the pocket  200 , until the raised surfaces  102  contact the base B of the pocket  200 , pushing the pocket material downward.  
         [0036]     As depicted in  FIG. 12B , the baton  204  is rotated R (in this case, approximately  90  degrees), causing the pocket fabric to twist and tighten around the end cap  90 . Particularly, the edge surfaces  106  catch the pocket  200  material, gripping the fabric, as the material bunches slightly into grooves  104 . So held, as the baton  128  is withdrawn W from the pocket  200  (as depicted in  FIG. 12C ), it pulls the pocket  200  material up from the first base position B to a second, higher base position B′, the initial position of the end cap  90 ′ is depicted in phantom in  FIG. 12C . As the baton  204  is further withdrawn W, eventually the scalloped end cap  90  pulls the pocket material inside out from the pocket  200 , allowing for visual inspection of the contents.  
         [0037]      FIGS. 12D and 12E  depict the method being used on a pocket  200  of a pair of pants  206  of a subject. Again, the baton  204  is inserted I into the pocket  200 , until the end cap  90  contacts the base B of the pocket  200 . Once the base B is contacted, the baton  204  is rotated R, catching and twisting the pocket material. As depicted in  FIG. 12E , the baton  204  is then withdrawn W, thereby pulling the pocket  200  out of the pants  206 , with the end cap  90 . In addition to this very specialized use, the baton described herein can be handled in the same manner as for any traditional baton including methods of gripping, carrying on a belt, high and low blocks with one or both hands, jabbing in any number of positions and maneuvers typical of baton movement. The ultra-low mass and particular construction details of the baton increases performance speed of these movements.  
         [0038]     The baton may be manufactured, for example, by injection molding, either under a vacuum or otherwise. All or a fewer number of the apertures may be formed during the injection molding process. Alternatively, the shaft itself may be formed via molding, casting, or other known methods, including wrapping a resin impregnated material around a mandrel or other form. The apertures may be subsequently machined through the hollow tube as required. In this manner, a number of batons of various length may be manufactured from a single, long sample of tube material, cut at virtually any location along the length of the sample, and machined or drilled as required.  
         [0039]     The baton of the present invention is a very low weight and easily maneuverable baton that greatly reduces intentional and unintentional injury while providing the same effective defensive and offensive benefits of typical heavier batons. The low weight feature of the baton provides an easily carried, stored, concealed and deployed device that is of great strength and durability, being made of a composite material without the need for a metal core or supporting structure. Batons in accordance with the present invention may be constructed in virtually any length; typical lengths for law enforcement would include  16 ,  20 , and  24  inches, and may or may not include the handle depicted, for example, in  FIGS. 1-5 . In the hands of an experienced user, batons of lengths as short as 6 in. or 8 in. may provide numerous offensive and defensive deployment options. Batons as long as or longer than 48 in. provide for effective riot control. Hollow batons with outside diameters of 0.75 in. to 2.0 in. and sidewall thicknesses of 0.125 in. to 0.25 in. are contemplated, though batons of other diameters and sidewall thicknesses that constructed of materials that display similar flexural and other properties are also contemplated. Such batons may be manufactured with or without apertures.  
         [0040]     The low mass-to-length ratio allows the baton to be deployed quickly and effectively. In one embodiment, a 16 inch (40.6 centimeter) baton, without handle, has a mass of 4.2 ounces (120 grams). This results in a mass-to-length ratio of approximately 3.0 grams/centimeter, though mass-to-length ratios up to 6.0 g/cm or higher (depending on material used, size of internal void, number and size of apertures, etc.), would allow for faster deployment. In other embodiments, the batons weigh approximately 7.1 oz (200 g) with a diameter of approximately 1 in. (2.5 cm) and a length from 16 in. (40.6 cm) to 24 in. (61 cm). The mass-to-weight ratios for these embodiments are 4.9 g/cm and 3.3 g/cm, respectively. As indicated above, the number and location (around the circumference and along the length) of the apertures, if present, may vary. In one embodiment, 0.5 in. diameter apertures are arranged approximately 1.3 in. on center (as measured longitudinally along the entire length of the shaft); the centers of these apertures are located at 0 and 180 degrees on the circumference of the shaft. At 90 and 270 degrees are other 0.5 in. apertures, again arranged approximately 1.3 in. on center (as measured longitudinally along the entire length of the shaft). The apertures at 90 and 270 degrees, however, are offset from the 0 and 180 degree apertures so as to be at longitudinal locations midway between the 0 and 180 degree apertures.  
         [0041]     To achieve the ultra-low weight characteristic of the baton, in one embodiment, the device is made from a tube of polyester graphite composite that is perforated with openings, which may be circular, square, or otherwise. The openings reduce the overall mass of the baton, decrease friction with air as the baton is being deployed, and impart an increased flex in the baton when striking a target. The high flexural strength reduces the rigidity of the baton as it comes into contact with a subject, thereby reducing momentum to the skin and underlying tissues. Materials that have flexural strengths up to approximately 6,000 psi to approximately 8,000 psi and greater are contemplated. A reduced momentum reduces pressure at the point of impact and potential injury. The material provides an intrinsic force-limiting mechanism as the light weight material effectively limits the transfer of force, irrespective of the velocity used by an individual wielding the device.  
       EXAMPLE  
       [0042]     To evaluate the differences between hollow tubing that may be utilized in the baton of the present invention, three sample materials were compared to a prior art solid material polycarbonate baton, Model PR24, manufactured by Monadnock Lifetime Products, Inc., of Fitzwilliam, N.H. The PR24 is a 1.28 in. diameter×24 in. solid rod. The three materials tested were Ultracomp UC200, manufactured by TriStar Plastics Corp., of Shrewsbury, Mass. (0.872 in. I.D.×1.125 in. O.D.×24 in.); RT320, manufactured by Norplex-Micarta, of Postville, Iowa (0.874 in. I.D.×1.127 in. O.D.×24 in.); and EX350B, manufactured by Norplex-Micarta (0.874 in. I.D.×1.128 in. O.D.×24 in.). Testing was performed to evaluate the flexural properties of the three sample materials for non-lethal riot sticks and close quarter batons, relative to the PR24 baton. Testing was performed on a Tinnius Olson H50K-S unit, 10,000 psi capacity. Each sample and the baton was individually placed on holding fixtures placed evenly at each end of the test piece. A compression anvil was centered at the 12 in. mark of each sample and compressive force was applied at a rate of 0.5 in. per minute. Extension (deflection) readings in inches and compressive force in pounds per square inch were measured for each. The table below summarizes the results:  
                                           Sample   Extension   Load   Comments                   PR24   4.36″   978.4 psi   Test stopped - fixture not                   suitable for full test to                   failure. 98% recovery                   upon release of load.       UC200   2.04″   452.6 psi   Tube collapsed at load                   indicated. Minor recovery.       RT320   1.2″       436 psi   Material snapped in two.                   Unusually clean break.       EX530B   2.63″       134 psi   Due to elastomer content                   material collapsed at low                   pressure. No cracks noted                   95% recovery when load                   released.                  
 
         [0043]     The PR24 baton appeared to display some elastomeric qualities. It is a rigid, yet apparently, non-breakable product within forces capable of creation by a human user. It would likely have had produced different results in a tubular form, such as the other tested samples. The UC200 sample displayed no break in the fibers and no cracking of the resin, even when deflected far beyond the manufacturer&#39;s recommended performance point. The material collapsed on itself and had reasonable recovery for a non-elastomer based material. The RT320 sample snapped at 436 psi, but the deflection was only 1.2 inches. There may be advantages to a baton manufactured of this material, provided the breaking force is less than a particular damaging force delivered to a subject during use (for example, if the breaking force is less than a corresponding breaking force of a human bone, debilitating injuries from use of the baton may be lessened or avoided). The EX530B sample had better elastic recovery after deflection, possibly due to the amount of elastomeric additive in the material. That elastomeric additive may also explain the low pressure rating, as the load was absorbed by the baton itself. No rigid feedback was recognized by the test unit, so it continued to deflect at the same psi compressive load. This testing indicates that UC200, RT320 and EX530B tubular materials could be well-suited for use in a riot stick or baton as they are responsive, flexible, and non-breakable under normal baton usage loading conditions, unlike the solid PR24 baton, which likely would produce injury due to its configuration and material performance characteristics. For example, each of the tubular materials collapsed or broke at loads ranging between 14% and 46% of the maximum tested loading of the PR24 baton, which did not fail.  
         [0044]     Material utilized in the manufacture of the disclosed 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, 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.  
         [0045]     In the depicted embodiments, the baton is non-mechanical, precluding the difficulties of mechanical malfunction found in expandable and telescoping batons, although expandable and telescoping batons could also benefit from the technical details of manufacture disclosed herein. The baton body may be 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. One embodiment of the baton is of the same diameter and material density along the baton body with rolled, smoothed ends at top and bottom, thereby decreasing the blunt trauma relative to many batons that, while reduced in diameter at their striking ends, are often much heavier. Prior art expandable batons may include ends bearing a metal ball or filled with some other heavy substance to facilitate a quick-open action or enhance blunt trauma. A heavier striking area at the baton end, such as is found in batons having steel weights, can easily result in severe injury to sensitive parts of the body, as the pressure to the body is concentrated in a small area and delivered with a very hard object.  
         [0046]     The baton described herein is easily deployed and used with high speed relative to conventional batons of either traditional or more modem varieties. The apertures in the baton reduce the already reduced mass relative to wood, metal and solid resins, and allow for air flow through as the baton is moved through the air quickly. The single piece construction does not require an initial activation step to be opened as for expandable batons, which often attracts attention and defensive measures by an opponent. Due to the high structural strength of the composite utilized in one embodiment, 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.  
         [0047]     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.  
         [0048]     The invention has been described in detail in connection with various embodiments. These embodiments, however, are merely for example only and the invention is not limited thereto. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications can be easily made within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5