Abstract:
An electrically charged stinger is contained within a walking stick, staff, cane, or hand stick. The charged stinger is selectively extended to use as a defensive device to shock attackers or wild animals. A trigger device releases the stinger that is charged by a rechargeable battery. A voltage amplification system with a control knob adjusts the intensity of the electrical charge.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to weapons of self defense and particularly to a cane or staff for protecting a user, including a cane or staff body, a stinger operatively connected to the cane or staff body and selectively extending from the cane or staff body, circuitry operatively connected to the stinger, and a trigger operatively connected to the cane or staff body, the circuitry, and the stinger, and selectively extending and operating the stinger. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art including Information Disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
         [0007]    Personal safety is becoming an increasing problem with high crime rates and many streets unsafe. With elderly people the problem is even more severe, since they are viewed as easy prey to criminals because of their lack of dexterity and strength. In remote areas people hiking face dangers from wild animals. The prior art teaches various electric shock self-defense devices, but none which adequately address these problems. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,715, issued Dec. 12, 1980 to Laird, is for a self-defense apparatus including a battery-powered source of high voltage arranged in an insulated housing and a finger probe device which is strapped to one finger of one hand of the user and is electrically connected to the source of high voltage. The finger probe device includes a layer of electrical insulation disposed between the finger and two metal prongs which protrude outwardly adjacent the distal end of the finger. One prong couples to the hot side of the source of high voltage and the other prong couples to the ground side of the source of high voltage. A two conductor cable connects the two prongs to the source of high voltage and when both prongs are placed in contact with an electrically conductive surface, they deliver in excess of 1,200 volts. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,461, issued Nov. 24, 1998 to Lambeth, Jr., puts forth a protective apparatus for walkers, hikers, and others incorporating a section containing a switchable combination alarm and incapacitating defensive fluid and incorporating a socket for attachment of a camera or lanyard, a storage section, a battery and electrical alarm section incorporating a socket for attachment of an optional walking stick and in a second variation a handle for use as part of a walking cane and in a third variation, an electrical prodding device in place of the storage section and contact points for the electrical prodding device extending from the battery and alarm section. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,872, issued Nov. 16, 1999 to Chaput, describes a personal accessory comprising a multi-component electric stunning umbrella which can be carried as a personal accessory without attracting attention, which can be used as a conventional umbrella, and which can also be used for self defense. The stunning umbrella proves a stunning but non-lethal electrical shock when used for self defense and can also be used as a baton or striking implement. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,597, issued Jul. 18, 2000 to Lin, is for an improved structure of an electric shock device including a handle, and a plurality of retractable rod portions. The handle has an interior accommodating therein a high voltage generator and a battery unit. The handle further has a control switch at a lower rim thereof. The retractable rod portions are arranged and assembled in order of size, and equipped with a retractable function by utilizing springs and retaining rods disposed therein. The rod portions are made of insulating materials and respectively provided with parallel positive and negative electrode plates on both sides thereof. The electrode plates nearest to the handle are connected to positive and negative terminals of the high voltage generator so as to supply the rod portions with the required high voltages. The permittivity of dielectrics on the rod portions that have different diameters is caused to be equivalent so that the conductance conditions of the rod portions are the same, and the rod portions can all generate electric arcs. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,114, issued Nov. 4, 2003 to Stethem, discloses a personal defense device including an electrical stun circuit and electrodes with a structure adapted for use as an impact weapon as well, and further including a radially disposed flashlight or signal light therewith. The electrical circuitry for the stun apparatus is formed of flexible circuit material with dual circuit paths between each component, for reliability and resistance to damage due to impact forces incurred when the device is used as an impact weapon. A second, normally closed interrupter switch is provided for the stun circuit, with the user of the present device being required to hold the interrupter switch in order to keep the stun circuitry from operating when the master switch is turned on. The end opposite the handle includes a series of impact ribs with cutting blades removably installable thereon, to produce shallow (non-life threatening) cuts in an assailant during an attack. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,786, issued Jun. 8, 2004 to Davis, provides a walking aid with supplementary features that are communicatively coupled to an integrated timepiece. The combination of the timepiece&#39;s intelligent circuitry and memory storage can increase the functionality of the supplementary features integrated therein. The timepiece can also record the use of the supplementary features for later use by the user. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,963,480, issued Nov. 8, 2005 to Eccles, shows a high voltage stun device, unique in the sword-like configuration of its fully retractable, yet non-injurious, “blade,” and its ability to deliver the pulse along the length of the “blade” as well as at the tip to a target at a distance far beyond arm&#39;s length. Stun batons, even retractable ones, have none of the preferred properties satisfied by the invention, including superior length of shocking surface, superior weighting and flexibility of the shocking surface, and simplicity of maintenance and repair. The “blade” of the invention is capable of expanding to a superior length that can keep a subject at a good defensive distance, yet be effective and retracted if he manages to get in close. With a moderation of the centrifugal force applied during blade deployment, the invention can be made to emulate a shorter sword, a long sword, and all lengths between. Further, the balance and dimensions of the device allow for fencing techniques to be utilized, while being portable and concealable unlike a traditional, fixed blade sword. 
         [0015]    What is needed is a cane or staff for protecting a user, including a cane or staff body, a stinger operatively connected to the cane or staff body and selectively extending from the cane or staff body, circuitry operatively connected to the stinger, and a trigger operatively connected to the cane or staff body, the circuitry, and the stinger, and selectively extending and operating the stinger so that an elderly person normally carrying a cane has a ready weapon of self defense against criminals involved in street crimes and hikers normally carrying walking sticks or staffs have a ready means to defend themselves against wild animals. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    An object of the present invention is to provide a cane or staff for protecting a user, including a cane or staff body, a stinger operatively connected to the cane or staff body and selectively extending from the cane or staff body, circuitry operatively connected to the stinger, and a trigger operatively connected to the cane or staff body, the circuitry, and the stinger, and selectively extending and operating the stinger so that an elderly person normally carrying a cane has a ready weapon of self defense against criminals involved in street crimes and attacking dogs and hikers normally carrying walking sticks or staffs have a ready means to defend themselves against wild animals such as bears or mountain lions. 
         [0017]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a charge intensity control knob allowing for adjusting the electrical current for a variety of situational uses. 
         [0018]    An added object of the present invention is to provide a locating chip within the device to enable locating it if lost or stolen. 
         [0019]    One more object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery system within the device with a battery charge indicator light. 
         [0020]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a spring release system for extending the electrically charged stinger and retracting it back into original position. 
         [0021]    In brief, the present invention provides a cane for protecting a user, including a cane body, a stinger operatively connected to the cane body and selectively extending from the cane body, circuitry operatively connected to the stinger, and a trigger operatively connected to the cane body, the circuitry, and the stinger, and selectively extending and operating the stinger. 
         [0022]    The present invention is non lethal and may be used by physically disabled or handicapped people or people camping or hiking in national parks where firearms are not allowed for protection against grizzly bears or mountain lions. 
         [0023]    An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an easy-to-use defensive device that can be carried easily and used as a cane or walking stick when not being used as a defensive device. 
         [0024]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a locating chip within the device so the device can easily be located if lost or stolen. 
         [0025]    An added advantage of the present invention is that it provides a wrist strap to secure the device to the owner in the event an attacker would try to use it against the user. 
         [0026]    One more advantage of the present invention is that it provides a means to adjust the electrical charge intensity to produce a result ranging from causing a slight jolt to causing temporary paralysis and unconsciousness. 
         [0027]    An additional advantage of the present invention is that it provides a non-lethal means for elderly and disabled people to protect themselves from attackers, and hikers to protect themselves from wildlife attacks. 
         [0028]    A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a battery charge indicator light so the user knows when to recharge the batteries. 
         [0029]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an spring release system to easily release the electrically charged stinger and retract it into the cane or walking stick when not in use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view in partial section showing an embodiment of the present invention employing a cane with the extensible electric stinger rod showing the interior elements thereof; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the embodiment employing a cane of  FIG. 1  showing the stinger extended emitting an electrical charge; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view showing an embodiment of the present invention employing a walking staff with the extensible electric stinger rod; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view showing an embodiment of the present invention employing a hand stick with the extensible electric stinger rod; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross sectional view showing the hand grip of the embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a plan view showing the components housed within the hand grip of the embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1 , including batteries, and voltage amplifiers; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the tubular shaft of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the spring sleeve of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a partial perspective and partial cross sectional view showing the components of the push button spring release mechanism for the stinger of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view showing the hand grip and the components of the spring release mechanism for the stinger which are within the tubular shaft showing the stinger aligned with the spring mechanisms; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view showing the hand grip and the push button spring components of the spring release mechanism; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is an exploded partial perspective view of the push button spring components of the spring release mechanism with the stinger aligned for connection therewith. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0043]    In  FIGS. 1-12 , a combination ambulatory assistance and electrical shock defensive device comprises a cane embodiment of the device  10 A in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a walking staff embodiment of the device  10 B in  FIG. 3  with the stinger  30 B extended, and a hand stick embodiment of the device  10 C in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0044]    In  FIGS. 1-3 , an elongated ambulatory assist shaft  10 A and  10 B comprises a rigid body  20 A and  20 B having a top hand grip  12 A and  12 B, a hollow interior space along at least a portion of the length thereof, a bottom ground contacting portion  29 , and a lower exterior opening communicating with the hollow interior space  22 . 
         [0045]    In  FIGS. 1-4 , a stinger  30 A,  30 B, and  30 C is operatively connected to the rigid body  20 A,  20 B, and  20 C of the cane  10 A, walking staff  10 B, and hand stick  10 C respectively, within the hollow interior space of the tubular shaft  20 A,  20 B and  20 C and selectively extending from the rigid body through the lower exterior opening  22 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0046]    In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the stinger  30  comprises a highly conductive carbon composite material rod  30  with an end rim  32 , which may be the head of a bolt for engaging with the retaining hooks  12  which cooperate with the retainer collar  14  and engage release hooks  9  attached to the spring sleeve  8  so that when the retaining hooks  12  are disengaged the springs  11  and  14  launch the stinger  30  out of the main tubular shaft  20 A,  20 B or  20 C of the cane  10 A, walking staff  10 B, and hand held stick  10 C, respectively, of  FIGS. 1-4 , so that the electrically charged stinger  30  can contact an assailant and disable the assailant with an electric shock  31 . 
         [0047]    In  FIGS. 1 ,  5 , and  6 , circuitry  4 ,  5 , and  6  operatively connected to the stinger  30  comprises batteries  6  and voltage amplifiers  4  and  5  for boosting the electrical charge to produce a desired level of electrical shock  31  produced by the stinger  30 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0048]    In  FIGS. 9-12 , a trigger mechanism operatively connected to the rigid body  20 A,  20 B, and  20 C (as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ), the circuitry  4 ,  5 , and  6 , and the stinger  30 , causes the stinger to be selectively extended (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and operates the stinger, the circuitry providing an electrical charge to the stinger  30  to create an electrical shock  31  to a would be aggressor to disable the aggressor and defend the user. In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the trigger mechanism comprises a push button  23  or a button to be otherwise manipulated positioned in close proximity to or on the hand grip  21 A to enable a user to manipulate the button  23  attached by springs  22 A and  22 B to the hand grip area to move a tapered control rod  24  or other mechanisms to open and close a stinger holding device, such as the stinger holding plate  25 . The stinger holding plate  25  pivots  15  open to release the stinger  30  when the button  23  is pressed and pivots closed to secure the neck  33  of the stinger  30  in the split hole  26  with the stinger rim  32  held above the plate  25 . Alternately in  FIGS. 1 ,  9 , and  10 , the button  23  manipulates hooks  9  engaging pivoting spring latches  12  around a retainer ring  16  to alternately release and retain the stinger rim  32  normally held within the latches  12  until it is desired to release the stinger  30 . The springs  11  and  14  send the stinger  30  partially out of the shaft  20 A guided by stinger guides  27  and  27 A which include a stinger guide and stop  27 A which prevents the stinger from completely leaving the shaft  20 A, allowing it to extend out of the shaft at least two feet for the cane  10 A and the staff  10 B. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 5 and 11  show the threaded portion  2  of the hand grip  21  enabling the tubular shaft  20  to tighten securing onto the hand grip. A collar  7  sits between the two fitted devices when secured together. 
         [0050]    In FIGS.  1  and  5 - 6 , the power source comprises at least one electrically amplified rechargeable battery  6 . A series of rechargeable batteries  6  may also provide a power source attached to the rigid body for providing the power to the circuitry and the stinger. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  shows the circuitry including voltage amplifiers  4 ,  5 , and  6  is adjustable by using the charge intensity control knob  33  to create a desired level of electrical charge  31  in the stinger  30  so that the stinger can provide an electrical shock to produce a result ranging from causing a slight jolt to causing temporary paralysis and unconsciousness. 
         [0052]    IN  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the device further comprises at least one and preferably two springs  11  and  14  between the stinger  30  and the rigid body  20 A for forcing the stinger out of the rigid body, the circuitry releasing a stop so that the spring springs the stinger  30  out of the rigid body. 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  shows the stinger  30 A extended at least two feet out of the rigid body. 
         [0054]    In  FIG. 2 , a wrist strap  28  is attached adjacent to the hand grasping portion of the hand grip  21 A to cinch up tight around a wrist of a user to keep people from pulling the device from a hand of the user and keep it in the possession of the person holding it and using it. The strap  28  comprises an inner core sufficiently strong that it could only be cut with wire cutters and an outer covering of pliable leather like material. 
         [0055]    In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a location finding chip  13  is attached within the interior of the hand grip  21  to find the device if it is forgotten, lost, or stolen. 
         [0056]    In  FIGS. 2 ,  5 , and  10 , a warning light  35  indicates when the battery needs to be charged up and when there is a full charge in the battery. 
         [0057]    In use, when a user is assaulted by a person or animal, the user can instantly point the electrical shock walking stick device  10  at the assailant and press the button  23  to extend the stinger  30  and shock the assailant to temporarily disable the assailant so that the user can escape or disarm or further disable the assailant. 
         [0058]    When the electrical shock walking stick device of the present invention is misplaced or lost or stolen, a user could go to a computer or a location finding device and see the exact location of the device via the location finding chip  13  and go and get it or have the authorities retrieve it. The device could also have an owner&#39;s license number stamped on it. 
         [0059]    It is understood that the preceding description is given merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.