Abstract:
A stun gun system includes a stun gun having a housing with a first end and a second end, and an electronics package for generating a high voltage or other discharge. The first end is configured to form a handle which has a first pair of contacts and the said second end has a second pair of contacts. The stun gun system includes a first switch configured in a first position and the electronics package, is electronically connected through the switch to the first pair of contacts.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of Provisional application Ser. No. 60/419,641, filed Oct. 17, 2002. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates generally to personal security, and particularly to a portable personal protection device that may be carried to dispense an electrical shock or other electrically generated discharge to an assailant without harming the user. 
     Personal defense devices have been known for many years and range from simple noise makers to stun guns and devices for spraying mace or other noxious chemicals to disable or discourage an attacker. A stun gun or dispenser of a noxious chemical may be effective in stopping a determined assailant, but conventional devices of this type can also present a danger to the user. For example, a stun gun can easily be taken from a user by a skilled martial artist or determined assailant, especially someone high on drugs or suffering from other emotional disturbance. Since most attacks are carried out with little warning, it may not be possible for the victim to use a personal defense device under such conditions. 
     Some attempts have been made to develop personal defense devices, which possess more than one form of protection (i.e., they will emit an audible alarm and also discharge a noxious chemical or provide a disabling charge of electricity). Other devices have provided a light for use as a flashlight. However, these devices do not provide any means to make them difficult to dislodge from a holster or the hand of the user, nor do they have any means to minimize the chance that a child or assailant can discharge a disabling charge of electricity from the device if they should gain access to it. Furthermore, most devices must be turned on in advance of an attack because they are unsafe to transport in the on position, and when used, they are held in an ergonomically weak and inferior manner. 
     Thus is a need for a personal defense device that is immediately ready and simple and effective to use, and minimizes danger to the user. Further, there is a need for a personal defense device that is not easily dislodged from a holster or the hand of the user and that may be quickly and easily aimed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a stun gun system includes a stun gun having a housing with a first end and a second end, and an electronics package for generating a high voltage or other discharge. The first end is configured to form a handle which has a first pair of contacts and the second end has a second pair of contacts. The stun gun system includes a first switch configured in a first position. The electronics package is electronically connected through the switch to the first pair of contacts. Optionally, the stun gun system&#39;s first pair of contacts are compressibly attached to the handle. The stun gun system has a first switch configured in a second position so that the electronics package is electronically connected through the first switch to the second pair of contacts. The stun gun system can have the second pair of contacts that are compressibly attached to the second end of the stun gun. The stun gun system optionally includes a second switch at the first end for testing the battery and electronics package and for warning an attacker when the first switch is in the first position and providing a visible spark across the second pair of contacts. The stun gun system may also include a dart with hypodermic needle positioned between the second pair of contacts. 
     In another embodiment, the stun gun system also can include a holster formed to receive the stun gun. The holster has a first opening adjacent the first end of the stun gun and a second opening parallel to an axis formed by the first end and the second end of the stun gun. A peg is attached to the holster adjacent to the position of the first switch. The peg places the first switch in the second position when the stun gun is removed from the holster through the second opening. The stun gun system further includes a switch retainer that prevents the first switch from disengaging from the first position. The stun gun system further includes a switch retainer that prevents the first switch from disengaging from the second position. 
     In another embodiment, the stun gun system has a housing comprising a first face and a second face. The first face accommodates the electronics package and a battery and has a plurality of screw holes for screws that hold down the electronics package and the battery. The second face has a master power switch, a first channel, and a second channel that meet at a meeting place. The meeting place has the first switch, which has a first and a second position; the first position closes an electrical circuit to the first contacts, and the second position closes an electrical circuit to the nose portion. The handle is compressibly attached to the body, and has a handgrip and two side arms. The handgrip portion has at least one exposed, stunnable contact, and is compressible, so as to impart a shock through the stunnable contact when the first switch is in the first position. A nose portion is compressibly attached to the body, and has at least one exposed contact capable of imparting a shock when the nose is compressed and the first switch is in the second position. 
     In yet another embodiment, a stun gun system includes a first end, second end and an electronics package. The first end is configured to form a handle. The second end is elastically attached to the first end, and forms a cylindrical body extending away from the first end. The second end has a pair of contacts, and conductive strips located along the cylindrical body. The electronics package is for generating a high voltage or other discharge, and is electronically connected to the conductive strips when the second end is pulled away from the first end. Optionally, the stun gun system&#39;s electronics package for generating a high voltage or other discharge is electronically connected to the pair of contacts when the second end is compressed toward the first end. The stun gun system further includes a button at the first end for testing the battery and the electronics package and for warning an attacker when the switch is in the second position and for providing a visible spark across the pair of contacts. 
     In another embodiment, a stun gun system includes a stun gun having a housing with a first end and a second end. The first end forming a handle to accommodate a hand of a user, the handle having a first set of electrodes; the second end having a second set of electrodes. It also includes a means for generating high voltage or other discharge and a means for selectively applying the high voltage or other discharge between the first or second set of electrodes. It also includes a means for triggering and disabling the first and second set of electrodes and a means for triggering the second set of electrodes when the user pulls the device from the user&#39;s holster. The stun gun system optionally includes means for triggering the first set of electrodes when the device is improperly pulled from the user&#39;s holster. The stun gun system optionally includes means for testing the stun gun. The stun gun system optionally includes means for delivering a sedative or other drug. The stun gun system further includes means for holstering the stun gun. The stun gun system&#39;s holstering means can include a means for selectively placing the switch in the first position. The stun gun system&#39;s holstering means may include a means for selectively placing the switch in the second position. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for preventing the unauthorized use of a stun gun system includes providing a stun gun with a handle and a nose, a first set of electrodes on the handle, a second set of electrodes on the nose. The system also provides a holster, a first opening in the holster, a second opening in the holster; and provides for securing the stun gun in the holster. Lastly, the system also provides a high voltage or other discharge to the handle, removing the stun gun through the second opening, and delivering the high voltage or other discharge to the second set of electrodes. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 is an overview of an exemplary stun gun looking at the battery side and showing an outline of the holster. 
     FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of an exemplary stun showing some of the internal features but not most of the electronics. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross section of an exemplary stun gun, indicating the location of the battery and electronics. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross section of an exemplary handle from the side of the thumb-operated alarm switch, emphasizing the handgrip contacts. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross section of the exemplary handle at the side opposite the thumb-operated alarm switch, showing the second hand grip contacts. 
     FIG. 6 is a view of the switch side of an exemplary stun gun. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross section view of an exemplary holster. 
     FIG. 8 is a cutaway view, showing the inside of the back or stun-gun switch side of the holster. 
     FIG. 9 shows the view of another exemplary embodiment of the holster on the outside rear or body side of the holster. 
     FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the main body of the exemplary stun-gun and the internal peg. 
     FIG. 11 shows exemplary circuitry of the stun gun. 
     FIG. 12 shows an exemplary spring-loaded baton extension with contacts and conductive strips which may be attached to the stun gun. 
     FIG. 13 shows an exemplary tranquilizer dart. 
     FIG. 14 shows an exemplary tranquilizer dart mounted within the stun gun&#39;s retractable nose section. 
     FIG. 15 shows an exemplary retractable nose section with a small hole to accommodate the needle of the tranquilizer dart. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings in more detail, a personal security device in accordance with the invention is indicated generally at  20  in FIG.  1 . The stun gun  20  comprises a hollow housing having an oval shape, with a handgrip  22  and four screws  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c ,  24   d , which hold together the body of the stun gun and sandwich the electronic module between the battery and stun gun body and also affix the battery module  54 . On the hand grip  22  are two handgrip contacts  26   a  and  26   b . On one side of the handgrip  22  is a scare button  28 , which when depressed actuates an electrical arc, which ionizes the air molecules in the gap between electrodes, producing a visible arc and loud noise. The scare button also serves as a test for the operator and as a deterrent for the assailant. Opposite the handgrip  22  is the stun-delivering part of the device, with a nose contact housing  30 , with its two nose contacts  32   a  and  32   b , which are responsible for the arc, and which have a contact end (shown) and an opposite end (not shown) which act as a plug into the receptacles (not shown) of the electronic module. 
     Turning now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the nose contact housing  30  is spring  34  loaded. When the nose contacts  32   a  and  32   b  are pressed against an assailant, the nose contact housing  30  moves into the body of the stun gun and the plug end of the nose contacts connect with the electronic module receptacles  36   a  and  36   b.    
     The handgrip  22  is compressed by a person gripping it and touching the two contacts  26   a  and  26   b . On the sides of the handgrip are arms  23   a  and  23   b  which connect the handgrip to the main body and are conduits for electrical connections to the electronic module  56 . When the handgrip  22  is compressed, it generates an electrical arc between the contacts  26   a  and  26   b . When the person&#39;s hand grasps the handle and tugs opposite the nose end or outward away from the user&#39;s body (while the stun gun is holstered and the switch is in the first position), the entire hand grip module  40  with its contacts  26   a  and  26   b  is moved toward the handgrip internal anchor  42 , which causes the plug end of contacts  26   a  and  26   b  to connect with electronic module receptacles  38   a  and  38   b . This closes the current path and causes high-voltage electricity or other discharge to pass from one contact to the other through the person&#39;s hand. Accidental connection of the plugs into the receptacles is avoided by means of a handgrip return spring  44 . The handgrip return spring  44  is strong enough to allow lateral movement without a shock but not straight or outward movement of the handle. The hand grip internal anchor  42  is retained in place by retaining screws  46   a  and  46   b . The exterior hand grip module  40  moves within hand grip internal anchor  42  because there are two travel channels  48   a  and  48   b  through which the exterior handgrip module  40  can move. FIG. 2 also shows the scare switch  28  and a thumb switch return spring  50 , which keeps the scare switch  28  protruding when not being depressed. The design of the scare switch allows only a momentary discharge to prevent a user who holds it down in panic from burning out the circuits or wearing down the battery. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross section from the nose contact  32   a  to the handle  22 , which illustrates the main body  52  of the stun gun and possible locations of the replaceable battery  54  and replaceable electronics module  56 . The replaceable nature of these modules allows any future developed battery technology or electrical discharge technology to be used as an upgrade to the stun-gun. 
     FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view looking inside the handle grip  22  from the scare button  28  end. Also visible are hand grip contact  26   a  and electronic module handgrip receptacles  38   a  and  38   b . This shows that if an assailant attempts to grab the handle  22  to pull the stun gun straight out of the holster (see below), electronic module handgrip receptacle  38   a  is contacted to permit electricity to flow to handgrip contact  26   a . Also shown is electronic module handgrip receptacle  38   b  which connects with side arm  58   a  when an assailant attempts to pull the stun gun away from the owner&#39;s body, thus acting in an identical manner to receptacle  38   a.    
     FIG. 5 is a cutaway view looking inside the handle grip  22  in the opposite direction from that in FIG. 4 above. Also visible are hand grip contact  26   b  and electronic module handgrip receptacles  38   c  and  38   d . These receptacles work the same as their counterparts shown in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is a view of the switch side of the stun gun. Master power switch  58  is rotated to turn on or off and has a central indentation  60  to accommodate a coin for turning. An optional indicator  62  shows the number of remaining effective shocks. This can be viewed conveniently without twisting the arm. Also shown on the switch side of the stun gun is a holstering channel  64 , indicating that the stun gun is inserted straight down into the holster. The withdrawing channel  66  is at an angle from the holstering channel  64 , so that when the stun gun is withdrawn in a breakout clockwise motion (see lower right arrow  62 ), it is released from the holster peg capture hole  68  and the holster peg slides the peg switch  70 . When the stun gun is in the holster (see below), the peg switch  70  is in a position such that the handle  22  if grasped and tugged improperly stuns and the nose contacts can not receive electricity. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross section of the holster  72 , which has an outer shell  74 , an internal clam spring  76  and an inner lining  78 . The holster  72  also has an internal peg  80  held in place by the holster peg retaining screw  82 . For convenient and secure carrying, for example, on the belly, the holster  72  has a belt loop  84 , which is held in place by belt loop retaining screws  86   a  and  86   b . The holster  72  has a side opening  88  for quickly withdrawing the stun gun and simultaneously making ready the nose contacts in the same motion, without manually moving an on-off switch as is commonly found in the prior art and commercially available stun-guns in use today. Note that the holster  72  is symmetrical and should be designed with the side opening  88  disguised. Then an assailant would believe that the stun gun  20  must be withdrawn straight out of the holster and will stun himself by grasping and tugging the stun gun  20 . 
     FIG. 8 is a cutaway view, showing the inside of the back or body side of the holster  72 , which fits with the switch side of the stun gun. Holster  72  has an open side  88 , holster outer shell  74 , and holster inner lining  78 . This figure also shows the location of the holster peg  80  and the direction of a proper draw  62 . 
     FIG. 9 shows the rear view of another embodiment of the holster  72 , with holster belt loop  84  and belt loop retaining screws  86   a  and  86   b . There are two optional, additional belt loop screws  90   a  and  90   b . The belt loop retaining screws are positioned to permit the holster to be worn sideways at the belly or on the hip. Another option to secure the holster and stun gun to the operator is as a shoulder holster. In this embodiment the holster has three additional straps and loops. The shoulder straps  92   a  and  92   b  are attached to the holster via shoulder strap loops  94   a  and  94   b . There is an additional belt hold down strap  96  attached to the bottom of the holster  72  via belt hold down strap loop  98 . These additional straps are so positioned to permit the holster  72  to be worn in the arm pit and further secured to the operator&#39;s belt with belt hold down strap  96 . 
     FIG. 10 is a detailed cross section illustrating the action of the peg switch  70  and the holster peg  80 . The peg switch  70  sits on the peg switch anchor  100  which moves in the anchor groove  102 . The anchor groove  102  optionally contains a spring (not shown) which returns the peg switch  70  to the position shown. When the stun gun  20  is properly removed from the holster  72 , the holster peg  80  pushes peg switch  70  to the left into a hole  104 , depressing peg switch lock-in spring  106 , which is fixed in place with spring retaining screw  108 . In this position, electricity can flow to the nose contacts (once they are pressed against an assailant) and not to the handle. Once the incident is over, the peg switch  70  can be removed from hole  104  by inserting a paper clip into the peg switch reset hole  110 . Then the peg switch  70  can be moved manually back to the position pictured, or a spring (not shown) in the anchor groove  102  can push the peg switch back to the position pictured. The operator can leave the peg switch in its hole if it is desired to disable handle contacts (to use with or without the holster) yet keep the nose contacts immediately activatable. 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic of the wiring of the inventive stun gun. Starting at the upper right, there is a battery  54  which can comprise at least one battery or a rechargeable battery. This is connected to an on-off switch  58  which is rotated by means of a coin in the coin indentation  60 . The switch  58  is usually left in the on position so that electricity flows to the electric shock unit  56 . The electric shock unit  56  includes multiple transformers that boost the voltage in the circuit, typically to between 50,000 and 625,000 volts and reduce the amperage. It also includes an oscillator that fluctuates current to produce a specific pulse pattern of electricity. This current charges a capacitor that builds up a charge and releases it to either the handle contacts  26   a  and  26   b  or to the nose contacts  32   a  and  32   b . The two sets of electronic module receptacles are insulated  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c  and  112   d  to prevent internal leakage of current. The peg switch  70  can be seen to direct current either to the handle contacts  26   a  and  26   b  or to nose contacts  32   a  and  32   b.    
     FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the inventive stun gun  20 . This version has a long baton rather that the short nose. The baton housing  116  encompasses the baton return spring  118 , baton return spring retaining screws  118   a  and  118   b , and the longer baton nose contacts  120   a  and  120   b . In addition, the baton has two lateral, longitudinal contact strips  122   a  and  122   b . If the assailant grabs the sides of the baton and pulls (as if to disarm the owner), he will receive a shock from the contact strips  122   a  and  122   b , whose electricity or other discharge comes through the electronic module baton circuit extensions  124   a  and  124   b . Alternately, when the owner firmly presses against the assailant with the baton nose contacts  120   a  and  120   b , the baton nose contacts plug ends connect with the electronic module receptacles in the base of the baton and the assailant is stunned. The baton housing  116  must be hard enough to withstand a blow. The baton housing  116  can have longitudinal indentations to hold the baton contact strips  122   a  and  122   b.    
     FIG. 13 shows another embodiment to disable an assailant. This comprises a collapsible dart  126 , with a hypodermic needle  128  and contents  130 . Suitable contents  130  can comprise a tranquilizer or other solution to disable the assailant. Alternately, in military hand-to-hand combat or covert operations the solution could be a fast acting lethal poison. 
     FIG. 14 shows the dart  126  within the nose of a stun gun  20 . Simultaneously, the owner can shock the assailant and administer a tranquilizer. This combination is very beneficial because the electrical current can temporarily disable the assailant and the dart contents  130  can provide longer lasting disablement. The dart  126  is held in place by a dart anchor  132 , which in turn is secured by a fastener such as a retaining screw  134 . 
     FIG. 15 shows the stun gun tip with a small hole  136  to accommodate the needle of the tranquilizer dart. 
     Besides a hypodermic, the hollow nose or baton can contain tear gas, pepper spray or an identifying dye. The baton could also house a barrel which could contain a bullet or shot gun shell. 
     Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail herein, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.