Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/308,808, filed 2010 Feb. 25 by the present inventor. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to a non-lethal self defense device that uses a chemical spray to disable a potential attacker. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Since the beginnings of time, individuals have felt the need to defend themselves from others who might be attempting to harm them. Often a potential victim is forced to either submit to the attacker or try and defend themselves. While defending themselves an individual may use a weapon or security device to gain an advantage over a potential attacker, if they happen to be carrying a self defense device at the time of the attack. Ideally, this device will be non-lethal allowing the potential victim to escape from harm without permanently injuring the attacker. 
         [0006]    One method of non-lethal self defense is to spray the attacker with a chemical that causes a burning or pain sensation. This chemical enters the attacker&#39;s mucous membranes and temporarily stuns the attacker, providing the potential victim much needed time to escape and reach an area of safety. During this attack it is desirable for the device to be unable to function should an attacker remove the device from the grasp of the victim. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,086 shows a canister holder for an aerosol device that is disarmed when the canister support is removed from the canister holder, but the canister support is only removable in one direction and does not provide a mechanism to adjust the removal tension. U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,359 shows a housing for holding an aerosol canister that includes a removable arming member that prevents the operation of the device upon removal of the arming member, but the arming member is only removable in one direction, can be easily armed without the use of the arming member, does not allow the user to adjust the amount of tension required to remove the arming mechanism, and will not work with a material that does not flex. 
         [0008]    Although there are a few personal self defense devices with disarming capabilities, there is absent from the art a device that allows disarming in multiple directions and provides the user the ability to adjust the tension required to disarm the device, while at the same time offering convenience of use and ease of manufacture. In addition, a device is needed that offers a disarming feature and the ability to capture an image of an attacker to be used for identification purposes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    A device is provided that dispenses a chemical spray to protect the user from potential attackers. This device contains a mechanism that disables the device if it is taken away from a potential victim during a struggle. More specifically, the mechanism is attached to a key ring, the user&#39;s hand or wrist, or the worn around the user&#39;s neck, and when an adequate amount of force is applied to the device to remove it from the user, the device will separate from the user and at the same time be disabled from operation. 
         [0010]    According to one embodiment of the invention, a device includes a canister assembly containing a chemical such as pepper spray or other non-lethal irritant. A housing comprising a front canister assembly support structure and rear canister assembly support structure partially encapsulates the canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a valve and hollow valve stem. The valve stem is moveable relative to the canister in an extended closed position and compressed open position. Depression of the valve stem will open the valve and allow propellant to escape the canister and enter the atmosphere. 
         [0011]    An actuator is disposed on the valve stem and includes a nozzle and through orifice. The through orifice of the actuator establishes open communication between the nozzle and valve stem, wherein depression of the actuator will allow fluid to flow through the valve, valve stem, through orifice and into the nozzle. 
         [0012]    The housing further comprises a front wall and grip section. Front wall includes an aperture through the housing and aligned with the nozzle, wherein fluid leaving the nozzle will travel through the aperture and enter the atmosphere, disabling a potential attacker outside the housing. The grip section extends the length of the canister and terminates at a bottom section of the housing. The grip section includes a shaft. The shaft is moveable in a direction parallel to the canister. The shaft integrity is protected by transverse support ribs perpendicular to the canister within the grip section to provide further structure and support to the interior components of the housing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the shaft contains a spline which is moveably received in a channel extending parallel the length of the canister and through the transverse support ribs. In addition an elastic member may be disposed on the shaft and biased in a direction parallel to the shaft to aid its movement. 
         [0013]    The shaft has a bottom end and top end. Bottom end terminates at the bottom section. The shaft top end includes an inclined block. Inclined block is inclined at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees from parallel to the shaft and opposite the canister. 
         [0014]    Bottom section includes a canister lip, socket, and means to adjust the socket. Canister lip encapsulates the bottom of the canister to aid in securing the canister within the housing. A ball is received in the socket and supports the shaft. The ball places pressure on the shaft and loads an elastic member. The ball has an upper end and lower end. The lower end includes a stud with a through bore. The through bore allows for the attachment of objects to the stud including, key rings, wrist straps, lanyards, neck straps, arm straps and other similar means for attachment to a user. The means to adjust the socket allows the user adjust the amount of tension or force required to remove the ball from the socket. In the preferred embodiment the means to adjust the socket comprises an assembly of a helical spring and screw which tighten or loosen the housing which is assembled in two halves. The ideal range of tension is between 5 and 30 pounds of force required to remove the ball from the socket. Although a helical spring and screw are the preferred means to adjust the socket size and keep the ball in the socket, other means to keep the ball in the socket may include a latch, pin, stop, magnet or other similar combination. 
         [0015]    A ball and socket connection is the preferred embodiment as it allows the housing to be manipulated in several directions while still being engaged within the socket. In addition, the ball and socket connection allows the ball to be pulled out of the socket from a variety of angles should a struggle ensue between the user and attacker. 
         [0016]    The housing further comprises a channel perpendicular to the canister extending from the front wall to a rear wall. A slide plate is movably received in this channel. Slide plate comprises a central actuator aperture and incline aperture. The central actuator aperture is similarly sized to the actuator and positioned below the actuator, wherein depression of the actuator will pass through the central aperture of the slide plate compressing the valve stem and allowing the discharge of propellant. The incline aperture is located above the incline block and shaped to slidably receive the incline block, wherein slidable receipt of the incline block into the incline aperture moves the slide plate in a direction perpendicular to canister assembly. The slidable movement of the slide plate displaces the central actuator aperture in relation to the actuator, wherein the actuator cannot be depressed, preventing compression of the valve stem and therefore preventing propellant from exiting canister. The actuator will be able to be depressed when the incline block is slidably engaged with the incline aperture. When the ball is removed from the socket, the incline block will slide downward along with the shaft and displace the slide plate relative to the actuator. 
         [0017]    Slide plate further comprises an indicator. The indicator is visible via a through hole in the housing, wherein the user can visibly determine the position of the slide plate relative to the actuator based upon this indicator. In the preferred embodiment, this indicator is mounted on the side of the slide plate and consists of the colors green and red. When the color green is visible in the through hole in the housing the actuator will be able to move through the slide plate and disperse the propellant. When red is visible, the actuator and slide plate central aperture will not be aligned and the actuator will not be able to compress the valve stem allowing for the dispersal of propellant. 
         [0018]    Housing further comprises a top wall. Top wall is adapted via an appropriately sized cylindrical bore to receive the pivotally attached top flap. Top flap comprises a hinge pin adapted to pivotally attach top flap to the cylindrical bore of the housing. The top wall includes a stop to align the top flap with the top wall and to prevent the top flap from contacting the actuator. The top flap is pivotally moveable in a direction upwards from the housing allowing the user access to the actuator, wherein the actuator cannot be accessed by the user until the top flap is pivotally moved upwards. 
         [0019]    In the preferred embodiment, the top flap is snap fit into the cylindrical bore. Although snap fit is the preferred embodiment, due to its simplicity, the hinge pin could also be spring loaded to automatically move the top flap downward to the stop after the top flap has been lifted to access the actuator. This spring will also allow the top flap to be forcefully engaged with the stop preventing accidental depression of the actuator when the device is placed into a users pocket, bag, purse, or other enclosed article. 
         [0020]    In a further embodiment the top flap is communication with a gate adjacent to the aperture of the front wall, wherein manipulation of the top flap will move the gate. An upwards movement of the top flap will open the gate allowing the propellant to exit the aperture. A downward movement of the top flap will close the gate and prevent the accidental discharge of propellant and prevent debris from entering the nozzle or housing to prevent malfunction. 
         [0021]    It is preferred that the housing is made of two halves of injection molded material, which pieces are joined together by mutually compatible male/female interlocking joints. These joints may be friction fit, snap fit, the combination of a threaded hole and screw, or other similar conntection that tightly secures the two halves. This combination will securely hold the canister within the housing and prevent the removal of the canister from the housing. 
         [0022]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a camera in communication with the actuator, a light source or flash in communication with the actuator, a memory storage device, a USB port, and a power source. A depression of the actuator will result in the release of chemical spray and at the same time take an illuminated picture that is stored on the device memory, where it can be accessed by the user or authorities for later identification of the attacker. In addition, other devices could be placed into the housing to enable the user to properly aim the device, such as a laser sight. 
         [0023]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing also includes an audible generating device and speaker in communication with a power source and the actuator. When the trigger is depressed an audible noise is also heard to attempt and alert others to the attack and scare away the attacker. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0024]    The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to further explain the principles of the invention. Other aspects of the invention and the advantages of the invention will be better appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the Detailed Description when considered in conjunction with accompanying drawings, and wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of device, according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective cross sectional view of the device, according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective cross sectional view of the top half of the device, according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional side view of the bottom view of the device, according to the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is perspective cross sectional view of the top half of an additional embodiment, according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4  there is shown an embodiment of the self defense device of the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . Housing  20  comprises a front canister assembly support structure  21  and rear canister assembly support structure  22 , which structures securely attach a canister assembly  30  within the housing. Canister assembly  30  is not completely encapsulated within the housing  20  with a majority of its body length and sidewalls being visible and located outside housing  20 . Canister assembly  30 , for example, contains an aerosolized propellant with an irritant, and comprises a valve and hollow valve stem  31 . The valve stem  31  is movable relative to the canister between an extended closed position and compressed open position in which propellant is free to leave the canister. 
         [0031]    An actuator  40  is disposed on the valve stem  31  and includes a nozzle  41 . Actuator  40  has a through orifice  42  adapted to establish open communication between the valve stem  31  and nozzle  41 , wherein depression of the actuator  40  will compress the valve stem  32 , open the valve, and allow propellant to be dispersed through the nozzle  41 . Housing  20  further comprises a front wall  23  and grip section  24 . Front wall  23  includes an aperture  231  aligned with nozzle  41 , wherein fluid exiting the nozzle  41  will travel through the aperture  231  and enter the atmosphere outside the housing. Grip section  24  extends the length of canister assembly and terminates at bottom section  25  of housing  20 . Grip section  24  further includes a shaft  50 . Shaft  50  is moveable in a direction parallel to the canister assembly  30 . The integrity of the shaft is supported by transverse support ribs  201  perpendicular to canister assembly  30  within the grip section to provide structure and support for the interior components of the housing  20 . In one embodiment, the shaft contains a spline  501  which is moveably received in a notch  503  in the transverse support ribs  201 . Shaft  50  further comprises an elastic member  502  biased in a direction parallel to the shaft  50  to aid in the movement of the shaft. 
         [0032]    Shaft  50  has a bottom end  52  and top end  53 . Bottom end  52  terminates at bottom section  25 . Shaft top end  53  includes an inclined block  55 . Inclined block  55  is inclined at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees from parallel to the shaft and opposite the canister. 
         [0033]    Bottom section  25  includes a canister lip  251 , socket  60 , and means to adjust the socket diameter  601 . A ball  61  is received in the socket  60  and supports the shaft  50 . The ball  61  in the socket  60  places pressure onto the shaft  50  and loads the elastic member  51 . The ball  61  has an upper end  610  and lower end  611 . The lower end  611  includes a stud  612  with bore  613 . Bore  613  allows for the attachment of objects such as a key king, wrist strap  614 , neck strap, arm strap or other such looped device easily attached to the user of the device. 
         [0034]    The means to adjust the socket diameter  601  puts tension on the ball  61  in the socket  60  allowing the user to adjust the amount of force required to remove the ball from the socket. In the preferred embodiment, adjustment means  601  consists of a screw  602  and spring  603  which tightens the socket around the ball by flexing the housing. This combination allows the tension to be adjusted to between 5 and 30 pounds of force required to remove the ball from the socket. Ball  61  can be re-inserted into the socket  60  after it has been removed. Although the socket  60  and ball  61  connection can be tightened it is desired that the tension not be enough to prevent movement of the ball within the socket. The ideal tension is one that allows the ball to move freely within the socket, while at the same time requiring force to be removed. Five to thirty pounds of force is the ideal range of tension as it allows the ball to rotate in the socket during normal use but will still allow the ball to be separated from the socket during a struggle. Other adjustment means  601  could include a tab, slide, pin, latch, or other like mechanism which could increase the amount of tension necessary to remove the ball. 
         [0035]    A ball and socket connection is the preferred embodiment as it allows the housing to be manipulated in several directions while the ball will remain engaged within the socket. In addition, the ball and socket connection allows the ball  61  to be pulled out of the socket  61  from a variety of angles should a struggle ensue between the user and attacker. 
         [0036]    Housing  20  comprises a channel  202  perpendicular to the canister assembly  30  extending from the front wall  23  to the rear wall  25 . A slide plate  70  is moveably received in the channel  202 . Slide plate  70  comprises a central actuator aperture  701  and incline aperture  702 . Central actuator aperture  701  is positioned below the actuator  40  and the central actuator aperture  701  and actuator  40  are of a similar shape wherein depression of the actuator  40  will pass through the central aperture  701  and slide plate  70  compressing the valve stem and allowing the discharge of propellant. Incline aperture  702  is located above incline block  55  and shaped to receive incline block  55 , wherein slidable receipt of incline block  55  into incline aperture  702 , moves slide plate  70  in a direction perpendicular to canister assembly  30 . The slidable movement of the side plate  70  displaces the central actuator aperture  701  in relation to the actuator  40  wherein the actuator cannot be depressed, preventing compression of the valve stem and therefore preventing propellant from exiting canister. 
         [0037]    Slide plate  70  further comprises an indicator  703 . The indicator  703  is visible via a through hole  203  in the housing  20 , wherein the user can visibly determine the position of the slide plate  70  relative to the actuator  40  based upon this indicator. In the preferred embodiment, this indicator  703  is mounted on the side of the slide plate  70  and consists of the colors green and red. When the color green is visible in the through hole  203  in housing  20  the actuator  40  will be able to move through slide plate  70  and disperse the propellant. When red is visible, the actuator  40  and slide plate central actuator aperture  701  will not be aligned and the actuator  40  will not be able to compress the valve stem allowing for the dispersal of propellant. Although the colors red and green are the preferred indicator, other color or symbol combinations may used to designate when the device is able to be operated and when it is not. 
         [0038]    Housing  20  further comprises a top wall  29 . Top wall  29  is adapted via an appropriately sized cylindrical bore  291  to receive the pivotally attached top flap  292 . The area below top flap  292  is open to allow the user access to actuator  40 . Top flap  292  comprises a hinge pin  293  adapted to pivotally attach top flap  292  to the cylindrical bore  291  of housing  20 . The top wall  29  includes a stop to align the top flap  292  with the top wall  29  and to prevent the top flap  292  from contacting the actuator  40 . The top flap  292  is pivotally moveable in a direction upwards from the housing allowing the user access to the actuator  40 , wherein the actuator  40  cannot be accessed by the user until the top flap  292  is pivotally moved upwards. Although a snap fit between the top flap  292  and cylindrical bore  291  is the preferred embodiment, due to its simplicity, the hinge pin  293  could be spring loaded to automatically move the top flap  292  downward to the stop after the top flap  292  has been lifted to access the actuator  40 . This spring will also allow the top flap  292  to be forcefully engaged with the stop preventing accidental depression of the actuator when the device is placed into a users pocket, bag, purse, or other enclosed article. 
         [0039]    In a further embodiment, the top flap  292  is communication with a gate adjacent to the aperture of the front wall, wherein manipulation of the top flap will move the gate. An upwards movement of the top flap  292  will open the gate allowing the propellant to exit the aperture  231 . A downward movement of the top flap  292  will close the gate and prevent the accidental discharge of propellant and prevent debris from entering the nozzle or housing to prevent malfunction. 
         [0040]    It is preferred that the housing  20  is made of two halves of injection molded material, which pieces are joined together by mutually compatible male/female interlocking joints  204 . These joints may be friction fit, snap fit, threaded and screwed, or other joint combination that tightly secures the two halves. It is desired that the combination of joints securely hold the canister within the housing and prevent the removal of the canister from the housing. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another embodiment of the device is shown. In this embodiment, housing  20  includes a camera  80 , a light unit  81 , a power source  82 , and a memory storage device  83 . These elements are coupled together, such that activation of the actuator  40  will spray fluid, activate the camera  80 , activate the light unit  81 , and the memory storage device  83 . Therefore, the user will activate the actuator  40  to spray the victim and a picture illuminated by a flash will be taken and stored onto the memory device. Data can then be downloaded from the memory storage device to retrieve the photographic images. The photograph can then be used for identification purposes. Camera  80  could be used to take still pictures and capture video. In addition, the housing  20  could include a laser aiming device to ensure that the device is pointed at the proper target. This laser aiming device would also be coupled to the power source and memory storage device. The housing  20  could also include an audio recording device that would be coupled to the power source and memory storage device.

Technology Category: f