Projectile Construction, Launcher, and Launcher Accessory

Abstract

A projectile includes a projectile housing with at least one compartment, an energizable energy storage means, a payload, a control circuit, and an initiator. The payload may be sequestered in one compartment of the projectile until the projectile is separated or opened. A ram element within the projectile may move within the projectile to cause the opening of a projectile. The projectile may include a means for activating the initiator via dynamic induction. In an example embodiment, the projectile comprises a coil that is operatively coupled to a magnetic element of a launcher. The projectile may be charged dynamically as via interaction between the coil and magnetic element as the projectile moves within the launcher.

Claims

1. A launcher and projectile system, the system comprising a launcher, a projectile, said projectile comprising a housing, said housing comprising at least one compartment, an energizable energy storage means, a payload, a control circuit, and an initiator, wherein one compartment of the at least one compartments contains said payload, wherein said energizable energy storage means is at least partially energized by the launcher. and wherein after launch of said projectile, said initiator is initiated to cause the projectile housing to rupture, disintegrate, separate or otherwise have an opening created through which the payload is released.

2. The projectile of claim 1, wherein said projectile comprises a ram element.

3. The projectile of claim 2, wherein said ram element sequesters said initiator from said payload before, during, and after activation of the initiator.

4. The projectile of claim 2, wherein said ram element is stationary until initiation of said initiator, upon which initiation said ram element moves to create an opening in the projectile housing.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said launcher and projectile comprise a means for energizing the said energizable energy storage means through dynamic induction.

6. The system of claim 6, wherein said launcher comprises a magnetic element and said projectile comprises a coil of wire, and wherein said coil of wire is operatively coupled to said magnetic element such that the magnetic element charges the coil of wire through dynamic induction as the projectile moves in the launcher.

7. A projectile, said projectile comprising a housing, said housing comprising at least one compartment, an energizable energy storage means. a payload, a control circuit, and an initiator, wherein one compartment of the at least one compartments contains said payload, wherein said energizable energy storage means is at least partially energized by a source outside of the projectile, and wherein after launch of said projectile, said initiator is initiated to cause the projectile housing to rupture, disintegrate, separate or otherwise have an opening created through which the payload is released.

8. The projectile of claim 7, wherein said projectile comprises a ram element.

9. The projectile of claim 8, wherein said ram element sequesters said initiator from said payload before, during, and after activation of the initiator.

10. The projectile of claim 8, wherein said ram element is stationary until initiation of said initiator, upon which initiation said ram element moves to create an opening in the projectile housing.

11. The projectile of claim 7, wherein said projectile comprises a means for energizing the said energizable energy storage means through dynamic induction.

12. The projectile of claim 7, wherein said projectile comprises a coil of wire, and wherein said coil of wire is operatively coupled to a magnetic element of an outside source such that the magnetic element charges the coil of wire through dynamic induction as the projectile moves.

13. A projectile, said projectile comprising a housing, said housing comprising at least one compartment, a coil of wire, a payload, and an initiator, wherein one compartment of the at least one compartments contains said payload, wherein said coil of wire is at least partially energized by a magnetic source outside of the projectile, and wherein after launch of said projectile, said initiator is initiated to cause the projectile housing to rupture, disintegrate, separate or otherwise have an opening created through which the payload is released.

14. The projectile of claim 13, wherein said projectile comprises a ram element.

15. The projectile of claim 14, wherein said ram element sequesters said initiator from said payload before, during, and after activation of the initiator.

16. The projectile of claim 14, wherein said ram element is stationary until initiation of said initiator, upon which initiation said ram element moves to create an opening in the projectile housing.

17. The projectile of claim 13, wherein said coil of wire is operatively coupled to a magnetic element of an outside source such that the magnetic element charges the coil of wire through dynamic induction as the projectile moves.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher 1000 with a projectile, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1A is a view of the barrel of a projectile launcher and at least one magnet of the launcher.

[0018] FIG. 2 are views of a projectile both before launch and then during flight in which the housing of the projectile has separated and released a payload, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a view of a projectile launcher with a magazine in which the projectiles are set to rupture at various times/distances after launch, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a view of a projectile comprising a payload, a control circuit, an initiator, and an energy storage means, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a view of a projectile comprising a payload, an initiator, and a control circuit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows a launcher, components of a projectile and at least one means of communicating information to the projectile, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows a projectile with a plurality of compartments and a ram for facilitating the opening, rupture, separation, etc. of the projectile, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8 shows a projectile in which the housing of the projectile has separated by a ram and has released a payload, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9 shows a projectile's movement through a static magnetic field, and the activation of said projectile due to the energization of the energy storage means by dynamic induction in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 10 shows a view of projectile with plurality of compartments as well as various components thereof, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0027] FIG. 11 shows another view shows a projectile with plurality of compartments as well as various components thereof, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0028] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular projectile or projectile launcher as shown and described. That is, it is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0029] The present disclosure provides for a projectile 100 and a launcher 1000, and, in an embodiment, a launcher accessory 1100. The projectile 100 preferably comprises a payload 200 for immobilizing and/or marking a target or suspect. It will be understood that payload as used herein may also comprise a substance, object, compound, or material that is capable of delivering a lethal or incapacitating force to and/or resulting in a lethal or incapacitating effect upon a target

[0030] The projectile 100 preferably comprises an enclosure, which enclosure may be formed by an at least partially annular-shaped shell 102. The shell may include a closed, substantially planar end portion 104 (also referred to herein as “end cap”) that corresponds to a radius of the annular portion of the shell to form the enclosure. The shell and end portion may individually and collectively refer to herein as a housing of projectile 100. It will be apparent that the projectile housing is not limited to the shell and end portion configuration mentioned in the preceding exemplary embodiment, and that the projectile housing may comprise any shape that forms an enclosure without deviating from the spirit of the disclosure, such as, but not necessarily limited to a sphere or a cone. The payload 200 is preferably contained in the enclosure prior to launch of the projectile 100. In an embodiment, the projectile 100 comprises an aperture, which aperture can be temporarily sealed with an end cap 104, to seal the projectile until activation of the projectile during/after launch.

[0031] In an embodiment, the projectile 100 is capable of self-separating, disintegrating or otherwise opening prior to impact with a target or other impact surface. In an embodiment, the launcher 1000 is capable of initiating separation or disintegration or rupturing or opening, etc. of the projectile 100. In an embodiment, the launcher 1000 is capable of communicating to the projectile 100 and or arming a projectile 100 prior to or coincident with projectile launch. In another embodiment, the launcher comprises a safety and/or trigger, which safety and/or trigger, until activated, prevent the projectile from becoming armed. The arming can be, for example, the charging or energization of an energy storage element or means contained within the projectile.

[0032] An exemplary launcher 1000 is shown in FIG. 1A. The launcher comprises a barrel 1010 for directing and launching a projectile 100. The launcher 1000 may also comprise a chamber 1015 for holding a projectile prior to firing thereof. It will be apparent that the launcher 1000 shown in FIG. 1A may be in other configurations so long as the launcher 1000 is capable of firing a projectile 100 of the projectiles disclosed herein.

[0033] In an embodiment such as is shown in FIG. 2, the projectile 100 housing opens or otherwise separates after it leaves the barrel 1010 of a launcher 1000 to distribute a payload. That is, the rupturing or breaching of the projectile housing or the separation of housing components creates an opening in the projectile 100 out of which the payload 200 may emanate.

[0034] In another embodiment the projectiles 100 disclosed herein include various means of adjustment of the aforementioned embodiments in which the release or dispersion of the payload 200 occurs at fixed or predetermined distances from the barrel 1010 of the launcher 1000 and/or launcher accessory 1100.

[0035] In another embodiment, the release may be accomplished by a control circuit 120. Such a control circuit 120 may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile 100 may cause the projectile 100 to rupture at a user-specified distance from the launcher 1000 or launcher accessory 1100. Said rupturing may be caused by initiating a reaction with nitrocellulose for example. In such an embodiment, it will be apparent that the launcher 1000 and launcher accessory 1500 may comprise a transmitter or other means for communicating with the RFID tag or the reaction may be controlled by other means. In another embodiment, the control circuit 120 is inductively activated. In an embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, the projectile may comprise a plurality of compartments 105 to sequester the payload from the other components of the projectile until separation, rupturing, opening, etc. of the projectile is imminent.

[0036] In another embodiment, the energization of the energy storage means is accomplished via dynamic induction. In such an embodiment, the projectile comprises a coil 550 of wire, and the launcher comprises a magnetic element. The coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic element. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic element is disposed in the vicinity of the barrel of the launcher. The magnetic element is capable of producing a static magnetic field. In an embodiment, magnetic element is at least one magnet 500. It is understood that the projectile (and the coil 550 of wire comprised therein) has a known velocity as it travels down the barrel and through the static magnetic field. In this manner, an energy is induced within the coil 550 of wire, which energy can be harnessed, for example, to energize the energy storage means. This energization by dynamic induction occurs only when the projectile is moving through the barrel with a sufficient threshold velocity (defined herein as the velocity required such that the energy induced in the coil 550 exceeds the threshold energy). This provides an inherently safe way to activate the projectile, i.e. the projectile can only be activated during launch and said launch must provide the projectile with enough velocity to exceed the threshold velocity.

[0037] Referring further to FIGS. 7, 8, 10 and 11, a multi-compartment 105 projectile is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the payload is maintained in a compartment 105 that is different than the compartment 105 in which the initiator 150 and/or activating material is maintained. By keeping these elements physically separated until the projectile separation, opening, rupturing, etc. sequence commences, the integrity of the sequestered elements is maintained. In an embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 10, and 11 for example, the separation is created by a ram 108. The ram 108 is movable within the housing of the projectile in such an embodiment such that when the activating element or material (such as an electric match or nitrocellulose activates, the ram 108 is moved by the force of the activating element or material. In an embodiment, the ram 108 is proximate to a portion of the interior of the shell such that the movement of the ram 108 caused by the activating element or material contacts and causes the shell to separate, rupture, open, etc. such that the payload may be released from the shell. In such an embodiment, the payload may also be proximate to the region of the shell that is contacted by the ram 108 and/or that is opened by the ram 108. An exemplary opening of the projectile is shown in FIG. 9 in which a moving projectile 100 has disrupted the static field lines 501 (being generated by a magnetic element/s 500) to activate the initiator 150, which accelerates the ram 108, such that the end cap 104 is ejected, and the payload 200 is thereafter dispersed. Stoppers 109 may be provided to ensure that the ram 108 does not eject with the payload 200 and end cap 104.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the launcher and projectile system may comprise a magazine 1040 that holds a plurality of projectiles 100 and that feeds said projectiles 100 to the launcher 1000 for firing/launching the projectiles 100. In an embodiment, the various projectiles 100 of the magazine 1040 may be configured to separate or rupture, etc. at the same distance “D” or time after launch, or they may be configured to separate or rupture, etc. at different distances and/or times after launch. In the embodiment where the various projectiles are configured to separate or rupture, etc. at the same distance “D” or time after launch, it will be apparent that a user may concentrate the effect of the payload from the ruptured projectiles within a certain defined area. In an embodiment where the various projectiles are configured to separate or rupture, etc. at different distances and/or time after launch, it will be apparent that the particular distance and/or time after launch at which the separation, etc. of each particular projectile of the various projectiles may be accomplished by selectively setting the separation, etc. of each projectile of the various projectiles as elsewhere set forth herein.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, the projectile 100 may further comprise an energy storage means 140 (such as, but not limited to: a capacitor or a miniature Lithium ion rechargeable battery) and an initiator 150 (such as, but not limited to, a heating element). As used herein, “energy storage means” is a storage means that lacks a sufficient charge or energization to activate or arm the projectile or another component of the projectile until the energy storage means has been charged or energized by an outside source (such as a launcher, said launcher comprising an electrical, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic source) beyond a threshold energy. The charging of the energy storage means may also be referred to herein as “energizing” the energy storage means. The energy storage means disclosed herein may also be referred to as an energizable energy storage means. The energy storage means 140 and initiator 150 may be operatively coupled to a switch 180, and the timer 130 may cause the switch 180 to trip at a particular time after launch of the projectile 100, after which the energy storage means 140 may deliver stored energy to the initiator 150 to cause the initiator 150 to perform a reaction (such as heating) that results in the projectile 100 opening, separating or disintegrating to release the payload 200 In an embodiment, the energy storage means is energized by the at least one magnet 500 of the launcher and/or the at least one magnet 1500 of the launcher accessory coincident with launch of the projectile as described elsewhere herein. In an embodiment, the energy storage means is disposed in a compartment 105 of the projectile that is separate from the compartment 105 of the projectile in which the payload is disposed.

[0040] In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 5, the control circuit 120 is directly coupled to the initiator 150 such that the control circuit 120 permits operation by the initiator 150 after the initiator 150 or control circuit 120 has been activated by inductive energy from the coil 550 of the projectile 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the initiator 150 may be an electric match, which electric match may heat upon activation to create an opening in the shell of the projectile 100 to release the payload 200. It will be apparent that the control circuit 120 may be activated by the at least one magnet 500 of the launcher and/or the at least one magnet 1500 of the launcher accessory. In said embodiment, the initiator 150 will initiate opening of the projectile shortly after exiting the launcher. This would be desirable in a short-range situation, for example.

[0041] In an embodiment, the projectile comprises a plurality of compartments 105 within the housing of the projectile. Such a configuration is shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 7. In such an embodiment, the payload may be physically sequestered from the initiator 150, energy storage means, and or control circuit 120. This sequestration allows for more effective functioning of these various components. For instance, if the payload is a powder, the sequestered powder will not be able to coat and degrade the nitrocellulose. Similarly, sequestration prevents the activating elements from inadvertently igniting or burning the payload prior to separation, opening, etc. of the projectile. In an embodiment, a plurality of compartments 105 is formed by a ram 108 element that is disposed within the projectile. The ram 108 may be in a temporarily-fixed position within the projectile but may also be capable of movement within the projectile when subjected to a force.

[0042] In an embodiment, activation of an activating element imparts a force on the ram 108, causing the ram 108 to strike a portion of the interior of the housing with sufficient force of its own to break, rupture, or otherwise open a portion of the housing such that the payload may disperse from the projectile. In an embodiment, the projectile is, after loading with components and payload, sealed shut with an end cap 104. In such an embodiment, the ram 108 may strike the end cap 104 to open the projectile after the ram 108 has been subjected to the force of the activating element.

[0043] In still another embodiment, and as shown for example in FIG. 6 the projectile 100 and the launcher 1000 communicate through at least one of a wireless or wired means. This allows the launcher to set parameters within the projectile allowing for more precise control of the point at which the housing is breached or ruptured, i.e. to set a particular distance or time at which the projectile may rupture.

[0044] The launcher 1000 may comprise a trigger 1080 to initiate the launch process. It will be apparent that the charging or the energization of the energy storage means by the launcher and/or launcher accessory eliminates the requirement that the energy storage means comprise a self-contained power source (i.e., a battery for the energy storage means is not required), thereby eliminating the possibility that the energy storage means will suffer a power drain prior to launch.

[0045] FIG. 1 represents a projectile launcher 1000 that is preferably based on electrical-driven or a combination of electrical and combustion or compressed gas means. It is understood that the projectile is not limited to a particular launching method but a preferable designed-launcher in which the advantages of having an electronic control and communication element with the projectile can be used. In an embodiment, the projectile herein is of lightweight construction (for at least the reason that it does not require an internal battery), such that compressed gas can sufficiently and effectively launch the projectile. However, the disclosure may, in other embodiments include, a primer and/or propellant on the projectile and a hammer of the launcher to strike such primer, as well as other means of launching the projectile other than by way of compressed gas. Because the projectile is energizable by the launcher (such as by the at least one magnet or magnetic element of the launcher) or other outside source, the possibility that the projectile would fail to operate due to draining of an internal battery is rendered moot. This energization scheme also eliminates the possibility that a projectile might ignite prior to launch.

[0046] The projectile, launcher, and launcher accessory disclosed herein offer the advantages of more controlled release of payload than existing solutions can offer. For instance, a user can set the range and/or rate at which the material is released by configuring parameters that control the opening in the projectile. The projectile further does not require impact upon a target. Configuration of the shell of the projectile disclosed herein may also increase accuracy of flight of the projectile to further improve the safety of use of the projectile disclosed herein. Furthermore, the projectile can be kept in an unarmed state until the projectile is launched from the launcher. The charging or energization of the energy storage means by the launcher or other outside source eliminates the possibility that the projectile will suffer from power loss or failure prior to firing.

[0047] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.